tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56029035634474826312024-03-17T22:03:58.411-05:00The Cotton ApronRecipes, stories and thoughts from my kitchen.Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.comBlogger2354125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-9812033725802425052024-03-17T01:00:00.004-05:002024-03-17T01:00:00.259-05:00The Love of Christ - A Poem by Annie Johnson Flint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-35bL2FM/0/XRs7JGGjWqWCf988zSKNGMsptkSr5dsWzP5t9t3T/L/i-35bL2FM-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="587" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-35bL2FM/0/XRs7JGGjWqWCf988zSKNGMsptkSr5dsWzP5t9t3T/L/i-35bL2FM-L.jpg" width="587" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Ephesians-3#17" target="_blank">Ephesians 3:17-19</a> That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what <i>is</i> the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. </span><br />
<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Love of Christ</h3>
How broad is [Christ's] love?<br />
Oh, as broad as man's trespass,<br />
As wide as the need of the world can be;<br />
And yet to the need of one soul it can narrow--<br />
He came to the world and He came to me.<br />
<br />
How long is His love?<br />
Without end or beginning,<br />
Eternal as God and His life it must be,<br />
For, to everlasting as from everlasting<br />
He loveth the world and He loveth me.<br />
<br />
How deep is [Christ's] love?<br />
Oh, as deep as man's sinning.<br />
As low as the uttermost vileness can be;<br />
In the fathomless gulf of the Father's forsaking<br />
He died for the world and He died for me.<br />
<br />
How high is His love?<br />
It is high as the heavens,<br />
As high as the throne of His glory must be;<br />
And yet from that height He hath stooped to redeem us--<br />
He so loved the world and He so loved me.<br />
<br />
How great is [Christ's] love?<br />
Oh, it passeth all knowledge,<br />
No man's comprehension its measure can be;<br />
It filleth the world, yet each heart may contain it--<br />
He so loves the world and He so loves me.<br />
<br />
Annie Johnson Flint<br />
[altered]<div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/John-3#16" target="_blank">John 3:16-17</a> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. </span></div>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-47414519954833589372024-03-14T01:00:00.001-05:002024-03-14T01:00:00.139-05:00The Thousand Word Project - Petal Pink<p><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-85#10" target="_blank">Psalm 85:10-11</a> Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed <i>each other</i>. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. </span><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fbnBWZ8/0/ae43cf28/L/i-fbnBWZ8-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fbnBWZ8/0/ae43cf28/L/i-fbnBWZ8-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2MJdT7v/0/c8558548/L/i-2MJdT7v-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="800" height="595" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2MJdT7v/0/c8558548/L/i-2MJdT7v-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Peach Blossoms - Texas</div>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-75438142555135878032024-03-10T01:00:00.002-06:002024-03-10T01:00:00.447-06:00Worth Repeating - Thoughts On the Coming of the Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sJtSHgP/0/Q2XkZvRFpz9f7cPvZgm5pG5JWnFxfz2BGvf4x9CG/L/i-sJtSHgP-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="577" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sJtSHgP/0/Q2XkZvRFpz9f7cPvZgm5pG5JWnFxfz2BGvf4x9CG/L/i-sJtSHgP-L.jpg" width="577" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Revelation-22#20" target="_blank">Revelation 22:20</a> He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. </span><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Titus-2#11" target="_blank">Titus 2:11-14</a> For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.</span></p><p>There are two ways of looking at the Lord's Coming. There is a looking for, and there is a looking at it. It is possible to look at it with a keen intellect and profound interest, and yet have it mean nothing to us personally.</p><p>It is possible to know but little of the theology and exegesis of the subject, and yet have a deep and holy longing for our Lord to appear. When a wedding is about to occur, the public are looking at it, but the bride is looking for it. Oh, that this great theme may not only be our study, but also our personal hope; for "<span style="color: #990000;">unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation</span>" (<a href="https://kingjames.bible/Hebrews-9#28" target="_blank">Hebrews 9:28</a>). -- Dr. A. B. Simpson</p><p>My thoughts:</p><p>This reminds me of a poem by Annie Johnson Flint.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.homemakerscorner.com/thoughts-on-the-coming-of-the-Lord.html" target="_blank">Continue Reading.</a></h2><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-73453219553164448192024-03-09T01:00:00.000-06:002024-03-09T01:00:00.142-06:00Evening Song - God Shall Wipe Away All Tears<p><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Revelation-21#3" target="_blank">Revelation 21:3-5</a> And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God <i>is</i> with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, <i>and be</i> their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. </span><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="445" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/YxpudA4iPeo?si=IZYkd3i5K3FOOiel" title="YouTube video player" width="760"></iframe><br /></p><p>I have no control over ads or suggested videos.</p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-74906228999214808012024-03-07T01:00:00.001-06:002024-03-07T01:00:00.135-06:00Texas Memories - Red Budding<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SBLCdkq/0/9c04355a/L/i-SBLCdkq-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SBLCdkq/0/9c04355a/L/i-SBLCdkq-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jfVVGJW/0/7e7fdbbd/L/i-jfVVGJW-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jfVVGJW/0/7e7fdbbd/L/i-jfVVGJW-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-13063380593515137972024-03-04T00:01:00.000-06:002024-03-04T00:01:06.200-06:00Word of the Day - Pleasure - Part 2<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homemakerscorner.com/img/v-Ps-111-2-sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="435" height="450" src="http://www.homemakerscorner.com/img/v-Ps-111-2-sunset.jpg" width="435" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>
</p><p class="auto-style22"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-16#11">
Psalm 16:11</a> <span style="color: #990000;">Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is
fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. </span></p>
<p class="auto-style22"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-36#7">
Psalm 36:7-9</a> <span style="color: #990000;">How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore
the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They
shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou
shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is
the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. </span></p>
<p class="auto-style1"></p><div style="text-align: center;">There is a land of
pure delight,</div>
<span class="auto-style17"><div style="text-align: center;">Where saints immortal reign;</div></span><div style="text-align: center;">Infinite day excludes the night,</div>
<span class="auto-style17"><div style="text-align: center;">And pleasures banish pain.</div></span><p></p>
<p class="auto-style20" style="text-align: center;">Isaac Watts</p>
<p class="auto-style22"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-51#17">
Psalm 51:17-19</a> <span style="color: #990000;">The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken
and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good
pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou
be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and
whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. </span></p>
<p class="auto-style22"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-102#12">
Psalm 102:12-14</a><span style="color: #990000;"> But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy
remembrance unto all generations. Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon
Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. For thy
servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. </span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.homemakerscorner.com/word-of-the-day-pleasure-pt-2.html" target="_blank">Continue Reading.</a></h1><div><a href="http://www.homemakerscorner.com/word-of-the-day-pleasure-pt-1.html" target="_blank">See Pleasure - Part 1.</a></div><p></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-78833582070541957962024-03-02T20:00:00.001-06:002024-03-02T20:00:00.134-06:00Evening Song - By the Gentle Waters<p><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-23" target="_blank">Psalm 23:1-6</a> <span>A Psalm of David.</span> The LORD <i>is</i> my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou <i>art</i> with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. </span></p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-18#35" target="_blank">Psalm 18:35-36</a> Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. </span></p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/John-10#27" target="_blank">John 10:27-28</a> My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any <i>man</i> pluck them out of my hand. </span><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/DcB_CKnjgag?si=7MeEd4juQWR0tBW0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I have no control over ads or suggested videos.</p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-82765205855715380052024-02-29T01:00:00.001-06:002024-02-29T01:00:00.136-06:00The Thousand Word Project - Summer Is Coming, Y'all<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Mc4DMwP/0/bd652837/L/i-Mc4DMwP-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Mc4DMwP/0/bd652837/L/i-Mc4DMwP-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qK4vhbC/0/5ede3fee/L/i-qK4vhbC-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qK4vhbC/0/5ede3fee/L/i-qK4vhbC-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-18486101950881112052024-02-26T11:58:00.001-06:002024-02-26T11:58:26.350-06:00Did You Meme That? -- Is That Biblical Humility?<p> <br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Proverbs-18#12" target="_blank">Proverbs 18:12</a> Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homemakerscorner.com/img/Qt-Fail-humility-isnt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="505" height="336" src="http://www.homemakerscorner.com/img/Qt-Fail-humility-isnt.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">"Humility isn't a low estimation of oneself, but a high estimation of the greatness of God."<br />Wendy Speake</p><p>This quote comes from a Hollywood actress named Wendy Speake, who is also an alleged Bible teacher for women. I know little about her, but having looked at a few things on her site, I see the typical lack of the Bible she is supposed to love and teach. I also see another translation of the Bible that is not faithful to the truth. While it is true that sometimes good people will say or teach things that are off, in this case I'm not surprised at this quote after seeing the fluff and stuff on her web page. We will discuss this quote here apart from its original context because that is how I found it on social media. It was basically "clipped out" and started on its journey as a stand alone thought. I don't remember exactly where I found it being shared, but someone believes it enough to keep spreading it, so let's examine it - because words mean things.</p><p>According to this definition of humility, as it stands, we don't have to humble ourselves; we only have to think highly of the greatness of God.</p><p>Do you see what she has done there? She has left pride, ego, and self-conceit intact while claiming that we need only think very highly of God's greatness in order to have humility. We are apparently given permission to have whatever high and pompous opinion of ourselves we want, as long as we have a high estimation of the greatness of God. I am not at all sure that this is what she wanted to convey, but the original graphic with this quote is on her own website. What she wrote there seemed to point in another direction, but there is an uncertain sound.</p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.homemakerscorner.com/did-you-meme-false-humility.html" target="_blank">Continue Reading.</a></h1>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-63195170947906025062024-02-24T20:00:00.004-06:002024-02-24T20:00:00.246-06:00Evening Song - Count Your Blessings<p><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/I-Samuel-12#24" target="_blank">1 Samuel 12:24</a> Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great <i>things</i> he hath done for you. </span></p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-66#16" target="_blank">Psalm 66:16</a> Come <i>and</i> hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.</span> <br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/sSmq7-ova5E?si=RiInVfnY3CAcnbFP" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I have no control over ads or suggestions.</p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-51063119843401208512024-02-22T01:00:00.001-06:002024-02-22T01:00:00.136-06:00Texas Memories - Winter Storms 2021<p><br /></p><p>In February 2021 we had three significant winter storms in central Texas within a couple weeks. We had snow, ice, and snow again, if I remember correctly. It was very cold and a lot more frozen precipitation than we were used to. There was a lot of damage and a lot of people suffering due to power outages and water shortages. However, it was also beautiful. I've posted some photos already over the past few years. Here are some more for your enjoyment.</p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-147#16" target="_blank">Psalm 147:16-17</a> He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-48Hz6HG/0/0729bc9f/L/i-48Hz6HG-L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="800" height="580" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-48Hz6HG/0/0729bc9f/L/i-48Hz6HG-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Hrb6xgg/0/6f765508/L/i-Hrb6xgg-L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="800" height="575" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Hrb6xgg/0/6f765508/L/i-Hrb6xgg-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FT9w7MX/0/9ab4eb62/L/i-FT9w7MX-L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="793" height="599" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FT9w7MX/0/9ab4eb62/L/i-FT9w7MX-L.jpg" width="793" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XdVZBbc/0/2e9e322f/L/i-XdVZBbc-L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="800" height="573" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XdVZBbc/0/2e9e322f/L/i-XdVZBbc-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dj94FKN/0/9312d551/L/i-dj94FKN-L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dj94FKN/0/9312d551/L/i-dj94FKN-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both;">See, How Rude Winter's Icy Hand</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See, how rude winter’s icy hand</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Has stripped the trees, and sealed the ground!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But spring shall soon his rage withstand,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And spread new beauties all around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My soul a sharper winter mourns,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Barren and fruitless I remain;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When will the gentle spring return,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And bid my graces grow again?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus, my glorious sun, arise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">’Tis Thine the frozen heart to move;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh! hush these storms and clear my skies,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And let me feel Thy vital love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dear Lord, regard my feeble cry,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I faint and droop till Thou appear;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wilt thou permit Thy plant to die?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Must it be winter all the year?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Be still, my soul, and wait His hour,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With humble prayer, and patient faith;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Till He reveals His gracious power,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Repose on what His promise saith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He, by whose all commanding word,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Seasons this changing course maintain;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In every change a pledge affords,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That none shall seek His face in vain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">John Newton</div></div>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-44399918324860691922024-02-17T20:00:00.001-06:002024-02-17T20:00:00.266-06:00Evening Song - Thank You, Lord, for Your Blessings On Me<p><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/I-Timothy-6#7" target="_blank">1 Timothy 6:7-8</a> For we brought nothing into <i>this</i> world, <i>and it is</i> certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. <br /><br /><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-103#1" target="_blank">Psalm 103:1-5</a> Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, <i>bless</i> his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good <i>things; so that</i> thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. <br /><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="445" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/TqJsYggLIPM?si=UtN-ntrA-nM2O4lc" title="YouTube video player" width="760"></iframe><br /></p><p>I have no control over ads or suggestions.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-39190206906093207992024-02-14T01:00:00.001-06:002024-02-14T01:00:00.254-06:00Are You Content Today?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RDjtnHZ/0/c13bc837/L/i-RDjtnHZ-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="572" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RDjtnHZ/0/c13bc837/L/i-RDjtnHZ-L.jpg" width="572" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quote: Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought your life<br />would be like and learn to find joy in the one God has given you.</div><br /><p></p><p>Today a good portion of the world will be celebrating St. Valentine's Day. It has been romanticized and fantasized about so much that it actually causes some people quite a lot of misery. Discontent, resentment, disappointment, and actual grief will all play their part today in some people's lives. </p><p>But, what has God given you? Are you learning to be content in the life and place that God has you right now? The Apostle Paul wrote, <span style="color: #990000;">Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. <a href="https://kingjames.bible/Philippians-4#11" target="_blank">Philippians 4:11</a> </span></p><p>To want is to lack. A lot of people will be "wanting" things today that they don't have or won't get. Yet, Paul tells us that he learned to be content in the midst of the lacks in his life - one of which was not being married and with not plans to marry. I know it isn't easy. I was 38 when I got married. But, contentment is a learned virtue, not a gift of the Spirit. It may be a hard lesson, but it can be learned. </p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Hebrews-13#5" target="_blank">Hebrews 13:5</a> Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.</span></p><p>Why can we learn to be content? Because Jesus Christ has said He will never leave nor forsake us. Actually, it says "thee." In the KJV this signifies "you, singular", not "you, the group." If you are His, He has promised to be with You, Yourself, right where you are this moment - whether married, single, in a family, in a group or alone. He is with YOU. That is the basis of our contentment. Jesus Christ Himself. </p><p>And, <span style="color: #990000;">...in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.</span> (<a href="https://kingjames.bible/Colossians-2#9" target="_blank">Colossians 2:9</a>) Is that not enough?</p><p>Oh, wonderful love that takes me,<br />Though wretched and stained with sin!<br />Oh, marvelous grace that makes me<br />All holy and pure within!...</p><p>...Oh, matchless mercy that rates me<br />Joint-heirs with the sinless Son!<br />Oh, golden glory that waits me<br />When tempests and clouds are done!</p><p>All things are mine, for I am His;<br />Oh, infinite gifts divine!<br />God gave His Son, His only one;<br />And all that He has is mine.</p><p>Annie Johnson Flint</p><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-90222815244046010542024-02-10T20:00:00.001-06:002024-02-10T20:00:00.133-06:00Evening Song - I Sing the Mighty Power of God<p><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Luke-9#43" target="_blank">Luke 9:43</a> And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God...</span></p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-150" target="_blank">Psalm 150:1-6</a> Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/dsBUScXsUZ4?si=PHwvM_pgRb_Mh_N8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I have no control over ads or suggestions.</p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-82257290176633816672024-02-08T01:00:00.003-06:002024-02-08T01:00:00.140-06:00The Thousand Word Project - The Lord's Name Is to Be Praised<p><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-113#3" target="_blank">Psalm 113:3</a> From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name <i>is</i> to be praised.</span><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9nFkfjM/0/L/i-9nFkfjM-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9nFkfjM/0/L/i-9nFkfjM-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Texas</p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-64928978290489789612024-02-04T21:25:00.005-06:002024-02-04T21:25:42.501-06:00Lord, Give Me Light To Do Thy Work<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LCs5Kt5/0/c1229575/L/i-LCs5Kt5-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="598" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LCs5Kt5/0/c1229575/L/i-LCs5Kt5-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><h2 class="auto-style1">Lord, Give Me Light To Do Thy Work</h2>
<p class="auto-style1"> </p>
<p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style17">Lord, give me light to
do Thy work,</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">For only, Lord, from Thee</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">Can come the light, by which these eyes</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">The work of truth can see.</span></p>
<p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style17">The way is narrow,
often dark,</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">With lights and shadows strewn,</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">I wander oft, and think it Thine,</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">When walking in my own.</span></p>
<p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style17">Yet pleasant is the
work for Thee,</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">And pleasant is the way,</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">But, Lord, the world is dark, and I </span>
<br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">Am prone to go astray.</span></p>
<p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style17">O send me light to do
Thy work,</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">More light, more wisdom give;</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">Then shall I work Thy work indeed,</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">While on Thine earth I live.</span></p>
<p class="auto-style1"><span class="auto-style17">The work is Thine, not
mine, O Lord;</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">It is Thy race we run;</span><br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">Give light, and then shall all I do </span>
<br class="auto-style17" />
<span class="auto-style17">Be well and truly done.</span></p>
<p class="auto-style16">Horatius Bonar</p>
<p class="auto-style20">
<a href="https://kingjames.bible/Ephesians-5#14">
<span class="auto-style17">Ephesians 5:14-16</span></a><span class="auto-style17">
<span style="color: #990000;">Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly,
not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are
evil. </span></span></p>
<p class="auto-style18"><span class="auto-style19">
<a href="https://kingjames.bible/John-1#1"><span class="auto-style17">
John 1:1-4</span></a><span class="auto-style17"> <span style="color: #990000;">In the beginning was
the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was
in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him
was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was
the light of men.</span></span></span> </p><br /><p></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-30823423033487839272024-01-28T01:00:00.000-06:002024-01-28T01:00:00.131-06:00Still Whiter than Snow<p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-51#7" target="_blank"> Psalm 51:7</a> Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ncNWTWx/0/2774f117/L/i-ncNWTWx-L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" height="597" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ncNWTWx/0/2774f117/L/i-ncNWTWx-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Still Whiter than Snow</h2><p style="text-align: center;">What can be whiter than beautiful snow,<br />Coming from Heaven to earth below,<br />Pure and so white as it falleth light<br />Over this broad world of sin and of woe?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Refrain:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yes, there is something still whiter;<br />Hearken ye weary, and know!<br />Tho’ your sins be as scarlet red,<br />They shall be whiter than snow.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Jesus has died, and now all men may know<br />That His rich blood for the world did flow;<br />Saved we may be, and from sin set free,<br />Washed and made whiter than beautiful snow.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Beautiful souls of His saints here below,<br />What but His blood could have made them so?<br />All who believe shall His grace receive,<br />And be made purer than Heaven-born snow.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Come to this Savior! He surely doth know<br />All of your sorrow and sin and woe,<br />And when you sigh He will hear your cry,<br />Wash you more white than the beautiful snow.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Miriam Stabler</p><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-26486527656583314952024-01-27T20:00:00.001-06:002024-02-03T20:59:36.191-06:00Evening Song - Learning to Lean<p><a href="https://kingjames.bible/John-13#23" target="_blank">John 13:23</a><span style="color: #990000;"> Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. </span></p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Deuteronomy-33#27" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 33:27</a> The eternal God <i>is thy</i> refuge, and underneath <i>are</i> the everlasting arms...<br /></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/YvlNv7nfFzM?si=-SgWP1U2eDYZphtI" title="YouTube video player" width="760"></iframe><br /></p><p>I have no control over ads or suggested videos.</p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-24565485241616659402024-01-25T01:00:00.001-06:002024-01-25T01:00:00.130-06:00The Thousand Word Project - Full of Flavor<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tjqDFM6/0/c37913a3/XL/i-tjqDFM6-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="574" height="768" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tjqDFM6/0/c37913a3/XL/i-tjqDFM6-XL.jpg" width="574" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-40355058170344585652024-01-23T18:32:00.003-06:002024-01-23T18:32:37.116-06:00I Could not Do without Thee - by Frances Ridley Havergal<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4VVC6SB/0/1117a21b/L/i-4VVC6SB-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4VVC6SB/0/1117a21b/L/i-4VVC6SB-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">I Could Not Do Without Thee</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I could not do without Thee,<br />O Saviour of the lost,<br />Whose precious blood redeemed me<br />At such tremendous cost:<br />Thy righteousness, Thy pardon,<br />Thy sacrifice, must be<br />My only hope and comfort,<br />My glory and my plea.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I could not do without Thee,<br />I cannot stand alone,<br />I have no strength or goodness,<br />No wisdom of my own:<br />But Thou, beloved Saviour,<br />Art all in all to me;<br />And weakness will be power,<br />If leaning hard on Thee.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I could not do without Thee,<br />Oh Jesus, Saviour dear,<br />E'en when mine eyes are holden,<br />I know that Thou art near:<br />How dreary and how lonely,<br />This changeful life would be,<br />Without this sweet communion,<br />This secret rest with Thee.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I could not do without Thee,<br />For years are fleeting fast,<br />And soon in solemn loneness,<br />The river must be past:<br />But Thou wilt never leave me;<br />And though the waves run high,<br />I know Thou wilt be near me,<br />And whisper, "It is I."</p><p style="text-align: center;">By Frances R. Havergal</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-91#1" target="_blank">Psalm 91:1</a> He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust</span>.</p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/John-6#19" target="_blank">John 6:19-20</a> So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. </span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QjOhQhH4g6o?si=cgiZoc-bynglgemP" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I have not control over ads or suggestions.</p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-70793149782759849622024-01-20T20:00:00.001-06:002024-01-20T20:00:00.258-06:00Evening Song - The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll not Want<p><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-23" target="_blank">Psalm 23:1-6</a> <span>A Psalm of David.</span> The LORD <i>is</i> my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou <i>art</i> with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. </span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/-Msh0PAJfPU?si=7lSsujkLF6iFp9Zq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I have no control over ads or suggestions.</p><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-28063501879933611482024-01-18T01:00:00.000-06:002024-01-18T01:00:00.131-06:00Texas Memories - Richness of Winter Color<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hRw4xQQ/0/3cba9bac/L/i-hRw4xQQ-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hRw4xQQ/0/3cba9bac/L/i-hRw4xQQ-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-46196936231567449292024-01-13T20:00:00.008-06:002024-01-13T20:08:46.528-06:00Evening Song - When We All Get to Heaven<p><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/John-14#1" target="_blank">John 14:1-3</a> Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if <i>it were</i> not <i>so</i>, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, <i>there</i> ye may be also.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/I-John-3#2" target="_blank">1 John 3:2-3</a> Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. </span></p><p><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Jeremiah-29#11" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11</a> For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.</span> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="445" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/3anHQUZCsgU?si=ZzBIoG68HnM7ZOf7" title="YouTube video player" width="760"></iframe><br /></p><p>I have no control over ads or suggestions.</p><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-75818445321391591112024-01-11T01:00:00.000-06:002024-01-11T01:00:00.136-06:00The Thousand Word Project - In the Teeth of Winter<p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Psalms-74#17" target="_blank"> Psalm 74:17</a> Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.</span></div> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pBPFpLk/0/ed74007b/L/i-pBPFpLk-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="799" height="598" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pBPFpLk/0/ed74007b/L/i-pBPFpLk-L.jpg" width="799" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HvSnPww/0/6552cfa3/L/i-HvSnPww-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HvSnPww/0/6552cfa3/L/i-HvSnPww-L.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2JZP8qX/0/015ec9a0/L/i-2JZP8qX-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="778" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2JZP8qX/0/015ec9a0/L/i-2JZP8qX-L.jpg" width="778" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602903563447482631.post-81135270364610557752024-01-07T21:06:00.001-06:002024-01-07T21:06:28.416-06:00Worth Repeating - The Rich Family In Our Church<p> </p> <p><font color="#b70000"><img height="558" src="http://mevan.smugmug.com/External-Link-Photos/Cotton-Apron-Volume-7-January/i-2Nb8C6L/0/XL/Langley_The-Old-Quilt-XL.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="385" /></font></p> <p><font color="#b70000"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/II-Corinthians-8#9" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 8:9</a> </font><font color="#990000">For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.</font></p> <p>I don't remember where I first found this story, but it is worth repeating. It was first posted here in Jan. 2014.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>The Rich Family In Our Church</b></h3><p>By Eddie Ogan</p> <p>I'll never forget Easter 1946. I was 14, my little sister Ocy, 12, and my older sister Darlene, 16. We lived at home with our mother, and the four of us knew what it was to do without many things. My dad had died 5 years before, leaving Mom with seven school kids to raise and no money. By 1946 my older sisters were married, and my brothers had left home.</p> <p>A month before Easter, the pastor of our church announced that a special Easter offering would be taken to help a poor family. He asked everyone to save and give sacrificially. When we got home, we talked about what we could do. We decided to buy 50 pounds of potatoes and live on them for a month. This would allow us to save $20 of our grocery money for the offering. Then we thought that if we kept our electric lights turned out as much as possible and didn't listen to the radio, we'd save money on that month's electric bill. Darlene got as many house and yard cleaning jobs as possible, and both of us baby sat for everyone we could. For 15 cents, we could buy enough cotton loops to make three potholders to sell for $1. We made $20 on potholders.</p> <p>That month was one of the best of our lives. Every day we counted the money to see how much we had saved. At night we'd sit in the dark and talk about how the poor family was going to enjoy having the money the church would give them. We had about 80 people in church, so we figured that whatever amount of money we had to give, the offering would surely be 20 times that much. After all, every Sunday the Pastor had reminded everyone to save for the sacrificial offering. <br /> <br />The day before Easter, Ocy and I walked to the grocery store and got the manager to give us three crisp $20 bills and one $10 bill for all our change. We ran all the way home to show Mom and Darlene. We had never had so much money before. That night we were so excited we could hardly sleep. We didn't care that we wouldn't have new clothes for Easter; we had $70 for the sacrificial offering. We could hardly wait to get to church! <br /> <br />On Sunday morning, rain was pouring. We didn't own an umbrella, and the church was over a mile from our home, but it didn't seem to matter how wet we got. Darlene had cardboard in her shoes to fill the holes. The cardboard came apart, and her feet got wet. But we sat in church proudly. I heard some teenagers talking about the Smith girls having on their old dresses. I looked at them in their new clothes, and I felt so rich. <br /> <br />When the sacrificial offering was taken, we were sitting on the second row from the front. Mom put in the $10 bill, and each of us girls put in a $20. As we walked home after church, we sang all the way. At lunch Mom had a surprise for us. She had bought a dozen eggs, and we had boiled Easter eggs with our fried potatoes! <br /> <br />Late that afternoon the minister drove up in his car. Mom went to the door, talked with him for a moment, and then came back with an envelope in her hand. We asked what it was, but she didn't say a word. She opened the envelope and out fell a bunch of money. There were three crisp $20 bills, one $10 and seventeen $1 bills. Mom put the money back in the envelope. We didn't talk, just sat and stared at the floor. We had gone from feeling like millionaires to feeling like poor white trash.</p> <p>We kids had had such a happy life that we felt sorry for anyone who didn't have our mom and dad for parents and a house full of brothers and sisters and other kids visiting constantly. We thought it was fun to share silverware and see whether we got the fork or the spoon that night. We had two knives which we passed around to whoever needed them. I knew we didn't have a lot of things that other people had, but I'd never thought we were poor. That Easter Day I found out we were. <br /> <br />The minister had brought us the money for the poor family, so we must be poor. I didn't like being poor. I looked at my dress and worn-out shoes and felt so ashamed that I didn't want to go back to church. Everyone there probably already knew we were poor! I thought about school. I was in the ninth grade and at the top of my class of over 100 students. I wondered if the kids at school knew we were poor. I decided I could quit school since I had finished the eighth grade. That was all the law required at that time.</p> <p>We sat in silence for a long time. Then it got dark, and we went to bed. All that week, we girls went to school and came home, and no one talked much. Finally on Saturday, Mom asked us what we wanted to do with the money. What did poor people do with money? We didn't know.</p> <p>We'd never known we were poor. We didn't want to go to church on Sunday, but Mom said we had to. Although it was a sunny day, we didn't talk on the way. <br /> <br />Mom started to sing, but no one joined in and she only sang one verse. At church we had a missionary speaker. He talked about how churches in Africa made buildings out of sun-dried bricks, but they need money to buy roofs. He said $100 would put a roof on a church. The minister said, "Can't we all sacrifice to help these poor people?" <br /> <br />We looked at each other and smiled for the first time in a week. Mom reached into her purse and pulled out the envelope. She passed it to Darlene. Darlene gave it to me, and I handed it to Ocy. Ocy put it in the offering. <br /> <br />When the offering was counted, the minister announced that it was a little over $100. The missionary was excited. He hadn't expected such a large offering from our small church. He said, "You must have some rich people in this church." <br /> <br />Suddenly it struck us! We had given $87 of that "little over $100." <br /><b><u>We</u></b> were the rich family in the church! <br /> <br />Hadn't the missionary said so? <br /> <br />From that day on I've never been poor again.</p> <p>-----------------------------</p> <p><font color="#b70000"><a href="https://kingjames.bible/Mark-12#41" target="_blank">Mark 12:41-44</a> </font><font color="#990000">And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called <em>unto him</em> his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all <em>they</em> did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, <em>even</em> all her living.</font></p> Mary E. Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09206071568335923658noreply@blogger.com8