Where have I been?

I looked at the blog, and noticed I hadn't posted in a while . . .

Life happens like that sometimes.

I actually have a new address, for those who are interested

www.pleaforgrace.com

You can find me there, and hopefully I will be able to post regularly again soon.

Thanks to all who read. I pray you are blessed and challenged by God's Word.

Back to Psalm 119

Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.

(Psalm 119:41-48 ESV)

I am so blessed when I pray through a psalm. These are the very words of God, and He truly knows me, and what is best. He promised salvation to me, because of His steadfast love; why should I let some taunts and criticism defeat me? I can trust His word to be true, and trust that His rules are right. There is joy and confidence in following God's way, because I am following the way of a heavenly Father-Creator, who has my best at heart, and can be absolutely depended upon. I do so love Him!

The Sounds of Praise

Praise the Lord, all nations!

Extol Him, all peoples!

For great is His steadfast love toward us,

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord!

(Psalm 117 ESV)

We are back from our big trip -- tired, happy to be in our own bed, but relishing the many displays of God's amazing creation.

I've been memorizing this psalm. As I "muse" I imagine what it will sound like, what it will look like, when all nations and all peoples truly do praise and extol (really praise) the true, one and only Lord of the universe. What a glorious sound that will be!

Then my thoughts go toward the reason for all this praise. . .His love, His steadfast, never-ending, never-changing-His-mind love. . .is great toward us. Not meager. Not just enough to get by. Great. Huge. Never changing. Never ending.

And, if the love isn't enough, His faithfulness, His absolutely-positively-will-always-keep-His-word-ness, endures forever. Never failing. Never 'less than'. Never diluted. Never stopping. Always faithful. Always the same.

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

Fabulous 50 and Fall Foliage

Yesterday was the big birthday -- I am now officially 50 years young! My husband and I are celebrating by taking a road trip through the forests of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, culminating in a focused few days in Yellowstone Park and the Grand Tetons. We are armed with binoculars and digital camera, and ready to scope, spot and shoot as much wildlife as God lets us witness. I completely love this brand of hunting :)

I love the Fall season -- the air is crisp, the trees are beautiful shades of gold, red, and just a touch of green. The rivers are running cold, the mountains have just a dusting of snow, and the animals are busy preparing for the winter months. And, 28 years ago, my husband and I celebrated our wedding day; this truly is a special season for me.

Truly the heavens do declare the glory of God, and the skies truly do show forth His handiwork; I love being allowed to witness the Master Designer's masterpiece!