The Advent traditions in the church are beautiful. One of my favorite moments in my church is when a child walks down the aisle holding a candle. Each step of the way, the light of their candle reflected in their eyes as they slowly walk to the front of the sanctuary where they will carefully light the next Advent candle. While they walk, someone is reading an Advent selection to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Today, I want to thank Lindy Thompson for sharing the candle of Joy in such a beautiful way.
My new doctor sat in the corner listening as she typed information into my medical record. It wasn’t really a physical exam, as much as an information gathering and getting to know you session. My initial impression of her was favorable. She seemed to be a good listener, asked good questions, and didn’t make me feel rushed.
As I grow older, I’m noticing that my hearing is not as great as it used to be. I’m not quite at hearing aid stage, but a recent hearing test revealed that I have the most difficulty with hearing the higher tones–which explains why I can hear my husband’s voice perfectly well, but have trouble hearing the voices of women and children. I have only a taste of what it’s like to not be able to hear. My blogging friend, Sheila, knows what it is to be profoundly deaf and yet praise God in music. You might appreciate her little devotional (below).
BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD. PHILIPPIANS 4:6 ASV
It doesn’t matter if you can read music or carry a tune. Sing it anyway. Let your heart sing old songs and new. Make a joyful noise.
29 – Fill my cup
Hymns and golden oldies music occupy a large room in my memory bank. The hymn I took the title from today is dear to my heart. Before I lost my hearing I sang it in the church choir. A hearing-impaired second soprano who didn’t want to quit singing.
After profound deafness came to stay, I learned to sign some favorite songs with my hands. Fill my cup, Lord. I lift it up, Lord. Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Scripture: My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. Psalm 71:23 ESV
Prayer: Father God, since you have redeemed my soul through your son Jesus Christ, I must sing. I cannot stop my heart and mind from praising you with music. Thank you for all music written by inspiration to speak to us about love and life. Amen.
Music speaks to my heart.
If you pull up next to me at a traffic light, you might find me singing a praise and worship song at the top of my lungs. I wear earbuds when I’m at work and try to listen to Christ-honoring music. At home, I listen to music while I’m cooking, cleaning, or gardening. Every now and again, I break out in singing or humming whatever I’m listening to at the moment. Wayne can’t always figure out what I’m singing because carrying a tune isn’t one of my strengths, and I’m notorious for not remembering all of the lyrics. I’m not the best singer in the world, but I sing anyway.
“It doesn’t matter if you can read music or carry a tune. Sing it anyway. Let your heart sing old songs and new. Make a joyful noise.”
Devotions by Sheila
Whenever the road in life seems hard or takes a turn I didn’t expect, music has a way of reminding me that I am not alone and that I have a Helper. Music comforts me when I’m sad and lifts my heart to praise the One who is my comfort. When my heart is overflowing with the beauty of nature, music lifts my heart in gratitude to the Creator of it all.
When I cannot sleep at night, sometimes just listening to a playlist of the sounds of nature will lull me to a place of quiet rest. I absolutely love the sound that water makes–whether a gentle rain or a rolling thunderstorm, the trickle of a stream or the lapping of an ocean wave. There is music in all of God’s creation.
December is a time when music reminds me of the gift I have in Jesus. I’ve been creating a Spotify playlist of some of my Christmas favorites–you can find it here. I pray that you will find time in this busy season to sing along with music which will point you toward the One who is the true and best gift of Christmas.
And don’t worry if you can’t sing. Sing it anyway!
Here is my Day #7 offering of floral photos for A Week of Flowers hosted by Cathy of Words and Herbs. Sad to see the week come to an end, but will look for an invitation to participate next year–this was fun.
Today I’m sharing a few of the “sunny” colors from my garden. I hope they brighten up your day no matter what season you’re enjoying in this beautiful world.
I just came from the post office and feel like I need to share an update related to the bumpy road of paperwork related to redetermining my brother’s Medicaid status. In my last post, I shared that I felt somewhat alone in the task of coming up with answers to the who, what, when, why and where questions on the lengthy MADR form (Medicaid Disability Redetermination Report).
Cathy from Words and Herbs extended an invitation for bloggers to join her in one week of sharing our flower photos to brighten up these lackluster days of winter. Here’s my Day #6 contribution of mostly pinks and peaches.
Let’s start with my beautiful Stargazer lily. She blooms every summer near the fountain in our garden. Her scent is incredible, and she has such adorable freckles.
Sundays are busy days for me, so I missed posting on day 3. Then, I forgot to hit “publish” on Day #4, but once again joining Cathy at Words and Herbs for Day #5 of her annual ‘A Week of Flowers’ meme. It’s trying to snow again today. Not much on the ground–just enough to outline the branches of trees, brighten up the rooftops, and spread a smidge of snowy white frosting on faded flowers. Pretty, but I’m glad for the opportunity to splash a little summery garden color onto my December blog posts.
I’m joining Cathy at Words and Herbs for her annual ‘A Week of Flowers’ meme. It’s Day #2 and I’m happy to take you on a little reminisce of some pretty spring and early summer days in my garden. Let me introduce you to a few of my favorite peonies.
Every Friday a lovely lady named Kate hosts a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, set your timer for five minutes, and write (and resist the urge to edit).
This week’s word prompt is … left.
Sometimes I feel pretty lost and helpless when it comes to helping my brother navigate life’s road in his frail body. His life has taken a couple of medical detours: cancer, complications of diabetes, and vascular dementia, resulting in living a life confined to a wheelchair in a nursing home.
I’m joining Cathy at Words and Herbs for her annual ‘A Week of Flowers’ meme, which takes place December 1-7. It’s my first year joining her, but what a fun way to bring a bit of colorful beauty to our December day. It’s December 1st–the sun is hiding today and fine flakes of snow are falling from the sky, so I thought I’d spend a little time looking forward to spring in Wisconsin by looking back at some photos from recent years.
Nothing beats the bright yellow of a daffodil in spring-time cheerfulness!The demure pink and blue blossoms of Lungwort in an old crystal salt shakerRaindrops on tulips just outside my front doorPaeonia ‘Gold Standard’ pretty as can be in my mailbox gardenTulips and daffodils usher in the first hint of spring, followed by petite ‘Blue Denim’ irises playing with grape hyacinth muscari at the garden’s edges. The flowers of the old-fashioned Bleeding Heart are a classic favorite. They make me smile because they remind me of when my grandson George called them “Blood Thirsty Hearts” when he was little.
A quick word of thanks for introducing me to Cathy’s meme goes out to my friend Páraig who blogs at The Three Hairs Garden. What sheer fun and enjoyment!
Barefoot Lily Lady 