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Friday, September 26, 2008

standing in a shifting global scene

Things change. Wow, do we have confirmation of that. This week, we've heard words like disaster, failure, bailout, catastrophe, collapse, and apocalyptic. It's been a heyday for journalists; non-stop action for pundits. For the American people . . . we'll it's been less than exciting.

Having heard from our grandparents the recounting of the Great Depression, none of us are eager to accumulate similar stories. The fragility of our national and economic security paints the future in very drab tones.

Those who study prophecy are nodding their heads at the interrelation of the puzzle pieces on the world scene.

OK, let's face it. We've heard some scary stuff. Americans might lose investments and savings accounts. The current government plan is akin to socialism. Our way of life will drastically change. Our relations with other nations are in jeopardy. We might end up in a soup line . . . .

This is a time for Christians to reflect the solidness of our foundation. It's not time for a bunker mentality. God's Word doesn't give us permission to hide. We are called to face our times in His power. We can't deny the profusion of events taking place and their impact on us. What we can do is step into His strength and out into a great opportunity.

The most important things do not change -- God's sovereignty, the plan of salvation, the comfort and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The kingdoms of earth and their rise and fall are parenthetical phrases in the great theme of God's plan. His purposes supersede all others.

"The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken." (Psalm 33:10-11, NLT)

"The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
(Psalm 46:11)

Read Psalm 33 and 46 and 145. More security than any government rescue.

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

The LORD watches over all who love him." (Psalm 145:13-20)

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

classic style

Kaley and I had great fun puttering around Steinway Hall, playing the magnificent pianos, and taking pictures. Music is a gift from a loving and artistic Creator. As I looked at the lineup of grand pianos, testament to the hand-crafted skill of the Steinway Company, I remembered that this intricate design of ivory, wood, and strings is only a reflection of our great God who gives man the skill to work with His hands to make beautiful things. What a wonderful way to embrace life -- created and loved by a Heavenly Father whose heart toward us is only good and who helps us cope with the bad. I celebrate His majesty and thank Him for music.





what a house! what a treat!

For my birthday, my sweet friend, Karen, took me to tour a lovely house, basically a castle, built in the early 1900's by the founder of GoodYear. Obviously, wealth was no object and style and comfort were.

No photos were allowed inside, but the rooms were magnificently furnished. There was even a 8 foot deep sunken swimming pool (called "the Plunge") with its own dressing area and an indoor gymnasium, plus a flower arranging room, 23 bathrooms, all kinds of nooks and crannies. You should have seen the woman's dressing room! As big as most bedrooms and with about 7 or 8 closet spaces, plus drawers for jewelry and shoes. It was amazing.

The gardens were just lovely. Standing in the English garden was like standing in a Jane Austin setting. The enormous grounds were impressive -- we had lunch in the carriage house which is now a cafe. a genuine jewel from the gilded age -- I loved every minute of the tour. Thanks, Karen. I'll remember it always.
Kaley and Me beside a HUGE planter
the lovely and large! house
there were massive gardens of every type

aren't these colors luscious?

celebrating in style

Stan Hywett Hall -- over 600,000 square feet and 65 rooms

"not for us alone" -- what a neat motto for the front door!


back of the house with fountain

entrance to English Garden

the English Garden -- "ahh. . . "

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