Monday Monday: First Monday of Summer!

 

This morning's Sunrise!

This old hymn came to my mind as I was enjoying this beautiful sunrise this morning...

When morning gilds the skies,

My heart awaking cries:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Alike at work and prayer

To Jesus I repair:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

2

To Thee, my God above,

I cry with glowing love,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

The fairest graces spring

In hearts that ever sing,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

3

Does sadness fill my mind?

A solace here I find,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Or fades my earthly bliss?

My comfort still is this,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

(I left out verses 4-5)

6

Be this, while life is mine,

My canticle divine,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this th’ eternal song

Through all the ages long,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

You may not be able to see it in this picture, but there is a big Pileated Woodpecker sitting in this tree below:

Now you can see him!

Up, up, and away!   There were actually two of them flying around, and maybe even another one in the trees back behind us as we took our morning walk Saturday morning.  If you aren't familiar with this prehistoric looking huge woodpecker, you can read more HERE.  It's always a thrill to see them.

Reminds me of this song..."I'll Fly Away"...

Some glad morning when this life is over

I'll fly away

To a home on God's celestial shore

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh, Glory

I'll fly away

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by

I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone,

I'll fly away;

Like a bird from prison bars has flown,

I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

I'll fly away, oh, Glory

I'll fly away

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by

I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then

I'll fly away

To a land where joy shall never end

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh, Glory

I'll fly away

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by

I'll fly away

Yeah, when I die, Hallelujah, by and by

I'll fly away

Source: Musixmatch

I guess I am full of music in my mind this morning.  Why?  Well, this song above in particular...You see, yesterday morning, (Sunday, to be exact, Father's Day, and the first day of summer), when we got to church I was told that yet another of my dearest friends had just that morning "flown away" into heaven.  My dear sweet Opal, our former pianist and choir member and very dear friend had left her earthly body, and she entered her eternal home on "God's celestial shore", and she, like that "bird from prison bars has flown"..."to a land where joy shall never end."...

I had just recently told you about my friend Opal HERE, on her birthday in May,

and she had been recuperating so well from the past couple of years since she had a stroke and other complications. She'd been at home for the past few weeks and doing really well. We talked on the phone every week and she was making such good progress. But then, yesterday morning  God called her home. Apparently a massive heart attack.  It was time for her to "Fly Away"...we sang that song together as she played it on the piano for our church so many times in the past years...and finally it was her turn...like that big old woodpecker we saw flying away...Opal heard her Master's call, and she answered and flew away to glory.  

Needless to say, I was a bit of a cry-baby in church yesterday morning. It was quite a shock for all of us, as we all loved Opal.  But I can see her healthy and strong again, running through the fields of heaven, and also able to play and sing beautiful music once again.  Oh, how I will miss her! But I am SO happy for her!   Please remember her dear husband Larry and her daughter and family out in California in your prayers, as they mourn her loss.

I'm so glad I listened to the Lord prompting me to do something special for Opal on her birthday on May 1st.  One thing I've learned in the past month regarding friends...listen to the voice of God when He prompts you to make that phone call, write that card, visit that person...we just never know when it will be the last time we will see that person or hear their voice.

So, after an emotional morning, we came home from church and the boys were here for lunch to celebrate Father's Day with us. Rose had to work, sadly, but we are going to meet up with her and Benton this morning and drive south to The Mason Jar to meet John's brother Billy and his wife Peggy for lunch, so I have to get a move on!!

We had grilled chicken thighs, scalloped potatoes, corn on the cob and tossed salad. It was wonderful. So happy our boys could be with us.

And Blackie says hello this morning from my desk...

He's looking out the window into the dark to see what's going on...

And he took over my desk chair...He's a rascal...but we love him.

And look at that rose! It came from the same bush as the other two...totally different! God's gift to us today.

Okay, I must run. 

Hug your family. Call your friends. Visit the sick. Send cards to those you can't visit.

Life is short. None of us knows when it will be our turn to "Fly Away". Be ready to meet Jesus every day.

Wednesday Treasures~Remembering Matthew

Hello Friends.  This may be a little different kind of post today.  You see, it is the 53rd birthday of our son Matthew, who is celebrating in heaven.  He's been celebrating there since May 25th, 2014...almost 12 years already, and that I can hardly fathom!

One of my favorite pictures of Matthew. I call it "Deer Matthew".

 The time really does fly, because in some ways it seems like it was just yesterday that he was still with us, celebrating his 41st birthday with our whole family.

This link tells more about that special birthday party, Matthew's 41st birthday, 

Matthew was enjoying his last birthday with all of the family there to celebrate with him.

I've been adding these links below to posts that I've written in memory of Matthew on his special birthdays since his passing, along with a few other special memories. I don't expect you to read all of these posts (unless you want to). I was trying to keep track of them for my own benefit.  Some of them may seem repetitive...I guess because,  sadly, there's no new news in Matthew's life to share.  So we cherish the wonderful memories that we do have and try to keep his memory alive in our hearts and minds.

Link to Matthew's 45th heavenly birthday (2018)

Link to Matthew's 49th heavenly birthday 

Link to Matthew's heavenly 50th birthday, which includes links to other posts about Matthew from his life.

Link to Matthew's 51st heavenly birthday

Link to Matthew's 52nd heavenly birthday

Link to "The Shaving Lesson", January, 2014

Link to Random Thoughts from a Grieving Heart, October 2014

Today we really didn't do anything special. I want to plant another rose bush in Matthew's memory, which hopefully will survive my lack of green thumb.  We may have to wait a little while, however, since we are still in a drought here.

I did go outside for a while and sat in the "Secret/Memorial Garden".  I had a little friend come and stay close to me...can you guess who it was?

Yep, Sweet Blackie...my trusty little companion...when I come outside he follows me around wherever I go...

Hello,  Blackie! You are looking very handsome today!

It was a beautiful day out in the garden...even if Still Waters Pond is still very very dry...

I walked down to the edge of the pond and looked around to where there should be water all around that "island" on the left side...I could probably walk all around it and maybe even across the pond, but I don't dare...the ground is very spongy and if my foot broke through, I would probably be up to my knees in muck. So, no thank you!

We dedicated this spot to Matthew after we moved here, because he loved ponds and fishing, and I know he would've loved it here...  

This picture was taken of Matthew on one of his trips down (from Maine) to visit us during those 4 years of battling cancer. Thankfully he was feeling well enough to go do some fishing while here on that particular trip...

These pictures were taken on the Ocklawaha River near the Eureka Bridge. (reference point for my memories).

And wonderfully, his brothers Scott and Benton were able to spend some time with him fishing while he was here...These are just some sweet memories I love to reflect on...

Back to the present:

Sadly the "Secret Memorial Garden" area is in need of a lot of work. But it's been So cold, and So dry...so maybe once the rains start up again I will be able to make this place look more like a garden again.

My poor swing is sinking down into the ground too...we need to do some repair work on it before I dare to "swing" in it again...

I was totally surprised to discover that the azalea bushes were starting to bloom!  That was a blessing and I consider it a gift...

Blackie enjoyed laying there on the ground next to my garden bench and it was as if he was sniffing the flowers and enjoying them...

He was also watching a bird somehwhere there in the area. I could hear it chirping in the distance. Thankfully Blackie didn't go searching for it.

Basically we spent a quiet day...our son Benton came over for a little visit while waiting for his truck to have some repairs  made to the AC system.  It's always wonderful when one of our kids comes over to visit.  I treasure those moments more and more as the years go by.  As we learned from our experience with Matthew, no one is granted immunity for sickness and troubles and sorrows in this life.  We must always be prepared for the possibility that at any time our soul might be required of us and we need to be ready to meet Jesus face to face immediately.  

I know Matthew was ready to go to heaven...he accepted Jesus as his Savior at an early age and lived his life as a devoted child of God.  He taught his son Noah all about the Lord from the time Noah was a baby...he made sure that he took the time to "train up (his) child in the way he should go, so that when he is old he will not depart from it..."(based on Proverbs 22:6). Matthew loved his wife Nicole and he honored his parents and lived an exemplary life...but most of all, he loved Jesus.  

Jesus promised that if we believe in Him, He would prepare a place for us in heaven, and that when the time is right, He will come and receive us to Himself so that we can be there with Him for eternity...

John 14:1-6  NKJV

1“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 

2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 

4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through Me."

I have no doubt that Matthew believed this, and that he is with Jesus, enjoying whatever heavenly "mansion"  God has prepared for him.  He may even be helping build our mansions for when we go there some day. 

Tonight's Sunset...

Let's end this post on a happy "note"....I love this song "I'll Fly Away", here being sung by Reba McEntire and her family...and this is what I believe...

I’ll Fly Away

Some bright morning when this life is over

I’ll fly away

To that home on God’s celestial shore

I’ll fly away

Chorus:

I’ll fly away oh glory

I’ll fly away (in the morning)

When I die hallelujah by and by

I’ll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone

I’ll fly away

Like a bird from these prison walls I’ll fly

I’ll fly away

(Chorus)

I’ll fly away oh glory

I’ll fly away (in the morning)

When I die hallelujah by and by

I’ll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then

I’ll fly away

To a land where joys will never end

I’ll fly away"

(Chorus)

I’ll fly away oh glory

I’ll fly away (in the morning)

When I die hallelujah by and by

I’ll fly away"

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Matthew! Some day we will "fly away" and be there with you..."Hallelujah By and By!"

Good Sunday Morning!

Good Sunday Morning! Welcome to our worship service today. Won't you join us as we praise the Lord and study from God's Word?

I hope you enjoy our Praise Team starting out the service singing "I'll Fly Away".

Please join in and sing along:

Some glad morning when this life is o'er, 

I'll fly away; 

To a home on God's celestial shore, 

I'll fly away (I'll fly away). 

Chorus 

I'll fly away, Oh Glory 

I'll fly away; (in the morning) 

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, 

I'll fly away (I'll fly away). 

2. 

When the shadows of this life have gone, 

I'll fly away; 

Like a bird from prison bars has flown, 

I'll fly away (I'll fly away) 

I'll fly away, Oh Glory 

I'll fly away; (in the morning) 

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, 

I'll fly away (I'll fly away). 

3. 

Just a few more weary days and then, 

I'll fly away; 

To a land where joy shall never end, 

I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

I'll fly away, Oh Glory 

I'll fly away; (in the morning) 

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, 

I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

I enjoyed watching our Praise Team singing this today, and yes, I am the one in the middle singing alto. However, I am not really there today singing at our church. We pre-record these ahead of time for this online service, and then yes, we do sing again in person on Sunday mornings, but I am not there today.

I seem to have caught a cold or am having a seasonal allergy sinusitis, so I stayed home from church. No, I don't have a fever, and I don't have Covid 19. This is my typical seasonal change sinusitis, and I just need to rest, drink lots of fluids, take lots of Vitamin C and stay home.  I made some jello, and I may just have some chicken noodle soup for lunch. I like the Campbell's chicken noodle soup for a quick lunch when I don't feel good. Yes, I am sure homemade soup would be much better, but when you don't feel good, who wants to mess with cooking a chicken, peeling carrots and cutting celery and onions and boiling noodles for homemade soup? Hmmm, it does sound good, doesn't it? But if I felt well enough to do all that work, I probably am well enough to go to church. So Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup will have to do for today. At least I made jello. LOL.

Here's a little "Chicken Soup for the Soul" from God's Word today:

Psalm 103:1-5

1.  "Bless the Lord, O my soul;

And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

2.  Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits;

3.  Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

4.  Who redeems your life from destruction,

who crowns you will lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5.  Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Praise the Lord!

Have a Good Sunday Morning!

 

Sermon Notes "Walk This Way"

My view from the choir loft

Today was our first Sunday for the choir to sing since summer is over...and we sang "Sweeter As The Days Go By"...

Click on the You Tube video above of Jake Hess and the Gaither Homecoming group singing this happy song. I don't think we sounded quite like this group, but it was close... :)  It was a great way to kick off our new choir season...and even though we didn't do an encore, the congregation gave us quite an ovation.  Here are the lyrics, if you'd like to sing along:

The more I trust Him, the more I love Him

Nothing good for me He'll deny

The longer I know Him, the better I can show Him

I couldn't stop now if I tried

It gets sweeter as the days go by

It gets sweeter as the moments fly

His love is richer, deeper, fuller, sweeter

Sweeter, sweeter, sweeter as the days go by

Oh, the moment He saved my His good grace He gave me

He place His love down deep in my heart

There's great joy in knowing with Him I am going

And never more from Him to depart

It gets sweeter as the days go by

It gets sweeter as the moments fly

His love is richer, deeper, fuller, sweeter

Sweeter, sweeter, sweeter as the days go by

Our text for the day was from John 14:1-4.  And since I was sitting in the choir loft, I forgot my pen to write notes...so I will have to wing this one totally from memory. This will be short and sweet...just like my memory!  LOL.  Forgive me, Pastor A.C., for not getting all the details! I will just hit the highlights that I can remember...and how they made an impression on me!  

Please read along with me:

1.  "Let not your heart be troubled; 

you believe in God, believe also in Me.

2.  In My Father's house are many mansions;

if it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again

and receive you to Myself,

that where I am, there you may be also.

4.  And where I go you know, and the way you know."

I could stop right there. Just those four verses are a powerful enough message in themselves.  Who among us hasn't heard these precious words of our Lord spoken at times of deep sorrow...a funeral of a dearly departed loved one most likely...and the promise of God preparing a place for us in heaven gives great comfort.  And then those words in verse 3, where Jesus assures us that as He goes to prepare that place for us, He will come again and take us there to be with Him forever! 

But then, in verse four He says, "And where I go you know, and the way you know."

At this point we read on in verses 5 and 6:

5.  "Thomas said to Him, 

'Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?'"

6.  And Jesus said to him,

"I am the way, the truth, and the life.  

No one comes to the Father except through Me."

There it is in a nutshell...how do we get to those mansions in glory someday that Jesus has gone on to prepare for each of us?  

There is only one way.  Jesus makes it very clear when He declares:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life.  

No one comes to the Father except through Me."

(That verse bears repeating!)

(Internet Photo)

Then the Pastor took this a step farther...Yes, Jesus IS The Way...the only way to the Father...and to that heavenly home.  However...we also have a responsibility to lead others in "The Way" of Christ...

as believers we are members of the Body of Christ...and as such look at this:

I Corinthians 3:16

"Do you not know that you are the temple of God 

and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"

Now, the Pastor took us down an interesting path here that I had never thought of before...go back to John 14:2 

2.  In My Father's house are many mansions;

if it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

These "mansions" can also be called "rooms"...and they are in the temple of God...and do you "not know that you are the temple of God" ?  And perhaps...now just imagine this right now...that we, as members of the Body of Christ, are those "rooms" in the temple of God...as we make up the "temple of God"...and while we are here on earth, we are those dwelling places for God's Holy Spirit to dwell...and as such, we are also to be a light to all those who are seeking to walk in "The Way" of Christ...and to lead them to the Father through Christ...as we are His Temple, His Body...and "the way you know." (verse 4)   

Now, this is not to take away from our heavenly home in which there are "many mansions" that Jesus is preparing for us...but could it be that while we are here on earth, we are already living in those "mansions" as members of the Body of Christ...whose temple we are?  Think about it...It will make you think more seriously about the place we are dwelling in while we walk in "The Way" of Christ here on earth...You ARE the Temple of God...and the Spirit of God dwells in you!

Don't underestimate your value as a child of God here on earth...Jesus said further in John 14:12-14

12.  "Most assuredly, I say to you,

he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also;

and greater works than these he will do, 

because I go to My Father."

13.  "And whatever you ask in My name,

that I will do,

that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14.  "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

I know this gets kind of deep...but it sure got my attention...Jesus is here with us right now...in our "mansion" in the "Temple" of God, our own "body"...a member of the Body of Christ...His Holy Spirit dwells within us...and through Him we are walking in the Way of Christ, and leading others to Him as we walk this journey together...

Wow! I think I got a lot more out of this message today than I realized...even without taking any notes! Why? Because God's Holy Spirit impressed it upon my heart so that I could share it with you.

We closed our service today singing a favorite hymn:

I'll Fly Away sung here by Joey and Rory

I'll Fly Away

Some bright morning when this life is over

I'll fly away

To that home on God's celestial shore

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone

I'll fly away

Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

Oh, how glad and happy when we meet

I'll fly away

No more cold iron shackles on my feet

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away!

I hope you are prepared to go to that place that Christ is preparing for you...where you can be where He is!  And I also hope that you will lead some others in "The Way" of Christ to our heavenly home...as well as that Temple of God where His Holy Spirit dwells here today.  Something to truly think about!

Please Note : I want to repeat this disclaimer here...the notes, outline, and content included here are based upon my own personal understanding of the message that was being given.  I am not attempting to completely quote or reproduce this message or any other message I've shared previously.  Just as each person reading these notes may glean insights and thoughts that seem to directly apply to one's own situation and interpretation, my own delivery of these messages is skewed by my hearing and translation of what is being said.  Some may read my notes here and wonder if they were hearing the same message as I...and I say, God speaks to each of us as He wills...there are things He is trying to get across to each individual that may be entirely different than what the person sitting next to you in the pew is needing to hear...  That is how the Holy Spirit works! He knows what we need to hear and how to apply it to our hearts.  So it is with that understanding that I present these sermon notes to you.

Sermon Notes, FUMC Interlachen, FL, Pastor A.C. Myers, September 16, 2018

Friday Foto Friends-Flights of Fancy

It's Thursday evening and I'm thinking about what to post for tomorrow's Friday Foto Friends. I didn't have many interesting pictures to post until a few minutes ago, when we took our evening walk.  As we walked toward my favorite pond area, I saw a young deer bolt and practically fly right out in front of us before disappearing down somewhere around the pond.  Of course, he was too quick for me to take his picture, but in my rush to follow where he ran, I kept hearing the call of a hawk from up in the trees above me.  It took me a few minutes to actually locate the hawk, as he was quite well camouflaged against the backdrop of the trees...but when I finally zeroed in on where his voice was coming from, I was surprised to see he was right in front of me the whole time!  Duh! I couldn't "see the forest for the trees!"  Or in this case, I couldn't see the hawk...even with my "hawk-eyes"!  So here are the pictures I was able to capture as he sat there and posed for me:

Isn't he magnificent?

I think this is a Red-Shouldered Hawk, but any bird experts out there please feel free to correct me if I am wrong!

After this picture he flew away...and was too quick for me to capture a picture of him flying...

I told my hubby that my fancy new "Skechers" walking shoes helped me to "fly" down the road to  find something to photograph:

Aren't they great?  I just got these in the mail (UPS) today...I love Skechers and generally that is the ONLY shoe I wear anymore. When one pair wears out I order a new pair, because they fit my foot better than any shoe I've ever had.  I got these specifically for walking as my old pair of walking shoes was breaking down and causing my feet to hurt...but I've walked a lot of miles in them over the past 5 years, so it's about time!  Skechers aren't cheap, but I got these online and if you check out their online specials/coupons, you might get 20% off, depending on which day you order, along with free shipping!    I do not buy many shoes...and when I do, it is more for comfort than style.

What else have I seen this week that I've not already shared with you? Let me think:

I don't know if you can see the two young cardinals in the Secret Garden above?  They were perched above the Welcome sign...only for a minute. We have lots of young cardinals flying around here all the time these days! Such fun to watch them chasing each other...just like children playing tag!

Speaking of birds that chase one another...

This male Ruby Throated Hummingbird was taking a short break between feedings and chasing the other hummingbirds away from the feeder.

And speaking of flying things...These two Navy Fighter Jets were buzzing around over our house again this morning!  They fly over the national forest on training flights...all the way from the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, which is about 100 miles northeast of here.  I ran outside and waved at them...but I couldn't tell if they waved back!

I guess that is enough about my "flights of fancy" for one week...
Here are a few scripture verses that have to do with "flying"... perhaps one of these will speak to you today...

Proverbs 23:4-5

4.  "Do not overwork to be rich;

Because of your own understanding, cease!

5.  Will you set your eyes on that which is not?

For riches certainly make themselves wings;

They fly away like an eagle toward heaven." 

Psalm 55:6-8, 16

6.  "So I said, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove!

I would fly away and be at rest.

7.  Indeed, I would wander far off,

and remain in the wilderness.

8.  I would hasten my escape from

the windy storm and tempest.'

16.  As for me, I will call upon God,

And the Lord shall save me."

Psalm 90:10, 12

10.  "The days of our lives are seventy years;

And if by reason of strength 

they are eighty years,

Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;

For it is soon cut off, and we fly away....

12.  So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Here's a favorite little song about "flying" that you might appreciate today:

Joey + Rory : "I'll Fly Away"

I'll Fly Away

Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch

Some bright morning when this life is over

I'll fly away

To that home on God's celestial shore

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone

I'll fly away

Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

Oh, how glad and happy when we meet

I'll fly away

No more cold iron shackles on my feet

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then

I'll fly away

To a land where joys will never end

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning

When I die, Hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

I'll fly away

I hope you've enjoyed this "flight of fancy" today. Perhaps the Lord has spoken to you through some portion of this post. I hope so.  The lady singing above, Joey Feek, has already "flown away" to glory.  For more about her remarkable life story, click HERE.

Now fly on over to Deb's place, "Breathing in Grace", and check out what our other "Friday Foto Friends" are posting today.