Saturday, October 13, 2007

Wake up



Sing to the tune of the traditional Doxology...

Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise,
To pay thy morning sacrifice.

Thy precious time misspent, redeem,
Each present day thy last esteem,
Improve thy talent with due care;
For the great day thyself prepare.

By influence of the Light divine
Let thy own light to others shine.
Reflect all Heaven’s propitious ways
In ardent love, and cheerful praise.

In conversation be sincere;
Keep conscience as the noontide clear;
Think how all seeing God thy ways
And all thy secret thoughts surveys.

Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
And with the angels bear thy part,
Who all night long unwearied sing
High praise to the eternal King.

All praise to Thee, who safe has kept
And hast refreshed me while I slept
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake
I may of endless light partake.

Heav’n is, dear Lord, where’er Thou art,
O never then from me depart;
For to my soul ’tis hell to be
But for one moment void of Thee.

Lord, I my vows to Thee renew;
Disperse my sins as morning dew.
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with Thyself my spirit fill.

Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design, or do, or say,
That all my powers, with all their might,
In Thy sole glory may unite.

I would not wake nor rise again
And Heaven itself I would disdain,
Wert Thou not there to be enjoyed,
And I in hymns to be employed.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

-Thomas Ken

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

One month

It's been a whole month since I've posted! It seems longer. What have we done?

-I've had gout. Gout! GOUT! And it hurts. I am now a vegetarian but I still can't eat beans, asparagus or cauliflower. And yes, I know about the cherry and strawberry thing. I've done all the research. I still have gout. Grrr.

-We went to Oregon on a retreat with our whole YWAM Modesto family where I...fished with my boys for the first time, hiked around a gorgeous waterfall, went swimming, had deer in our front yard, sat in a hot tub a few times, enjoyed the rythem of no schedule, spent happy days in clean mountain air, unwound, prayed with my friends, read and, well, did life.

-Spent the weekend with Amie's brother and sister-in-law's family in Portland where we video gamed, bowled, Wiied, watched movies and enjoyed a great visit.

-We, with our church, hosted our 6th annual BBQ for the homeless community of our town. We served tri-tip steak, all kinds of fixins, free haircuts and fun music right on our property. About 150 came out and a good time was had by all.

-We hosted our former pastor (Aaron's sending pastor) from Canada, John (you can listen to his awesome sermons here) and good friend Rodney who came to visit and help with preparations for the BBQ. They were a major blessing bringing warm greetings from the congregation there and physical, financial and moral support. It was so good having them here.

So that's that...I've got a few posts in the works so don't give up checking in on me.

C