Yesterday, Today, Forever-

The nail-scars in His hands and feet Are there so I can always see He died upon that cruel cross To show His love for even me. I, too, was there with voice of scorn. And drove the nails in, one by one. I watched His life-blood soak the ground. Did not believe this was God’s Son. But when He cried, “Forgive them Father.” I saw a love I’d never known. He took my place upon that cross! Forgave my sin; called me His own. Replaced despair with hope eternal! I’ve been redeemed, I’ve been set free! Abundant joy, instead of mourning! I’ll live with Him eternally. © Karin Ristau

Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed Isaac Watts wrote many papers for places of higher learning but his most famous work is the hymn, “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed.” Watts was born July 17, 1674, at Southampton, England. Such compelling lyrics came from a child born into a home of “non-comformists” during the times when the Church of England persecuted Dissenters and Independents. His father was jailed twice during this time of persecution. Despite the fact that this era of intolerance lasted only a short while; it had a significant effect on Watts. In 1707, Watts wrote the lyrics to “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed.” One line echoes such a impact, “Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree?” In 1850, Fanny Crosby answered the altar call at a revival as the audience began to sing “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed.” When they sang the lyric, “Here, L...

One day I asked the question, “How does one become a monitor?” Dead silence on the screen. “Oops,” I thought, “did I say something wrong?” After what seemed like a very long time, an official Christian Women Today Director came on. She used the private chat button to talk to me personally. Imagine my surprise when a few minutes into the conversation revealed that we had mutual friends! She had been bridesmaid at my cousin’s wedding! These are real people! As we got talking I understood completely that this is what the Lord wanted to show me. We were full of excitement at how He had orchestrated this meeting. I was an answer to her prayer for more volunteers. This ministry was an answer to my prayer for something I could do from home because I could not get out as much as before my injury. Later in the day she telephoned with me. We talked for over an hour! She signed me up as a volunteer with Campus Crusade (as it was known then) right away. Reference checks were simply for her files...

Just like the weather outside, storms clouds were threatening my heart. Christians do become sad. They can have down days. But this was so different. I was preparing for a pity party – just me, myself and I. ‘We’ weren’t too far into it yet when I heard a knock on my heart’s door. I had really wanted to be alone to grieve that I could no longer do all the things I wanted to since my knee injury (yesterday's post). Reluctantly I went to open the door and who should be there but my best Friend! He had something new and exciting He wanted to show me. He had planted a new thought in my mind. Once again He proved himself faithful. Before I called He came!! I was reminded that recently a friend of mine talked about how he enjoyed chatting on the internet. It was common knowledge that chat rooms on the internet are dangerous places where unsuspecting chatters, who reveal too much personal information, can really get into trouble. I’ve never been one to believe all negative and shocking ...

Betty, over at Wiens World , had a funny story this morning about a birthday party she attended for a friend. Her post triggered a memory I thought I’d share with you. Five years ago, just when I was pushing 60, the ladies of our auxiliary were checking out which drapes would look best in the guest room we were furnishing at the nursing home. The chairman's wife was already on the table when I got there. She was holding up one side of the drapes against the window. Because the other two ladies were older, I decided that it best be me getting on a chair and holding up the other end of the drapes. We were having a great time – deciding between this pair or that pair. Laughing, joking, poking fun! Back and forth it went – wow, this one looks nice, but let me see that pair again! When we had finally decided on which pair looked the best, the one we would recommend to the group to purchase, I turned to get off the chair. It had been an easy thing to get on, but I somehow lost my...

With permission from Jennifer Schlick, WinterWoman. Someone sent me this story by E-mail this morning. Just loved it and wanted to pass it on. A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking. He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway. I told him right off he was crazy. He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car, his hands, and the way he talked. He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale. I told him he had a funny idea of beauty. Sure, it was a handsome building in its day. But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind. The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray. Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired. Yet, that fellow called it beautiful. That set me to thinking. I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazi...

There is a place upon a hill, Where stands a rugged trading post. Here’s where I come each brand new day To trade for what I need the most. I bring my sins, receive forgiveness, I drop my grudges, the whole load, Here I shed tears of deepest grief And in their place His love behold. What joy He gives when I drop pride, And pick up His humility. When I let go of angry thoughts, He fills my life with harmony. That wrecked relationship I bring, It’s something He needs to repair. Here I leave burdens, take His peace. Dispose of all my sorrows there. Oh, I invite you! Come to Him! He offers you great gain, not loss! Exchange despair for hope eternal! Leave all your cares down at the Cross! Karin Ristau ©