September 11 Another Day We Will Never Forget

Today is the 10th year following September 11, 2001.  I'm sure everyone is recalling where they were when they were informed that the U.S. had been directly attacked.  Our nation's armed forces are on increased alert and are expecting something to happen today in New York City or Washington, DC, possibly elsewhere.  I pray that they are mistaken but will watch and wait with the rest of America.  May the Lord be gracious and protect  us all.


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Below is my post from last year re: 9/11


September 11, 2001.  That date will be remembered vividly, at least in the  United States, for the next several generations. It's been nine years and I still get a bit teary-eyed when I see replays of that morning.  My children and I were up early since they were younger,  12 and 6 at the time.   We had had breakfast and were just beginning our homeschool lessons when my husband called from work and told us to turn on the television.  As a rule, we don't turn the TV on in the mornings so we had not heard the news.

We sat watching the various  news reporters telling about the first airplane crash into the Twin Towers.  We were totally stunned when we watched LIVE as the second plane crashed and burst into flames.   We could hardly leave the TV and literally watched the day unfold as the other events occurred during that terrible day.  We have friends who are missionaries who were living in NYC at the time. Campus Crusade jumped into action to help the bereaved as did the Red Cross and many other organizations.  President Bush at the time was certainly a hero to the nation.  The military, the fire departments, the National Guard--all handled themselves with amazing courage and dedication.  I was so proud of them all.  Amid the sorrow and the chaos there was a unity in the nation that has hardly been noticeable these last several years.   Sometimes tragedy draws people, even strangers, together in a way that nothing else can.  Why wait so long to be of help to your neighbor? or to stand together as a nation?

A few years later I read the book Let's Roll by Lisa Beamer, the wife of the man who initiated the passengers of United Flight #93 to prevent the terrorists from crashing into another building, possibly the White House or the Capitol.   If you've never read it, it's a quick read and a moving tale of courage by everyday men and women.  Their bravery makes you proud to be an American.  Mrs. Beamer was honored by President Bush during his address to Congress after  9/11.

September 11 changed many things, particularly security in our nation.  I remember that I had to travel to Boston to be in  a family wedding in early  October that year, just a few weeks after these events. My husband (who didn't really want me to go) and I  decided that I should travel there without the children and him, but be accompanied by my nephews who were also in the wedding. They were both in college at the time.  I remember landing at Logan International and seeing the National Guard with their weapons in the airport.  I had seen this in Venezuela years ago but never in an American airport.   [Update 9.11.11:  Security is still tight but this spring while traveling I did not see any weapons at the airports (Dulles and Atlanta) even though we were on Orange alert.]


I remember the night after the rehearsal dinner (we had all been out too late) the fire alarm went off in our hotel (The Marriott in Quincy) around 3 a.m.  I could not believe it!   My brother and his two sons came to my room  quickly to get me. Everyone scrambled to get down the stairs, an elderly man fell and others helped him get out of the hotel and down all those stairs.  I think we were on the 11th floor.  There had been a kitchen fire but we didn't know that until later.  I remember seeing everyone standing outside in their pajamas wrapped in blankets,  anxious, cold and a bit fearful of what had happened (myself included).  I'm sure the first thought in everyone's mind was--  a terrorist attack here in Quincy, MA?

Everyone will probably be recollecting their memories of 9/11 throughout the day and as the saying goes, Let us not forget.  But as we recall, even though there was great loss and consequently major changes to our lives, also remember that we survived that day as did our children.   Each day is a gift to be lived wisely.  Do not live in fear but  call on the Lord and trust  that His plans and purposes will be fulfilled, regardless of what seems to be earth-shaking events, sorrow or change.   We are here for a reason and for  such a time as this.

Proverbs 14:26 

He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,

and for his children it will be a refuge.


Romans 12:21 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Earth Day / Good Friday

Yes, I know it's Earth Day, but Good Friday is FAR more important.   Spend some time pondering the wonderful and amazing gift that God gave us in His Son Jesus and that He willingly gave His life for us so that one day WE could live forever in heaven with Him.  If you have not received him yet, let this be the day that you do.

1John 5:13 

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 

In Christ Alone

by Keith and  Kristyn Getty

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

'til He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

To listen to this beautiful song, sung by the composers, go to THIS LINK.

FAITH: Worship

I played a suite of these two classic hymns on piano for our offertory music this morning at church. My husband had been wanting someone to play this in our church, so since it was my turn this week to play, I did so as a gift to him. He had been watching the National Parks, The Best Idea specials on TV the last few weeks where this song is played as the background music. In God's providence this song matched the topic in our Sunday school class, the offertory prayer and the sermon. This arrangement by David Maddux is from Cynthia Clawson’s Hymnsinger CD [the link allows you to listen to a bit of Cynthia singing]. My husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to hear her perform most of the songs from this CD several years ago in person at a church in our city. You may recognize the music from the movie Little Women (the Wynona Ryder version). The words and music are both comforting and worshipful.

For the Beauty of the Earth

[Text: Folliot S. Pierpoint; Music: Conrad Kocher; Arr. by W.H. Monk]

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,

for the love which from our birth over and around us lies;

Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

This Is My Father’s World

[Text: Maltbie D. Babcock; Music: Trad. English melody; adapt. by Franklin L. Sheppard]

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears

all nature sings, and round me rings

the music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought

of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,

the morning light, the lily white,

declare their Maker's praise.

This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair;

in the rustling grass I hear Him pass;

He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget

that though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world. The battle is not done.

Jesus Who died, shall be satisfied

when earth and heav’n be one.

FAITH: When You _______, I Will Be With You

Isaiah 43:1-4

...“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name; you are Mine!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,

Nor will the flame burn you.

For I am the LORD your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

Since you are precious in My sight,

Since you are honored and I love you...

Some days the events on the news are just unbelievable. One that is occurring on Friday, September 25, is the Muslim Prayer Gathering on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. I'm not really opposed to them gathering, but the fact that President Obama endorsed Muslims to gather and pray during the Islamic fasting time of Ramadan AND NOT ENDORSING any prayer gatherings for the National Day of Prayer which was in May certainly shows his preferences.

The times in our beloved nation are getting darker in segments by the day it seems, especially in the Christian and economic realms. The verse above is comforting when we go through hard times, persecution and/or suffering. In many ways, we certainly deserve them.

FAITH: Having Children

Reflecting on the baby shower I hosted on Saturday... and thankful I have been blessed with two children. For those of you who long to have children and are still single, I was 31 when I married, 33 when I had our first son, 39 when I gave birth to our second one. In His time...

Psalm 127:3-5

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one’s youth.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;

They will not be ashamed

When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

FAITH: Getting a Good Night's Sleep

Psalm 121:2-8

My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.

I know so many people who have difficulty sleeping. My husband is one of them. He hears absolutely every sound there is to hear while I sleep through the night once my head hits the pillow. I have even slept through the space shuttle flying over and shaking the windows in the house. I am so thankful that I am able to get the rest I need. I think I would be physically sick if I did not so I empathize with those who don't sleep well.

Nightly routines can help you sleep. I usually go to bed by 11 p.m. since I'm up at 6 or 6:30 a.m. each day. About 9 or 10 p.m. I read for awhile or work a Sudoku or crossword puzzle and have a hot drink, either tea or coffee, sometimes a light snack. I've conditioned myself that this is my bedtime ritual so that when I lie down to sleep, it comes quickly.

Lots of things keep us awake. Sometimes it can be a physical or medical issue, in which case, be certain to see a doctor. Several of our men friends have sleep apnea yet with the aid of a breathing mask, generally sleep well and feel much better now. If it is anxiety that keeps you awake, as it is with many, ponder and trust in the verses above. I DVRed one of the 9/11 History Channel specials on Friday night and watched it over the weekend, reliving that dreadful day in our country. If it were not for my trust in the Lord for His protection and watchcare over me and my family during those shocking weeks after Sept. 11, 2001, I would not have been able to sleep, but I remember that I did. Parents tend to worry when a child is out late or when an older one moves out of the home. It's good to know that Someone is awake ALL night long watching and protecting those He loves, who trust in Him alone for their salvation. Rest easy. He is watching over each of His children and loves ours even more than we do.


UPDATE 7.31.12:
Some new suggestions for improving sleep are drinking unsweetened cherry juice and taking a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses before going to bed.

FAITH: Do Not Fear

Isaiah 43:1-4

But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,

And He who formed you, O Israel,

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name; you are Mine!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,

Nor will the flame burn you.

For I am the LORD your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

Since you are precious in My sight,

Since you are honored and I love you...

FINANCES: Early Principal Reductions on Loans

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Here is my best tip for any type of financial debt whether it be credit card debt, car loans, home mortgage or whatever. Always pay more than the minimum payment. Study your budget and do your best to set aside a specific amount each week to make an additional principal reduction at the end of the month. The minimum payment of any loan is usually made up primarily of interest with a smaller amount paying down the actual balance of your debt. The goal is to pay this balance down as quickly as possible.

To illustrate:

Say you have a credit card balance of $5,000 @ 18% annual interest rate. The minimum payment required is $100/month. It will take you almost 8 years to pay off this debt and you would have paid over $4,300 in interest, making the $5,000 purchase into a $9,300 payback amount. On the other hand, if you add an additional $50 per month ($12.50 per week) to your loan payment, thereby making a $150 monthly payment on this same debt, it would take less than 4 years to pay it off, with under $2,000 in interest charges, a savings of more than $2,300 in interest. These amounts were calculated using Crown Ministries' Credit Card Minimum Payment Interest Calculator.

Or consider your home mortgage loan. For a mortgage of $125,000 @ 6% interest over 30 years, interest payments would be almost $145,000 making the total debt repaid almost $270,000. If, on the other hand, you make an additional $100 payment each month, the interest would be about $102,000 with the total debt $227,000, a savings of $43,000 and about 8 years less of payments! These amounts were calculated using Crown Ministries' Mortgage Prepayment Calculator.

As I've said before, the Miracle of Compound Interest truly is amazing and works both ways--to your benefit if you pay a little more; to the lender's benefit if you pay the minimum or less.

FAITH: God Provides

2Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed...

If you're looking for a new study for yourself or a small group, Crown Ministries released their new God Provides DVD series today. Throughout history, people have wrestled with the concept of trusting God to meet their needs versus relying on the world. Through stirring accounts found in the Bible, God reveals how He wants to be our ultimate Provider. This film learning experience offers a rich, dramatic journey through six theater-quality, epic short films and printed companion guide that can be used for individual or group study.

Although I have not seen this myself, this particular ministry generally has excellent resources which are free or at great prices. Check it out.

FAITH: Love of the Brethren

1Peter 1:22-23

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

My favorite cellist and I played this together at church this morning while a trio of men sang. We love because He first loved us. (I John 4: 19)

O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Words: S. Trevor Francis, 1875/ Music: Ebenezer, Thomas J. Williams, in Llaw lyfr Moliant, 1890

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!

Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!

Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love

Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!

How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!

How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;

How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!

’Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;

And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

FAITH: Song--Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

This morning at church our worship band and a trio of women singers sang this beautiful song. They sounded better than this YouTube version, but this is all I could find. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgpKYWENgNQ

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

by Keith Getty, Margaret Becker

Chorus 1

May this journey bring a blessing

May I rise on wings of faith

And at the end of my heart's testing

With Your likeness let me wake

Verse

Jesus draw me ever nearer

As I labor thro' the storm

You have called me to this passage

And I'll follow tho' I'm worn

Verse 2

Jesus guide me thro' the tempest

Keep my spirit staid and sure

When the midnight meets the morning

Let me love You even more

Chorus 2

May this journey be a blessing

May I rise on wings of faith

And at the end of my heart's testing

With Your likeness let me wake

Verse 3

Let the treasures of the trial

Form within me as I go

And at the end of this long passage

Let me leave them at Your throne

Ending

Jesus draw me ever nearer

Jesus draw me ever nearer

Jesus draw me ever nearer to You

To You

2002 Modern M. Music (Admin. by Music Services)

Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

SATURDAY, August 29, 2009

No posting today. My husband was using the computer all day and night for a church presentation on Sunday.

FAITH: Praying for Others

James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Our church has a directory of its members and regular attendees as most churches do. This summer one was published dividing the total number of families into 7 groups (about a dozen per group), one for each day of the week in order to help in praying for one another more regularly. My husband is an elder so he has been doing this for awhile but I just began when the lists were made available to everyone. I generally read my Bible in the mornings and choose a scripture passage to pray for the people in the group for that day. This week, for variety, I decided I would email each group each day and tell them what I had prayed for them. Here is what I prayed for each on Tuesday. I was amazed at the number of responses I received back. I even got a phone call from a young man in another state who said it was exactly what he needed on that day and asked if I knew what had been going on in his life. We cannot underestimate the power of prayer and its impact on people, particularly when we pray scripture (His written Word and will) back to the Lord. Just knowing that someone is praying for me is such an encouragement and something we all need every day. If you prayed something specific for someone today, tell them so. It will strengthen their faith and bless you as well.