Sunday's Song

O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing

O for a thousand tongues to sing

My great Redeemer’s praise,

The glories of my God and King,

The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,

Assist me to proclaim,

To spread through all the earth abroad

The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,

That bids our sorrows cease;

’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,

’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,

He sets the prisoner free;

His blood can make the foulest clean,

His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to His voice,

New life the dead receive,

The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,

The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,

Your loosened tongues employ;

Ye blind, behold your Savior come,

And leap, ye lame, for joy.

In Christ your Head, you then shall know,

Shall feel your sins forgiven;

Anticipate your heaven below,

And own that love is heaven.

Glory to God, and praise and love

Be ever, ever given,

By saints below and saints above,

The church in earth and heaven.

On this glad day the glorious Sun

Of Righteousness arose;

On my benighted soul He shone

And filled it with repose.

Sudden expired the legal strife,

’Twas then I ceased to grieve;

My second, real, living life

I then began to live.

Then with my heart I first believed,

Believed with faith divine,

Power with the Holy Ghost received

To call the Savior mine.

I felt my Lord’s atoning blood

Close to my soul applied;

Me, me He loved, the Son of God,

For me, for me He died!

I found and owned His promise true,

Ascertained of my part,

My pardon passed in heaven I knew

When written on my heart.

Look unto Him, ye nations, own

Your God, ye fallen race;

Look, and be saved through faith alone,

Be justified by grace.

See all your sins on Jesus laid:

The Lamb of God was slain,

His soul was once an offering made

For every soul of man.

Awake from guilty nature’s sleep,

And Christ shall give you light,

Cast all your sins into the deep,

And wash the Æthiop white.

Harlots and publicans and thieves

In holy triumph join!

Saved is the sinner that believes

From crimes as great as mine.

Murderers and all ye hellish crew

In holy triumph join!

Believe the Savior died for you;

For me the Savior died.

With me, your chief, ye then shall know,

Shall feel your sins forgiven;

Anticipate your heaven below,

And own that love is heaven.

What Happened to April Showers?

If April showers bring May flowers, what will snow storms bring? Many of us in northern Wisconsin are left wondering.

Hayward, WI received at least 11 inches of snow, yesterday, with a snow advisory still in effect 'til later this evening. Here in Eau Claire, we only had enough to cover up any signs of spring.

Not that any of this is going to last, but when you are looking forward to something and it gets delayed, it can be a bit disheartening.

Mother Nature, after all, should not be tossing snowflakes and hurling hail at us, this time of year! It's just not in compliance with the laws of the land many of us would like to believe exists. Hummm--and some scientists still believe we have global warming? I think not!

--LKR

Here We Go Again!!!

The gusty winds are howling, and the presence of snow mixed with rain and sleet is threatening the very nature of spring! NOAA Weather Radio has cautioned it's listeners to make sure we're all still prepared for winter conditions.

Last night, possible blizzards were being predicted for the Duluth area. Closer to home, they're now saying we could get up to 5" of snow on Friday!!! While that remains to be seen, fellow cheeseheads are heeding the warning and have cancilled soccer games that were scheduled for Saturday.

I'm no where near as seasoned as the cheddarheads living up here in the north their whole lives, so I'll follow suit. I'd like to tell myself this is all a bad dream, or maybe click my heels together and whisper, "there's no place like home," but the cold sharp winds encountered when I brought poochie in was a rude awakening.

My kids ran all the way home from the bus stop after school. "It's hailing and snowing, and it hurts when it hits you!" they shrieked. And to think, my son almost left the house this morning wearing shorts!!! --LKR

Sunday's Song

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.

Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre, and as they tune it, fall
Before His face Who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all.
Before His face Who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all.

Crown Him, ye morning stars of light, Who fixed this floating ball;
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown Him Lord of all.
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown Him Lord of all.

Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God, who from His altar call;
Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod, and crown Him Lord of all.
Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod, and crown Him Lord of all.

Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race, ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all.
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all.

Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line, Whom David Lord did call,
The God incarnate, Man divine, and crown Him Lord of all,
The God incarnate, Man divine, and crown Him Lord of all.

Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget the wormwood and the gall,
Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all.
Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all.

Let every tribe and every tongue before Him prostrate fall
And shout in universal song the crownèd Lord of all.
And shout in universal song the crownèd Lord of all.

More Signs of Spring

Lovely crocus in greater numbers than the year before brighten the day!So far, the rabbits and deer have spared these tulips... !Mole and mice tunnels and holes are revealed after the snow and ice have melted.

Several of these little beetles were scurrying around on the ground throughout our yard. When I was younger, I used to love to play with them! Fess time: I still do!!!

A flock of geese flying up above. A raptor, probably a red-tailed hawk, was later flying around, too. Sandhill cranes also flew overhead, this afternoon! A few weeks ago when we were in Chicago, I saw a flock flying way up high as we were driving into the city.

This is the second hummer's nest in the three and a half years we've lived here that I've found in our low growing, fragrant mock orange bush. Mock orange is a super butterfly magnet in the spring, as are lilacs!

A very skinny robin in search of food among patches of snow.

--LKR

Spring Has Sprung!!!

Yeay, spring is finally here!!! Yesterday's 5" of snow has been melting all day, today! The frozen tundra is finally thawing!!!

Stepping out onto our deck, my eyes were drawn to a bright splash of color. Doing a double take, I found myself beholding a beautiful patch of purple crocuses!

We've been covered in a blanket of white snow since November, so it was rather shocking to see something other than blinding white (when the sun is shining!), black pavement, brown mud (just recently!), or the green of pines.

I can't wait to see more color! --LKR

No Foolin'!

It had snowed all day, yesterday, with more snow in the forecast all through the night. To be on the safe side, I tuned into the morning news. "All Eau Claire, Menomonie, and Chippewa Falls schools are closed," reported one radio station. This being April Fool's Day, I tuned into another station. (I later found out I wasn't the only one who did this!!!) They said the same thing. It was no joke--this was another snow day!

My kids spent yet another (boring) day at home watching movies and playing computer games 'til I finally kicked them out of the house for some fresh air. These two snowmen will not last long!!! --LKR

Wouldn't You Know It?

Wouldn't you know it--only in Wisconsin will you have a delivery arrive from a nursery while a winter weather advisory is in effect for Eau Claire!!! And a heavy snow advisory is in effect for the surrounding area!!! What happened to spring???

Well, these dormant plants will be spending a few more weeks dozing in our garage until I can plant them into pots... before they can actually be planted in the ground!

Please, Think Spring!!!

--LKR

Sunday's Song

He Lives

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives
today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading
Thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives
today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him,
The help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives
today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

Sunday's Song

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

--Charles Wesley, 1739

Making Good Use of the Snow

Let the fun begin!!!

Sunday's Song

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

--Reginald Herber, 1826

Educating Entertainers Eating Aphids

I know many of you are not fond of these little beetles, let alone any bug in your homes, but to me, they are a mixed blessing. Call me nuts, but I rescue them before they accidentally go down the drain when searching for water, turn off lights when they fly into them at night, etc.

Why do I welcome them? They:

1) feast on the aphids that are unavoidably brought in on plants at the end of summer

2) are bright, colorful, and alive!!!

3) provide entertainment (while doing dishes, etc)

4 & 5) bring back memories of the real Ladybugs that were plentiful in my youth that would overwinter, lay eggs, and their alligator-looking larvae were an introduction to metamorphosis=education

Soon, they will disappear as warmer weather approaches, but until then, I'm enjoying their antics. And am relocating them to a newly bought plant that's covered in aphids! --LKR

Sunday's Song

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

--Philip P. Bliss

Let's Go for a Ride!

This trip starts out at the DMV, right by the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. It is on the extreme north of Eau Claire, a truly beautiful area once you work your way out of the industrial section.

The trip to the DMV was a successful one, in many ways:

1) I was in and out of there in 45 minutes!!! NJ must be worse, by now, but in IL, one year, I stood--and sat--in line for three hours at the DMV in Villa Park!!!

2) Even though I had to have a picture taken for the renewal of my license, this has been the second time in a row I've actually really liked my headshot!!! Only in WI!!! Sorry to NJ and IL... .
Hummm--I wonder if the woman who takes these shots would like to volunteer on our school's yearbook staff! We could always use more help, and I'm looking for people to fill in for those of us who will be leaving once our children graduate on to middle school!

3) This new license is good for eight years, provided we don't do something silly, like change our address!!! I'm loving it!!!

This used to be Moulton's Skate America up until a year or two ago. It's still a popular place for kids to spend the afternoon!

When I'm up this way, I like to take a detour over and around the airport to take in the views. We won't go too far, as it's a "long" trip home, and my camera accidentally got set to a wrong setting.

It was an overcast and cloudy day, but still beautiful. These are scenes of where the Chippewa River cuts into the landscape. I was fortunate enough to witness a plane coming in for landing over the river. It's always a thrill!

--LKR

Sunday's Song

A Better Way

I'm not alone, I really believe
You never go, You never leave
Here and now, You always stay
“I love you” could not be said a better way

It's everything You've promised
There's no greater love than this
From prophets until today
A Man laying down His life for His friends
Your sacrifice has spoken, You gave everything
And “I love you” could not be said
A better way

I am forgiven, I clearly see
It's why You came to do all you did for me
Trading Earth with Heaven, You took my place
“I love you” could not be said
A better way

Because You redeem, I know what's to come
Everything I could lose here, You've already won
So You have my surrender, with passion obey
“I love you” could not be said
A better way.
- Jason Germain

Sienna

Hi, Mister Poochie, here!

Today, I'll tell you about my little buddy, Sienna, I will. Sienna is my sibling Hannah's little red stuffed bear. Together, they are doing a geography project for school, they are.

You can help by participating in one of two ways, you can: 1) if you see them personally, you can sign Sienna's book of travels, or 2) you can sign their blog under "comments". Just click on: http://siennastraveljournal.blogspot.com/

The class needs to know where you live or lived, where you work, what you do, and interesting places you've traveled, they do. They will be charting it at school on maps sometime later in the spring, although Mom thought it might be fun to leave the blog up indefinitely, she does. She used to homeschool my siblings, she did, and says it's "still in her".

The picture above is of me and Sienna, today. Mom had given me a big yummy yummy chewy chewy boney bone, and I asked Sienna if she would like to nibble on it with me. Sienna doesn't eat as much as my kitty sister Rocky does when we share things, she doesn't! Mom says I always eat things quickly even without any help!
--Mister Poochie

...A Night Without a Day

Did anyone see the lunar eclipse, last night? We did--at least part of it! Here are two pics from the event.

"A day without a night and a night without a day" is a quote taken from one of my hubby's favorite movies, Lady Hawk. --LKR

Let's Go for a Ride!

These pics were taken yesterday on our way home from church. We've had a lot of snow dumped on us, this winter, with at least 13" on the ground, presently. Weeeeell, we just got some more! I don't know about anyone else, but I'm praying for an early spring--just like I do every year!!! But I will enjoy the beauty only winter can bring.

This is on 93, right by the I-94 ramp

Ken Vance Motors is right by Action City and the new water park that's being built

Is that a plow??? Yup, and its also spreading sand!!! Yeay! We're saved!!!

Deerfield Road, AKA II

The corner of Deerfield Road and Lowes Creek Road with the kinda new 4-way stop signs

This is where I pick Milkweed in the summer months for our hungry Monarch caterpillars

I love living out in the country!!! "Country roads, take me home, to the place, where I beloooong..."

This is the non-functioning farm I fell in love with when we were house hunting.

It's all very lovely but,

Think Spring!!!

--LKR

Sunday's Song

My Jesus, I Love Thee

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in Heaven so bright;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now

--William R. Featherston

What Is Love?

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." --John 15:13

Y Y Y

"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails." --1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Y Y Y

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." --John 15:12

Y Y Y

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." --1 John 4:10

Y Y Y

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." --John 3:16-17

Y Y Y

"Yea, I (the LORD, or Jehovah) have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." --Jeremiah 31:3

Y Y Y

Espanol: "Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo, que dio a su Hijo *unigénito, para que todo el que cree en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna." --Juan 3:16

Francais: "Car Dieu a tant aimé le monde qu'il a donné son Fils unique, afin que quiconque croit en lui ne périsse point, mais qu'il ait la vie éternelle." --Jean 3:16

Magyar: "Mert úgy szerette Isten e világot, hogy az õ egyszülött Fiát adta, hogy valaki hiszen õ benne, el ne vesszen, hanem örök élete legyen." Janos 3:16

Y Y Y Happy Valentine's Day! Y Y Y

Various translations were taken from: http://bibleresources.bible.com/bible_kjv.php

--LKR

Sunday's Song

One There Is Above All Others

One there is above all others,
Oh, how He loves!
His is love beyond a brother's,
Oh, how He loves!
Earthly friends may fail or leave us,
One day soothe, the next day grieve us;
But this Friend will ne'er deceive us:
Oh, how He loves!

'Tis eternal life to know Him,
Oh, how He loves!
Think, oh,think how much we owe Him,
Oh, how He loves!
With His precious blood He bought us,
In the wilderness He sought us,
To His flock He safely brought us:
Oh, how He loves!

Blessed Jesus! would you know Him?
Oh, how He loves!
Give yourselves entirely to Him,
Oh, how He loves!
Think no longer of the morrow,
From the past new courage borrow,
Jesus carries all your sorrow:
Oh, how He loves!

All your sins shall be forgiven,
Oh, how He loves!
Backward shall your foes be driven,
Oh, how He loves!
Best of blessings He'll provide you,
Nought but good shall e'er betide you,
Safe to glory He will guide you:
Oh, how He loves!

XLII Reflections

Wow, 17 to 14! What a close game! We were all glued to our seats--and the screen--that whole fourth quarter!

I must admit, however, even though my team was playing--and won!--this year's XLII Super Bowl game, I watched it in it's entirety mainly for the commercials. For that very reason, both my oldest and I took our potty breaks and "ran errands" during the game!

Having majored in Art in High School and taken an Advertising Art class in College (for my Photo Tech degree) many moons ago helped develop my appreciation for such things. To boot, my super tough professor who worked on Fifth Ave in NYC, drilled into us what made for good advertising. The element of surprise was always good, and how you presented it was imperative.

Our favorites were:
* Fed Ex (giant carrier pigeons--a new reason to fear birds!)
* Bridgestone Tires (the screaming squirrel, animals, insect (loved it!), and lady passenger (my reaction to this type of situation to a "T"!))
* Budweiser (dalmatian training the horse for next year's team)
* Coke (the balloon characters clambering and scrambling for the bottle and Charlie Brown getting something good, for once!)

Others I enjoyed were:
* Bud Light (where the poor, flying man "living his dream" gets sucked into a plane's engine only to have another passenger ask, "Rough flight?")
* Bridgestone Tires (with Alice Cooper (so that's what he's been up to!) and Richard Simmons, my fitness guru during my college years (he hasn't changed a bit!))
* Coke (I hate politics, but liked this political one, for some reason)

As far as the game went, I found it to be exciting, like when a Giants player caught the ball on his helmet! (Sorry--don't remember who caught that one.) And with that close of a game, when the Giant's scored in the fourth quarter, our poor poochie leaped out of his fur with the deafening roar made in our family room! (He's not used to hearing all five of us shout all at once at the top of our lungs--he doesn't go to soccer games!)

Congrats to Plaxico Burress for that final touch down (yes, the Lord did allow him to play, and for a good reason!!!), Eli Manning for his admirable leadership, and to all the Giants and Giant's fans out there! And condolences to the Patriots and their fans who played a super season! --LKR

Sunday's Song

I Stand Amazed

(My Savior's Love)

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me
A sinner, condemned, unclean


O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!


For me it was in the garden
He prayed: "Not My will, but Thine."
He had no tears for His own griefs
But sweat drops of blood for mine


In pity angels beheld Him
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night

He took my sins and my sorrows
He made them His very own
He bore the burden to Calvary
And suffered and died alone


When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see
Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me

--Charles H. Gabriel