ABBA FATHER

It is so amazing that words written so long ago are totally full of same meaning as when they were written. This is an old, old hymn, one I never knew, but the words are as familiar to my heart as ever. Singing of His marvelous grace and mercy that He would love so much to save even me. And He would clothe me in splendor and seat me at His banquet table to dine wtih him. And then I will be singing praises to Him for eternity. God bless you as you read these words that never lose their power.

ABBA, FATHER! WE APPROACH THEE




“Abba, Father!” We approach Thee



In our Savior’s precious Name;


We, Thy children, here assembled,


Now Thy promised blessing claim;


From our sins His blood hath washed us,


’Tis through Him our souls draw nigh,


And Thy Spirit, too, hath taught us,


“Abba, Father,” thus to cry.






Once as prodigals we wandered


In our folly far from Thee,


But Thy grace, o’er sin abounding,


Rescued us from misery;


Thou Thy prodigals hast pardoned,


Kissed us with a Father’s love,


Spread the festive board, and called us,


E’er to dwell with Thee above.






Clothed in garments of salvation,


At Thy table is our place,


We rejoice, and Thou rejoicest,


In the riches of Thy grace;


“It is meet,” we hear Thee saying,


“We should merry and be glad,


I have found My once lost children,


Now they live who once were dead.”






“Abba, Father!” all adore Thee,


All rejoice in Heav’n above,


While in us they learn the wonders


Of Thy wisdom, grace, and love;


Soon before Thy throne assembled,


All Thy children shall proclaim,


“Glory, everlasting glory,


Be to God and to the Lamb!”


                     James G. Deck 1841

Noah's Ark Baby Afghan



Among other things I have been an avid crocheter for 35 years. This is one of my latest projects. It is a single crochet baby afghan with the Noah's Ark theme. It was fun doing this afghan for my little granson who was born on July 3rd this year.

My biggest challenge with crocheting is that I am left handed. It took me forever to learn to even chain. All my "teachers" were right handed and the directions are all for right handed people. I finally had my sister-in-law sit across from me and I just mirrored what she did. I caught on almost instantly and I just took off from there. While all you right handers are crocheting from right to left, I'm going from left to right. It all works out in the end.

My next project after I finish 5 tie blankets, is crocheting a rug from old T-shirts. If you want to know how to do that here is the web site to show you how.  http://www.craftstylish.com/item/39345/how-to-crochet-a-rug-out-of-t-shirts

After working 11-12 hours a day at my clinic, this is a great way to relax and still be productive. I'd love to connect with blogs of others who have some crafty ideas. God bless you all,

Joyful Parenting

  My niece, Tara McClanahan, has a web site dedicated to Christian Parenting. Here is a great article she wrote concerning ridding your home of toxic negativity and filling it with the joy of the Lord.
 
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/10-point-manifesto-of-joyful-parenting-free-printable/

You can visit Tara's site at: http://taramcclenahan.com/

STANDING ON THE PROMISES

"He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit." Galatians 3:14

"The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:39

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient wtih you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

"Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:21

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

"Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 2 Peter 1:4

God bless you as you visit the wonderful praise and worship sites through Spiritual Sundays.