Gone but Never Forgotten

Lately I've been really missing my friend, George. He died of AIDS nearly 13 years ago, and not a week goes by that I don't quote him, or laugh at a memory of something witty/snarky/funny he said. His voice often rings in my ears at just the right time. He had a way of cutting through the BS of life and getting to the heart of things...and no one could make me laugh as quickly or as hard.

He had such a big impact on my life; whenever I start to wonder if I had any kind of impact on him, I hear him snark, "Don't flatter yourself, Honey."

And all I can do is laugh.

Thundering in My Ears

I have had a very tough day physically...a pretty bad fibro attack along with the heart palpitations and hot flashes that come with being an almost-49-year-old female. Most of the day, it was physical pain and discomfort which seemed to thunder in my ears, heart, and soul.

Just a little while ago, a song broke through which is now thundering louder than anything else. I want to post it here because the truth of these lyrics is so rich...and it is my prayer that this truth would thunder more loudly than any pain -- physical or emotional -- that I might be feeling. And not just left-brain truth as knowledge but the right-brain truth of *experiencing* His amazing power, strength, and love in my life. Make it so, Lord.

In Christ Alone
Stuart Townend, Keith 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
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till 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;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

July 4

red, white and blue
the colors of our flag
'tis true

Australia
France
Great Britain
Iceland
New Zealand
and Norway
(to name a few)
all have flags
of those three hues

we are but one of many
start sharing, America

Happy Birthday