I read about a retired physical education instructor. At his retirement party he told his colleagues, “In my younger days I dreamed of being  a great athlete, cheered by thousands to a string of world-breaking victories… only to wake up to reality that I didn’t have the legs or the lungs. Well, that’s okay too – God has given me a chance to help those more naturally gifted.”

True, we all have our God-given gifts, talents and skills. Up to us to share or make the most of them.

“Favorite Hymns Live!” is the latest 2-disk set CD offering of Jeanne T. Arrigo, a Chicago-based American pop-folk singer/songwriter and stage performer. It is a follow-up to her successful 2005 “The Journey’s About to Begin.”

Yesterday, I found this short prayer (anonymous) that simply touches.

I thought of so many people I haven’t heard from for such a long time, and more so, supposed friends simply out of touch from each others’  busy lives.

Sharing it with warm thoughts:

“Lord, make old people tolerant,

Young folk sympathetic,

Great folk humble,

Busy folk patient, Bad folk good,

And make me what I ought to be.”

 A great challenge, but put to practice, out lives may still run smoothly, and the world a beautiful place to be.

Some days the cares of life just overwhelm, bills to pay, inconsiderate neighbours, when you seem to miss an email or a call from a friend, moments of unwanted rain.

When feeling low and discouraged, here are comforting words Icopied and found in my notebook:

“A slender wire can carry a strong current; a window can let in a lot of light.”

I realize I haven’t been posting to this site as I give way to other things, other priorities. 

Surviving, hurt, fair weather friends, a moving on, a letting go. 

Call it a trigger. Yesterday a hymn came to mind. No, it’s not even from amongst my favourites  ”It is well with my Soul” or “How Great Thou Art” or “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

It’s a hymn that contains the words, “I know not what the future hath of marvel or surprise…”  

Many months have passed since the New Year 2009. It’ll soon be May, “the lusty month of May” according to Camelot.  Somehow, I can’t help reflecting on what a wonderful philosophy of life this songwriter has, from his hymn.

Many of us are feeling the toll of the economic situation. It is inevitable that so often, especially nowadays, it is with a certain kind of foreboding that we get more and more anxious of what a day may bring.

Well, not so with this hymn writer. (I”m sorry, his/her name escapes me at this writing.)  For the words inspire and encourage us with wonder, of marvel and surprise. 

We can only hope for better things to come, with blessings from above.

Guidance, Answered Prayer, Forgiveness, Salvation, Victory

© Tel Asiado

Dec 27, 2008

As everyone welcomes the New Year, months of new beginnings beckon. Cherished memories of the past linger on, but January draws a sign of moving on to another journey of challenges ahead. For Christians, nothing can be sweeter than be drawn to God in Christ, begin and grow in his abiding love and grace.

Full article … [New Year Words of Assurances]

A Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

My thoughts for this festive holiday is found in ”Season’s Greetings” of Christmas Tidbits.

Despite our day to day challenges, it’s good to feel the peace and hope of Christmas, for it is the time when Jesus the Son of God chose to become a man by coming to earth to identify with us,  sinners. And later, to provide forgiveness for us by dying on the cross. But it doesn’t stop there… He rose from the dead, to give us eternal life.

God’s blessings to you all.

Tel

Anne Steele, Hymn Writer, and Hans G. Nägeli, Composer

© Tel Asiado

Sep 1, 2008

The theme in this hymn “Father, Whatever of Earthly Bliss” is that of reliance and thankfulness to God. God always blesses the sacrifices of His children.

The Bible reference is found in 1 Peter 5:10, which says, “And the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Full article …[Father, Whatever of Earthly Bliss]

Written by Dorothy Gurney, Composed by Joseph Barnby

© Tel Asiado

Aug 17, 2008

The wedding hymn “O Perfect Love” was written in 1883 by an English writer, Dorothy B. Gurney, who wrote only this one hymn text throughout her lifetime. She wrote this for her older sister’s wedding.

Gurney stated that writing this hymn was no effort after the initial idea came to her from the two-fold aspect of perfect union – love and life – and that she always felt God helped her write it. The text first appeared in the Anglican Church hymnal, Hymns Ancient and Modern, Supplement, published in 1889.

Full article … [O Perfect Love]

Sacred Song Written by William Cowper, Composed by John Dykes

© Tel Asiado

Aug 17, 2008

The story goes that William Cowper, the hymn author of “O for a Closer Walk with God,” lived a sad life. Early on, he developed a chronic melancholia and despondency that plagued him until death. In one state of mental torment, he attempted suicide by drowning in October, 1773.

Although Cowper wrote much fine devotional materials, he was continually troubled by the lack of assurance of his own salvation.

Full article … [O for a Closer Walk with God]