Purpose to Praise

Snowflakes swirl down to kiss the ground below, leaving a frosted carpet of white. My eyes fluttered open this morning to peer through the crack of my window, and I let out a gasp to see snow drifting on the rooftop. The world looked like an inverted snowglobe, feathery flakes spinning softly through the air.

On days like these the heart beats the pulse of praise. A day of first snowfall, no school with Thanksgiving break, sleeping in, time at one's leisure . . .

A brother coming home, kitchen all a-bustle, friends coming to stay, family to gather . . .

Time to read, sip tea, watch a movie, soft yarn in one's hands, toasting in the warmth of a crackling fire . . .

It brings the spring in the step, puts a song in the heart, praise on my lips.

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Why can't all my days be like this? Or . . . can they? Can I sing praise on the bad days, too?

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; May my meditation
be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

Psalm 104:33-34

This verse immediately reminded me of Joni Erickson Tada. Despite her increased trial of battling cancer on top of paralysis, she continues to sing praises to her Lord and King. When listening to a Revive Our Hearts podcast the other day, I was challenged at how she could easily break out into song in the midst of her hardship. Her attitude is God-given, an attitude each of us should pray and long for: the heart of praise no matter where we stand.

:: :: ::

In good times and in bad times may my heart and mouth be faithful to declare your greatness. Let me not become muddled with faithless thoughts. Turn my heart to see your Light--your glory--in every place you ordain. By your grace enable my heart to purpose to praise you every day, whatever the circumstance. Let me praise you as long as I live.

Word for Today

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.

Psalm 55:7

Word for Today

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.

Job 19:25

A nugget of treasure I will bring with me through the day.

With His Hands

Knitting needles have been clacking for several weeks now, many projects taking shape. Nothing like the feel of yarn through your fingers...


My hands are always cold. icy. frigid. When I saw a pattern for "fingerless mittens" on Martha Stewart's website, I whipped out some scrap yarn from a previous project and eagerly started knitting. Now, while scratching away with pencil and paper during these monotonous, winter school days, I sport their colorful design.

But, no sooner did I finish when Mom made admiring comments. As Christmas was just around the corner, I modified the pattern to make a pair for her to enjoy.

^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *

My cold hands He holds in His.

Though I hold them outstretched

These hands have nothing they can give.

Veined to an icy, cold heart

A source hardened, uncapable to produce the life-giving flow.

But He warms my heart

Melts the stone cold soul

Showing me His soft touch

Clasping my weak hands in His

His hands hold mine

Giving the warm surge

Rush of life

That I might touch another

Reaching out a hand like His

with His.

^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your
work shall be rewarded.

- 2 Chronicles 15:7

For He wounds, but He binds up; He shatters, but HIS hands heal.

- Job 5:18

Behold, you have instructed many, and YOU have strengthened the weak hands

- Job 4:3

For you, O LORD, have made me glad by Your work; at the works of YOUR hands I sing for joy.

- Psalm 92:4