OK, this is the last posting of the day! Promise!I was giggling just thinking about telling you what your reading would be for this week, thinking that some of you were holding your breath, believing that because our last psalm was 118 that I would never, ever, ever, suggest that this week's reading would be 119 - just from the sheer fact that they are back to back and it being so-o-o long and all! Well, you know what? You're right! Your reading will not be Psalm 119... (sigh) but I have to say, it is one wonderful psalm, and one that is well worn in my Bible.
Girls, your reading this week is Psalm 120-134, the "Psalms of Ascents". Should I be wondering at this point whether your enthusiasm for me being back is as enthusiastic as it was earlier?
I will continue to encourage you to keep on reading Out Loud and to select from your reading a verse, or verses, to commit to memory.
Other than that, I will say no more, except... ENJOY!
12 comments:
Hi everyone!
We got in to Terrace last night and got the lap top to work and found out I won. I was so excited that I didn't know what to say so I decided to wait a bit and sure enough later we couldn't get back on the computer so now I am just going to say THANK YOU THANK YOU. Another exampleof God's blessing upon me .Cathie, I just know that you will know how much I will cherish this journal in my walk with God. Last night I started to read the remaining psalms trying to figure out which one would be next and this morning when I first saw psalm 119 I just about choked because it was so long I didn't know how I would be able to tackle it in just one short week but low and behold I still have that problem but in the next two days I will have lots of time to read so God has answered another need of mine.Isn't He just so amazing! Well enough talk, time to get down to buisness.
Hi Edna,
I read your favorite psalm and it is so perfect. I can see why you love it so much. Thanks for sharing this with us. There are so many psalms it is hard to read them all right now so to select a few special ones is wonderful. I think Cathie has truly given us a challenge this week and I think a lot of us will be doing a lot of praying and asking for God's help and wisdom. Good luck and I will be thinking of you.
Hi Debbie,
Isn't this a great way to stay connected...you don't seem so far away. I went through the same emotions you did...going whew! it's not the LONG one and then when I saw it was Psalm 120-134 I thought it was a misprint and Cathie would soon correct it. Then I saw why they were together and had a good laugh. I needed that because I think I will be on my knees... A LOT!
Debbie, I know how busy you have been and you have been given the gift of time, it is a precious thing...you will use it well.
Last night I felt a little overwhelmed but this morning I am picking up on lifting my eyes. To me that is so great...especially these days. Vs:7&8 are huge to me. "He will keep your soul". He is not sleeping but protecting, guarding...I am trying to pick out the best. Okay, I give up, I think as of today ALL of 121 is great! I am clinging to these verses today.
I am so very glad you are back Cathie. I think you probably heard a collective sigh from all of us.
Hi Debbie! You being in Terrace brings back memories of when I was a young girl living in Nass Camp... it was a long, dusty, bumpy, 100 mile trip by car in the summer, on a gravel road into Terrace to buy our groceries and I would throw-up on almost every trip! - there and back! The great part was staying at the Sandman Inn - they had air-conditioning and an ice machine...Yeeha!
Hope that you will enjoy your time away and come back feeling refreshed.
Just read through these Psalms leisurely and without strain, enjoy them knowing that the whole purpose of them is to draw you closer to God the Father.
Girls...don't get hung up on trying to 'understand' every little thing, let God 'selah' (pause) you where He would have you rest and meditate and then move on at a leisurely 'ascent'.
Love you girls!
Hi Cathie and Angie,
I can't believe (but should by now) how good God is to me. I was a bit overwhelmed yesterday and was trying too hard to go through each Psalm and wondered how I would ever finish. This morning we are on our way to the Charolette's and thought I would access the blog one more time to see if there was any encouragement on it. And just look at what I found!!! Angie, I was going to ask you for some words of wisdom and not only did you already give them to me but Cathie you also gave on the blog. I thank the Lord for all of this and am continuing to be bless by Him. Thanks so much to the two of you as well. I already miss you.
Hi Debbie! I am so glad that you have been encouraged - just think of these psalms this week as drinking water. When we thirst and are given water, we do not stop to analyse the molecular structure of it all - we just DRINK! As you drink of these psalms, just know that God Himself is leading and guiding you. The Songs of Ascents were sung on three very significant occasions, one being on the pilgrimage of God's people to Jerusalem for the feasts. As you read through these psalms, let them simply guide you closer to the heart of God. Enjoy them, and allow them to encourage you and refresh your soul, on your own pilgrimage this week!
Angie, He is indeed guarding you and is your Keeper. I rejoice with you as today you lift your eyes in expectation of your Savior's guiding hand.
Good Evening Girls and Welcome Back Cathie!
Once again, the reading for this week came at a most perfect time...
My family and I are still in the midst of recovering from some very difficult times of the past year or so...and this past weekend happened to be a trying one on its' own. I came across Psalm 126:5 and stopped in my tracks:
"Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting." (There's that joy again...and 'shouting' nonetheless!!!)
Now, I want to clarify first that I have not been depressed over this past years' happenings, but have been brought to my knees many times in tears. Being battle-weary is definitely an accurate description. Much of our battle has been spiritual...and ALWAYS with the assurance that our Lord is STILL on the throne and STILL in control and ALWAYS faithful in His love, compassion, grace and mercy which we have never doubted. This promise in v.5 that one day I will "reap with joyful shouting" is what my heart and soul needed to hear. And then I was led to that well-known verse in Galatians 6:9 "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." This battle-weary gal has been revived by Living Water once again...it doesn't get any better than that! I am going to continue to peruse the other psalms more thoroughly as well...I have a feeling there are more golden nuggets to glean!!!
My love to you all...
Hi Debbie,
Cathie is so right. I was trying too hard to "get it" and on top of being tired went to bed unhappy with myself. When I got up the next morning feeling rested it was as though I was reading a different psalm. I think Cathie is very wise in her advice and I am finding there are many "gems" to be found.
Hi girlfriends,
Today I was with our friend Takako. We enjoyed an hour of going over some of the Songs Of Ascents and I just listened to Takako and her joy in the Psalms.
We then left for the cancer clinic and there she learned that she will be going through chemotherapy once again. She told me that she had prepared herself for this news. I asked her if she wanted me to share this information with you and what prayer request did she have. Takako asks that we pray for her to "STAND FIRM IN THE LORD" so that all will see. Also, if we could pray for her as she goes through the chemotherapy, with little side effects. Although she is not looking forward to what lies ahead she has no fear and is totally at peace. She is so very thankful for her "new family" and only expresses gratitude for all of you. Once again, I am blessed to be a part of her life and yours.
Takako,
When I got home I had an email from Cathie. She already had been praying for you and her words were that you are FIRMLY in the Father's grasp. Isn't it wonderful that this is a word that you also felt deeply and was your heart's cry. I also know that you will be so blessed by Marnie's comments. How very needed and timely they are. I see the same Joy and Faith in both your lives!
Today I was with "OUR TAKAKO"
T
Marnie, thank you for the warm welcome back! Thank you for sharing what is upon your heart and the victory as 'more than a conquerer' that you have experienced through Christ and the reality of His Word being alive and active in you.
God has seen every tear sweetheart and the anguish of your soul through it all. I can see His Hand of Provision and Grace upon you and your family as you walk through, step by step, day by day, taking your leading from His Word and by His Holy Spirit.
You are an encouragement to your sisters in Christ, those that may not be able to share or articulate the anquish or distress within their own souls, but have heard the victory trumpet of your joyful shouting of the praises of your God, and are blessed!
For all those that have not yet found their voice to thank you, I do it on their behalf!
Takako, this very day was written in God's book, by His Mighty Hand, before it every came to be. He has known all along what your days would hold and He has made Provision for you sweetheart! It is no accident that you are at this time surrounded with sisters who are now joining with you in prayer, it has all been written in His book. We all are now a part of your life story... and we will STEP UP!
Do not fear Takako,
for your God is with you;
do not look anxiously about you, for He is your God.
He will STRENGTHEN you,
surely He will HELP you
with His Righteous Right Hand.
Isaiah 41:10
I am now typing my words in tears of gratitude. Thank you so very much Sister-Mama and Marnie for your loving warm encouraging heart. Large tears are still rolling down my cheeks. Through you God lifted my spirit up and gave me wings to soar in fresh air.
Thank you!!
When I came to Psalm 122:1 "I was GLAD when they said to me 'Let us go into the house of the LORD.'", I was led to meditate the word. While meditating the word, Psalm 137:1,4,5,6 passed through my mind. v1-6, "By the rivers of
Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we rmembered Zion. .. If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you,let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth. If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.". I was so very much moved David's heart-rending longing for Zion,the LORD's dwelling place(Jerusalem)the House of the LORD. David's heart seemed to melt for desiring to meet the LORD and to rest in
peace at HIS HOUSE.
It's far beyong for me to under- stand his gladness toward the HOUSE OF THE LORD, But at least I can understand how pleasant it is, and how delightful to go to the LORD(Church) together with sisters and brothers in the LORD. I love Psalmist' heart(spirit)for the LORD. It is so precious!!
Hi Takako,
I know that I am not alone in saying this,"I was so moved by your words last night". I read them before I went to bed and they stayed with me. Isn't our Precious Lord more wonderful than words can ever say. I see HIS HAND in bringing you into fellowship with some pretty special ladies. I see HIS HAND in this "Summer in the Psalms", as Cathie had this calling to do. Seeing your joy as you are in the Psalms was meant to be. You are doing just what your heart desires and that is, to be a living testimony. What joy you have brought to my life and I value our frienship...but it is even more than that and it is all wrapped up in John 13:34-35 as Jesus said: 34 " A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." 35
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." You are so loved Takako!!!
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