sunday’s song – fire fall down

‘Cause I know that You’re alive. You came to fix my broken life.
And I sing to glorify Your Holy Name, Jesus Christ!

               No, I’ll never be the same…never be the same.

blessed freedom

I thought this was very thought-provoking. Not sure of its origin or if it is true, but it reminds us of some important truths. . .

Thirteen Folds

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, ‘Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.’

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, the in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

The thirteenth fold: when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto: ‘In God We Trust.’ After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

Our flag is just a symbol, but don’t dismiss it too quickly. It represents every freedom, every truth our forefathers fought and died for. And the freedom we celebrate in our country represents a greater Truth found only in Christ. Enjoy your holiday, enjoy your freedom, and be blessed.

siesta scripture memory verse 13

I knew some of this passage before, but I want to inscribe it on my heart in the King James Version. His Word is Healing and Truth. Planting Scriptures in my heart with such a cloud of witnesses, (that’s you, my sister!) is a privilege and joy.

Now, I’m asking Him to help me really get these down. There’s Glory at stake.

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. ~Psalm 103:1-3  (KJV)

where have all the fireflies gone?

Just as the sun tucked under the horizon and darkness began to fall, I recognized the unspoken command for all good children to return to their homes. No watch was needed. Only the summer sky told me that the kickball games were over and the bicycles needed to go back in the garage. The magic of night would soon emerge. Most evenings, we scurried through the door with sweaty faces and that smell that only wet dogs and hot kids can seem to muster. Bath time was surely next, but some nights we’d linger outside in the front yard to catch fireflies in mason jars with lids that we poked holes in with an ice pick. You never hear about ice picks any more. Are they a relic of years past? For that matter, where are all the fireflies? Why don’t I notice the fireflies anymore? Did too many summers pass?  

On a friend’s blog header is a quote by Elizabeth Browning: “”Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees, takes off his shoes. The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.” Oh, I don’t want to miss the abundance of miracles found in each moment. And yet, I hurry through life with the blinders of busyness and ingratitude on far too many days.

This blog is named annie’s eyes for one reason. I need to see God. I need my eyes to behold Him. Some days, He seems so far away like the summers of my youth. Sometimes it seems so dark.  Yet He is always near, whispering “It’s time to wake up. I am right here with you. Call to me and I will answer.” All I need to do is open my eyes.

Awaken me, Lord, with the eyes of a child to experience You. Give me eyes to see, to take off my shoes in reverence, and to behold pieces of the Kingdom with awe like carefully captured fireflies in the night. Amen.

  

sunday’s song – i need thee every hour

After a few days of rest recovering from a minor surgery, I got a little sad Saturday night knowing I couldn’t make it to church Sunday. It may sound silly, but in the past ten years, I have only missed church a couple of times. It isn’t because I believe I have to. I genuinely love it. I wake up on Sundays with a cup of coffee, knowing it is a special day of worship and rest, unlike the other days where my to do list seems endless and my time seems short. There is something about corporate worship that is unlike our private time with Him. Seeing other believers, sitting next to familiar faces and friends, taking time to pray and sing together–I don’t know exactly what I love about it, maybe it’s the combination of all of it.

Today, I will listen to our church service online (and probably two others that I usually catch on the drive to and from church.) I will play my favorite music, and I will read His Word. But something will be lacking. My church is huge, but there are people there who I look for and hug each week. There is a little class I work in where I get to hold young children and tell them stories of Jesus as we sit in a circle. Then, there’s the live worship music that often sweeps me away to the very Feet of Jesus to thank Him, to worship Him, to tell Him how much I love Him, and to walk in freedom from the heavy burdens of sin. I love Sunday, and even though this Sunday is set aside for more rest than usual, I am reminded how blessed we are to be able to worship Christ Jesus in freedom and in community. Don’t take your church experience for granted. Bless Him wholly with your heart today!

sunday’s song – Jesus Messiah, Lord of All

siesta scripture memory verse 12

We are at the halfway point, and I don’t know about you, but I have some catching up to do. Each time the verse I choose has some meaningful place to where I am at that time. I can tell you more about how my year has gone by looking at each Scripture and knowing the reason that Scripture ministered to me. May His Word fill your heart this day to comfort you, to guide you, to meet you where you are.

“Arise, cry out in the night,
at the beginning of the night watches!
Pour out your heart like water
before the presence of the Lord!
Lift your hands to him.”
~ Lamentations 2:19 (NIV)