New Week, New Composer

This week is Frideric Handel and the oratorio.  I adore Handel.  Every time I hear the Hallelujah Chorus I cry.  It is one of THE most beautiful pieces ever written!  Handel declared, "I did think I did see all of heaven before me and the great God Himself!"  I feel that way when I hear it.  I always have, even as a child, without being told anything about it, I felt it.  Now that I'm an adult, I can almost see the the Messiah Himself surrounded by seraphim and the rest of the heavenly hosts singing His praises.  I share with you today the most famous chorus of the most famous oratorio ever written.  Don't forget to stand.  The little guy and I did.

As child #5 has chosen to attend the high school and will begin this Thursday, I found myself back to homeschooling a little one!  Day two of official Kindergarten for #6. Aside from the normal reading, math, and science, B-Man is studying music.  He takes piano lessons every week from an amazing teacher and friend, practices every day, and really enjoys classical music and learning about the composers.  For the next few weeks we are studying the Baroque Period (1600-1750) and three of the most famous composers.  This week is Johann Sebastian Bach.  Bach signed all of his compositions, "S.D.G." - Soli Deo Gloria - "to the glory of God."  We listened to Invention in A Minor on the CD that came with the book and then we watched a video of  Toccata and Fugue in D Minor being played by Hans-Andre' Stamm on the Trost Organ in Germany.  It was built in 1730 and 70% of the pipe organ is the original material.  The artistry of the organ itself is enough to move me to tears!  Then to think that there is a very good chance that J.S. Bach himself played on this magnificent instrument?!  It's been a good homeschooling morning!

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Virtue Makes You Beautiful!

Sometimes only prayer

I have a son.  I have several sons, but one son has had some medical issues.  One of the medications they had him on had side effects which weren't properly reported to the FDA when it was approved for use in pre-adolescent boys.  I received news today that my son will need to be on another medication for the rest of his life to repair what the first medication did.  The new medication has side effects, but the long term effects of the medical condition caused by the first medication increases his risk of death over the next 18 years by 40% and puts him at high risk for a myriad of other health issues, leaving us little choice.  So, I sit here at a point where I can only say to my Lord, "He was your son before he was mine, and he will be your son for eternity.  So do as You will, give me wisdom, and lift my sorrow-filled heart."  Amen

Praise and Thanksgiving in Homelessness

This homeless man singing praises to the Lord to the song 'God of Second Chances' is too beautiful for words and a much needed personal reminder, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."  ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Passing on the Art of Bread Making

Be sure to play the music while you read ...

Give us this day our daily bread.  

~Matthew 6:11 (KJV)

 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  

~Isaiah 55:10 (KJV)

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  

~II Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.  Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”  

~John 6:26-27 (NIV)

He will dwell on the heights,

His refuge will be the impregnable rock;

His bread will be given him,

His water will be sure.

 ~Isaiah 33:16 (NASB)

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  

~Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."  

~John 6:35 (NIV)

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

~Acts 2:42 (KJV)

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.  They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”  

~Luke 24:30-32 (NIV)

 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  

~Acts 2:46-47  (NIV)

 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death until he comes.  

~I Corinthians 11:23-26 (KJV)

4 1/2 cups warm water

4 1/4 tsp yeast (2 packages)

1 T Sugar

1 cup bread flour

Let proof, then add:

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup honey

2 eggs

1 cups coarse ground oatmeal

1 T gluten (if you have it)

Then add:

1 cup bread flour

3 cups whole wheat flour

Knead for 10-15 minutes adding flour as needed.

Let rise for an hour.

Punch down and form into loaves.

Let rise until doubled.

Bake in a 350 oven until brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.

Rub butter on top and cool 10 minutes before cutting ... if you can.

It is well with my soul. Is it well with yours?

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?  My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"  These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.  Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon -- from Mount Mizar.  Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.  By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life.  I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?"  My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?"  Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  ~Psalm 42

The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus!

When I hear this song I am amazed at where I am now and where I was just a few years ago.  I thank and praise the Lord of Hosts for His deep and unimaginable love, forgiveness, and redemption!!!