Deck of Cards

It is always humbling when the gift of imagination surprises you into a moment of pause.  A moment that causes you to stop and consider that nothing is too small or insignificant that God can’t use it to bring glory and praise to Him.

Recently I was sent a video titled, Deck of Cards, which emotionally touched me not only as a patriot, but also as a christian.  Who would have thought that a simple deck of cards could be a source used to bring comfort to a soldier during war as well as a source to bring glory to God.

After viewing the video, I did a little research on the story and found that the earliest known reference dates back to April 20, 1762 (just a little earlier then our video narrator states)  and has been the recipient of notoriety for several decades.

I also discovered that part of the deck explanation has unfortunately been omitted from the video.  However, in spite of its missing content, the video is still very worthy of viewing.  It serves as a reminder that God can use anything to bring comfort and remembrance of Himself to those who seek Him. And it pays tribute to the brave soldiers, of past and present, who have honored us through their acts of sacrifice.

The entirety of the story of the Deck of Cards will be enclosed for you to read after the video.  May you enjoy!

It’s Harmonious

Image by epSos.de via Flickr

Psalm 96:1 – Sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.

Everyone enjoys listening to a gifted singer.  So much so that we will pay to hear them perform either live or recorded.  We buy their CD’s, download them to a Mp3 player or computer, and listen to them on our favorite AM/FM or Satellite radio by carefully tuning in the station that carries their music genre.

There is no doubt that we enjoy and value talented singing voices and my guess is, so does God.  However, you might find it surprising as to which station He tunes-in to for listening enjoyment. 

It is Well

When peace like a river, attendeth my way.  When sorrows like sea billows roll.  Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

The above stanza comes from a well known hymn written in 1873 titled, “It Is Well With My Soul.”

 

It, like other great works, wasn’t written from the comfort of an easy chair, or by the relaxed hand of one sitting underneath a soft light sipping tea as catchy words jumped into their head.  No, words with such transparent depth are crafted from one that has experienced great lost, immense sorrow, and rifting pain.

In that place of pain, shattered dreams, and derailed hope, words such as, “whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul,”  rises from the depths of a souls lament and finds the grace to express itself in such a way that commands the attention of those who occupy heaven.

These type of words are birthed from the core of brokenness and are yielded into the hands of God who spills them over to touch others who are in need of encouragement, comfort, and healing.

The author of this notable hymn came from such a place, the place I call the souls lament, but instead of losing himself in the depths of his despair, he exposed the maturity of his faith and turned his sorrow upward and offered it for praise and glorification.

Perhaps you know of him and the tragic event that caused his hand to penned the enduring hymn.  But would you be surprised to learn that Horatio Spafford’s sorrowful journey began three years prior and did not end with the tragic event of 1873?

If not, please join me as I share the journey that forged the heart of a man who so graciously crafted the song, “It Is Well With My Soul.”

Cougar vs Cub

Recently I received a video clip titled “Cougar vs Bear Cub,” a griping display of the fight for survival. (video at bottom of post)

The scene opens to a prowling cougar spotting the movement of a not too distant bear cub.

Taking leap he engages his hunt and the unsuspecting cub soon finds himself in a run for his life.

Desperately seeking avenues of safety, the cub’s distress increases as he realizes that his efforts continue to be thwarted.  The relentless cougar proves to be a much faster, stronger, and a more cunning opponent.

No More Tears

One of my favorite books in the Bible, if not my favorite, is the book of Revelations.

Just as the book of Genesis is the book of beginnings, Revelations is the book of consummation, meaning, completion or as the dictionary records, fulfillment, perfection.

It is in Revelations where we find the fruition of the divine program of redemption and the Holy name of God is vindicated before all of creation.

“Revelation” (translated from the greek word, Apocalypsis), means “unveiling or disclosure,” therefore making the book the unveiling of the character and program of God.

Though it is a book pertaining to the final judgment of God being poured out upon the earth (Rev Chapters 6-18), it is also a book full of promises pertaining to