Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Year's End

Cute Summer is the one on the right...

We are in Bakersfield ringing in the new year with our dear friends Gabe and Staci Woodward along with Summer Martin (see her blog http://www.summalovinn.blogspot.com/). Wonderful, wise Summer read this to Staci and I this morning and it really struck me. Thanks Summer!!!!

O Love Beyond Compare,

"Thou art good when thou givest, when thou takest away, when the sun shines upon me, when night gathers over me. Thou has loved me before the foundations of the world, and in love didst redeem my soul; Thou dost love me still, in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust. Thy goodness has been with me during another year, leading me through a twisting wilderness, in retreat helping me to advance, when beaten back making sure headway. Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead; I hoist sail and draw up anchor, With thee as the blessed Pilot of my future as of my past. I bless thee that thou hast veiled my eyes to the waters ahead. If thou hast appointed storms of tribulation, thou wilt be with me in them; If I have to pass through the tempests of persecution and temptation, I shall not drown; If I am to die, I shall see thy face the sooner; If a painful end is to be my lot, grant me grace that my faith fail not; If I am to be cast aside from the service I love, I can make no stipulation; Only glorify thyself in me whether in comfort or trial, as a chosen vessel meet always for thy use."

The Valley of Vision A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions Edited by Arthur Bennett

3 comments:

Chiara said...

I was telling Ryan how blessed we are to celebrate New Year's as Christians. We know all blessings are God's good gifts to us and all trials are allowed by our sovereign Creator to grow us to be more like Him. We can look at the year ahead in the confidence that, whether trials or blessings rain down on us, it is all from our loving and all-knowing Heavenly Father. What joy and peace this brings us as we move into 2008, stepping more and more heavenward with each passing year. The writing you shared is beautiful and states this perfectly!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen! Haven't spoke to you for a while, but I wish we could've got together when you were in Bakersfield. We will be at UCLA on the 17th for Devany's pre-op appt. Well hope you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Love this prayer you shared! Thank you! So glad to hear that you are ringing in the New Year with dear friends! We can't wait to see you back at Thrive soon! Love in Christ, kel and sean