Awake, thou wintry earth –
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, “An Easter Hymn”
Photo by Elizabeth Pike
Archive | February 2016
Family of God
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God.
You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God.
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I’m not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God
Word and Music by: Bill and Gloria Gaither
Audio: Stephen Sollars
Photo Courtesy of the Garrigues Family Album
the family dog
No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.
— Louis Sabin
Photo Courtesy of the McCoy Family Album
loved ones
Loved Ones
With pen in hand I try to write
the feelings deep inside:
to tell the ones I love so much
the things I sometimes hide.
I thank the Lord for blessing me with ones so dear as they
who do so much and never ask that them I should repay.
Their pleasures stem from helping us
And that’s their only thanks
Too young are we to understand
this gift within our ranks.
Oh foolish children that we are, to let them do so much,
to wear them out before their time,
held too tight within our clutch.
Our every wish is their command,
their spirit never tires
their hands and hearts are never still, our love is their desire.
Let us, Oh Lord, reverse this course, this tide of flowing strength:
and give to them what they’ve to us, seems needed at long length.
And yet this tide will never turn, for we are helpless still,
The voice within our hearts is strong; but not so strong our will.
— Betty Garrigues
Poem Courtesy of Betty’s Journal
Photo by Belinda Brasley
family vacation
Memory is a child walking along the seashore. You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things.
-Pierce Harris
Photos Courtesy of Jean Pike’s Personal Album
the family table
One of life’s most simple pleasures is spending time with those we love…
–Ash Sweeney
Photo Courtesy of the McCoy Family Album
family game night
Life is more fun if you play games. ~Roald Dahl
Photo Coutesy of the Zimmer Family Album
in celebration of family
“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV
The older I get, the more I treasure my family. The family is one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity, for it gives people a place to fit in, a place to feel loved and welcomed and cherished. This week at ATT we celebrate all things family; family vacations, the family dinner table, family game night, even the family dog! I hope our pictures and thoughts will bring a smile, and will inspire you to reach out and embrace family this week!
— Jean
Photo Courtesy of the McCoy Family Album
amazing
https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/313
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come,
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.
John Newton
Photo by Aaron Paul Lazar
http://www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com
the day is done
Day is done, but love unfailing
Dwells ever here;
Shadows fall, but hope, prevailing,
Calms every fear.
Loving Father, none forsaking,
Take our hearts, of Love’s own making,
Watch our sleeping, guard our waking,
Be always near.
Dark descends, but Light unending
Shines through our night;
You are with us, ever lending
New strength to sight;
One in love, your truth confessing,
One in hope of heaven’s blessings,
May we see, in love’s possessing,
Love’s endless light!
Eyes will close, but you, unsleeping,
Watch by our side;
Death may come: in Love’s safe keeping
Still we abide.
God of love, all evil quelling,
Sin forgiving, fear dispelling,
Stay with us, our hearts indwelling,
This eventide.
Welsh Hymn
Photo by Bob McCoy
about these things 