Tag: The Love of God

Children of God Storybook Bible

A couple years ago I bought Children of God Storybook Bible at the annual Hospital Auxiliary book sale in Northfield. The two-piece set included a book that was beautifully illustrated, plus the complete book on two Audio CD’s. I also liked the fact that Jesus was not “white”, a feature I look for in picture book Bibles. 

This set sat on our bookshelf for a year or two. When preparing for our son’s move to Colorado, I went through our bookshelves to pass along some books and rediscovered this set. I looked it over and decided to listen to the CD’s on our drive out West. I would be driving alone in our car, the last vehicle in our three-vehicle caravan. It was a great way to start each day.

The author of this children’s Bible is the Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. Desmond Tutu also narrated his book on the CD’s. It was wonderful to hear his voice reading his beloved stories. I felt the love of God through his words, and could only image his simple stories appealing to children all the while bringing the good news about God’s love. And, each story ends with a simple question. I was really impressed.

I left the wonderfully illustrated book in Colorado with our grandchildren, but I brought the CD’s home with me.

A partial quote about the author off the information sheet in the set reads: “Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his lifelong struggle to bring equality, justice, and peace to his native country of South Africa. In 1986, he was elected Archbishop of Cape Town the highest position in the Anglican Church in South Africa…… He is known for his great love for children, as well as his powerful and profound understanding of the message of Jesus Christ…….”

The book was published in 2010.

Psalm 27 Valerie’s Version

Sunrise over Lake Superior.

Light, space, zest – that’s God! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?   The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?                                                                  

When insecurities start to surface, when thoughts and comparisons attack me, I will turn them over to the Lord.

Though troubles rise up against me, my heart will not fear. He will change my name.  My new name shall be Confidence.

One thing I ask of the Lord that is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the BEAUTY of the Lord and to seek him.

For in the days of difficulties he will keep me safe in his arms, he will call me Friend of God and lift me high upon a rock.

God holds my head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down.

My head will be exalted above the inner enemies and I will be called overcoming one. I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

You are a faithful God. The Lord will receive me and fill me with joyfulness.

Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path. I acknowledge your wisdom.

Do not turn me over to my own understanding, for false lies rise up within me, breathing out untruths.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living and he will change my name.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage and wait for the Lord. 

Stay with God! Take heart, don’t quit and stay with God!

The Love of God

Lake Superior, our Minnesota “ocean”.

The hymn entitled, The Love of God, was new to me as we sang it in church on Sunday. It was written in 1917 by Frederick M. Lehman. I really like the metaphors in the third stanza.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
and were the skies of parchment made;
were every stalk (tree) on earth a quill,
and everyone a scribe by trade;
to write the love of God above
would drain the ocean dry;
nor could the scroll contain the whole,
though stretched from sky to sky. (Refrain)

Refrain:
O love of God, how rich and pure;
how measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure,
the saints' and angels' song.

Click here for a link to the entire lyrics.