Awesome Deeds!

Connemara, County Galway, Ireland

 from Psalm 65:1, 4-8(NASB, The Message)

Silence is praise to You, [Jerusalem-dwelling] God, and also obedience. You hear the prayer in it all. . .

How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You to dwell in Your [holy of holies].

We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.

By awesome deeds You answer us in

righteousness, O God of our salvation,

Earth-Tamer, Ocean-Pourer

Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser,

Muzzler of sea storm and wave crash . . .

Dawn and dusk take turns calling, "Come and worship."

Earth-Tamer,

You have created infinite opportunity for my soul to praise Your holiness and majesty. You teach me perspective and humility with the greatness of simplicity.

Ocean-Pourer,

You renew my life with steams of righteousness, always leading to rivers of goodness, and oceans of more. You teach me the Source of power.

Mountain-Maker,

You let me stand in high places, knowing blessings beyond need. You teach me the wonder of holiness and glory.

Hill-Dresser,

You decorate the landscape with beauty that escapes description. You teach me the joy of details.

Muzzler of sea storm and wave crash,

You tame the turmoil inside my soul with repose. You teach me the peace of grace. I, too, come and worship at dawn and dusk and moments in between. For such Perfect Love brings me to my knees where I offer wordless soul songs of praise to You. Amen. ~ dho

Beauty in the Breaking

"I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places - firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past..." Isaiah 58:11-12 The Message

Nicole Nordeman's song The Unmaking, reminds us that within our disappointments, failures, vain efforts, difficult decisions, and circumstances beyond our understanding God meets us. She writes, God wanted to sit with me in the silence and the dust, after the wrecking ball, and put His arms around me for a while. Nordeman says God wasn't asking for a new plan of action; rather, "He asked for my vulnerability." 

God desires that we turn to Him, seek His Presence, and allow Him to comfort us! In the mess, the muck, the middle of the ruins of lost hope and broken dreams God is waiting. He always finds us in our need. Nordeman writes, the rubble is where we have to start. Listen to this beautiful song of sifting through the debris, defining an ending, seeing the hope in a new beginning. Listen to the open, sincere whispers of the heart, What happens now?...What happens next when all of you is all that's left?...This is the unmaking, beauty in the breaking...sitting in the rubble... ~dho

https://youtu.be/OCqjE8pYa_E  -[Link to “The Unmaking” by Nicole Nordeman]

Journey Notes!

 Since 2005 I have consistently kept a devotional-prayer journal. It is small enough to easily take with me and fits inside a Bible. I do not necessarily write in it every day, but most days I do. Scripture, random ideas, new words, and meanings of words often find their way to the pages. Excerpts from articles, books, or commentaries that move me are also written or attached within the pages. On the right margin I make notes of prayer requests and sometimes the pages are flagged as ongoing prayer requests come to me. This journal reminds me and gives me a place to make notes of specific needs, spiritual enrichment, and often supernatural outcomes. God is good!

There is one unique entry I always include on the first page of each notebook ~ I make a journey note of a Scripture that defines where I am spiritually when I start the notebook. I often discover this to be way the Spirit leads me during this phase of my journey with Him. Occasionally, I also write a quote or excerpt from a commentary that speaks to His Word. When the book is complete, when no more empty pages remain, I mark the front with the beginning and ending dates and begin another. Looking back I can always find a richness of God's teaching, wisdom, and leading along with a deeper understanding of my struggles, successes, and relationship with God. Sometimes, the very circumstances that brought me the most discomfort reveal my most intimate times of spiritual growth with God. 

My current journal note is this Scripture from Ecclesiastes, a favorite book of mine. Reminding me to enjoy the fruits of my labor, the goodness of God. Both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy comes from God, the giver of all good things. In the last few months I have had unexpected opportunities to travel, spend time with family, and enjoy the bounty God has provided. These moments, as they come, are to be treasured. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now!” Lord, remind me to be present in the moments, to be thankful for what You give, to enjoy the gifts You give! - dho

God’s Majesty!

The LORD looks from heaven;

He sees all the sons of men;

From His dwelling place He looks out

On all the inhabitants of the earth,

He who fashions the hearts of them all,

He who understands all their works. Psalm 33:13-15

Our soul waits for the LORD;

He is our help and our shield.
For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You. 

Psalm 33:20-22

Liberty, The Fruit of Life

 America the Beautiful, original words 1893:

"...America! America! God shed His grace on thee, 
Till selfish gain no longer stain,
The banner of the free!"

By 1911, the words changed:
"...Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine."

Let's help America keep the perspective of selfless-ness over noble success, and not let any gain rise higher than freedom and liberty. As Americans, we value liberty but struggle with its power. This liberty allows us the freedom to choose our own interests and create our personal agendas and claim our individual beliefs. With freedom comes responsibility, the responsibility to respect others with whom we differ, to respect each other as people.

In the New Testament, James writes, "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of Liberty." For Christians, this 'law of Liberty' is the Perfect Law of Christ, faithful and true. James goes on to remind us, "For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time." As Christians, we are to be kind to others! Kindness personifies liberty. Let our kindness show others the soul-liberty we know through the grace of Christ. And on this day we celebrate America's Independence Day let our prayer be, "...God shed Your grace on me, and crown Your good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea." -dho

*Scripture James 2:12-13 (The Message)

** Previously posted on this blog dho/July 4, 2016

The Lemonade Stand

We all need some positive and uplifting thoughts and stories to remind us of God’s goodness and simple joys. It’s that time of year when kids set up homemade lemonade stands! I think, if possible, you should always stop and buy a cup of innocence and hope and entrepreneurship. The smiles they return will be pure bonus! Below you will find a sweet and not-so-usual story of my nephew’s lemonade stand. 

Designed in the spring of 2009, seven year old Thomas drew his plans for his idea. Together, Thomas and his dad built his design the summer of 2009, with Thomas doing all the painting and lettering. This Lemonade Stand served countless everyday boys and girls, moms and dads, strangers and friends, police officers and sheriffs and soldiers, and probably a few dogs. It proudly stood summer after summer on the side of the road just off Main Street in Raeford, NC and spent the winters just off ‘Me’s Road‘ (in the back yard!).

Not many can claim such distinctions, but this Lemonade Stand has been in a parade, traveled to fundraising events, appeared in several newspaper articles, and raised money for child development and a church’s new building, along with bringing awareness to Childhood Cancer and celebrating God’s healing! Even after several updates and fresh coats of varnish, sadly, its time came to an end. Immeasurable memories remain, and the ordinary days of selling lemonade will always echo a time to dream, a time to plan, a time to build, a time of simplicity, a time of purpose, a time of joy, a time of innocence, a time of moving forward… dho

Thomas, an Eagle Scout and High School Honor graduate, is now a senior at Appalachian State University. A Brain Cancer survivor since 2011, he continues to have annual Brain MRI’s (for life) at Duke, but currently he continues to be cancer free! To God be the Glory! 

** previously posted on this blog - Donna Oswalt

One Thing

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple. Psalm 27:4

The world rumbles with distractions and disappointments and gives voice to self-focused agendas. Desire for approval and applause comes from every direction. More replaces need. In the chaos of so many possibilities, our ability to discern God's voice diminishes. Our minds become numb, and our deeds become rote. How do Christians live in the world and in God's presence?

The presence of God must become my dwelling place, the one thing, my heart's greatest desire. To dwell in God's presence brings peace even in troubled times, gives assurance in uncertain times, offers hope in all times. To "meditate" is to be in "constant communion". Without listening in prayer for His voice or being in study and contemplation of His word, we do not see God's beauty and overlook God's faithfulness.

This verse in Psalms reminds me of where I need to stay ~ in constant communion, to dwell in God's presence. Paul tells us in Philippians 3:13 that while he has not achieved complete success, "one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead." Reaching forward toward God's call through Christ is the goal. Paul's words give voice to my efforts, my striving toward the goal, even when I fall short.

LORD, my soul needs constant communion with You. Help me nurture our relationship that I may dwell in Your Presence all the days of my life, to behold Yourbeauty and to meditate in Your Dwelling Place. ~dho

Sign-post People

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 

Travel Group Ireland/London 2023

  

Expected and unexpected people, the sign-post people God allows to cross our paths, influence our journey. From parents to adults-like-parents, siblings to friends of siblings, school teachers and Sunday School teachers, friends and almost-friends, either brief or lasting, historical or current, God uses these encounters to speak to our lives.

God speaks regularly to us through the people who speak to us about the things of God. Henri Nouwen, Discernment

How frequently we forget or dismiss or overlook our many God-appointments; these are the people God sends with words of encouragement, applause for effort, signposts pointing to truth, reminders of His presence, hugs for tears. In his book Whisper, Mark Batterson writes, “Part of the genius of Jesus was His ability to see potential in unlikely places and unlikely people.”(Whisper; p140)

Sign-post people offer new perspectives, ask different questions, and suggest other options. Sometimes they bring opportunities for us, like a chance to give more, to step outside ourselves, to sense another's loneliness, to hear a deeper need, to respond like Christ. God embraces us with love and encouragement but also has designed us for purpose - His purpose. God asks us to take our God-given talents, to reach out into the world, to share Jesus. 

Whether the sign-post marks the way with a stranger or friend, lasts for a season or a lifetime, comes full of mystery or simply as a reminder, God is speaking to you and me. Could it be a completely new direction, a familiar path with a new attitude, a change of location, a closer connection within a current community, a new passion, or renewed passion? "No one is in your life by accident; everyone is there by divine appointment.” (Whisper; p142) Are we listening? Let's not miss our sign-post people! ~dho

New Perspectives from Old Stones

 “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”  William Butler Yeats

In this Irish whirl wind of landscapes that linger, there is much to tease our senses. Too many to list, in fact! Nature’s pictures defy the lens. God’s grand design that has evolved through the ages still mystifies the soul as to how and why! We each stand in the grandeur and whisper prayers of glory to God. 

Ancient temples and cathedrals cause my breaths to grow quiet and still with reverence. These sacred stones surround us. I find my soul at peace, knowing God’s plans are His, never failing; His story is told through the centuries of time. To God be the Glory! Amen. dho

Irish Thoughts

 “Beauty is the only thing that time cannot harm. Philosophies fall away like sands, creeds follow one another, but what is beautiful is a joy for all seasons, a possession for all eternity.”  Oscar Wilde

This is Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. With a rich history dating back to Medieval times and Anglican worship traditions, its multiple, beautiful stain glass windows give the soul pause. The artistry of carved wooden choir rows and and an enormous pipe organ above the choir, with someone actually playing live organ music, test the imagination. Handel first performed his masterful composition of “Handel’s Messiah” right where I stood. Catacombs and stories, magnificent tapestries and historical documents like a copy of the Magna Carta fill all the corners. Such a beautiful place of worship. How many prayers have been lifted and how much Scripture has been read and who could begin to count the incalculable music notes played, all stand in reverence without answers. To God be the Glory! This beautiful place touched my soul! -dho

Preparing for Pentecost - Part 3

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a noise like a strong, blowing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw something like flames of fire that were separated and stood over each person there.  They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages by the power the Holy Spirit was giving them.” Acts 2:1-4 NCV

On April 9th this year, we celebrated Easter. After this, we often just go about our days participating in the end of school events and recitals, with preparations for summer trips and Vacation Bible School. This Sunday, May 28th, is Pentecost Sunday, the day most liturgical Christian churches celebrate of the Holy Spirit coming to be with those who follow Jesus. 

Jewish history recounts that the curtains in the Temple that separate the Most Holy Place would sometimes move and describes this phenomenon as Rauch HaKodesh, a Hebrew phrase meaning “Breath of the Holies”. In the Old Testament, the Jewish people understand the Holy Spirit to be God’s influence over humanity and the universe. In Psalm 51:11 David pleads with God, “Do not banish me from Your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.” God always desires to dwell in the presence of His people.

After Jesus ascends back to heaven, as promised, the Holy Spirit descends to His followers. The Holy Spirit is the Helper, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. Now, Jesus sits at the right hand of God, and the Holy Spirit becomes God’s Presence with us. 

Holy Spirit, come alongside of me and breathe holy life into my thoughts, my purpose, my service. In You I know the presence of the Lord. Holy Wind, embrace me, encourage me, empower me. Count me alive in Christ. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. 

-dho 

** Pentecost Sunday is May 28, 2023

Preparing for Pentecost - Part 2

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages. Acts 2:1-4 

Many people crowd Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish "Festival of First Fruits" which is 50 days after Passover. The Ten Commandments had been given to Moses 50 days after they had crossed the Red Sea; escaping Egyptian captivity established Passover. The city is full of "Jews from every nation", and as they hear this sound of "a violent wind", the masses of people seem confused because each one hears "their own language being spoken". Amazed and bewildered, we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own languages. 

As promised, the Holy Spirit fills them, flows over them, and they burn with passion for God. Peter explains the prophecy from Isaiah, "I will pour out my Spirit on all people." (Isaiah 44:3) He goes on the tell the Gospel Story of Jesus, Son of God, Messiah for all people. He tells the Greatest Story in history for a broken people, defines a New Covenant to a covenant people, reaches across generations of faith, crosses boundaries of laws. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit to God's people renews His desire to dwell with His people. This fulfillment of God's Promise begins a new era of faith.

You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (Hebrews 12:22). This New Covenant blesses God's people with grace, something the law could never do. The Helper, the Advocate, the Comforter, the Counselor, the Intercessor, the Spirit of Truth - the Holy Spirit comes from the Father and now testifies about Christ. Hundreds of years before, God had revealed himself to the Israelites, writing the Ten Commandments on stone tablets with His own finger, and now at this Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus's resurrection, God writes on the hearts of Believers with the Holy Spirit. From the birth of a nation to the birth of the church, God's redemptive plan is for them, their children, for us, our children, for all! On that day in Jerusalem, about 3,000 believed. - dho

**Pentecost is May 28th this year!

Preparing for Pentecost - Part 1

You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God. John 3:8 (The Message)

Holy Wind

A mighty gust, some gentle breezes,
Either blows wherever it pleases.
In silence passing, roaring through,
Hidden still, this Wind chooses you,

From south to north or west to east,

From weak to strong or more to least,
Invisible, with power to
Break and mend, this Wind comes to you.

Quietly with intense yearning,
The Wind flames a fire burning
Within the soul, consuming dross
That calls repentance to the cross.

From south to north or west to east,
From weak to strong or more to least,
This Perfect Love endures each nail
Which reconciles and rends the veil.

Infinitely bolder than deep,
Broader than wide, higher than steep,
Holy Wind, hold each empty place,
Mend my soul with marvelous Grace. ~dho


Spirit of God,
Despite my sin - resume the call – define my heart!
Delight my mind – assume my sin – design my life!
Ignite the fire - consume the dross - refine my soul!
Invisible and Indescribable and Invincible! Take me now! ~dho

* This year Pentecost is Sunday May 28th.

His Presence

 Find His Presence

Hear the loon's mournful call in the distance,

Feel the hawk's graceful, slow dance with the wind,

Remember the night sky's luminaries

As they fade when another morning speaks,

And find His presence.

Hear thunder's rumbling call, Storm Approaching!

Feel wind's royal power command respect.

Recall the warning; listen to the wind

As darkness struggles to control and shout,

And find His presence.

Hear whispers in the night as angels sing,

Feel holy kisses as His angels pass,

Remember sweet songs of comfort and peace

As mercy makes a home within the soul,

And find His presence.

Hear gentle words offered without reason,

Feel the rhythm of glory-words that praise,

Recall holy words written on the heart

As the Living Word restores hope's voice,

And find His presence.

Hear the empty silence of loneliness,

Feel the wordless sighs of unspoken prayer,

Remember the promise of Perfect Love

As holiness seeks ordinary time,

And find His presence.

Hear the Holy Spirit summon, Be still! 

Feel the solitude embrace calm's repose,

Recall the mystery and the majesty

As Grace falls softly and shelters the soul,

And find His presence.  

~ dho

New Beginnings!

Oh, visit the earth, 

ask her to join the dance!
Deck her out in spring showers,
fill the God-River with living water…
scatter rose petals down Your paths,
All through the wild meadows.
Set the hills to dancing…
Let them shout, and shout, and shout!
Oh, oh, let them sing!

Psalm 65: 9, 12-13 (The Message)

As the season of new beginnings calls to us in the splendor of His Glory, may our thoughts take notes on the wonders of the Earth-Tamer, Ocean-Pourer, Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser... Dawn and dusk take turns calling, "Come and worship."

Psalm 65:8 The Message

God, mark us with grace and blessing!
Psalm 67:1 The Message

-dho

Perfect Love - the Power to Change the World

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16-17

Coast in South Africa/photo by Allison Oswalt

From prison in Rome, Paul writes to the church in Colosse, a young congregation likely not more than five to six years old. The conflicts then in Colosse are the same here today. Humanity's rules and customs and lack of religious beliefs clash with the true gospel message of grace through Jesus Christ. The endless sources of media flood our minds and home daily with excuses to ignore God's message, with rhetoric to diminish God, with threats to marginalize Christianity. Paul's words that Christ is "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15) exceeds logic and scientific explanation. Although we are not imprisioned in Rome, we find ourselves surrounded by darkness that desires to take us captive

Instead of constantly engaging in verbal retaliation of what's wrong with the world's message, maybe the better approach would be to simply share the majesty and wonder of our God. By allowing the Gospel message to thrive in our lives, we become living testimonies of God's love and compassion, of Christ's humility and grace to those within our spheres of influence. Deep faith, especially in crsis, reveals the magnitude and power of God. Lives full with hope, even in times of difficulty, speak loudly of the God who dwells in us. An attitude of love toward others, whether we agree or disagree, becomes the righteous fruit of worshiping a holy and sovereign God. 

In his letters, Paul frequently utilizes the themes of faith, hope, and love distinguishing them as "gifts from God". He writes, "Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." (Colossians 3:14 NKJV) David Jeremiah calls this bond with Perfect Love the "power to change the world." Love within this bond of perfection becomes the living, true Gospel. - dho

*previously published on this blog/part of the “Living the Gospel Series”/dho/2017

Easter 2023 - Go!

 

More surely than ever before, I know now that we are called to give our very lives to one another and that, in so doing, we become a true community of love. Henri Nouwen from Life of the Beloved (pg. 115)

In The True Vine, Andrew Murray writes of Christ's joy: His joy is nothing but the joy of love, of being loved and of loving. It was the joy of receiving His Father's love and abiding in it, and then the joy of passing on that love and pouring it out on sinners. Christ is Perfect Love offered to imperfect people. Like His disciples and His closest followers, we are imperfect people yet perfectly loved by Jesus.

Read John 20:19-23 (for the complete story of the resurrection, see John 20-21.)

As He spoke, He held out His hands for them to see, and He showed them His side. They were filled with joy when they saw their Lord! He spoke to them again and said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.
John 20:20-21 NLT

On Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection, Jesus appears to several people, each Gospel giving a similar but varying account of all those who witnessed the risen Savior. John writes of Jesus coming in the evening to the disciples who are meeting behind locked doors fearing the Jewish leaders. Jesus offers them peace and joy; He reminds them this assurance comes from the Father. He breathes the Holy Spirit into them. They are prepared to take the Good News of redemption and reconciliation into the world. The root of Christ's joy is the Father's love.

Jesus gives us the same command today, saying as the Father has sent Me, so send I you. We are to carry the Good News of His amazing grace into the world. We are to build up the community of faith by sharing His love. Christ prepares us with His peace and affirms us with His joy. After Christ returned to Heaven at Pentecost, the Spirit came to dwell within the hearts of all believers. The sure foundation of our joy is Christ ~ Perfect Love.

consider this!

• Imagine being in the room with the disciples when Jesus "suddenly" appears. Describe their joy!
• How does Jesus model the task of sharing the Gospel?
• Have you experienced the resurrected Jesus? How will you share such Perfect Love?

Blessed Assurance ~ You are Eternal Love! I am overwhelmed that the love of the Father and the grace of the Son and the presence of the Spirit are mine! You choose me and love me and send me to be a witness for You. Your unfailing faithfulness and enduring love prepare my heart with peace and joy! You empower me to tell my faith-story. With the joy of Christ, I go! Amen. ~dho

*previously published on this blog/dho/2009

Lent 2023 - Crucify

We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to be battered into the shape of the vision to be used by God? The beatings will always come in the most common, everyday ways and through common, everyday people. Oswald Chambers from My Utmost for His Highest

The account of the trial and crucifixion of Christ is in all the Gospels. Like reading the Christmas story in Luke each year, this is the day we remember, listen to or read ourselves the recorded history of Jesus' last hours on earth. Unlike the Christmas story, this one is harder to hear. Full of partial truths and truths ignored, betrayals and beatings, cowards and cynics, guilt and innocence, the story lets us walk the Via Dolorosa with Jesus and the crowd as we call, "Crucify! Crucify!"

Read John 18:28-19:42

Jesus fulfills the Scripture, lives God's Plan of salvation for us, willingly and obediently in detail. He is crucified between two thieves, a picture of disgrace and disillusionment for those who doubt Him, those who believe in Him, those who love Him. And the crowd? From Hallelujah! to Crucify! in a week's time, the crowd scatters and scorns with uncertainty. We stand in the crowd, both watching and wondering, fickle and frightened, confused and concerned.

Today, we are still standing in the crowd - we are the everyday people. We either endure the everyday beatings or participate in them. We either determine our worth and applaud our own plans, or we confess our sins and need for Grace. We either seek the world's approval or humbly accept God's plan. We are arrogant or obedient, either rolling the dice for a piece of Jesus or embracing the completeness of Perfect Love. We are the everyday reasons that Jesus is broken bread and poured out wine.

consider this!

• Why did the Jewish leaders say they wanted Jesus put to death?
• Did Pilate find Jesus guilty?
• Matthew 27:35-44; Mark 15:25-32; Luke 23:32-43; John 19:18-27: These are the Gospel's accounts of Jesus being placed on the cross. List all the people around the cross. What names are missing from the list that you would have expected? 

Holy Father ~ My heart comes to the foot of the cross and recognizes Jesus as the Son of the Most High, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I kneel and bow and weep that my sins nail Him to the cross, place the crown of thorns on His head, mock Him and reject Him. And still, He loves me more than I can understand. He willingly is battered and endures the beatings for me, for all of us. Forgiveness is mine. Grace reigns. Help me seek Your vision for my life. Let me endure what I must to honor You, to give You glory. Holy! Holy! Holy! You are Lord! Amen. ~dho

*previously published on this blog/dho/2009