I heard a song, I loved the tune But not the words, they tend to doom They didn’t honor God, He’s Hallelujah!

The angels sing to Him in Heaven They sang for Him through days of seven He is the One and Only Hallelujah!

Hallelujah x 4

He created Heaven and Earth Let’s celebrate with joy and mirth He created us, Oh Hallelujah!

He sent His One and Only Son Who died for us - the battle’s won Let’s realize we’re free, Our Hallelujah!

Hallelujah x 4

We’re free to stop the sinning now He comforts us and shows us how Free to live for Him, Oh Hallelujah!

The world is crazy, yes, we know Let’s take a stand with love to show Let’s live the way He wants, He’s Hallelujah.

Hallelujah x 3

Revised by Pastor Joyce McKeever

When I was young, The Secret Garden was my favorite book. It was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Before it was published in 1911, it was serialized in The America Magazine. The themes are many; some of which include healing, transformation, the Importance of Nature, friendship and belonging.

It is a book about children but includes healing for adults too. I love this story. While my sister April was home for 19 days, she helped me by digging holes, planting bushes, spreading mulch and many other assorted household jobs and repairs. She is the one who named what has become my ‘Secret Garden’.

The picture below is my back yard. We all need healing, do we not? (And yes, God is the Ultimate Healer. He can bring it about either in our lifetime or ultimately when we meet Him in Heaven.)

The book has been on my mind because of a wren who loudly complained as I weeded last week. He continues repeatedly if I am near his wren box. (Please note the right side of the picture above). Somehow he even seems to see me when I am watching him from inside the house. Beneath the bird box on the cement are the sticks the wren could not get inside his new home. He needs to get smaller sticks! I tried to convince him but he just won’t listen.

The central character in the book, Mary, watched a Robin Redbird who visited her often. The little bird also showed her where the key was to the Secret Garden. (Mine has no key and I would gladly share it if it did since the very best neighbors live next door). However, I believe it can be ‘key’ to my health. Why? Because I can be still there and listen for God.

Where can YOU be still and listen for God? Jeremiah 33:3 says, ‘Call to me and I will answer you’. Psalm 46:10 is ‘Be still, and know that I am God’. Matthew 11:28 states ‘Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’.

There are a couple versions of e-books on sale on Amazon right now for less than one dollar. They are also illustrated. Happy Reading!

Well, I have learned what I am NOT good at . . . reading long articles or chapters of books. But I felt better about part 2 . . and not because I improved. I felt better simply because I am NOT trying to be professional . . but just enjoying reading it out loud for someone to hear . . . and adding a little commentary along the way. I would though, probably still advise against listening while driving . . might put you to sleep! BTW, the above picture has nothing to do with the new year . . I just like it. Guess that makes me a book nerd?

Good morning to you! Daddy was right . . & he lived to be 99 . . . old age is not for sissies . . . forgetful?

Here are the scriptures for yesterday’s post:

Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. Romans 12:18 NLT

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32. NLT (no name calling - - bullies do)

But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects, into Him, Who is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:15 NAS

Thank you!

I treasure this picture because (to me) it represents salvation as well as growing in the Christian life. It is the opposite of Frank Sinatra's song "I did it My Way".

They were ordinary men. But they could do ordinary things extraordinarily well. Jesus called them. They had no wealth / no academic background / no social position. Jesus called them / invited them / offered them work to do . . they were free to accept or refuse. When they accepted, Jesus appointed them.