A Hymn I've Never Sung

I have never once sung or played this hymn, but Sunday as our congregation sang "Immortal, Invisible," my eyes scanned the following hymn and was immediately moved by the passion and depth of the words. I wanted to share it with you today.

Lord, with glowing heart I'd praise thee
For the bliss thy love bestows,
For the pard'ning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows;
Help, O God, my weak endeavor;
This dull soul to rapture raise;
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.

Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee,
Wretched wand'rer far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee
From the paths of death away;
Praise, with love's devoutest feeling,
Him who saw thy guilt-born fear,
And, the light of hope revealing,
Bade the blood-stained cross appear.

Praise thy Saviour God that drew thee
To that cross, new life to give,
Held a blood-sealed pardon to thee,
Bade thee look to him and live;
Praise the grace whose threats alarmed thee,
Roused thee from thy fatal ease,
Praise the grace whose promise warmed thee,
Praise the grace that whispered peace.

Lord, this bosom's ardent feeling
Vainly would my lips express;
Low before thy footstool kneeling,
Deign thy suppliant's prayer to bless:
Let thy love, my soul's chief treasure,
Love's pure flame within me raise,
And, since words can never measure,
Let my life show forth thy praise.

~ Ripley

The Wedding Shower!

Two notes about this post: it's SUPER long and full of pictures, and all the pictures were taken by my sacrificial brother who was the only guy around a million girls almost all night. :P

Friday night, July 20th, my friends Meghan and Laura hosted my wedding shower at IBC. The only thing I knew about the shower beforehand was that the colors were pink, light blue, tan, and white. That was it. The rest was a complete surprise. And what a beautiful surprise it was! Here are some of the first things I saw when I came downstairs:

The colorfully decorated tables. (It was a beach theme - my fave!! In the center of each table was a vase with live goldfish in it, shells, and a picture of either Chris or myself when we were younger.)

The "I Do" flip-flops on the punch table. :)

The pink lanterns were suspended over each table.

Each place setting had the adorable plate and napkin, plus a favor (some Hershey kisses wrapped in light green tulle and tied with a shell).

The dessert table before the desserts. (I had to include the cute pic of my fiance. :D)

Many ladies brought scrumptious desserts.

Mrs. Smith gave a challenge to me to benefit my husband by being content in the Lord. I was so thankful she was willing to do this for me on such short notice!

After Mrs. Smith spoke, her daughter Bethany sang an Irish blessing and her sister accompanied on viola. It was so lovely. I struggled to not get choked up! Love you, Bethany!

And then I told Chris's and my story.

Here are pictures of the individual tables and the wonderful ladies who took time out of their evenings to show how much they care and love. They are all such a blessing!

And the family table. :)

GIFTS!

My silly note-taker. :)

Meanwhile, my prince was arriving in his grand chariot led by 400 horses.

He didn't want to go downstairs... LOL

...but he made it. :)

With friends and family.

Many, many thanks to Meghan and Laura for putting so much time and thought into the beautiful shower. I LOVED it and am so humbled by the kindness and generosity everyone has shown to me and Chris.

Next big church event will be the WEDDING! Crazy! :)

completed reading

I'm back with another book list. How Rachael of me. :P Again, if you are reading or just finished reading something special, please share! :)

• A Woman After God's Own Heart (Elizabeth George)
• Becoming a Titus 2 Woman (Martha Peace)
• The Ministry of Marriage (Jim Binney)
• The Vow (Kim and Krickitt Carpenter)

I'm currently reading The Pursuit of God (Tozer) and a novel entitled Green Dolphin Street by Elizabeth Goudge. The latter I know nothing about, so if anyone has read it or heard of it let me know! 

Could it Be...Holy Ground?

It may be on a kitchen floor,

Or in a busy shopping store,

Or teaching, nursing, day by day,

Till limb and brain almost give way;

Yet if, just there, by Jesus thou art found,

The place thou standest on is Holy Ground.

~ M. Colley

Thank You, Mom!

Some have had kings in their lineage,

Some to whom honor was paid.

Not blest of my ancestors - but,

I have a mother who prays.

I have a mother who prays for me

And pleads with the Lord every day for me.

Oh what a difference it makes for me - 

I have a mother who prays.

Some have worldly success

And trust in riches they've made - 

This is my surest asset,

I have a mother who prays.

My mother's prayers cannot save me,

Only mine can avail;

But mother introduced me to Someone - 

Someone who never could fail.

Oh yes...I have a mother who prays for me

And pleads with the Lord every day for me.

O what a difference it makes for me - 

I have a mother who prays.

~ Author Unknown

Rachael & Rachael

A random camping picture. :) I had a blast with my friend, RB. 

The Suzuki Chronicles 2: Day 9

Last day today! I had my consultation right at 8 AM. Got to ask my teacher, Ann Smelser, a few questions I wanted answered for my own personal self. :) 

We had almost 4 hours of class this morning. Reviewed and reviewed and reviewed because we HAD to be in there for 4 hours. :P Our attention was dwindling like crazy. ;D Finally it was over and we got our certificates and I ate lunch and B. and I were all packed up and left. We were DONE!! 

All in all, the trip was great. I got SO many practical teaching ideas. My favorite part though honestly was the time I had with Bethany. :) We had such a nice time. I so enjoyed the laughter and good talks we had. So glad we got to go together! 

It was wonderful to be back in church again tonight. The church people are my family. :) And now I'm trying to clean up everything - my trip stuff as well as what has been neglected since I left. :P No idea when I'll blog next.