By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.
What if our feet be torn?
Where He has marked the pathway
All hail the briar and thorn!
Scarce seen, scare heard, unreckoned,
Despised, defamed, unknown,
Or heard but boy our singing,
On, children! ever on!
- Gerhardt Ter Steegen
Our home in Boise backs up to a wooded park where I walk most days. An elderly woman walks there at the same time as I. She walks clockwise, I walk counter-clockwise, which means that we meet twice on each lap.
The woman is elderly, tiny, and brown as a betel nut. She has the most lovely, crinkly eyes and wrinkled face that wrinkles even more when she smiles. When she smiles, her whole face lights up!
She has Alzheimer's.
The first time we meet she asks me, "Have I sung my song to you?" I say, "No ma'am." And she sings a children's song to the sun: "Good morning, Mr. Sunshine . . ."
Then she similes, raises her hand as though rendering a benediction, and moves on.
So we go our separate ways - 180 degrees around the circle - until we meet again. She asks: "Have I sung my song?" I say, "Sing it again!" And she does.
I must say, her voice is not very good and she's generally off-key, but no matter. She sings with the enthusiasm of an on-stage diva.
And she is indefatigable! I have seen children mock her and others brush her off in self-preoccupation and embarrassment, but nothing deters her. She smiles sweetly, raises her hand in blessing, and moves on.
Her song haunts me. I can't get it out of my mind. I find myself singing and humming it throughout the day: "Good morning, Mr. Sunshine . . ."
This dear, sweet woman has become a parable and a prayer for me. I, like her, want to make my way along the pathway of life, even when that pathway may be difficult, singing of the Sun of Righteousness who has risen with healing in His wings. (Malachi 4:2) And I want to leave behind lingering melody and memory of His love.
May a new song of God's Son and His salvation be on my heart and lips all through this day, and may many hear and put their trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:3)
Barb thou my words with light, make my song new,
And men will hear,or when I sing or preach.
Picture is enlarged by AI-powered image upscaler from depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/upscaler.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=button2&utm_campaign=ntf_upscaler&utm_content=en&iterable_campaign=2704095&iterable_template=3704971
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP0zYpfR_UKfxcmuvWy4uFn3jZllqVFiXJ4JxWN0QAWVINA_00wuKynXBexEBfJO7jKuGvUg2IMeR7QuxdS91OU4lFR9jEGYSKImS7hR_H-xnAmZpVfcVwJa9Pa3spmXJU2JnFMhSDbIghnMa7hpzC3ia1WKGVjFE0-MmlyUt8erFVilXsa2S-YG2s=s2048
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0910/9374/articles/AdobeStock_117122416_1_983ef82f-6468-475a-8c99-ee26f9d7e12c_1400x.progressive.jpeg.jpg?v=1508215993
https://www.intimaterose.com/blogs/womens-health/3-things-your-mother-never-told-you-about-menopause-1
We follow in His footsteps;
What if our feet be torn?
Where He has marked the pathway
All hail the briar and thorn!
Scarce seen, scare heard, unreckoned,
Despised, defamed, unknown,
Or heard but boy our singing,
On, children! ever on!
- Gerhardt Ter Steegen
What if our feet be torn?
Where He has marked the pathway
All hail the briar and thorn!
Scarce seen, scare heard, unreckoned,
Despised, defamed, unknown,
. . .
Picture posted by Alamy
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcjncUWH4Tt0noKs4Z7VveyFwtI3cljkvZXhmUaLR9VhanP5b3c3-Nqxrkm6YSgRrRsmzzKzXIkfYvcU0f4IH_73prOOVflI9g41IjyByI2twX1gg633ewlJ_LnJEEnUyS8vTi5tm1Wpxcj6FM57-FlqpTfX8HddlFVOfclneb7dTppSdK4j0gSLoQ=s1390
https://h7.alamy.com/comp/C8YTC2/75-year-old-lady-walking-alone-in-woods-on-roseberry-topping-north-C8YTC2.jpg
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-75-year-old-lady-walking-alone-in-woods-on-roseberry-topping-north-39949842.html
Our home in Boise backs up to a wooded park where I walk most days. An elderly woman walks there at the same time as I. She walks clockwise, I walk counter-clockwise, which means that we meet twice on each lap.
The woman is elderly, tiny, and brown as a betel nut. She has the most lovely, crinkly eyes and wrinkled face that wrinkles even more when she smiles. When she smiles, her whole face lights up!
Picture posted by Depositphotos - mature woman smiling
Picture is enlarged by AI-powered image upscaler from depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/upscaler.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=button2&utm_campaign=ntf_upscaler&utm_content=en&iterable_campaign=2704095&iterable_template=3704971
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidrRe9vXwNId5q-MJkffhULq_QpyQbLIFJgqQ_kUAsc0XGCpFPre4eURV-M6ckkZ6BFuF51h5EvDUT_hrhS_4-kFlRyIPanQGqfFI-KXnywD00PxMe4xoixVyDMS5Z997H47aMQdk2HXTUe7fPoZ_bgrvPySWHG-PrFABZQxcNYRWk9H7AYQILD1WW=s2046
https://st2.depositphotos.com/2728575/11821/i/950/depositphotos_118219866-stock-photo-busty-classy-mature-woman-smiling.jpg
https://br.depositphotos.com/118219866/stock-photo-busty-classy-mature-woman-smiling.html
She has Alzheimer's.
The first time we meet she asks me, "Have I sung my song to you?" I say, "No ma'am." And she sings a children's song to the sun: "Good morning, Mr. Sunshine . . ."
Then she similes, raises her hand as though rendering a benediction, and moves on.
The first time we meet she asks me, "Have I sung my song to you?" I say, "No ma'am." And she sings a children's song to the sun: "Good morning, Mr. Sunshine . . ."
Then she similes, raises her hand as though rendering a benediction, and moves on.
Picture posted by Depositphotos
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_LZ3ndUsAzIIz03jbxbQlSEkH2B3mJ0RYXRWk2t0vT4JrvtrCDGVTbzCDvjgejagIsF1dFmtuAOhdZXA7Mz4766mXQ64FFuqwKtgSYYN39voaZhhAzZnMOpe0ZhzTA3FCD4ysLPJ3CYAfystGoQlWUTGorZfYm9R-w_pj1bsCe3ifUL8mvb9HHja0=s1023
https://st2.depositphotos.com/2728575/11752/i/950/depositphotos_117526480-stock-photo-woman-pointing-upward.jpg
https://br.depositphotos.com/117526480/stock-photo-woman-pointing-upward.html
So we go our separate ways - 180 degrees around the circle - until we meet again. She asks: "Have I sung my song?" I say, "Sing it again!" And she does.
I must say, her voice is not very good and she's generally off-key, but no matter. She sings with the enthusiasm of an on-stage diva.
Picture posted by Alternative Medicine Miami on 12 August 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMys3YcAawKKCjbPKs8ocZ7r2MNd6j-IX-32tBbpj2baKi5CH3k3Q4LEVoh1UpAEvKTL2bxuCMOREFONiNqrZB-AszjVBThxECJc6dJul2qfpdNmuBFylxbuIOwk47q1isIc_1tA83yJq0ycTJwwjC1MFyLqoO8Sub3gOk_EWckfJO_4CWTICnNuz_=s2048
https://alternativemedicinemiami.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Glutathione-Injection-Side-Effects.jpeg
https://alternativemedicinemiami.com/alternative-medicine/alternative-treatments-menopause/
And she is indefatigable! I have seen children mock her and others brush her off in self-preoccupation and embarrassment, but nothing deters her. She smiles sweetly, raises her hand in blessing, and moves on.
Her song haunts me. I can't get it out of my mind. I find myself singing and humming it throughout the day: "Good morning, Mr. Sunshine . . ."
Her song haunts me. I can't get it out of my mind. I find myself singing and humming it throughout the day: "Good morning, Mr. Sunshine . . ."
Picture posted by Depositphotos
Picture is enlarged by AI-powered image upscaler from depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/upscaler.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=button2&utm_campaign=ntf_upscaler&utm_content=en&iterable_campaign=2704095&iterable_template=3704971
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju_Z9V1dj5KOjVcsKWIQLQoUjfcZwvg1RI9jf-1nDgqHc18PgRsumkzo-p6mBduiccFpbgZyUF8ArzuFPoCIFVrAon1sFQS1sj-Kv2CHPQANn8Ykn_5KGTXmHNFpEUtx5F9XzAfdFUEKymlg5D8EKT_CcCIxDXU3Fy4yHFbpVupdqHKEdIHcXXlyly=s2046
https://st2.depositphotos.com/2728575/11821/i/950/depositphotos_118219674-stock-photo-sexy-mature-woman-putting-up.jpg
https://br.depositphotos.com/search/by-images.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdph-site-data.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Fstorage%2FsearchByImage%2Fimage_e2e0b4a53b5f55cd52b30d89da611efc.jpg&qview=118219674
This dear, sweet woman has become a parable and a prayer for me. I, like her, want to make my way along the pathway of life, even when that pathway may be difficult, singing of the Sun of Righteousness who has risen with healing in His wings. (Malachi 4:2) [194] And I want to leave behind lingering melody and memory of His love.
Picture posted by myDr, Cancer Council Victoria on 06 February 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiSouFpUu_ZU2Bo6Actdd9PoFS_R9NgdMqKkUpuS1SkOjglH6qAHgm5u65HwTLu1gKfwxE0lNwUfElvMclk49bNY-ljIf6PkDMU-y-QUT28x3DOwX1rsLcSJ4feKxqJg0cqAWt3kYT5fD3-Bs5NUUFxac-6RzGAVTZD_d8KaUzxwG0JW4puWkE4EQT=s2019
https://www.mydr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/AdobeStock_31702112-scaled.jpeg
https://www.mydr.com.au/uterine-cancer/
May a new song of God's Son and His salvation be on my heart and lips all through this day, and may many hear and put their trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:3) [195]
Barb thou my words with light, make my song new,
And men will hear,or when I sing or preach. [196]
PHOTO: May a new song of God's Son and His salvation be on my heart and lips all through this day, and may many hear and put their trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:3)
Picture posted by KobietaPo30.pl
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUsMWxdf2nY0fm2_pYvNv7MIsyWhosEQruxpIUj90EyvvTv9XARyMiyCx-w2C4h3XQAUea1ErYekb8y5eZASuOAmoJXDpde0KquPgITKx5rGWR7KbZfOmzTPmpNY068pum-VD1ZIaOuY/s2000/Depositphotos_29984671_l-2015.jpg
https://kobietapo30.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Depositphotos_29984671_l-2015.jpg
https://kobietapo30.pl/czy-cynk-na-odpornosc-naprawde-dziala/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/03/reflection-thinking-of-heaven-living.html
May we be not deterred by those who mock and brush us off in self-preoccupation and embarrassment. We pray we can smiles sweetly, raises our hand in blessing, and moves on. This is despite the fact that our voice may not be very good and are generally off-key.
We pray that we may make our way along the pathway of life, even when that pathway may be difficult, singing of the Sun of Righteousness who has risen with healing in His wings. May we leave behind lingering melody and memory of His love.
May a new song of God's Son and His salvation be on our heart and lips all through this day, and may many hear and put their trust in the Lord.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Depositphotos
Picture is enlarged by AI-powered image upscaler from depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/upscaler.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=button2&utm_campaign=ntf_upscaler&utm_content=en&iterable_campaign=2704095&iterable_template=3704971
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtgp4OQ_195Sk7VgActjE7-QAXGG0gb-BOe23X2glQIMElbIdC7-BV23ScE_kSBO4ekax7Y8QlUPS8z95fzsBNNhN7C0NAW91lPnWmVsh3AlC355JGk3lOOQmizoqmHR1WpGh0clvMUZLK6otqKRmP6eqBVhdOlQIIU6d0A_XlQC-LYAmPox-HwdlB=s1024
https://st.depositphotos.com/1641591/3631/i/950/depositphotos_36317493-stock-photo-opera-singer-performing.jpg
https://th.depositphotos.com/stock-photos/%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F-%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B0.html?qview=36317493
Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 38, "Sing A Song", Page 177.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.
Other Books
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
[194] Malachi 4:2
[195] Psalm 40:3
[196] George MacDonald, Diary of an Old Soul, September 11.
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Psalm 40:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+40%3A3&version=NIV
- https://depositphotos.com/upscaler.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=button2&utm_campaign=ntf_upscaler&utm_content=en&iterable_campaign=2704095&iterable_template=3704971
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP0zYpfR_UKfxcmuvWy4uFn3jZllqVFiXJ4JxWN0QAWVINA_00wuKynXBexEBfJO7jKuGvUg2IMeR7QuxdS91OU4lFR9jEGYSKImS7hR_H-xnAmZpVfcVwJa9Pa3spmXJU2JnFMhSDbIghnMa7hpzC3ia1WKGVjFE0-MmlyUt8erFVilXsa2S-YG2s=s2048
- https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0910/9374/articles/AdobeStock_117122416_1_983ef82f-6468-475a-8c99-ee26f9d7e12c_1400x.progressive.jpeg.jpg?v=1508215993
- https://www.intimaterose.com/blogs/womens-health/3-things-your-mother-never-told-you-about-menopause-1
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcjncUWH4Tt0noKs4Z7VveyFwtI3cljkvZXhmUaLR9VhanP5b3c3-Nqxrkm6YSgRrRsmzzKzXIkfYvcU0f4IH_73prOOVflI9g41IjyByI2twX1gg633ewlJ_LnJEEnUyS8vTi5tm1Wpxcj6FM57-FlqpTfX8HddlFVOfclneb7dTppSdK4j0gSLoQ=s1390
- https://h7.alamy.com/comp/C8YTC2/75-year-old-lady-walking-alone-in-woods-on-roseberry-topping-north-C8YTC2.jpg
- https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-75-year-old-lady-walking-alone-in-woods-on-roseberry-topping-north-39949842.html
- https://depositphotos.com/upscaler.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=button2&utm_campaign=ntf_upscaler&utm_content=en&iterable_campaign=2704095&iterable_template=3704971
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidrRe9vXwNId5q-MJkffhULq_QpyQbLIFJgqQ_kUAsc0XGCpFPre4eURV-M6ckkZ6BFuF51h5EvDUT_hrhS_4-kFlRyIPanQGqfFI-KXnywD00PxMe4xoixVyDMS5Z997H47aMQdk2HXTUe7fPoZ_bgrvPySWHG-PrFABZQxcNYRWk9H7AYQILD1WW=s2046
- https://st2.depositphotos.com/2728575/11821/i/950/depositphotos_118219866-stock-photo-busty-classy-mature-woman-smiling.jpg
- https://br.depositphotos.com/118219866/stock-photo-busty-classy-mature-woman-smiling.html
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_LZ3ndUsAzIIz03jbxbQlSEkH2B3mJ0RYXRWk2t0vT4JrvtrCDGVTbzCDvjgejagIsF1dFmtuAOhdZXA7Mz4766mXQ64FFuqwKtgSYYN39voaZhhAzZnMOpe0ZhzTA3FCD4ysLPJ3CYAfystGoQlWUTGorZfYm9R-w_pj1bsCe3ifUL8mvb9HHja0=s1023
- https://st2.depositphotos.com/2728575/11752/i/950/depositphotos_117526480-stock-photo-woman-pointing-upward.jpg
- https://br.depositphotos.com/117526480/stock-photo-woman-pointing-upward.html
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMys3YcAawKKCjbPKs8ocZ7r2MNd6j-IX-32tBbpj2baKi5CH3k3Q4LEVoh1UpAEvKTL2bxuCMOREFONiNqrZB-AszjVBThxECJc6dJul2qfpdNmuBFylxbuIOwk47q1isIc_1tA83yJq0ycTJwwjC1MFyLqoO8Sub3gOk_EWckfJO_4CWTICnNuz_=s2048
- https://alternativemedicinemiami.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Glutathione-Injection-Side-Effects.jpeg
- https://alternativemedicinemiami.com/alternative-medicine/alternative-treatments-menopause/
- https://depositphotos.com/upscaler.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=button2&utm_campaign=ntf_upscaler&utm_content=en&iterable_campaign=2704095&iterable_template=3704971
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju_Z9V1dj5KOjVcsKWIQLQoUjfcZwvg1RI9jf-1nDgqHc18PgRsumkzo-p6mBduiccFpbgZyUF8ArzuFPoCIFVrAon1sFQS1sj-Kv2CHPQANn8Ykn_5KGTXmHNFpEUtx5F9XzAfdFUEKymlg5D8EKT_CcCIxDXU3Fy4yHFbpVupdqHKEdIHcXXlyly=s2046
- https://st2.depositphotos.com/2728575/11821/i/950/depositphotos_118219674-stock-photo-sexy-mature-woman-putting-up.jpg
- https://br.depositphotos.com/search/by-images.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdph-site-data.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Fstorage%2FsearchByImage%2Fimage_e2e0b4a53b5f55cd52b30d89da611efc.jpg&qview=118219674
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiSouFpUu_ZU2Bo6Actdd9PoFS_R9NgdMqKkUpuS1SkOjglH6qAHgm5u65HwTLu1gKfwxE0lNwUfElvMclk49bNY-ljIf6PkDMU-y-QUT28x3DOwX1rsLcSJ4feKxqJg0cqAWt3kYT5fD3-Bs5NUUFxac-6RzGAVTZD_d8KaUzxwG0JW4puWkE4EQT=s2019
- https://www.mydr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/AdobeStock_31702112-scaled.jpeg
- https://www.mydr.com.au/uterine-cancer/
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUsMWxdf2nY0fm2_pYvNv7MIsyWhosEQruxpIUj90EyvvTv9XARyMiyCx-w2C4h3XQAUea1ErYekb8y5eZASuOAmoJXDpde0KquPgITKx5rGWR7KbZfOmzTPmpNY068pum-VD1ZIaOuY/s2000/Depositphotos_29984671_l-2015.jpg
- https://kobietapo30.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Depositphotos_29984671_l-2015.jpg
- https://kobietapo30.pl/czy-cynk-na-odpornosc-naprawde-dziala/
- https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/03/reflection-thinking-of-heaven-living.html
- https://depositphotos.com/upscaler.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=button2&utm_campaign=ntf_upscaler&utm_content=en&iterable_campaign=2704095&iterable_template=3704971
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtgp4OQ_195Sk7VgActjE7-QAXGG0gb-BOe23X2glQIMElbIdC7-BV23ScE_kSBO4ekax7Y8QlUPS8z95fzsBNNhN7C0NAW91lPnWmVsh3AlC355JGk3lOOQmizoqmHR1WpGh0clvMUZLK6otqKRmP6eqBVhdOlQIIU6d0A_XlQC-LYAmPox-HwdlB=s1024
- https://st.depositphotos.com/1641591/3631/i/950/depositphotos_36317493-stock-photo-opera-singer-performing.jpg
- https://th.depositphotos.com/stock-photos/%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F-%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B0.html?qview=36317493