Happy Birthday today to my beloved spouse, to whom I dedicate the song, “Alive and Breathing” (recorded by Matt Maher and written by Elle Limebear & Matt Maher).

No matter your age, if you’re still alive and breathing, then you can know joy and hope and praise the Lord! May you have many more days to know joy and hope and many more days to praise the Lord!

ALIVE AND BREATHING

What holds your heart?
What stirs your soul?
What matters come to mind?
The cares you keep,
The thoughts you think;
It’s not all wasted time.
Seek and you will find.

Joy still comes in the morning.
Hope still walks with the hurting.
If you’re still alive and breathing, praise the Lord!
Don’t stop dancing and dreaming.
There’s still Good News worth repeating,
So lift your head and keep singing.
Praise the Lord!

Years roll by;
We wonder why
We lost our way from home.
Our Father finds
The child inside
We had left for growing old.
Awake, awake, awake my soul.

Joy still comes in the morning.
Hope still walks with the hurting.
If you’re still alive and breathing,
Praise the Lord!
Don’t stop dancing and dreaming.
There’s still Good News worth repeating,
So lift your head and keep singing.
Praise the Lord!

Let everything, let everything, Let everything praise the Lord!
In the working, in the waiting
Praise the Lord!
In the blessing, in the breaking
Come on, praise the Lord!
In the dying, the rising
Let it praise the Lord!
Let it praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

Joy still comes in the morning.
Hope still walks with the hurting.
If you’re still alive and breathing,
Praise the Lord!
Don’t stop dancing and dreaming.
There’s still Good News worth repeating,
So lift your head and keep singing.
Praise the Lord!

Joy still comes in the morning.
Hope still walks with the hurting.
If you’re still alive and breathing,
Praise the Lord!
Don’t stop dancing and dreaming.
There’s still Good News worth repeating,
So lift your head and keep singing.
Praise the Lord!

(Limebear and Maher)

“…Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
(Psalm 30: 5)

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful.”
(Hebrews 10: 23)

“Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”
(Psalm 150: 6)

Occasionally I enjoy a good silent film, and I recently viewed one I had not seen in a long time. It was “The Iron Mask” from 1929 that was based on Alexander Dumas’ novel. This featured a heroic D’Artagnan attempting to save the King of France with help from fellow Musketeers — Aramis, Athos, and Porthos. Unfortunately each was called to sacrifice all for the glory of France.

Even without speaking there was much swashbuckling, swordfighting, and suspense before it was all over. Finally the future of France was secure, the rightful king was returned to his throne, and good had triumphed over bad although at a cost of heroes’ lives.

The movie ended with D’Artagnan, who had been fatally stabbed, being beckoned upward by the other Musketeers already deceased. Words appeared on the screen regarding “…better adventures beyond.” The Musketeers were joined a final time, and the last message on the screen was “The Beginning” rather than the usual “The End.”

I thought it was a satisfying ending for a work of fiction. It was appropriate that the Musketeers would be together forever because of their deep bonds of loyalty to one another in this life.

I believe that leaving this world for the next is a beginning not an ending for God’s child. The Bible teaches that Eternity is an everlasting and eternal life for those who go to heaven. On the other hand those who reject Jesus Christ in this world will suffer eternal death. It is simply a matter of choice. We choose life by choosing Christ.

As the movie expressed silently, my hope is for better adventures beyond in heaven than even the best ones on this planet. I can only imagine!

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.”  (Deuteronomy 30: 19)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3: 16)

“For our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 3: 20)

Happy Birthday, America! As we celebrate this national holiday, may we remember that which made America great. May we remember to pray, “God bless America!”

I encourage Americans who may have forgotten our nation’s origins to review “America Again,“ a song by Carman. Here is a small but important part of its lyrics:

“The only hope for America is Jesus.
The only hope for America is Him.
If we repent of our ways, stand firm, and say,
‘We need God in America again!'” (Carman)

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

“Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
(Proverbs 13: 34)

As the birthday of America will be widely celebrated tomorrow, I think about the American spirit. I am proud to say that I am a patriot, which is not to say that all Americans are perfect just as not every American law is right. Still there is hope that many Americans try to be their best and that most American policies promote freedom around the world.

One recent opinion column by Dana D. Kelley reinforced my view. Kelley is a freelance writer from Jonesboro, Arkansas. Based on his personal experiences in Mississippi, he wrote, “That’s the spirit,” which describes the best in Americans. May it add hope to our national holiday. He began with the following paragraph:

“Independence Day is the supreme American holiday. The reasons, principles, and ideals explaining the colonies’ separation from England formed the foundation for everything else the United States would ever be or hope to become.”

I invite you to read the entire article: “That’s the spirit” by Dana Kelley, 7/2/2021. It is definitely worth reading.  The Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette article is found @ www.nwaonline.com/news/2021/jul/02/thats-the-spirit/.

Kelley compares today’s American spirit to how it was in 1776 where I believe it was rooted in love.  He ended the article with these two paragraphs, of which I fully agree:

“That’s the spirit. Same as ’76. Thank God it still lives and lives forever.

Celebrate it this weekend. Even better: Practice it every time you get the chance.” (DDK)

Enjoy our birthday celebration, and ponder our nation’s beginnings. Be thankful, and share the spirit and hope!

“We love, because He first loved us. If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother and sister, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him that the one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.” 
(1 John 4: 19 – 21)

I think it is understood that one aspect of humanity is experiencing storms of life. It is reality that in this life those storms come, but how we respond is important and makes a huge difference.

If we believe we are alone, then storms can devastate us and leave us hopeless and in despair. However when we trust a loving Sovereign God, we can choose to praise God in the storms. This kind of faith leaves us with peace and  hope.

Casting Crowns is a contemporary Christian rock band that has sold over ten million albums, has been awarded Grammy and Dove Awards, and set a record for longest-reigning No. 1 song on Contemporary Christian charts. Their songs indicate that they understand the importance of praising God.

Their song, “Praise You In This Storm,” calls us to praise God in life’s storms. As this song rightly says, God is Who He is no matter where we are. Here are the words as recorded by Casting Crowns.

PRAISE YOU IN THIS STORM

I was sure by now, God,
You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away,
Stepped in and saved the day,
And once again
I say, “Amen,” and it’s still rainin.’

But as the thunder rolls,
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you,”
And as Your mercy falls,
I’ll raise my hands and praise the God Who gives
And takes away.

And I’ll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands
For You are Who You are
No matter where I am.
And every tear I’ve cried You hold in Your hand; You never left my side,
And though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm.

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry.
You raised me up again,
But my strength is almost gone.
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You?

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you.”
And as Your mercy falls,
I’ll raise my hands and praise the God Who gives
And takes away.

And I’ll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am.
And every tear I’ve cried You hold in Your hand.
You never left my side,
And though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm.

I lift my eyes unto the hills.
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
The Maker of heaven and earth.
I lift my eyes unto the hills.
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
The Maker of heaven and earth.
(I lift my eyes unto the hills.
Where does my help come from?)

And I’ll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands
For You are Who You are
No matter where I am.
Every tear I’ve cried You hold in Your hand;
You never left my side.
Though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm.

And though my heart is torn,
(Though my heart is torn)
I’ll praise You in this storm.
(Praise You in this storm)

(Casting Crowns)

“Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, And praise the mention of His holiness.”
(Psalm 30:4)

“I will praise the name of God with song
and magnify Him with thanksgiving.”
(Psalm 69:30)

“I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart and will glorify Your name forever.”
(Psalm 86:12)

Father’s Day will be observed tomorrow in the U.S. to celebrate and honor fathers. I am blessed to have known my father’s love and am thankful for my father and for my father-in-law.

Today I want to honor a father who left a legacy of children. He was Father to eight — two sons and six daughters. They are all living, all loving, and all faithful Christians. This kind of legacy gives me hope. This father was Elwood M. Foy (1916-1996) known as Mike Foy by many friends.

Mike met his parental responsibilities with help from Mary Frances, his faithful wife and the mother of his children. More importantly he looked to his heavenly Father and to Biblical instructions to guide his path as husband, father, and friend. He was blessed with success in these roles.

One son wrote poems to honor his dad’s example. His poetic tribute expresses that he can follow Jesus by following his dad, a wise and godly man. I can think of no better gift for a father to give his children!

MY EXAMPLE, MY DAD

I have seen faith and honesty walking the street.
I have seen self-respect and humility meet.
I have seen serving others stretched out to full length.
I have seen the true melding of meekness and strength.
I have seen self-control over what was deemed bad
As I watched through the years my example, My Dad.
(James Foy © 2016)

FOLLOWING DAD

I’ve been taught ever since I was a kid
In this life, live as Jesus lived.
I may not know what Jesus would have done,
But I have Dad, the Guide God gave this son.
I have Dad, a wise and godly man,
And I can follow Jesus by following my dad.
(James Foy © 2016)

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers who love their children and who are loved by their children. You are blessed and are a blessing!

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.”  (Psalm 127: 3 – 5)

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”  (Psalm 103: 13)

“I will guide you in the way of wisdom, and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.”  (Proverbs 4: 11, 12)

My opinion is that anytime is a good time for beautiful songs by world renown tenor, Andrea Bocelli. Last week I thoroughly enjoyed his concert, “BELIEVE: Live in Malta” on the PBS television series, “Great Performances.”

Andrea’s song choices and candid conversation reflected his personal “faith, hope, and optimism.” Impressive scenes of Malta’s churches, beaches, sunsets, and more accompanied the music.

Andrea explained the location, “Today Malta stands as an example of rebirth after such a troubled history as it has experienced. Today it teaches us that there is always hope that we can overcome any situation even the most difficult.”

Andrea perfectly performed the following songs: “Gratia Plena,” “Angele Dei,” “Ave Maria,” “Oh, Madre Benedetta,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna,” “Pianissimo” (with Cecilia Bartoli), “Hallelujah,” and “Inno Sussurato.”

I especially appreciated the inclusion of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” It reminded me that I will never walk alone in Life. That means not alone through perilous times of pandemic and never alone without my Source of faith, hope and love as Guide.

If you missed this meaningful concert, you may view it online. I am thankful for the gift that Andrea Bocelli shared with us. As always I loved hearing his extraordinary vocal talent and was blessed by his testimony that he believes in sharing faith, hope, and optimism. Bocelli’s reasons for his beautiful concert are the same as my own reasons for this blog. May you share them in your life, too.

***
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.”  (John 14: 1)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  (Ephesians 2: 8, 9)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3: 5, 6)

The film, “Taking Chance,” is a moving tribute to a 19-year-old Marine who did not return home from military service in Iraq the way his family would have chosen. Instead his body was escorted by Lt. Col. Michael Strobl back to Wyoming for a hero’s burial.

On the day he died, Chance was voluntarily manning a .50-caliber machine gun in the turret of the lead vehicle of a convoy. When facing intense fire, Chance returned fire as he had been trained and saved the lives of fellow Marines until becoming fatally wounded.

During his service of less than a year in the United States Marine Corps, Private First Class (posthumously promoted to Lance Corporal)  Chance Phelps had earned a marksmanship medal, six ribbons, and the Purple Heart medal.

Lt. Col. Strobl’s journal writing about escorting Chance on his journey home inspired the movie, “Taking Chance.” Strobl experienced Chance being treated with dignity and respect by military personnel and civilians throughout the journey. It touched him in a way he would never forget.

Besides dignity and respect this true account includes duty, honor, and hope. Chance stepped up to fulfill his duty, served with honor, and even sacrificed his life to save others for the cause of freedom and to make our world a safer place. In his heroic actions I see hope for our future and our world.

I highly recommend the 2009 movie, “Taking Chance,” which starred Kevin Bacon. It is an unforgettable journey of dignity, respect, and hope.

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” 
(John 15: 13)

Read “A Marine’s Journey Home” by Michael Strobl (sfgate.com)

Watch “Taking Chance,” 2009 HBO film.

Memorial Day is an American holiday that will be observed on Monday, May 31, 2021 (the last Monday of each May). It honors men and women who died during their service in the United States military.

“Decoration Day” was first observed shortly after the Civil War and in 1971 became a national holiday. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by decorating graves, gathering with family, and attending patriotic events. It is fitting to remember the past, pray for the present, and have hope for the future.

John McCrae’s World War 1 poem, “In Flanders Field,” inspired a tradition of wearing red poppies in memory of the fallen soldiers.

Another poem was written as a reminder to pray for today’s military personnel and in appreciation for their service as well as to remember ultimate sacrifices. The poem also relates a Biblical definition of “greater love.”

NO GREATER LOVE

“How many nights have we all slept well
Safely at home in soft beds warm
While weary soldiers battled hard near hell Directly in line with the way of harm?

How many times have we failed to pray
In gratitude and give God thanks
And ask for safety for soldiers today —
Our brave men and women all through the ranks?

How often have we forgotten to give
Honor for the supreme price paid
When some gave all so in freedom we live?
We must remember the sacrifice made.

A giving love is love from above;
When one gives all, we see greater love.
Such love gave God’s own Son from above;
His Son gave His life… no greater love.”
(Judy Gillum Foy)

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” 
(John 15: 13)

I cannot imagine spending approximately a year in social isolation without books. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes even when not isolated by a pandemic.

Our public library offers curbside pickup; accommodating for those who have not yet been vaccinated or do not feel comfortable being indoors in public places. Perhaps you are fortunate to be near such a facility. If so then take advantage of its offerings.

Today I am recommending a book by gifted author Jonathan Cahn. I recommend any of his books and especially Harbinger 2: The Return. He is a Messianic rabbi who understands Israel’s history, Biblical prophecy, and their ties to current events.

If you have interest in American history, end times prophecy, writing by NY Best-selling author of Harbinger, connections between Israel’s past and current events in America, an intriguing story heavy with Biblical truths, then check out Harbinger 2.

Cahn’s warning (a harbinger) gives hope that God indeed has a plan for our world today, that He is in control of the affairs of people, that He has a personal interest in each one of us. It may stir us to pray more for ourselves, our fellow humans, our nation, and our world.

His warning gives hope that God is at work in everything happening today just as He has been throughout past history from the beginning. It may stir us to seek His Will as individuals and as a nation.

His warning gives hope that the Bible is true and relevant. It supports the truths in God’s written Word. It may even lead us to study the Bible to see for ourselves the hope that God wants in our lives and in our future. If in doubt that a warning may do all this, read Harbinger 2 and see.

Most importantly the warning in Cahn’s book may even lead us to seek the One Who will change our destiny from eternal death to eternal life. That above all is our greatest hope!

“Now then, sons, listen to Me, for blessed are those who keep My ways. Listen to instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.”  (Proverbs 8: 32, 33)