Tuesday 17 February 2015

Carlin and a Wedding Song

Dear Marcia:
We often think fondly of you and Carlin.
The days surely bring many laughs from memories of that guy, but also many tears of missing him.
I thought you might like to read my February 15, 2015 Philippians Journal entry, cut ‘n pasted below.
Love in Christ,
Grahame for Grahame & Karen Nicolson
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February 15, 2015 Journal Entry
 
[Continuation of 5. Encouragement to Stand Firm, Striving for the Faith of the Gospel – 1:27-30]
Philippians 1:27-30: 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
 
v.29: “For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake….
 
The early morning hours of today found Karen and me in each other’s arms as we struggled over a serious family concern.  In our conversation and in my prayer, I quoted part of a hymn our old friend (now with the Lord he faithfully served) Carlin Weinhauer sang at our wedding: 
 
God be with them while they pray through a dark and troubled day….
                                                                               —from “God be with Them While They Stand” by Lawrence Tuttiett, 1825-1897
 
Yes, those dark and troubled days do come, but only in the master plan and under the control of our redeeming God.  To us all joys and trials are “granted”! 
 
Every joy or trial falleth from above, traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do; they who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
— from “Like a River Glorious” by Frances Ridley Havergal, 1836-1869
 
Sentence prayer: Once again as I face a troubled day, I come to You, dear Savior, trembling in Your arms that never tremble around me.