My Own Domain Name

I don't know why its taken me so long to do this, but I finally purchased my own domain name for this blog.  If you remember, the address used to be pretty long. It used to be: http://he-holds-my-right-hand.blogspot.com. And, unless I wrote it down for someone or sent the link in an e-mail, I always had to say "he, dash, holds, dash, my, dash, right, dash, hand, dot blogspot dot com." Talk about awkward! Ugh! It was okay for a start, but I've learned a lot since starting this blog over 5 years ago, and it was time for a change.

That led me to start researching which company to use for my new domain name. There are so many out there now, its a daunting task! As I searched, I read many reviews that said the best option for domain names is GoDaddy. But, as I searched further, I also found many reviewers who were NOT pleased with Go Daddy, mostly due to extra fees they don't tell you about. So, I decided to go with a newer company that has all good reviews from what I've found so far: NameSilo.com

I purchased my new domain name from them, then followed their detailed instructions to have it transferred to my current blog. It was quite a challenge for me, since I had never done anything like that before, and it took up an evening of my time. But, by following their INSTRUCTIONS step by step, it eventually got done, and I didn't even need to contact their support staff. I'm rather proud of myself! 

THE NEW ADDRESS IS:  www.heholdsmyrighthand.com

There are no more dashes between the words, and "blogspot" is no longer mentioned in the name. It just uses the title of this blog as the address, and is simple and to the point. I'm happy about it.

The nice thing is, if anyone types in the old address, it will be redirected to the new address. So, you will still get here no matter which address is used.

If you are interested in doing your own research about NameSilo, to compare them with other domain registrars, here are some links to get you started:

BEST AND WORST DOMAIN REGISTRARS - October 2014 

NAME SILO REVIEW - October 2013 

NAME SILO REVIEW - October 2012 

NAME SILO REVIEW - 8 REASONS TO SWITCH

   

HYMN: My Country 'Tis of Thee

With Veteran's Day coming up on Tuesday, I think this patriotic hymn is a fitting one to focus on for this Sunday. It was written in 1831 by Samuel F. Smith while he was a theological student studying in Germany. It only took him 30 minutes to write the words (and the music came from the melody of the United Kingdom's national anthem.)

The hymn was first performed at an Independence Day celebration in 1831, and was later sung as one of America's national anthems before "The Star Spangled Banner" was adopted in 1931.

Thank you to all the Veterans who have served our country and sacrificed your time for our freedom. God bless you all!

MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE

(a.k.a. "AMERICA")

Words by Samuel Francis Smith 

My country, 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrim's pride!
From ev'ry mountain side,
Let freedom ring! 

My native country thee,

Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,

And ring from all the trees,
Sweet freedom's song.
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our fathers' God, to Thee,

Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright,
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!

Author Fair in Charleston, IL

I am excited to announce the publication of my new book:  A Picnic Snack.

The book is currently available through LuLu.com for $14.95 plus shipping. If you order by November 11th, you can use a coupon code to get FREE SHIPPING. The code is:  HSQ2.


If you will be anywhere near the Charleston, IL area tomorrow (Sunday, November 9th), please stop by the Charleston Carnegie Public Library between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. for their first "Friends of the Library Author Fair." My family and I will be there with a table, presenting my two books: What is Communion? and A Picnic Snack.

This event is open to the public and is free of charge. Over a dozen Central IL authors are planning to be on hand with their books available for purchase and signing. (Note:  I will not have any of "A Picnic Snack" on hand for purchase tomorrow, but will have a sample copy available to browse through and you will be able to place an order.) This could be a great opportunity to get some of your Christmas shopping started! We would love to see you there!

EL's 4th MRI and A Bladder Problem

EL getting ready for her 4th MRI

Our last update on EL was in August, and we had good reports from her doctors at that time. Since then, thankfully nothing has changed except for one thing - there has been a major increase in her going to the bathroom. We have seen her regular Pediatrician twice for this issue, and it has been determined she does not have a bladder infection, and is not in any pain (that we know of). She has also been given a mild laxative to help keep the urinary tract from being blocked. The Pediatrician said, if things do not improve, she would refer us to a Urologist. That may still need to happen but, last week, we took another trip to St. Louis and found out some interesting news related to this problem. It COULD be related to her pituitary tumor.

At last week's visit, we took EL for a follow-up MRI (EL's 4th one so far), followed by  two doctor appointments -  one with the Endocrinologist, and one with the Neuro-Oncologist. Things went well with the MRI. EL has matured a lot over this past year since her last MRI and, although she did not like being there, she cooperated very well. I'm thankful for the prayers of family and friends that I know helped her get through this difficult time. The worst part of it all was when they did the needle stick in her arm to put in the IV. But, she did not need Versed to calm her down beforehand. In the past, Versed has tended to make her REALLY grumpy while she was coming out of sedation, so I'm glad we didn't have to deal with that this time. 

After the MRI, we saw the Endocrinologist. He asked us if anything has changed since we last saw him. We told him the only thing that has changed is how EL seems to be constantly in the bathroom. The Endocrinologist informed us the pituitary gland could be a causative factor in increased urination. We did not know that! Apparently, the pituitary gland makes a hormone known as Vasopressin, which regulates the body's retention of water.  A deficiency in Vasopressin (which can happen with a pituitary tumor) causes frequent urination and thirst. These are symptoms EL has been having. So, the doctor ran a urinalysis while we were there. It was not concentrated enough to get the answers we need, so we are waiting for an order to come in the mail to have a morning collection done. Once we get that done, and get those results, we will know more. If there is no problem with the Vasopressin, then a Urologist may still be in order. I did, however, just recently find out there are two close family members who were diagnosed with a spastic (or overactive) bladder! Hmmmmm. Makes me wonder if that is what is going on with EL. Its hard to know, since she isn't able to communicate as effectively as needed.

The last appointment was with the Neuro-Oncologist. I'm happy to report there were NO CHANGES to the MRI! This is such great news. It means the pituitary tumor has not grown, praise the Lord, and the doctor does not recommend any treatment at this time. We are not sure yet when the next MRI will be. It could be a year from now, or it could be in 6 months. That will be determined once we get the next urinalysis results. I'll let you know how things turn out. 

"In His Presence" by Alec Rowland

I asked for a copy of Alec Rowland's book, "The Presence" for my next book review because I was curious to know what he meant by the subtitle of "experiencing more of God." What I found is that the book's main focus is not about having supernatural experiences, but on the revival of a Christian's spiritual life. Its about renewing our relationship with Him; about having a closer walk with God who is still alive and active in our world today, even though we don't always "feel" His presence.

On page 69 of the book, the author encourages us to look at our own lives and ask some important questions: "What will motivate me to actively share with others the story of my relationship with Jesus? What will make me want to pray? What will motivate me to dig into the Bible and truly study the Word of God with an eye toward having my life changed? What will infuse my worship with a deep and authentic hunger for God's presence? The only answer is a restored (revived) love for God."

The author uses personal stories/experiences of revival in his own life, as well as in the lives of others, to help motivate us in our Christian walk; to be on a mission to become more Christ-like. In that sense, it has very good things to say and I think it could be a decent book to help with Bible study conversations.

The book did seem rather long to me, though, and not super engaging. I guess that's why it took me so long to finally write a review (2 months), because it took me so long to finish the book.  But, overall, I found the book to be inspiring, and somewhat entertaining at times. 

NOTE:  Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.

HYMN: Rock of Ages

There are many hymns that have been written around the Lord being our rock. Here are just a few of them (click on each title to see the words):

1. Build On the Rock
2. Builded On the Rock
3. Built On the Rock
4. Honey in the Rock
5. Mighty Rock, Whose Towering Form
6. O God, the Rock of Ages
7. Praise the Rock of Our Salvation
8. The Sheltering Rock

But, I think the most popular of all the hymn that speak about our "Rock" is the classic hymn Rock of Ages, written by Augustus M. Toplady in 1776. The words to this hymn came to him when he was taking refuge among some limestone rocks in England, during a violent thunderstorm. The rocks kept him safe from the storm. Likewise, trusting in the Lord gives us great confidence in knowing we can take refuge among the strongest Rock of all - Jesus Christ.

ROCK OF AGES

Words by:  Augusts M. Toplady - 1776 

Music by:  Thomas Hastings

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

HYMN: Make Me A Blessing / Be A Blessing Today

Let's go back to October 2009, five years ago. It was towards the beginning of cold and flu season, and I wrote a post that gave several suggestions on how to be a blessing to those who are not feeling well. Check out that blog post here:

BE A BLESSING TODAY

Along with that blog post, I also included a hymn that was written by Ira B. Wilson in 1905. The original title of the hymn was "Out in the Highways and Byways of Life" but it has since been changed to "Make Me A Blessing." This hymn will be our hymn of focus for this Sunday.

I wasn't able to find any information about this hymn, other than the author being a composer who was taught music at home by his sister, and later became a student at The Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

I like the hymn because it reminds me to let my light shine so that others will see Jesus in me.

Matthew 5:16 -  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)

Make Me A Blessing

(click on the title above to hear the tune)

Words by Ira B. Wilson

Music by George S. Schuler

Out in the highways and byways of life,

many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife

making the sorrowing glad.

 

Refrain:

Make me a blessing,

Make me a blessing,

Out of my life

May Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O savior, I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

 

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;

Tell of His pow'r to forgive;

Others will trust Him if only you prove

true ev'ry moment you live.

 

Refrain

 

Give as 'twas given to you in your need;

Love as the Master loved you;

Be to the helpless a helper indeed;

Unto your mission be true.

 

Refrain

A Picnic Snack - An Introduction to My New Book Project

Here's a sneak peak at the new book project I've been working on.  I'm excited to say its almost ready for publication, but still needs a couple finishing touches. I am hoping to have it available to the public by the 1st of November (maybe sooner!) In the meantime, you are probably wondering what this book is about.

The new book is geared towards the younger crowd - children in the 3-8 developmental age range, but older children may enjoy it also. It is called, "A Picnic Snack," and is based on a fun experience I had when I was a little girl living in the small town of Manito, IL. My neighborhood friends and I often played outside together, and I can remember more than one occasion when we all brought snacks from home to share with everyone else.

The two main ideas of the book are "sharing with friends" and "thanking God for our food." My niece, Carolyn, drew the illustrations, and she did a great job for her debut in the publishing world. I enjoyed working with her on this.

I am using the same company I used for my first book, and will be sure to let you know when it is available to the public.

Stay tuned!  

HYMN: Day By Day / Does God Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

I'm going to use two of my old posts to talk about today's hymn. First, click over to this post I wrote three years ago: 

DOES GOD GIVE US MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE?

Then, come back here to read more about the hymn below...

2 Corinthians 12:9 -  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

DAY BY DAY

By: Karolina Sandell

 

Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,

I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure

Gives unto each day what He deems best,

Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"

This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in ev'ry tribulation

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation

Offered me within Thy holy word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting;

E'er to take, as from a father's hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land.

To read about the author's meaning behind this hymn, click here to another post I wrote four years ago:
 

DAY BY DAY

 

HYMN: There's A Race For Us To Run - Hallelujah

I had never heard of this hymn before now, and I couldn't find any information about its background, but I found it as I was looking up some other hymns. It was under the category of  "encouragement for running the race," and is based on Hebrews 12:1-2.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Click on the title below and enjoy listening to it. It has an upbeat and catchy tune. Maybe it will help give you the pep you need to keep running the race for the Lord...

There's A Race for Us to Run - Hallelujah

Words:  J.I.

Music:  William A. Ogden

 There’s a race for us to run—Hallelujah,

  And a way for us the race to win.

To all those who have begun—Hallelujah,

  God has spoken, “Look away to Him!”

 

Refrain:

Look away! O look away!

Look to Jesus now today!

Look away from everything unto Jesus,

Look away from everything to Him!

 

Look away from all around—Hallelujah,

  Look away from all the strife and din;

Look away where peace is found—Hallelujah,

  Look away from everything to Him.

 

Look away from fickle soul—Hallelujah,

  Look away from failing self within;

Look away toward the goal—Hallelujah,

  Look away from everything to Him.

Look away from all the past—Hallelujah,

  Look away from both the good and sin;

To the living One hold fast—Hallelujah,

  Look away from everything to Him.

Look away into His face—Hallelujah,

  He who’ll finish what He did begin.

O what grace to run the race—Hallelujah—

  We obtain by looking off to Him!