May the Power of God preserve us. May the Wisdom of God instruct us. May the Hand of God protect us. May the Way of God direct us. May the Shield of God defend us. May the Host of God guard us. Against the snares of the evil ones. Against temptations of the world May Christ be with us! May Christ be before us! May Christ be in us, Christ be over all! May Thy Salvation, Lord, Always be ours, This day, O Lord, and evermore.
I can't believe how this month has just flown by amidst
an unusual mix of heat waves and thunderstorms here on the Prairies. I hope you've been able to catch mostly sunny rays where you are...
Today is definitely focused on HOPE and LIVING HOPE
a brand new album exclusive release via some people with very large and caring hearts.
On June 2, 2015, PizzaRanch released a CD called Living Hope containing twelve songs - new music by many of our favourite Christian artists. Most of the songs are brand-new and written exclusively for this CD around the theme of Hope. Artists include Colton Dixon, Francesca Batistelli, Ellie Holcomb, Sidewalk Prophets, Kevin Max, Bart Millard, Passion Band featuring Kristian Stanfill, Michael W. Smith, and Mark Schultz.
Here's Matthew West's back story on "DAY ONE", his contribution to LIVING HOPE
Isn't that a fabulous story? Love it. Such goodness and grace of God.
"Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope." - 1 Peter 1.3 (CJB)
The CD is available to purchase for $5 plus tax exclusively in PizzaRanch restaurants or for download at Pizza Ranch through August 31.
plus...
You have the opportunity to Enter to WIN yourself a copy this week at FHC!
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From Adrie Groeneweg, President & CEO of PizzaRanch, Inc.: "This album has a very special meaning forPizzaRanch. AlthoughPizzaRanchis not in the music business...doors have been opening for this album. Through these events, I believe..God has been..putting it on our hearts to collectively create this project. As such, we call this our miracle album, Living Hope.
I personally hope that you will enjoy the music, reflect on the words...sing loudly along with the artists and make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
"
I am one listener who is doing just that!
Francesca Battistelli gives us reason to sing of our FUTURE via LIVING HOPE
for this edition of #SONGSonSUNDAYS
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I love the entrepreneurial spirit that birthed this album venture just as when a 19 year old
Adrie Groeneweg had a dream in Hull, IA, in 1981. What was simple to Adrie, "Why does everyone have to drive out of town to get a pizza?" Would not necessarily have seemed simple to anyone else! With just six specialty and single topping pizza recipes developed by Adrie's mother, Lorraine,PizzaRanch was born.PizzaRanch's vision and mission is to glorify God by positively impacting the world. It's part of the reason they've put together the album. They have 190+ locations across 13 states including Iowa, Minnesota, S Dakota, N Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado. Home of the Pizza Lover’s Pizza®, The Country’s Best Chicken®, and their famous cactus bread, Pizza Ranch prides itself on legendary service and quality food.
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"To bless and benefit those around us is what makes us tick." You can learn more about it at their daily blog found atPizzaRanchServes.com "
Please do Connect and Find More on the LIVING HOPE Project via their SOCIAL • C O R N E R
Reflecting on 'Father', I recognize my valuing of God, in the role of Father, has increased to fill my need
since the loss of my earthly father .
"God in his holy dwelling, is a father to orphans..."
Psalm 68.5
How intricately God is involved in our lives as Father.
Today's #SONGSonSUNDAYS is a favourite
- FATHER'S LOVE LETTER -
to inspirit us all in the encompassing embrace of our Father.
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~ My Child ~
You may not know me, but I know everything about you.(Psalm 139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up.(Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways.(Psalm 139:3) Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.(Matthew 10:29-31) For you were made in my image (Genesis1:27) In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28) For you are my offspring.[Acts 17.28] I knew you even before you were concived.(Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you when I planned creation.(Ephesians 1:11-12) You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.(Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.(Acts17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made.(Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother's womb.(Psalm 139:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born.(Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who do not know me (John 8.41-44) I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.(1 John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.(1 John 3:1) Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.(1 John 3:1) I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.(Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect father.(Matthew5:48) Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.(James 1:17) For I am your provider and I meet all your needs (Matthew 6.31-33) My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.(Jeremiah29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love.(Jeremiah 31:3) My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.(Psalms 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing.(Zephaniah 3:17) I will never stop doing good to you.(Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5) I desire to you establish you with all my heart and all my soul.(Jeremiah 33:3) And I want to show you great and marvelous things.(Jeremiah 33:3) If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.(Deuteronomy4:29) Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.(Psalm 37:4) For it is I who gave you those desires.(Philippians2:13) I am able to do more for you than you possibly imagine.(Ephesians3:20) For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm34:18) As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.(Isaiah40:11) One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.(Revelation 21:3-4) And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.(Revelation 21:3-4) I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23) For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.(John17:26) He is the exact representation of my being. (Hebrews 1:3) He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.(Romans 8:31) And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.(2 Corinthians 5. 18-19) Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5.18-19) His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.(1 John 4:10) I gave up everthing I loved that I might gain your love.(Romans 8:31-32) If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.(1 John2:23) And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.(Romans 8.38-39) Come home and I will throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.(Luke 15:7) I have always been father, and will always be father.(Ephesians 3.14-15) My question is will you be my child? (John 1.12-13) I am waiting for you.(Luke 15.11-32)
Love, Your Dad ,
Almighty God
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May you be blessed in the reality of that LOVE...
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You're invited to add your responses in comments
and to link your own selections for #SONGSonSUNDAYS this week.
News in our world is overwhelming with politics, tragedy, dissension, and hope, writes Jan in Texas for Rev Gals Friday Five. If you prefer for this Friday Five, you may write about any of the current affairs you are thinking about. However, I suggest a look at your life at this moment, rightNow,TODAY: ~
1. What are you thinking about?
Overwhelmed with issues of worldwide and local injustices. The need for prioritizing prayer. For acting in the Light and in light of our faith. Right Now? Pretty much focused on Q3 at the moment! ~
2. What book are you reading or have just finished reading? ~
Just finished reading and sitting with the impact of the Hutterites' history that much of today's news mirrors as learned in the reading. Such a worthwhile read. I met author, Linda Maendel, in person at the book launch after corresponding for a couple years via our blogs and twitter. Great experience to make the blog connection personal. Highly recommended reading. Book Review to come... ~
3. What is your favourite television or radio program?
Saturday's radio program is topping the list. I am being interviewed by BBC radio 2, London UK, June 20th. A host that intros emerging music via the mom of a child [adult] involved in indie music. My son is one of those. Saturday June 20th, his band, THE PAST, will be debuted and their single, Higher Than the Sun. ~
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Pretty cool. Not just a little nervous, but wouldn't miss it for anything! Click for an online listen to the show as of Saturday 20th. Here's the program replay link to have a listen: Click for My interview beginning at 49.00. It concludes with HIGHER THAN THE SUN by THE PAST - yay!! Fantastic to hear it on air ! Thanks for listening... and requesting replays of the song at BBC radio 2 if you will THANKS MUCH !! click to listen directly to The Past's single, Higher Than the Sun .~ Your likes on their FB page and twitter follows@thepastmusic are much appreciated should you be willing to show your support. Definitely a #Joy to have you along! Thank You! ~
4. What was the best movie you have seen in the past year?
A best for me would be a fav dvd. Dear Frankie, French Kiss, Persuasion. ~
5. Who do you think of for Father's Day? Thinking of both my own father and his life impact and my eldest son. Young father of two sons - 2 year old and 3 month old. And all that means for change. Now and future. Looking forward to celebrating him with a Sunday BBQ with his lovely family. ~
I hope you'll join us in today's Friday Five! If you do, please leave your link in a comment below. Find more NOW posts at -
My first single, "Out of the Boat," was inspired by Peter's experience of trying to walk on water in Luke 14. As we venture through life, I hear Jesus saying, "Don't look at the waves in this sea- stop fearing the weather- have faith in me." ~ Meagen
