Monday Meditation: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

 

  

"Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies
never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!"
(Lamentations 3:22-23) 

 

 

Image courtesy/iStock

 

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee.

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. 

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand has provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Lord unto me. 

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon, stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, love. 

Pardon for sin and peace that endureth,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand has provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Lord unto me. 

 

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
(1923)
Thomas Obadiah Chisholm 
(1866-1960)
American Methodist minister,
poet, and songwriter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Night In Uncle Walt's Vault: The Old Mill

 

 

 

 

 In the wake of last Thursday's unprecedented severe weather, I was reminded
of this Walt Disney animated short,"The Old Mill" which brings together
all the dramatic elements of a sudden summer thunderstorm.

 

Image courtesy/Wikipedia

 

This classic "Silly Symphony" from 1937 won Uncle Walt a highly
 deserved Academy Award for Best Short Subjects Cartoon.

  

The Old Mill
(1937)
A Walt Disney Silly Symphony
Walt Disney Productions
Released by RKO Pictures
Uploaded by fireurgunz
(August 12, 2008)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alan Jackson: In The Garden (Live)

 

 

 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."
(Psalm 116:15)

 

Image courtesy/Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

In The Garden
(2017)
Alan Jackson
(August 25, 2017)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Charles Stanley: Our Very Best Friend

 

 

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
(Proverbs 17:17)

In this classic sermon, Dr. Charles Stanley explains how Jesus was a friend 
to many different people.  He can become your very best friend too.
 

💕No one will love you more than Jesus!💕

Our Very Best Friend-Dr. Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
(August 30, 2026)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday Poetry Corner: Golden Sun

 

 

 

 

Summer Lake Scene
 A painting by Vicki Wade
Image courtesy/Etsy

 

 

 Great, glorious, golden sun,

Shine down on me today!

You are the life of all this earth,

You and your magic ray.

You are the life of bird and plant,

All must depend on you.

Shine down, great sun, the whole day long!

Shine from the heaven's blue.

And I will welcome your golden rays,

For you mean life to me,

And you mean happiness and health,

Strength and energy.

Shine down, great sun, on flower and field,

And never say goodbye.

Forever and ever give us your light

From out of the wide blue sky.

 

"Golden Sun"
A poem by Lenore Hetrick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full Sturgeon Moon Tonight

 

 

 August's Full Moon peaked earlier this morning-12:18 am to be exact-
in the midst of the partial lunar eclipse that began last night and ended
at 3:01 am EST.  I did get to see the beginning of the eclipse but the
moon was hazy with cloud cover and eventually the clouds won out.

  

Full Sturgeon Moon
August 2026
Image courtesy/Facebook

 

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the month of August is when the lake
sturgeon, which are the largest freshwater fish in North America, were caught in
the greatest number in the Great Lakes.  Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)
can live more than a hundred years, top six feet in length and weigh in
at over 200 pounds, with a long armored body that makes them
 look more like a small dinosaur than a modern fish. 

To the Algonquian-speaking Indian tribes living in the area, August
 was the month when these fish could be easily caught in shallow
water due to the warmer temperature in the lakes.

.🌕 I hope the skies are clear where you are tonight! 🌕

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flashback Friday: Johnny Angel/Remembering Shelly Fabares

 

 

The entertainment industry lost another star earlier this week with the passing 
 of Golden Age of Television actress-singer Shelley Fabares on August 22, 2026.
 She was 82 years old.  May she rest in eternal peace.

 

 

Image courtesy/Spotify

 

Shelley is perhaps best remembered to a generation of fans as the oldest child
and perky teen-aged daughter of Dr. Alex and Donna Stone, (played by
Carl Betz and Donna Reed) on the family-oriented American sitcom,
"The Donna Reed Show" which aired on ABC  from 1958-1963. 

After the series ended, Shelly starred as the leading lady in three
movies opposite singer Elvis Presley,"Girl Happy" (1965) 
"Spinout" (1966) and "Clambake" (1967). 

In addition to playing Joy Piccolo in the 1971 movie, "Brian's Song"
opposite actor James Caan, she later played Francine Webster on
the 1970's sitcom, "One Day At A Time". Shelley guest- starred 
  on many TV shows in the 70's and 80's including, "Mannix" 
"Barnaby Jones" "Fantasy Island"  "The Incredible Hulk"
and "Murder, She Wrote."

  She also played Christine Armstrong, a news anchor and girlfriend,
 (later the wife ) of football coach Hayden Fox (Craig T. Nelson) on the 
hit late 1980's-early 1990's ABC sitcom, "Coach".

  "I'm in heaven...I get carried away...
I dream of him and me, and how it's gonna be..."

In the fourth season episode of "The Donna Reed Show" notably called, 
"Donna's Prima Donna"  Mary Stone, now a college freshman, is seriously
thinking about quitting school to pursue a singing career, much to the
 chagrin of her skeptical mother-until she hears her daughter sing,
"Johnny Angel".  Not only was her mother impressed, but the song
became an overnight sensation in America after the episode
aired on February 1, 1962.

A sweet expression of a teen-aged girl's longing for a boy who doesn't
even know she exists, went all the way to the Number One spot on Billboard's
Hot 100 chart in April, 1962.  It also became the top-selling record on
  Cashbox's Top Best Seller's Chart that same month. 

 

Johnny Angel
(1962)
Shelly Fabares
Uploaded by Hans Snoek
(October 21, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Storm Aftermath

 

 I arrived home just in time yesterday before a severe thunderstorm swept
through my neighborhood with very heavy rain and damaging winds.

Only a little while before this, I was driving home after doing some errands 
and noticed the darkening skies to the west.  I thought the strange blue-green
clouds of the approaching storm were unusual, and reminded me of the
super cell thunderstorms that form tornadoes on the western prairies.
It also looked as if the storm was moving away from my area,
heading towards the northeast.

Fifteen minutes later I was sitting at my kitchen table when it
suddenly grew very dark outside. A strong clap of thunder shook  
 the house as the wind came whipping across the yard. I went
to look out the back door to see what was happening.

 Then, before my eyes, all hell literally broke loose.

As I stood watching at the back door with my oldest son, the
large branch in the picture below suddenly snapped off the big tree
next to our home and came crashing down only a few feet away,
barely missing the roof!  My son then pointed out to me the
sudden shift in the direction of the wind, indicating that
there was rotation in the storm. 

Meanwhile, the deluge of rain pouring down from the skies was absolutely
incredible! I don't think I've ever seen it rain so hard in my life! In our area,
we received over 4 inches of rain in less than a hour.  Although thankfully,
 we did not see a tornado, there was a tornado warning issued
 for Salem County which is just south of my home.  

Today I am most grateful to the One Who rules the wind and water for
 keeping us safe in His love and mercy during this unexpectedly violent storm!

 

Summer Storm Damage
August 27, 2026
Image courtesy/Daniel Kelly

 

I am also thankful to God that although our area was one of the hardest hit
yesterday, I have not heard any reports of storm-related injuries or deaths.
There will, however, be some major road repair in the coming days! 

 

Severe Storms Cause Road To Buckle
In Gloucester County
FOX 29 Philadelphia
(August 28, 2026)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partial Lunar Eclipse Tonight

 

 

 

 The nearly full Sturgeon Moon will slip into Earth's shadow tonight, creating 
 a stunning"almost blood moon" effect as almost 100% of the lunar surface 
will disappear into the umbra, or the darkest part of our planet's shadow.

  According to Space.com, at maximum eclipse much of the moon may take on an eerie
 reddish hue as sunlight filtered through Earth's atmosphere is refracted into the shadow
 and onto the lunar surface. Only a thin sliver of moon will escape Earth's shadow, 
appearing as a bright arc against an otherwise dim, rusty-red lunar disc. 

 Beginning around 9:30 pm ET in the United States, the eclipse will be
 visible from both North and South America, as well as in Europe
 and in Africa-weather pending, of course. 

Due to cloud cover here in my neck of the woods, I am not sure 
I will get to see this spectacular celestial event tonight.

 But, I hope the skies are clear where you're at fellow sky watchers! 

 

Image courtesy/Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday's Thoughts: Make Me A Blessing Today

 

 

 

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people
 light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives
light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men,
 that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." 
(Matthew 5:14-16)

 

 

Image courtesy/Island in the Net

 

 

 Oh, softly the Spirit is whispering to me,

With tender compassion, with pitying plea;

I hear His beseeching, and earnestly pray

That Jesus will make me a blessing today. 

Lord, make me a blessing today,

A blessing to someone I pray;

In all that I do, in all that I say,

O make me a blessing today. 

Some heart may be longing, for only a word,

Whose love by the Spirit is quickened and stirred;

Now grant, blessed Savior, this service to me,

Of speaking a comforting message for Thee. 

Some soul may be plunged in the darkest despair,

Where shadows would melt in the sunlight of prayer;

O give me, dear Savior, I humbly implore,

The sweet consolation that soul to restore. 

Come all ye that labor, ye weary and worn,

Come ye who in sorrow or sinfulness mourn;

With me this petition to Jesus convey;

O make me a blessing, dear Savior, today.

Lord, make me a blessing today,

A blessing to someone I pray;

In all that I do, in all that I say,

O make me a blessing today. 

 

Fanny Crosby
Image courtesy/Cyber Hymnal

"Make Me A Blessing Today"
(1899)
 Frances Jane "Fanny" Crosby
(1820-1915)
American Christian evangelist 
 and prolific hymn writer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cuppa Cuppa Cake: Dolly Parton's Recipe From Steel Magnolias

 

 

 

 

An easy recipe from the kitchen of Truvvy Jones, the kind-hearted neighborhood
  hair dresser played by Dolly Parton in the 1989 movie, "Steel Magnolia".

Thank you Becky for re-posting this recipe in her memory today.

 

 Cuppa Cuppa Cake
The Hillbilly Kitchen-Down Home Country Cooking
(August 26, 2026)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday's Word: Ganan/Defend

 

 

 

"Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings."
(Psalm 17:8) 

Image courtesy/Facebook

 

The Hebrew word, "Ganan" pronounced (Gah-NAHN) means to defend,
to cover, to protect.  Like a mother bird who shelters her young from the
rain with her wings, the LORD covers His people with protection and peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remembering Dolly Parton (1946-2026)

 

 

 Country music legend Dolly Parton has died. She was 80 years old.
Although the circumstances surrounding her death are not exactly known,
only a few months ago in May, Dolly cancelled her previously postponed
Las Vegas residency due to health challenges.  A statement from her
family says she died peacefully in her sleep this morning.

 

Dolly Parton 
(1995)
Image courtesy/Britannica

One of the most beloved and iconic personalities of all time, Dolly rose
from the poverty of her Appalachian childhood to become the last
   reigning Queen of traditional Country Music in America and in
  the world.  May she now find rest in the tender arms of Jesus.

 

 

 

Softly & Tenderly
Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris
Trio Album
(1987)
 Uploaded by Dolly Parton
(January 25, 2017)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Bible Study With Les Feldick: Eternal Excellence Of Love

 

 

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have
not love, I am become as a sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal."
(1 Corinthians 13:1)

 

Les and Iris Feldick
Image courtesy/Through The Bible With 
Les Feldick Newsletter

 

  Les continues his teaching of Paul's first letter to the assembly at Corinth.

 

Eternal Excellence Of Love/Part One
(1997)
Les Feldick Ministries-Official Site
(August 12, 2019)

 

 

 

 

Eternal Excellence Of Love/Part Two
(1997)
Les Feldick Ministries-Official Site
(August 12, 2019)

 

 

 

 

Eternal Excellence Of Love/Part Three
(1997)
Les Feldick Ministries-Official Site
(August 14, 2019)

 

 

 

 

Eternal Excellence Of Love/Part Four
(1997)
Les Feldick Ministries-Official Site
(August 15, 2019)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arlene Cooks Up Some Hearty Old-Fashioned Cabbage Recipes!

 

 

 

 Gracious host Arlene Williams shares faith, fellowship and fabulous food recipes,
 featuring hearty and healthy cabbage, including Bobak's ham and cabbage
    with potatoes,  Kluski (Polish Cabbage & Noodles) and cabbage with dumplings!

 

Hearty Old-Fashioned Cabbage Recipes!
(1994)
At Home With Arlene Williams
(August 24, 2026)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday Meditation: My Spirit Longs For Thee

 

 

 

 "My soul longs for You in the night; indeed my spirit seeks You at dawn. For when
Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness."
(Isaiah 26:9)

 

 

Resting Against The Lion of Judah
Pam Herrick-Artist
Image courtesy/PamHerrick.com

 

 

 

My spirit longs for Thee,

Within my troubled breast,

Though I unworthy be

Of so divine a guest.

Of so divine a guest

Unworthy though I be,

Yet has my heart no rest

Unless it come from Thee. 

Unless it come from Thee,

In vain I look around;

In all that I can see

No rest is to be found. 

No rest is to be found

But in Thy blessed love;

O let my wish be crowned

And send it from above.

"Cheer up, desponding soul,

Thy longing, pleased, I see;

'Tis part of that great whole,

Wherewith I longed for thee. 

Wherewith I longed for thee,

And left My Father's throne;

From death to see thee free,

To claim thee for My own.

"To claim thee for My own,

I suffered on the cross;

Oh! were My love but known,

No soul could fear its loss. 

"No soul could fear its loss,

But, filled with love divine,

Would die on its own cross,

And rise forever Mine." 

The Poet As A Young Man
Image courtesy/Hymnary.org

 

"My Spirit Longs For Thee" 
(1881)
John Byrom
(1691-1763)
English Christian poet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Night In Uncle Walt's Vault: Swiss Family Robinson

 

 

 In this classic Disney adventure film, based on the 1812 novel, "Swiss Family Robinson"
by Johann David Wyss, a shipwrecked family survives a violent storm at sea and later
 struggles to adapt to life on an isolated island in the South Pacific.

 

Original Theatrical Poster
Image courtesy/Wikipedia

Considered one of the most iconic live-action Disney films of all time,
"Swiss Family Robinson" was the fourth highest grossing film of 1960.
 

Swiss Family Robinson
(1960)
Walt Disney Productions
Buena Vista Distribution
Uploaded by Feriha Eda
(July 9, 2026)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Heifers, A New Temple, October 7th: What Do They have In Common?

 

 

 

"Do not you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that
God's Spirit dwells in you?"
(1 Corinthians 3:16)

 

Image courtesy/Instagram

 

 

In this special presentation, Rabbi Zev Porat and Pastor Carl Gallups
discuss current events happening right now in Israel and the truth
behind the Red Heifer prophecy and push for a New Temple there. 

 

Red Heifers/New Temple/October 7th
What Do They have In Common?
messiah ofisrael
(August 21, 2026)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday Night Memories With Hee Haw

 

 

 

 

 From 1984, Buck Owens and Roy Clark and the whole Hee Haw gang
welcome special guests Roger Miller, Tom T. Hall, and Gary Morris.
With a special appearance by comedian Jonathan Winters.

Down home charm and classic country music at it's best!

 

Hee Haw
(March 3, 1984)
Uploaded by Lasandra Sarabando
(July 22, 2025)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Life With Jack Hibbs:The Secret Deal With Satan That Changed America Forever

 

 

 

 

 In this fascinating presentation, Pastor Jack interviews Dr. Edwin Lutzer,
author of the book, "Marx and Moody Two Contemporaries, Two Gospels,
Two Tombstones, One Choice" to discuss the stark contrasts between 
 the two men and what we can learn from their legacies. 

A timely message and warning for America today. 

 

The Secret Deal With Satan That Changed
America Forever
Real Life With Jack Hibbs
(August 20, 2026)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday Poetry Corner: A Summer Wish

 

 

 

 Live all thy sweet life through,

Sweet Rose, dew-sprent,

Drop down thine evening dew

To gather anew

When day is bright:

I fancy thou wast meant

Chiefly to give delight.

 

Christina Rose
Image courtesy/The Garden Rose Company

 

Sing in the silent sky,

Glad soaring bird;

Sing out thy notes on high

To sunbeam straying by

Or passing cloud;

Heedless if thou art heard

Sing thy full song aloud. 

Of that it were with me

As with the flower;

Blooming on its own tree

For butterfly and bee

Its summer morns:

That I might bloom mine hour

A rose in spite of thorns. 

Oh that my work were done

As birds' that soar

Rejoicing in the sun:

That when my time is run

And daylight too,

I so might rest once more

Cool with refreshing dew. 

 

"A Summer Wish" 
(1862)
Christina Georgina Rossetti
(1830-1894)
English Christian poetess
and writer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flashback Friday: Moonlight Feels Right

 

 

 

After a difficulty with promotion, the catchy debut single, "Moonlight Feels Right"
 by the American rock band, Starbuck became a major hit song in America during
 the summer of 1976, peaking at Number #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
in the months of July and August of the Bicentennial year.

When asked if he resents that this quintessential 70's summer song is referred to as a
 "one-hit wonder" former band member Bruce Blackman, who wrote,"Moonlight Feels Right"
 had this to say: "People ask me if I resent being called a one-hit wonder. No sir, stop and
   think about it. Most singers can't get a record deal and if they do, they don't score a hit.
 I've got this little song that has given me a great life. I heard it in Home Depot the other day."

 

Moonlight Feels Right
(1975)
Starbuck
Uploaded January 23, 2023