Memorial Day

My family and I spent Memorial Day just down the road from our house at historical Pownalborough Courthouse. We started the morning off with a pancake breakfast and chatted with others from our community. Then we enjoyed a walk along the riverside before the memorial service started.

Two ladies in colonial dresses, the fabrics were quite lovely and their hats sat just so! It was so much fun to see all the reenactors in their lovely outfits!

This Native American Indian reenactor and his wife took some time to answer our questions about the various parts of their outfits. He wasn't as scary as he first seemed. Anyone ever seen and Indian on crutches? :)

Camp set up for the soldier reenactors. Very picturesque!

Revolutionary War soldier reenactors practices their musters. At 11am sharp we followed them as they marched down to the cemetery to honor the veterans buried there and the other veterans who served to keep America free.

Cute little guy laid bouquets at the graves of the veterans buried in this cemetery. We found out later that his name is Jonah and he's the youngest son of one of the "soldiers" who has been participating in the reenactments for many years. His costume was perfect!

The minister read some lovely prayers in the cemetery and the "Indian" sang a version on a Native American burial/mourning song.

Then the "soldiers" marched back down to the flag pole which had been erected by a WWII vet and we honored him and modern day troops for their service to our country. Muskets were fired in honor of our veterans and how clear and lively they rang!

Names of soldiers from Maine who served under Captain White's command in the American Revolutionary War. There were some lovely Biblical names listed, such as Ezekiel and Zachariah.

Soldiers in their mourning stance. I loved this picture! As the minister read the prayers I was surprised at how many hats were removed, heads were bowed, and how many "Amens" followed. It was very moving and I thank the Lord for it and the for the many men and women who have served to protect our country!

What a wonderful day! :)

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty!

I love the words of praise and beautiful melody of this old hymn. As you go to church and worship our wonderful Lord, may His praises resonate in you heart today! I've included a the most commonly sung verses below.

1) Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

2) Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

4) Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

7)Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Words: Jo­ach­im Ne­an­der, in A und Ω Glaub- und Lieb­es­ü­bung (Stras­lund: 1680); trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Cath­er­ine Wink­worth, 1863.

Music: Lobe den Her­ren, An­der Theil des Er­neu­er­ten Ge­sang­buch, se­cond edi­tion (Bre­men, Ger­ma­ny: 1665); har­mo­ny by Wil­liam S. Ben­nett, 1864

Here's two YouTube videos of the song. The first one is sung in harmony all by one man.


This second video is just one man playing the piano. I like listening to the music and reading the lyrics.

Late Spring Header

I have just added a new header which I hope with it's overtones of brighter pinks will give the feel of late Spring turning to Summer. I love all of my headers but need a change every couple months, I hope you all don't mind too much! :)

It should be fairly obvious but do you recognize the film this picture comes from? I just love the fabric in her dress!

Here is the header from the last couple months:

Reflecting On Narnia

Have I ever told you how much I love The Chronicles of Narnia!?! Just yesterday I finished re-listening through Focus On The Family's Radio Theatre series of dramatized Narnia books.



They do such a great job of preserving the spiritual pictures that are painted by C.S. Lewis! In fact, the scenes with Aslan most often make be cry because the words and spiritual applications leap out at me and touched my heart so much. Actor David Suchet (one of my favorite actors from Agatha Christie's Poirot) does a wonderful job portraying the voice of Aslan, and this seems to be a family project for him as his two children joined the cast as extra voices in these stories.




The story which surprised me and touched me the most this time through was The Horse And His Boy. Even though I've read this book I always forget the story line because it's different from the other books. The main characters are talking horses and natives from neighboring countries to Narnia instead of people from our own world. The stories of coming to Aslan are huge in this book. The similarities of how Christ pursues us and uses His Holy Spirit to woo us to Himself, continually calling us to make that decision to come in faith to Christ is very striking. I believe, if I'm not mistaken, that this is also similar to C.S. Lewis' own testimony.




So since this post is in general about all things Narnia I can't end this post without mentioning the film adaptations that have been made of these wonderful books.
As much as I enjoy the newer Narnia films with their lovely special effects, costumes, gorgeous music and talented actors I still love watching the old BBC TV movies. I do like the darker, more stately White Witch in the old The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It's hard to capture the vastness and beauty of Narnia in a smaller production but they capture the time period and spirit of fun and adventure.




Probably my favorite of the BBC TV movies is The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader, which stars talented Samuel West as the grown up Prince Caspian. The different adventures they find on the many islands they visit are so extraordinary. I enjoyed reading the book so much and then listening to the radio play was so great. Small mouse Reepicheep shines in his faithfulness to Aslan in this book. He displays the faith of Job "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." (Job 13:15).




"So they're all great, but which is your favorite?" you may ask. My favorite book/story out of all the Narnia series would be The Silver Chair. This is probably because it is the one I most identify with. I love the characters of Jill and Eustace and especially of Puddleglum the gloomy Marshwiggle (shown in photo above).



In this story the three main characters have to walk by faith following the signs Aslan has set out before them. They have to remember the signs and follow them to the letter even though they might seem to be a complete waste of time or to be leading to failure/discomfort/destruction.
I love this picture of how we are to follow the law of Christ's nature that has been set in our hearts when we believe on Him. Sometimes following His Word may seem foolish to the world and hard to us but we are blessed when we obey!

Below is a music video I created using music and photos from the old BBC TV movies of The Chronicles of Narnia. I hope you enjoy and have a wonderful day!

I've Found A Friend

I'm sorry I haven't been posting lately. Things have picked up around here and even though I have plenty of period films to review, photos to post and period things to share I just haven't had the time to think and plan posts. This is why my posts lately have been simple paintings and hymns because they are so easy to do and require little thought. The hymns also speak of where I am in my spiritual walk, rejoicing in the Lord's goodness and faithfulness and praying for even more closeness to Him.

I am hoping to get a few more old-fashioned things posted later this week but until then you get another hymn and painting. The hymn below is one I found in the hymn I read with my personal evening Bible study. I enjoy reading scripture and then following that up with great hymns of the faith because it's like reading love poems written to or about my wonderful savior!

The art of ladies looking out to sea are included not only for their own loveliness but also because these past few days I've enjoyed staying with an older friend in her beach front home. I've been encouraged by our fellowship in the Lord and enjoy helping her with various housekeeping and secretarial jobs. Miss Bea and I will be going to stay this coming week as well. The weather has been so lovely!

I pray that you are blessed and encouraged today!

I've Found A Friend

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love, and thus He bound me to Him;
And round my heart still closely twine those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine, forever and forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! He bled, He died to save me;
And not alone the gift of life, but His own Self He gave me!
Naught that I have mine own I call, I’ll hold it for the Giver,
My heart, my strength, my life, my all are His, and His forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! All pow’r to Him is given,
To guard me on my onward course, and bring me safe to heaven.
The eternal glories gleam afar, to nerve my faint endeavor;
So now to watch, to work, to war, and then to rest forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! So kind and true and tender,
So wise a Counselor and Guide, so mighty a Defender!
From Him who loves me now so well what power my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, shall earth or hell? No! I am His forever.

Words: James G. Small, 1863
Music: Constance & Arthur S. Sullivan, 1875
Alternate tune: Friend, George C. Stebbins, 1878

Show Me Thy Way, O Lord

Show Me Thy Way, O Lord

"Show me Thy way, O Lord, And make it plain:
I would obey Thy word, - speak yet again.
I would not take one step until I know
which way it is that you want me to go.
I will be patient, Lord, And do Thy will;
I will not doubt Thy word, My hopes fulfil.
How can I perish, if in Thee I hide;
Jesus, My Comforter, my hope and Guide!"

My dear friend Sarah shared these words to this old hymn she found in an old time Methodist hymnal. The words were very encouraging and fit where my life is now and the cry of my heart. I couldn't find the tune or words anywhere online, it's like this hymn doesn't exist. If you've any information on this hymn I'd love to hear about it!
I pray that these words are an encouragement to you as you seek today and every day to serve our risen Lord!

Lilacs In The Door-yard

WHEN lilacs last in the door-yard bloom’d,
And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night,
I mourn’d—and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.

O ever-returning spring! trinity sure to me you bring;
Lilac blooming perennial, and drooping star in the west,
And thought of him I love.

In the door-yard fronting an old farm-house, near the white-wash’d palings,
Stands the lilac bush, tall-growing, with heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
With many a pointed blossom, rising, delicate, with the perfume strong I love,
With every leaf a miracle......and from this bush in the door-yard,
With delicate-color’d blossoms, and heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
A sprig, with its flower, I break.

-When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom’d, Walt Whitman (1819–1892)

This poem by Walt Whitman really isn't about lilacs but I enjoy the pictures he paints. Our lilacs are blooming early this year and I am delighted! Their exquisite color and design and their delicate fragrance make lilacs my favorite flower. I also like the Maine winters are the lilacs always bloom in the spring!

Photo credit: Both photos were taken by my sweet sister Miss Bea in our door-yard!

I pray you have a delightful day!

God Bless,
Miss Laurie

Early Morning Faith Exercises

I was woken very early this morning by my silly kitty meowing in the hallway outside my room. I'm not sure what she wanted but she was very insistent. After that I couldn't get back to sleep, the long and somewhat confusing events of yesterday were whirling through my mind. It was then I felt the call to spend some time in God's Word.



Actually, there were some devotions a pastor friend of mine had shared at a local Bible college so I enjoyed listening to those on Facebook. The speaker's subject was Faith. He used an acrostic with points on what it means to have a true godly faith, which I'll share here.

F - Fullness
A - Aliens & Stangers
I - Intimate Prayer Life
T - Testings
H - Him

Fullness: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 - Corinthians 4:6-7
As a redeemed believer in Christ we are partakers of His nature and are filled with His spirit. We have His fullness in us as earthen vessels. And what does a full "vessel" look like? Full vessels are clean, content and serving Christ.

Aliens & Stranger: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." - Hebrews 11:13
Our faith in Christ separates us from the rest of the world, because we don't belong here.



Intimate Prayer Life: In the walk of faith an intimate prayer life is a necessity. Prayer with worship (John 4:23), prayer that has conviction of our own sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5), prayer with much praise for what God has done (Luke 7:47-48), prayer with praise for God is praiseworthy (Psalm 145:5-9), prayer with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), prayer for others, and prayer for wisdom and guidance in our own lives (James 4:2). A true relationship requires intimate conversation with our Lord.

Testing: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." - James 1:2-3
Our grows stronger through testing. Testing of our daily obedience (James 1:22-25), testing of what you are doing with your faith (James 2:14-16), testing of what kind of wisdom we are working from (James 3:13-18), testing how our under control our pride is (James 4:6), and testing what our faith is in (James 5:1-3).

Him: "But as many as received him..." - John 1:12
Our faith is not about us working and doing it is about the person and work of Jesus Christ. It's only about Him. "Never let a day go by that you don't know that you had vital contact with your God."



The above messages were so spiritually reviving. Since an (amazing but strange) encounter with a friend last night I'd been wandering in mental and emotional distraction and some confusion. This message helped to ground my thinking and put my attention on what is most important, my walk by faith.



The Lord knew exactly what I needed today and put me on the right path to start my day off right and with a heart ready and willing to do His will. Our God is truly amazing!

Now I'm off to do some Mother's Day shopping with my dad and sister. I don't even mind the drizzling rain today because I have "sunshine in my soul".

What has been blessing your world lately?
Miss Laurie :)

May Flowers - In Pictures

Happy May everyone! This spring is moving fairly fast in my area. There are flowers blooming everywhere and trees are fast gaining their leaves. April showers have brought many May flowers to my garden (well they really grow all around our yard). So come on in and enjoy the brilliant colors and patterns of spring!

Yellow daffodils were the first to bloom by the front walk. They were bright and happy but are fading now.

The purple azalea bush out front bloomed and passed very quickly. Most of the blossoms are now on the ground, a bit sad because the bumblebees love this bush.

Not sure what this little flower is, looks a little bit like a daffodil. My sister found this blooming all by itself.

These violets really love the back yard near the foundation of our house. They seem to spread further each year.

Another shrub-like bush, I really like the colors on this one.

The forsythia bush bloomed wicked early this year and was so full of beautiful blossoms! It's fading now but the flowers still retain their lovely golden yellow.

The quince bush bloomed full and well shaped this year after the last two years being fairly sparse. The bright red blossoms are my favorite color.

Close up of the quince blossoms. They are so bright grow in pretty clusters. Later in the year they bear the quince fruit but it's usually too hard to do anything with.

Our lilac bushes are starting to bud and they smell delicious! Lilacs are my absolute favorite flower ever and I'm so glad they bloom everywhere here in Maine. I can't wait to see their purple and white flowers open up!

Three little pansies blooming all by themselves. I love their bright colors and friendly colors.

And we of course can't forget the dandelions which although technically a weed are still bright and cheery. These always remind me of my childhood days when my siblings and I gathered bouquets for mama or made chains out of the flowers.

A view from our deck down to our neighbors house. I love this one because it reminds me of a meadow and a country cottage. The grass sure has grown up fast!

Miss Bea took this picture of the clouds in the late afternoon sunshine.

The clouds were so puffy and the sky so blue yesterday. A totally beautiful day!

I pray that you are having a blessed day!

Love,

Miss Laurie :)