January 15, 2011

Psalm 119


169 May my cry come before you, LORD;
   give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you;
   deliver me according to your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise,
   for you teach me your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing of your word,
   for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me,
   for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, LORD,
   and your law gives me delight.
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
   and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
   Seek your servant,
   for I have not forgotten your commands. 

Talking to God is such an intimate act. I was fortunate to have a loving earthly father that I see my God as a loving Father in heaven.  He watches over me day and night, he loves me and doesn't want me to fall.  I feel His rebuke when I walk the wrong path and also his loving embrace when I grieve my sin.  This whole Psalm unfolds within my heart and soul what is constantly on my mind as I go through my day.  Whether my actions are worthy of praise or not, this I know; I am saved through Jesus who died for me and nothing can separate me from that grace offered to me on that tragic day.  God be praised for saving such a wretch as me!

Lord "let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands."  Amen


January 6, 2011

Bygone Years

Drayton Hall: The first settlement stands at Albemarle Point along the Ashley River, where Charles Towne Landing, a historic site, is located today. (Built between 1738 and 1742 near Charleston, SC)

A house standing empty of people, but not empty of their spirit. Drayton Hall was on our agenda to visit while vacationing in South Carolina recently.  Built in the 18th century, it has seen much history and the land surrounding it, even more. The house was purchased in 1974 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and remains in the same condition it was at the time of purchase except for repairs made to insure the safety of visitors to Drayton.

The history of a place such as Drayton is intriguing to me.  This particular house and its 400+ acres has seen armies from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Troops were camped on the lawns during both wars with officers setting up headquarters within the house on more than one occasion.  When other towns and cities all around Drayton Hall were being burned down, an outbreak of smallpox was the cause for the house to be under quarantine.  For whatever reason, be it because of the outbreak of smallpox or other cause, Drayton Hall was spared and still stands today as an open history book for us to read.

If you are ever around Charleston, SC, with an interest in plantations, visit Drayton House. It will leave you in awe of how it has been preserved.
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