Psalm 24: 7-10

Lift up, O gates, Lift up;
Lift up your lintels.
Reach up, you ancient portals
That the King of Glory may come in.

Who is this King of Glory?
Who is this Mighty King?
He is the Lord, strong in battle;
He is the Great I Am.

Lift up O gates; Lift up;
Lift up your lintels.
Reach up, you ancient portals
That the King of Glory may come in.

Who is this King of Glory?
Who is this Mighty King?
He is the Lord of Hosts;
He is the Great I Am.


Note:  "Your lintels" literally means 'your heads'.  The gates to the temple were thought to be too low for the King of Kings, the Lord Almighty, to enter.  So what does this mean for us today?  Perhaps it would say for us to lift up our heads in trust and adoration in the Lord, that our eyes be fixed on God, not the things of this world. The King came as a lowly babe in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem.  He humbled Himself so he could unite Himself with His people. He came to show us true humility and pure love, untainted by self interests.  We are to learn from this gentle King and embrace His way of the Cross, lifting up our heads in complete trust.

Psalm 95:1-7

Come, let us sing;
Let us sing unto the Lord,
Let us shout for joy to the God of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving in our hearts,
And a loud shout to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God,
And a great King above all other gods.

In His hands are the caverns of the earth,
And the heights of the hills are His also.
The sea is His for He made it,
And His hands have molded the dry land.

Come, let us bow down;
Let us bow and bend the knee,
Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture.

Oh, that today, you would hearken to His voice,
You would hearken to the voice of the Almighty.


Note:  Today is the first day Advent, and therefore the beginning of a new church year.  Today an elder from our church shared this piece of wisdom.  He said that he wondered if one is always thankful to the Lord, that one would be praying without ceasing.  What better way to pray than to be constantly thankful, no matter the circumstance, trusting God each step of the way!  This is what I want to strive to live.  I love Psalm 95, and find myself singing this song often.  May it be ingrained in my innermost spirit.
   I was sharing the tune God gave me for this psalm with my husband in downtown Mwanza.  It was a pleasant time to share this song, and he joined in and sang with me. We were sitting out a sudden rain and many people were hurrying by to get to shelter.  Though it was raining, it was not cold.  I thank the Lord for giving me the desire of my heart, bringing our family to a busy city in Africa.  It was wonderful, and I know I am loved by the King of Kings.  My heart bursts into songs of thanksgiving to God.
   My goal is to be a thankful person.  I want to be thankful where I am, and to be thankful for the people I am privileged to live with, those I worship with, those I meet each day.  Each person is a gift from God to cherish and love.  Thanks be to God!!!

The Call

   My blood so red
   For thee was shed,
Come home again, come home again!
   You've gone astray
   Out of your way,
Come home again, come home again!

Anonymous  17th century

Note:  Now we are back in America.  We now have two homes, and they are so far from each other.  One thing to remember is that our true home is not on this earth.  We are on a pilgrimage as we journey through life.  The way our master calls us is the way of the cross. The way of the cross is a daily dying to self and living for Christ.  So whether we are here in America or there in Tanzania,  the cross is to be carried along the way.

Tanzanian National Anthem - Wimbo wa Taifa Afrika

Verse 1. Mungu ibariki Afrika.
              Wabariki viongozi wake.
              Hekima, umoja, na amani
              Hizi ni ngao zetu,
              Afrika na watu wake.

              Ibariki A-frika
              Ibariki A-frika
              Tubariki watoto wa Afrika.

Verse 2. Mungu ibariki Tanzania.
              Dumisha, uhuru, na umoja,
              Wake kwa waume na watoto.
              Mungu ibariki,
              Tanzania na watu wake.

              Ibariki Tanzania
              Ibariki Tanzania
              Tubariki watoto wa Afrika.


Note:  Today is our last day in Africa for this year.  We don't know the future, but we told our new African friends that if God wills, we will meet again.  It has been a great experience, far surpassing anything we had expected.  On our last Sunday in Tanzania at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Mwanza, our family got up front and sang the Tanzanian National Anthem.  Everyone stood up and joined us in this song.  We place the African church in God's hands.  The chorus says "God bless Africa, Africa and her people. God bless Tanzania, Tanzania and her people."

Great is Our Happiness

                Great is, O King,
                our happiness
                in Thy kingdom,
                Thou, our King.

                We dance before Thee,
                our King,
                by the strength
                of Thy kingdom.

                May our feet
                be made strong;
                let us dance before Thee,
                eternal.

                Give Ye praise,
                all angels,
                to Him above
                who is worthy of praise.

Zulu, South Africa
from An African Prayer Book, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, copyright 1995        
         

Hour Eleven - Saa Kumi na Moja

Western sunset blazes red
   Over random piles of rocks.
Balanced boulders scattered ahead;
   Also, hidden dwellings formed with blocks.

Africans are planting rice and maize;
   Women bending low, performing tasks.
Herds of goats and cattle graze.
   "Dream or reality?" This I ask.

Days of wonder fill our heads;
   Mounds of memories we find.
Sunset colors blaze deep red;
   Hearts of love have been entwined.

by Julie Dunlap   10-18-2013

Note:  We are in 'the last hour' of our stay in Africa.  We have been blessed beyond anything we could have imagined.  It has been like living in a dream.  We thank God for bringing us to Africa and blessing us with many new African friends.

Western sunset

 Balanced boulders

Hidden dwellings

Africans are planting

Women bending low

Cattle graze

"Dream or reality?"

Sunset colors blaze

Hearts of love have been entwined.

Prayer for Africa

God bless Africa

Guard her children;

Guide her leaders, and

Give her peace

For Jesus Christ's sake.  Amen.

This short prayer is found in the front of the song books we use at the cathedral in Mwanza.  Please join us in prayer for the African church and the African people, that they will know Christ and follow His way of the cross into the brilliant, everlasting Light.

Hush, This Day is Holy

Hush, this day is holy,
   Holy to the Lord,
   The Lord most high.

Quiet your mind,
Still your thoughts,
For this day is holy
To the Lord.

Joy springs from a grateful heart;
   Give thanks to the Lord
   Almighty.
Joy springs from a grateful heart
   With quietness and trust
   In God.

10-9-2013
Inspired by Amy Carmichael's writings
in Edges of His Ways

Note:  This short song came to me this week, and encouraged me to quiet my mind, still my thoughts, and give thanks to the Lord, and thereby obtain true joy.  This is the joy that comes from a deep trust in God and heartfelt gratitude for His mercy, extended to each of us as we come to realize our frailties.

 
 

You Have Our Faith with Our Bodies

Father, thank you for your revelation
    about death
    and illness
    and sorrow.

Thank you for speaking so plainly to us,
    for calling us all friends
    and hovering over us;
    for extending your arms out to us.

We cannot stand on our own;
    we fall into death without you.
    We fall from faith, left to our own.
    We are really friendless without you.

Your extended arms fill us with joy,
    expressing love,
    love caring and carrying,
    asking and receiving our trust.

You have our trust, Father,
    and our faith,
    with our bodies
    and all that we are and possess.

We fear nothing when with you,
    safe to stretch out and help others,
    those troubled in faith,
    those troubled in body.

Father, help us to do with our bodies what we proclaim,
    that our faith be known to you
    and to others,
    and be effective in all the world.

Masai, Tanzania
from An African Prayer Book by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, copyright 1995

Six Weeks

          Six more weeks remain;
          Seems so short a space.
          Day by day, we gain
          Gratitude for grace.

          Grace that brought us here;
          Friends who bring us cheer.
          Love that will endure,
          Lasting year by year.

          Thanks to Thee, O Lord.
          Thank You for Thy grace.
          Kindness Thou hast poured
          On us.  Africa we embrace.

          9-30-2013
       

My Heart Shall Rejoice

The Lord is my strength, and He is my shield.
I will trust in Him, and I shall be healed.
My heart shall rejoice, and my song will praise His name.
My soul shall rejoice, and my voice will bless His name.
Come bless the Lord with me.

The Lord is my strength, and He is ever near.
I will rest in Him, and I shall not fear,
My heart shall rejoice, and my song will praise His name.
My soul shall rejoice, and my voice will bless His name.
Come and rejoice with me.

by Nathan Dunlap,  17th  of August, 2013,  Inspired by Psalm 28

Note:   The Lord is bringing us joy as we place our trust in Him while we sing this song together.  He has been helping us put some parts of the Psalms to music.  Then the words become personal to our lives. Bwana Yesu asifiwe!!  (Lord Jesus be praised!!)

Emmanuel's Song

Make my heart and your word a rhyme;
In my giving be a living sign,
     A living sign.
Submit my desire to thy holy fire;
Submit my will to thy will divine,
     Thy will divine.

     Emmanuel,
     Our God with us.
I look to thy hands, thy feet, and thy side;
I look to Thy wounds to be my guide,
     To be my guide.
Bread for the world, wounded indeed;
Wound my soul along with Thee,
     Wound my soul
     Along with Thee.

Make my heart as a broken field;
In my motion, thy focus revealed,
     Thy focus revealed.
Humble my time to thy holy mind;
Humble my will to thy will, I yield,
     Thy Will, I yield.

     Emmanuel,
     Our God with us.
I look to thy hands, thy feet, and thy side;
I look to thy wounds to be my guide,
     To be my guide.
Wine for the world, poured out indeed;
Let my life flow out with Thee.
     Let my life
     Flow out with Thee.


by Nathan Dunlap  1-21-2001

Note:  Today is Nathan's birthday, and I thank him for sharing in the journey of life in Christ,  that we are companions along the way.  It is such a blessing to have and be a companion. May God bless you, Nathan, with His peace and joy always abiding in your heart and mind.

Isaiah 43

Remember not the former things, nor the days of old;
Behold, I do a new thing.

Remember not the former things, nor the days of old;
Behold, I do a new thing.

Sing with joy, my people. Sing aloud.
Sing praises to the King of Kings now.
Sing with joy, my people. Sing aloud.
Sing praises to the King of Kings now.

Sept., 2013

Happy birthday, Baba Anna!!!

Psalm 84:4-8

Happy are they who dwell in Your house,
They will always be praising You.
Happy are those whose strength is found in You;
Whose hearts are set on the pilgrim's way.
Those who dwell in the desolate valley
Shall find it a place of springs;
For the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
They shall climb from height to height,
And the God of gods shall reveal Himself in Zion.
Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Hearken, O God of Jacob.

Joy of the Redeemed

The desert and the parched land will be glad,
The wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
It will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

Isaiah 35: 1-2a

An Acrostic Poem

                              Amiable
                              Festive
                              Resilient
                              Inviting
                              Caring
                              Authentic
                              Numerous

                              Beloved
                              Evangelistic
                              Lively
                              Interactive
                              Expressive
                              Vocal
                              Enjoyable
                              Rustic
                              Synchronized


               by Julie Dunlap,  6th of September, 2013

Note:  We have been privileged to have several months to become friends with the African believers here in  Nyakato.  The local church has a choir which practices song and dance almost every afternoon for two hours.  All the ladies have the same dance movements, and all the men have their same dance moves.  They line up in several straight lines to dance and sing.  They also wear coordinated colors when they sing and dance during a church service.  This is typical African worship.  Also, after each service, the clergy goes out the door and stands there to shake hands as all the people go out the back door  in order together, and they shake hands with every person that attended the service, forming a large circle outside.  Then they all pray together outside.  This creates a closeness and inclusiveness for each person present. 

A Fisherman's Song of Praise

Lord, I sing your praise the whole day through, until the night.
Dad's nets are filled; I have helped him.
We have drawn them in, stamping the rhythm with our feet, the muscles tense.
We have sung your praise.

On the beach there were our mammies,
Who bought the blessings out of the nets,
Out of the nets and into their basins.
They rushed to the market, returned and bought again.
Lord, what a blessing is the sea, with fish in plenty.
Lord, that is the story of your grace:
Nets tear, and we succumb because we cannot hold them.
Lord, with your praise we drop off to sleep.
Carry us through the night.
Make us fresh for the morning.
Hallelujah for the day!
And blessing for the night! Amen.

Ghana
From An African Prayer Book by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, copyright 1995

Note:  Fishing in Lake Victoria is a way of life for many people here.  They throw large nets into the lake, and several men pull them in with a catch.  We see both fresh and dried fish at the markets, especially on the weekends, and there is always dagaa, very small dried fish and a main staple of the Tanzanian diet. Today we bought two dried Talapia for dinner.

Breath of God

   Breathe on me, breath of God
   Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
   And do what Thou wouldst do.

   Breathe on me, breath of God,
   Until my heart is pure:
Until with Thee I have one will
   To do and to endure.

   Breathe on me, breath of God,
   Till I am wholly Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
   Glows with Thy Fire Divine.

   Breathe on me, breath of God,
   So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
   Of Thine eternity,

by Edwin Hatch  1835-1889

Note:  As we are nearing the midpoint of our stay here, I marvel at how God is working in our lives through this African experience.  African life is so different from America, and often it still feels like walking in a dream.  It is a great dream.  The people are great, so welcoming, so down to earth (usually, except for their fascination with loud speakers).  And the Lord has blessed us with an eleven year old Tanzanian girl, Keri, living with us for the remainder of our stay here.  Her parents were returning to St. Phillips's Theological School after their break and wanted her to stay in this area until she completed her school term this December.  The Lord is blessing us abundantly.  We are grateful.
 

Your Holy Spirit Blows Over this Earth

On Your last days on earth you promised
To leave us the Holy Spirit as our present Comforter.

We also know that Your Holy Spirit blows over this earth.
But we do not understand Him.
Many think He is only wind or a feeling.

Let Your Holy Spirit break into our lives.
Let Him come like blood into our veins,
So that we will be driven entirely by Your will.

Let Your Spirit blow over wealthy Europe and America,
So that men there will be humble.
Let Him blow over the poor parts of the world,
So that men there need suffer no more.
Let Him blow over Africa,
So that men here may understand what true freedom is.

There are a thousand voices and spirits in this world,
But we want to hear only Your voice,
And be open only to Your Spirit.

Ghana
from An African Prayer Book by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, copyright 1995

Light a Holy Fire

Receive this holy fire.
Make your lives like this fire.
A holy life that is seen.
A life that has no end.
A life that darkness does not overcome.
May this light of God in you grow.
Light a fire that is worthy of your heads.
Light a fire that is worthy of your children.
Light a fire that is worthy of your fathers.
Light a fire that is worthy of your mothers.
Light a fire that is worthy of God.
Now go in peace.
May the Almighty protect you
today and all days.

Masai, Tanzania
from An African Prayer Book by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, copyright 1995

Note:  We have been in Tanzania for two months now.  We are living in a Christian compound with several other Christian families.  It is so wonderful to have this opportunity to get to know these African believers.  Last night our whole family walked down to the house of a retired pastor, a man who has been in ministry for 47 years.  He and his wife welcome us to come anytime to visit and have tea or coffee, often with some groundnuts. We arrived after dark, and Baba was heating up a pan of milk for us on his charcoal stove.  Mama and their two young grandsons were getting some chairs and tea/coffee set up for us.  We all sat around with a kerosene lantern, and after getting our drinks, my daughter started us singing 'Shalom, oh my friends, Shalom, oh my friends, Shalom, May peace be with you. May Christ be with you, Shalom. Shalom." We were singing in a round, and our African friends were singing with us - an easy song to pick up quickly.  There was such a great spirit of unity among us.  We continued singing other church songs, and then Baba sang us "Joy to the World" in the Sukuma language.  It was beautiful to hear.  Then we sang "Joy to the World", and he continued to sing it in Sukuma with us.  Later he sang us a Sukuma blessing upon our stay in Tanzania.  We had such a blessed visit, and as we were saying goodnight, Baba told us we really touched his heart.  The Holy Spirit is joining our hearts together, and we are grateful for this privilege. Bwana Yesu asifiwe. ( Jesus be praised.)  This is a common greeting among believers, and the reply is "Amin".

An African Canticle

All you big things, bless the Lord.
Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Victoria,
The Rift Valley and the Serengeti Plain,
Fat baobabs and shady mango trees,
All eucalyptus and tamarind trees,
Bless the Lord.
Praise and extol Him for ever and ever.

All you tiny things, bless the Lord,
Busy black ants and hopping fleas,
Wriggling tadpoles and mosquito larvae,
Flying locusts and water drops,
Pollen dust and tsetse flies,
Millet seeds and dried dagaa,
Bless the Lord.
Praise and extol Him for ever and ever.

Traditional African
from An African Prayer Book by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, copyright 1995

Karibu

Karibu
We welcome you.
Karibu
Mzungu.
These words are sweet upon our ears,
And lie within our hearts.
We thank you for the love
They impart.
Asante sana
Asante sana.

Note:  Here is a short song I started singing as I was playing banjo one day.  I am so thankful for our new friends here in Nyakato Bible School Compound.  God is so kind to allow us to meet these believers, and have the time to get to know them.  I am so thankful.  Karibu means welcome, mzungu is a white person, asante sana means thank you very much.  These are Swahili words and greetings.  Most Tanzanians say Karibu when we meet them.  Being here is a wonderful birthday present as today is my birthday. I thank the Lord for this gift of our Tanzanian friends which he has so graciously extended to our family.

Psalm 105:1-4

Give thanks to the LORD and call upon His Name;
   Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him,
   And speak of all His marvelous works.
Glory in His Holy Name;
   Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD
   Rejoice.
Search for the LORD and His strength;
   Continually seek His face.


Note:  In April, I put some music to these words and have been singing them often.   As I look at my life and see how God has been working and blessing me, I am full of thanksgiving.  God has given me the desires of my heart: a God-fearing husband, children, a church family, the ability to play music and write poems and songs, and life in the country on a small farm.  He has also brought about opportunities for overseas mission work, a dream I have had since college days.
    I also am aware that God has been disciplining me to help mold my character.  I find it so hard to break old habits, but the Lord is patient as He aids me in these difficult changes. Habits of thought are so tough to change, but the Lord patiently teaches me.  Those times I am going through a trial, I must remember all that He has done for me.  The clouds will eventually clear, and blue sky will once more appear.
    As I ponder the Lord's great mercy and kindness to me, My heart truly REJOICES.  I give thanks to the Lord and sing to Him songs of praise.  I search for the Lord and His strength to stand up in faith and walk in love, singing along the way.

The Privilege is Our to Share in the Loving

     Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the privilege is our to share
in the loving, healing, reconciling mission of your Son Jesus Christ,
our Lord, in this age and wherever we are.  Since without you
we can do no good thing,
     May your Spirit make us wise;
     May your Spirit guide us;
     May your Spirit renew us;
     May your Spirit strengthen us;
So that we will be:
     Strong in faith,
     Discerning in proclamation,
     Courageous in witness,
     Persistent in good deeds.
This we ask through the name of the Father.

Church of the Province of the West Indies
from An African Prayer Book by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, copyright 1995

Who Will Go?

I heard the question ringing out,

Who will go through all the land

To free my people from chains of doubt

And make them part of My Holy Band

I will go, I cried, dear Lord;

I will to through all the land

To break the chains with the spiritual Sword

And place them in Your loving hands.

I will give them the Truth they need

To open their eyes so they may see

That Jesus has come in reality

To heal their hearts and set them free.

Holy Spirit, please be my guide

As in Your will I do abide.

Give me strength deep down inside

To labor until this land is revived.

by Nathan Dunlap  4-13-1987

Note:  We have been in Tanzania for 10 days now.  Nathan was asked to speak today at the English service of the Anglican Cathedral in Mwanza.  It is interesting to note that the verse from Isaiah where Nathan got the theme of this song, 'Who will go?' was the first reading for this service on Trinity Sunday.  We are grateful for this calling to come to Mwanza and share Christ's love with the people here. We also went to a second service led by the English pastor we have been staying with for our first week in Mwanza, and we got acquainted with several missionary families in the area.  God's call received in faith will bring life to His people, bringing to their weaknesses courage and strength to accomplish that which God sets out to accomplish in their lives.   

I'd Like to Go to Africa

Today

I thought

I would like

To go to Africa.

Yes, I will go to Kenya

And see if time

Has stood still

Where at least

The walk

Is on the ground

All all come

To a sudden halt

At dusk

And sounds

Come from the voice

And travel a mile or two

And strength comes from

The family

Near to you.

Yes, Today

I thought

I'd like to go to Africa.

                                                        by Sallie Lanier, May 5, 1995

Note:  I found this poem in Foreign to Familiar,by Sarah A, Lanier. Copyright 2000, page 104.  Our family is on their way to Tanzania, which borders Kenya.  We have been preparing by studying Swahili and reading up on the culture from this hot-climate country.  I am amazed that we get to go as a family to live among the East Africans.  Please keep us in prayer as we venture out of our familiar home to a foreign land.  Please pray that we will have safety, good health, and strength for each day. 

Thy Praises

All our praise to Thee, Father;
All our praise to Thee, Son;
All our praise to Thee, Spirit;
Three persons in One. (3 times)

Oh, our Lord, Thou are holy;
Oh, our Lord, Thou are King;
Oh, our Lord, Thou are lovely;
Thy praises we sing. (3 times)

May our lives bring Thee glory;
May our tongues bring Thee praise;
May our love bring Thee honor;
Thy name do we raise. (3 times)

Oh, our Lord, Thou are holy;
Oh, our Lord, Thou are King;
Oh, our Lord, Thou are lovely;
Thy praises we sing. (3 times)


by Julie Dunlap  April 13, 2013


Note:  Last month  I made up a tune in the shower, and the next day as I put the tune to the banjo, I sang this simple praise song to fit the music.  As we meditate on the goodness and love of our God, praises flow out of our souls.  It could be expressed through music and poems, yet it is also expressed through virtuous living and acknowledgement of our dependency on our Creator.  When we fall because of our frailty, God is with us to help us stand again.  All praise to our merciful God! 

Three Strands

Quiet, so loving, sincere
Rock deep in waters pure.

Beautiful pearl

Bold, so loving, generous;
His love for his pearl continuous.

Majestic myrtle

Christ reigns as their center,
Shared with all who enter.

Glorious and Royal,
Redemption to our soil.

Jesus is Lord.

by Julie Dunlap   7-20-2002

Note:  This poem was written during one of our visits to our close friends, Bill and Margaret Anacker.   We lived with them one winter when the our older children were young, and so they became like grandparents for our children.  I put this poem in now in memory of them, and in gratitude of how we experienced Christ through their friendship.  

Kindly Spring

Kindly spring again is here,
Trees and fields in bloom appear;
Hark!  The birds with artless lays
Warble their creature's praise

Where in winter all was snow,
Now the flowers in clusters grow;
And the corn, in green array,
Promises a harvest day.

Lord, afford a spring to me,
Let me feel like what I see;
Speak, and by Thy gracious voice,
Make my drooping soul rejoice.

On Thy garden deign to smile,
Raise the plants, enrich the soil;
Soon Thy presence will restore
Life to what seemed dead before.

by John Newton   1725-1807


Note:  Praise The Almighty and Merciful Lord of Lords and King of Kings for the springtime, both in nature and that experienced in our human souls!!!

Easter Hymn

Death and darkness get you packing,

Nothing now to man is lacking,

All your triumphs now are ended,

And what Adam marred is mended.

Graves are beds now for the weary,

Death a nap, to wake more merry;

Youth now, full of pious duty,

Seeks in Thee for perfect beauty.

The weak, and aged tired, with length

Of days, from Thee look for new strength,

And infants with Thy pangs contest

As pleasant, as if with the breast.

Then, unto Him, who thus hath thrown

Even to contempt Thy kingdom down,

And by His blood did us advance

Unto His own inheritance.

To Him be glory, power, praise,

From this, unto the last of days.

by Henry Vaughan  1622-1695

Note: The Lord is risen!  He is risen indeed!  May the daystar rise daily in our hearts as we advance forward upon the Way of the Cross which the Son of God has shown us. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Why Did You Die?

       Why?  Why?
Why did you die
    On the cross?
You're my boss.

Why'd You die for me?
    I am like a little pea.

       Why? Why?
Why did you die
    On the cross?
You're my boss.

Why did You die on the cross?
        It is so I won't get tossed?

Tell my why you did.
         I am just a kid.

       Why? Why?
Why did You die
     On the cross?
You're my boss.


by Susanna Dunlap, age 11,   3-4-2013
(Susanna's first song)

The Servant King

Lord, You laid aside Your cloak of Glory,
    And wrapped Yourself in a towel of humility,
Placed the basin of Your love at our feet
    Knelt before us on Your knees.

Lord, wash my feet, Lord wash my feet,
Lord wash my feet.  I would be a part of Thee.
      Let me wash your feet, let me wash your feet,
      Let me wash your feet.  I want to be like Thee.

Lord, You laid aside Your throne of Glory,
     And took upon Yourself the form of a servant,
Walked the path of obedience to death,
     Even death upon the Cross.

Lord, wash my feet, Lord, wash my feet,
Lord, wash my feet.  I would be a part of Thee.
     Let me walk with Thee, let me walk with Thee,
     Let me walk with Thee.  I want to be like Thee.

by Nathan Dunlap  12-08-2000
John 3:3-15, Phil. 2:5-11

Note:  May we all draw close to Christ this Holy Week.  May we grow in joy and gratitude as we reflect on Christ's Passion. May we join in His sufferings by taking up our cross daily.  May we choose the Way of the Cross and thereby increase in endurance, patience, hope, and joy, awaiting the day of our homecoming. May we choose to be servants for Christ as we allow our feet to be washed, and as we wash the feet of others.

Lenten Prayer

     Jesus, Oh Son of God, to Thee I sing.
You're my counselor, You're my Prince of Peace.
     Shape this earthen vessel, Oh Mighty King.
Lord, My Lord, it's Thee I long to please.   Amen.

Julie Dunlap  3-19-2013

Solid Rock

Oft upon the rock I tremble,
     Faint of heart and weak of knee.
But the solid "Rock of Ages"
     Never trembles under me.

Author unknown

The Lenten Fast

This is the fast I choose today:
     To loose the bonds of the oppressed,
     To bring Christ's hope to the distressed,
     To bring Christ's cheer
          Till He appears
                In fine array
                That glorious day.

This is the fast I choose this Lent:
     Ho! 'Do not judge, do not react, do not resent.'
     To bring Christ's peace as I repent
     To bring Christ tears
           Till He appears
                 In fine array
                 That glorious day.

This is the fast I choose today:
     To share our bread through open doors.
     To bring Christ's love unto the poor.
     To bring Christ near
          Till He appears
                In fine array
                That glorious day.

Julie Dunlap  2-23-2013

Holy Jesus of the Cross - Prayers and Meditation

           

+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.                              *Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart,                                                      Be always acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.  Amen.

From the rising of the sun, unto the going down of the same,

"The name of the Lord is to be praised.

Holy Jesus of the Cross, I yield myself to Thee,                                                     To live in obedience to Thy humility.

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word                                                     That proceeds from the mouth of God.

*Labor not for food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life,                    Which the Son of Man will give you.

Holy Jesus of the Cross, I yield myself to Thee,                                                     To live in obedience to Thy humility.

            Thou will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is stayed on Thee.

            *For in returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength.

Holy Jesus of the Cross, I yield myself to Thee,                                                     To live in obedience to Thy humility.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

*Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love,

As Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.

Holy Jesus of the Cross, I yield myself to Thee,                                                      To live in obedience to Thy humility.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

            *Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of hosts.

Holy Jesus of the Cross, I yield myself to Thee,                                                     To live in obedience to Thy humility.

Oh Lord and Master of my life,                                                                                         Give me not a spirit of sloth, vain curiosity, lust for power, and idle talk.

But give to me, Thy servant, a spirit of soberness, humility, patience, and love.

O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults, and not to condemn my brother.

For blessed art Thou to the ages of ages, Amen.      (Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian)

Come O Holy Spirit, replenish my heart, And enkindle in it the fire of Thy Divine love.

Into Thy hands I commend my spirit, for Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, Thou God of truth.

+In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now and for evermore.  Amen.

Note:  My husband put together these prayers and I put some music to a lot of it.  I thought I would share this prayer/meditation for this Lent.  These prayers, when prayed in faith, will work to conform our spirits more to Christ, thereby making us more Christlike.  They are a very good prayers for morning when time is short due to the responsibilities of the workday.  May each one of you be blessed this Holy Lent and draw ever near to Christ.

Consider the Sparrow

Remember that bird

In the window,

He doesn't plant 

A garden,

Yet he eats what

He does not sow.

Never mind the rain,

It gives growth

To the grain,

And causes

Our faith to grow.

Nathan Dunlap   4-28-1997

Susanna's Poems

           Trusting

   The Lord is faithful
For I will trust Him day or night
    Whether I feel heavy or light
For He is wonderful.

Susanna Dunlap   11-13-2012


             Roses

       Roses are red
       When they spread
       The great news
       To the crews.

Susanna Dunlap  2012


          My Family

My brothers are so thoughtful,
My mother is so bright,
My sisters are so graceful,
My father is so right.

Susanna Dunlap   6-11-2012


     Learning Swahili Phrases

I'm going to learn more phrases
  Before I get into more mazes.
    I've already learned some;
       Here I'll tell you one.
         Asante kwa lifti.
         Isn't it a beauty?
         Wasn't that fun?
         Now I'm done.

Susanna Dunlap  1-8-2013


Note:  Asante kwa lifti means "thanks for the ride".  Susanna surprised me at Christmas and gave me a little book she made for me called Wonderful Poems.  I hope you enjoy some of these poems that we are sharing with you all.

The Offering

They gave to Thee
Myrrh, frankincense and gold
But, Lord, with what shall we
Present ourselves before Thy majesty,
Whom Thou redeemedst when we were sold?
We've nothing but ourselves, and scarce that neither;
Vile dirt and clay;
Yet it is soft and may
Impression take.
Accept it, Lord, and say, this Thou hadst rather;
Stamp it, Lord, and on this sordid metal make
Thy holy image, and it shall outshine
The beauty of the golden mine.

by Jeremy Taylor,  1613-1667