Recovery and A Hymne

Can you say "Pooped"?

Today I am recovering from all the late nights this past weekend. And also recovering from our daughter's recovery from all the late nights ;) So much fun & family, so many gifts, so many luscious, high-caloric desserts, so little sleep. Doesn't it make for a great holiday?

Soon I will post pics of our huge, fun and WHITE Christmas!

But today I also wanted to post the words to a beautiful song that truly raises Jesus UP! (and no, it's not just because it has my name in it ;P)...

Joyful, joyful we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flowery meadow, flashing sea.
Chanting bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living, oceandepth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother - All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o'er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life.

I was feeling a little down last night about Amelia, and these words really encouraged me. It seems whenever I am sad, praising God and basking in His goodness, along with thanking Him for what He's given (and taken away), brings me back to where I'm supposed to be. Thank you, Jesus, for Your peace. In the valleys, and even on the mountain tops, we need Your grace.