“I will sing a new song unto Thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto Thee” (Psalm 144:9). The Psalmist David knew that music is a powerful venue to praise the Almighty God, and evidence abounds in Scripture that he himself was an accomplished musician—in fact, he was so capable that he was chosen to play before King Saul (1 Samuel 16:18–19). It is challenging, however, to follow the example of David in playing skillfully as he did. In my own life, the task of proficiently making God-glorifying music has been a serious pursuit for some years now. Although I play and teach recorder as well, the piano has been my main instrument and I would like to share a little bit of information about choosing, mastering, and interpreting a new piano piece that God has mercifully blessed me with through the sacrificial instruction of others.
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   A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas candy cane.  He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ
     He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy.  White to symbolize the virgin birth, and the sinless nature of Jesus.  Hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the church, and the firmness of the promises of God.
     The candymaker made the candy in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus who came to earth as our Savior.  It could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd in which he reaches down to lift out the fallen lambs who like all sheep have gone astray.  (The Shepherd watching over His flock)
     He looked at the candy cane he had made and it looked so plain.  He decided to stain the cane with red stripes.  He used the red stripes to show the beatings Jesus received by which we are healed.  The red stripes symbolize the blood shed by Jesus on the Cross, so that we can have the promise of eternal life.
     Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane- a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time.  But the meaning it still there for those who have “eyes to see and ears to hear.”  I pray that this symbol will again be used and witness to the WONDER OF JESUS AND HIS GREAT LOVE that came down at Christmas and remains. 
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“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”—Hebrews 12:1–3
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Life can be called a journey, a path, or a race. We Christians are embarking on an adventure and sometimes we start to feel weary. Discouragement takes a toll on us and we begin fainting.

This excellent passage in Hebrews offers some practical encouragement on how to stay focused in the race. Let’s dig in and see what we find

Dear Sisters,

I hope this letter finds you delighting in the Lord and rejoicing in the majesty of His character! Lately I have been pondering Psalm 34:1 and asking God to make it a reality in my life: “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” The Lord is gracious and worthy of our praise!

Dear Sisters,

…Let me share with you a few lessons God has taught me the last few months

Dearest Sisters,

“...Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious...” 1 Peter 2:6-7 Greetings in Christ, my sweet friends! I pray this letter finds you rejoicing in the greatness of our God and praising Him for the truly precious Savior we serve.

…I was eagerly anticipating this issue’s topic, “A Joyful Servant’s Heart,” as the call to serve the Lord is one which He has deeply impressed upon my life. Isaiah 49-50 are beautiful passages to me, outlining a servant’s call and obedience. Although I believe these are prophecies of our Lord Jesus, are we not admonished to walk in His steps?! What a beautiful example He has set before us. “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to mnister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:27-28

Earlier this year, my sister and I, along with our mom, began planning a ladies’ luncheon to celebrate God’s faithfulness. We spent much time in prayer and preparations, and the Lord’s hand went before us. We were so encouraged that we decided we’d like to do it again in the future, highlighting another of God’s attributes

Psalm 34:1-3 says, “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.” This was essentially our goal for the luncheon: to gather with sisters in Christ and magnify the Lord together. After lunch, visiting, games, and a craft project, we closed the luncheon with a devotional time, prayer, and hymn singing. I truly did feel that each of us girls had made our boast in the Lord and in His great goodness; I saw God’s faithfulness in a completely new way as each lady read meaningful Scripture and exalted His name. It was such a special time of edifying, “iron-sharpening” fellowship.


The Lord has been faithful to place each of His children in just the right place to best glorify Him. But sometimes the Lord gives opportunity for unique fellowship when His daughters gather in one place and share how He is working in our lives. It is a way to be rejuvenated before heading back to our field of service. It is such a blessing!


So I wanted to encourage you to prayerfully consider hosting a ladies’ tea or luncheon. It can be elaborate or simple, long or short, large or small...if you make Christ the Center of your time together, it is sure to be an encouragement to yourself and all who come!


Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing...


Plan food that is yummy but simple. Your guests can help with the food by bringing a side, dessert, or drink. Soft background music during the meal adds a special effect.


Think of fun games that will help girls who don’t know each other to laugh, somewhat “breaking the ice.” We have some ideas gleaned from others and we’d be happy to pass them along if you’d like. J Prizes for games are always fun, too! They certainly don’t need to be extravagant, but cute, simple gifts are a great surprise.


Have a theme Scripture for your gathering and encourage your guests to bring their Bibles. We used 1 Corinthians 7:34 and titled our devotional time “Single-Hearted Devotion to Christ.” We also asked the girls to bring a handwritten Scripture that reminds them of God’s faithfulness. During the devotional, each lady read her verse and shared how it has encouraged her. The Scripture cards were later shared among the girls.
   
Set aside time for prayer & singing. This is the heart of your time together; it is such a special way to seek the Lord together. The devotional, prayer, and singing portion of our luncheon was definitely the highlight for me. Being surrounded by sweet, godly young ladies who love and serve our Savior was such a blessing to me.


I hope these ideas encourage you to consider coordinating a gathering to encourage the young ladies you know. May the Lord richly bless your efforts to exalt His name!             


Rejoice in the Lord, dear sisters, for He is good!    


Much Love in Christ,
Tiffany
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by Tiffany S.
from Virtuous Daughters, April/May 2017~Volume 17, Number 1

Dear Sisters,
…One of my prayers for this year was that I would enjoy sweet fellowship with the Lord in His Word. One way I hoped to do that was by reading through the Bible chronologically....my sweet brother surprised me with a chronological Bible as a New Year’s gift! It has been such an exciting journey as I have learned many beautiful lessons and truly enjoyed spending time with the Lord. A few things He has shown me thus far....