HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY PSALM

Psalm 96 (The Message)

  Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! 

   Sing to God—worship God! 

 2-3 Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, 

   Take the news of his glory to the lost, 

   News of his wonders to one and all! 

 4-5 For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs. 

   His terrible beauty makes the gods look cheap; 

   Pagan gods are mere tatters and rags. 

 5-6 God made the heavens— 

   Royal splendor radiates from him, 

   A powerful beauty sets him apart. 

 7 Bravo, God, Bravo! 

   Everyone join in the great shout: Encore! 

   In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might. 

 8-9 Bring gifts and celebrate, 

   Bow before the beauty of God, 

   Then to your knees—everyone worship! 

 10 Get out the message—God Rules! 

   He put the world on a firm foundation; 

   He treats everyone fair and square. 

 11 Let's hear it from Sky, 

   With Earth joining in, 

   And a huge round of applause from Sea. 

 12 Let Wilderness turn cartwheels, 

   Animals, come dance, 

   Put every tree of the forest in the choir— 

 13 An extravaganza before God as he comes, 

   As he comes to set everything right on earth, 

   Set everything right, treat everyone fair.

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“Sing a brand new song” exhorts the psalm but we sang an old song for Charlotte yesterday “Happy birthday to you” and suddenly the little girl under the Birthday Hat was six years old. A weekend decorated with fun food sand and gifts. And sweaty work too thank you very much, thank you very much indeed. 

Linda had the leaves blown off and the pool sparkling and ninety degrees and they enjoyed it Friday afternoon. Longtime family favorite Mom's Usual sweet and sour pork dinner Friday evening. Caroline was up with me-and-the-birds Saturday predawn wired for her sister’s birthday. Totally wired. Saturday morning TJC1C2 to St. Andrews State Park for squeaky white sand and cold salty surf, noontime returned and back in the fresh warm pool. Saturday evening birthday celebration of grilled hamburgers grilled mushrooms and double chocolate cake. Joyful  hysterics opening presents. One: a Perfect Petzzz cat in a basket: a Siamese cat, realistic fur, press the electric button and it breathes. Sleeps and breathes. Truly the Perfect Pet.

Before Thanksgiving my Christmas gift request of the next generation was they paint the trim on the Beach Drive front of the house and they promised. But Christmas was filled with thoughts of Cleveland so painting was postponed till this weekend. Brushes white paint wire brush extension ladder waiting, Tass and Jeremy brought skill time enthusiasm and love. 1912-13 looks 2011. Happy birthday weekend and a grateful, truly grateful old man. 

Appointed for this morning’s Daily Office Lectionary are Psalms 93 and 96. Psalm of choice is 96, no Lenten drab here. Not KJV memorable The Message 96 is a joyful noise, a happy, jubilant, downright eccentric joyful noise.

  

Let Wilderness turn cartwheels, 

   Animals, come dance, 

   Put every tree of the forest in the choir.

Bravo, God, bravo.

Fr. Tom+