2.24.2009

Welcome!





A blog always seemed like such an egotistical thing to us. Who was it that said the world couldn't revolve around us? (Oh yeah--that was our mother!) This was our way of thinking until several years ago, when we actually began to follow a few friends' blogs, and then the list grew, and then we really began to enjoy catching up on long-lost people's lives. As our own lives have grown busier, we have sadly been unable to spend as much one-on-one time as we would like to with the people who are dear to us. Therefore, we want to keep contact with all of our friends--old, dear, close, or far-away, as well as a few enemies (raise your hand if you belong to that category--we have some reconciliation to do!). In a nutshell, that is our excuse for joining the blogosphere.

However, we also have high hopes for this blog. We pray that it will not just be a way to catch everyone up on our earth-shattering home events, but that the small attempts, mistakes, and joys in our own family will encourage others to brighten their own corners. We chose this title for our blog because it emobdies our desire to be a light for Jesus and encourage others and it hints at our love for music. The namesake hymn "Brighten the Corner Where You Are" gave us shivers when we read it today because it is our heart cry. Indulge us for a moment as we paste these wonderful words here.

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.


Refrain:

Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!


Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar;
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.


Here for all your
talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed, Brighten the corner where you are.


This song was written by Ina Ogdon, who in 1912 had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak to thousands at a camp meeting. Right before she left, however, her father was injured in a car accident (they had those even in 1912?) and, with some disappointment, she gave up everything to tend him. In the end, this song opened every Billy Sunday meeting for 22 years, and Ina never did touch her thousands. Instead, she touched millions, but it all started because she focused on her own corner.

For those of you who read this extremely long post and also for those who skimmed it and now find yourselves on the home stretch (you know who you are!) we'll post a retro rendition of this song from Youtube played on an old record player. It has a 40s era vibe, and it is actually quite fun to listen to (well, the first 5 times, anyways)!

Now, with the requisite introduction out of the way (whew!) we can get blogging! We can't wait to hear your feedback! God bless!

-Lauren and Mikaela

12 comments:

  1. Welcome to the blogosphere, girls!!!

    Love the 'background' story on how you chose the name - but I have to say, I don't think I care for the Scotish-sounding 40's version of the hymn...lol! But hey, I'm a little bit rock-n-roll.

    For the 'midi' version - which I use with the kids to learn hymns and sing at home (yes, yes I know it would sound so much better with real music!) your friends, family, and even your enemies can try singing along at Cyber Hymnal

    Blessings to you both!
    Camille (aka Mrs. Eldridge)

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  2. PS...How did you get this set up for the comment section?? I like it much better than the traditional one.

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  3. Thanks for commenting! We are so glad you enjoyed the blog! Mikaela went on yours and Victoria's as well, and she sure enjoyed those! What can I say--40s music isn't for everyone! (-: I thought it was kind of cute, but not necessarily the kind you would put on repeat all day. Thanks for the tip on Cyber Hymnal!
    For the comments, if you go to the settings tab on your account, and then click on the comments tab, you can control the comments. I'm not sure if you meant the fact that the comments are moderated or the fact that anyone can comment without being a member. In any case, that is the control center for the comments. I am definitely learning a lot through this, and thank you for your encouragement!

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  4. I look forward to keeping up with you two through your blog. It was cool to read this post. My dad just read this hymn history story to us last night so it was fun to see it again and be familiar with it.

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  5. Wow, what a coincidence! It is an amazing and inspirational story, isn't it? Thanks for reading and commenting. :-)

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  6. Hey y'all!
    I enjoyed reading your first post and am looking forward to more!
    I loved the hymn history as well :)
    Keep it up!
    ~have a blessed day!

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  7. Thanks Jacqueline! Your blog is an inspiration to us both!

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  8. Hi Gals,
    I very much enjoyed reading your first blog and look forward to more!
    Again, the concert was great on Sunday! Wonderful music!

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  9. Hi Lauren and Mikaela,
    I'm looking forward to read more! (This is going to go under bookmarks!) Cute background- you have good taste. And I see you read some of the same blogs I do.

    Norah

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  10. Lauren and Mikaela! I am so excited you girls are starting a blog! It will be so wonderful to read your thoughts and find out what is going on in your lives. I miss you lots and hope we can someday get together again!

    Rebecca Florio

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  11. Ruthie--thanks for reading! You're so encouraging, and I look forward to chatting with you after every concert!
    Norah--It's great to hear from you! Thank you for your sweet words--we miss seeing you every day!
    Rebecca--I'm so glad you found our blog! I look forward to a lot of interaction with you, and hopefully you'll at least know that we are still alive! (-:
    I love all of your comments, so please keep it up! God bless!

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  12. Lauren,
    Thanks for the response. : ) Yes, I too enjoy catching up with you after the concerts or wherever else we may meet up. : ) And, you are an encouragement as well!
    I meant to mention in my last comment, that your blog "theme" is such a blessing, and a confirmation of what God has been showing me for the past little while. I believe that as we keep eternity in mind, it helps us remember that every "corner" is important in God's eyes, especially the one He has us in now. Thank you (and Mikaela, too) for the good reminder. : )
    And, your post about your parents was a super blessing! Almost made me cry. : )
    Blessings to you!

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