Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. Psalm 119.54
I count it a privilege to say that during my life so far I found residence in Iowa, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, California, Virginia, Kentucky, and Texas (for just a month). I can say without any doubt that the culture in each place is different from any other place. There are many similarities, no doubt, but the divergences can be disconcerting to the unprepared.
For instance, when Michelle and I moved from Portland, Oregon to Springfield, Virginia we discovered that the grocery business was as opposite as east is from west. In Oregon, it was not unusual for the checkout attendant to know us by name and for someone to ask if we could use help loading the groceries into our car. I’ll never forget the first visit to the supermarket in Virginia. The checkout person acted like we weren’t even standing there, as if the assortment of groceries appeared magically on his conveyor. Then, with all three of our little ones in tow, we exited the store only to realize that carts were not allowed beyond 12 feet of the store front. Access to the parking lot was blocked by strategically spaced yellow concrete poles. Michelle had to wait with the children in the miserable November drizzle while I ran out into the parking lot and brought the car to the shopping cart so we could load our purchases.
I could give example after example, but that is not the point. The constancy of God’s decrees wherever certainly is the what worthy of my songs. What a joy to know that loving my neighbor is just as crucial to my spiritual health in Arlington, TX as Vancouver, WA. How magnificent to understand that God’s mercies are new every morning in Iowa City, IA and Princeton, IL. I can’t keep silent about the daily provision provided by God’s grace in Riverside, CA and Louisville, KY.
When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see,
‘Twill be my joy thro’ the ages to sing of His love for me.
How marvelous, how wonderful and my song shall ever be;
How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior’s love for me!
—Charles Gabriel, I Stand Amazed in the Presence
Have a song you would like to share? Let me know.
TheNarrowRoadPursued 
One of my current favorites:
HIMSELF – by A. B. Simpson
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once ’twas painful trying, Now ’tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once ’twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once ’twas constant drifting, Now my anchor’s cast.
Once ’twas busy planning, Now ’tis trustful prayer;
Once ’twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once ’twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once ’twas constant asking, Now ’tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He’s mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.
Haven’t heard that one for a loooong time. Thanks for bringing it back to my attention. Great encouragement to see Jesus make a daily difference in my life!