Time to chill

As of 6:00 last night I had to put aside my very strong political opinions and put on my non-partisan Election Inspector hat. It always amazes me how easily I am able to do this. It amazes me that I can go have a great day in a polling place that voted 90% for Obama. It surprises me that I can happily instruct person after person, in answer to their questions, exactly how they vote straight Democrat.

But I love it. I love the people at my precincts. I love being a part of the process.

Now I'm home, having my post election gyro and a pumpkin ale. Yes, I am watching the election returns. But I refuse to be stressed. I've been humming--and slowly memorizing--one hymn for two weeks now. I've emailed it to my mom and a couple of non-Lutheran friends. You Lutherans may be able to predict what's coming, but here it is anyway.

"Praise the Almighty, My Soul, Adore Him"
by Johann D. Herrnschmidt, 1675-1723
Translated by Alfred Brauer, 1866-1949

1. Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him!
Yea, I will laud Him until death.
With songs and anthems I'll come before Him
As long as He doth give me breath.
From Him my life and all things came;
Bless, O my soul, His holy name.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

2. Trust not in princes, they are but mortal;
Earth-born they are and soon decay.
Naught are their counsels at life's last portal,
When the dark grave doth claim its prey.
Since, then, no man can help afford,
Trust ye in Christ, our God and Lord.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

3. Blessed, yea, blessed is he forever
Whose help is in the Lord most high,
Whom from the saving faith naught can sever
And who in hope to Christ draws nigh.
To all who trust in Him, our Lord,
Counsel and aid He doth afford.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

4. God the Almighty, the great Creator,
Ruler of sky and land and sea,
All things ordained, and sooner or later
They come to pass unfailingly.
His rule is over rich and poor,
His promise ever standeth sure.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

5. Penitent sinners, for mercy crying,
Pardon and peace from Him obtain;
Ever the wants of the poor supplying,
Their faithful God He doth remain.
He helps His children in distress,
The widows and the fatherless.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

6. Praise, O mankind, now the name so holy
Of Him who doth such wondrous things!
All that hath being, to praise Him solely,
With happy heart its "Amen" sings!
Children of God, with angel host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #26
Text: Ps. 146
Author: Johann D. Herrnschmidt, 1714
Translated by: Alfred Brauer, 1925, alt.
Titled: "Lobe den Herren, o meine Seele"
Tune: "Lobe den Herren, o meine"
1st Published in: _Seelenharfe_
Town: Onolzbach, 1665