My great God can do anything; heal the lame, give sight to the blind, make the ears of the deaf opened. But the greatest miracle of all is Salvation; turning the heart of stone to a heart of flesh.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Propitiation!
The following is a new song we have been singing on Sunday mornings at our fellowship. Dwelling on these words can bring such agony to the soul to realize what Christ has done for us. Yet, at the same time, great joy overflows.
His Robes For Mine
His robes for mine: O wonderful exchange!
Clothed in my sin, Christ suffered ‘neath God’s rage.
Draped in His righteousness, I’m justified.
In Christ I live, for in my place He died.
Chorus:
I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost:
Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God.
Bought by such love, my life is not my own.
My praise-my all-shall be for Christ alone.
His robes for mine: what cause have I for dread?
God’s daunting Law Christ mastered in my stead.
Faultless I stand with righteous works not mine,
Saved by my Lord’s vicarious death and life.
His robes for mine: God’s justice is appeased.
Jesus is crushed, and thus the Father’s pleased.
Christ drank God’s wrath on sin, then cried “‘Tis done!”
Sin’s wage is paid; propitiation won.
His robes for mine: such anguish none can know.
Christ, God’s beloved, condemned as though His foe.
He, as though I, accursed and left alone;
I, as though He, embraced and welcomed home!
Composed by Chris Anderson
Clothed in my sin, Christ suffered ‘neath God’s rage.
Draped in His righteousness, I’m justified.
In Christ I live, for in my place He died.
Chorus:
I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost:
Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God.
Bought by such love, my life is not my own.
My praise-my all-shall be for Christ alone.
His robes for mine: what cause have I for dread?
God’s daunting Law Christ mastered in my stead.
Faultless I stand with righteous works not mine,
Saved by my Lord’s vicarious death and life.
His robes for mine: God’s justice is appeased.
Jesus is crushed, and thus the Father’s pleased.
Christ drank God’s wrath on sin, then cried “‘Tis done!”
Sin’s wage is paid; propitiation won.
His robes for mine: such anguish none can know.
Christ, God’s beloved, condemned as though His foe.
He, as though I, accursed and left alone;
I, as though He, embraced and welcomed home!
Composed by Chris Anderson
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Flax (Part Two)
The Flax
by
Hans Christian Andersen
(1849)
(Part Two)
Years passed away, and at last the linen was so worn it could scarcely hold together. “It must end very soon,” said the pieces to each other; “we would gladly have held together a little longer, but it is useless to expect impossibilities.” And at length they fell into rags and tatters, and thought it was all over with them, for they were torn to shreds, and steeped in water, and made into a pulp, and dried, and they knew not what besides, till all at once they found themselves beautiful white paper. “Well, now, this is a surprise; a glorious surprise too,” said the paper. “I am now finer than ever, and I shall be written upon, and who can tell what fine things I may have written upon me. This is wonderful luck!” And sure enough the most beautiful stories and poetry were written upon it, and only once was there a blot, which was very fortunate. Then people heard the stories and poetry read, and it made them wiser and better; for all that was written had a good and sensible meaning, and a great blessing was contained in the words on this paper.
“I never imagined anything like this,” said the paper, “when I was only a little blue flower, growing in the fields. How could I fancy that I should ever be the means of bringing knowledge and joy to man? I cannot understand it myself, and yet it is really so. Heaven knows that I have done nothing myself, but what I was obliged to do with my weak powers for my own preservation; and yet I have been promoted from one joy and honor to another. Each time I think that the song is ended; and then something higher and better begins for me. I suppose now I shall be sent on my travels about the world, so that people may read me. It cannot be otherwise; indeed, it is more than probable; for I have more splendid thoughts written upon me, than I had pretty flowers in olden times. I am happier than ever.”
But the paper did not go on its travels; it was sent to the printer, and all the words written upon it were set up in type, to make a book, or rather, many hundreds of books; for so many more persons could derive pleasure and profit from a printed book, than from the written paper; and if the paper had been sent around the world, it would have been worn out before it had got half through its journey.
“This is certainly the wisest plan,” said the written paper; “I really did not think of that. I shall remain at home, and be held in honor, like some old grandfather, as I really am to all these new books. They will do some good. I could not have wandered about as they do. Yet he who wrote all this has looked at me, as every word flowed from his pen upon my surface. I am the most honored of all.”
Then the paper was tied in a bundle with other papers, and thrown into a tub that stood in the washhouse.
“After work, it is well to rest,” said the paper, “and a very good opportunity to collect one’s thoughts. Now I am able, for the first time, to think of my real condition; and to know one’s self is true progress. What will be done with me now, I wonder? No doubt I shall still go forward. I have always progressed hitherto, as I know quite well.”
Now it happened one day that all the paper in the tub was taken out, and laid on the hearth to be burnt. People said it could not be sold at the shop, to wrap up butter and sugar, because it had been written upon. The children in the house stood round the stove; for they wanted to see the paper burn, because it flamed up so prettily, and afterwards, among the ashes, so many red sparks could be seen running one after the other, here and there, as quick as the wind. They called it seeing the children come out of school, and the last spark was the schoolmaster. They often thought the last spark had come; and one would cry, “There goes the schoolmaster;” but the next moment another spark would appear, shining so beautifully. How they would like to know where the sparks all went to! Perhaps we shall find out some day, but we don’t know now.
The whole bundle of paper had been placed on the fire, and was soon alight. “Ugh,” cried the paper, as it burst into a bright flame; “ugh.” It was certainly not very pleasant to be burning; but when the whole was wrapped in flames, the flames mounted up into the air, higher than the flax had ever been able to raise its little blue flower, and they glistened as the white linen never could have glistened. All the written letters became quite red in a moment, and all the words and thoughts turned to fire.
“Now I am mounting straight up to the sun,” said a voice in the flames; and it was as if a thousand voices echoed the words; and the flames darted up through the chimney, and went out at the top. Then a number of tiny beings, as many in number as the flowers on the flax had been, and invisible to mortal eyes, floated above them. They were even lighter and more delicate than the flowers from which they were born; and as the flames were extinguished, and nothing remained of the paper but black ashes, these little beings danced upon it; and whenever they touched it, bright red sparks appeared.
“The children are all out of school, and the schoolmaster was the last of all,” said the children. It was good fun, and they sang over the dead ashes,—
“Snip, snap, snurre,
Basse lure:
The song is ended.”
But the little invisible beings said, “The song is never ended; the most beautiful is yet to come.”
But the children could neither hear nor understand this, nor should they; for children must not know everything.
by
Hans Christian Andersen
(1849)
(Part Two)
Years passed away, and at last the linen was so worn it could scarcely hold together. “It must end very soon,” said the pieces to each other; “we would gladly have held together a little longer, but it is useless to expect impossibilities.” And at length they fell into rags and tatters, and thought it was all over with them, for they were torn to shreds, and steeped in water, and made into a pulp, and dried, and they knew not what besides, till all at once they found themselves beautiful white paper. “Well, now, this is a surprise; a glorious surprise too,” said the paper. “I am now finer than ever, and I shall be written upon, and who can tell what fine things I may have written upon me. This is wonderful luck!” And sure enough the most beautiful stories and poetry were written upon it, and only once was there a blot, which was very fortunate. Then people heard the stories and poetry read, and it made them wiser and better; for all that was written had a good and sensible meaning, and a great blessing was contained in the words on this paper.
“I never imagined anything like this,” said the paper, “when I was only a little blue flower, growing in the fields. How could I fancy that I should ever be the means of bringing knowledge and joy to man? I cannot understand it myself, and yet it is really so. Heaven knows that I have done nothing myself, but what I was obliged to do with my weak powers for my own preservation; and yet I have been promoted from one joy and honor to another. Each time I think that the song is ended; and then something higher and better begins for me. I suppose now I shall be sent on my travels about the world, so that people may read me. It cannot be otherwise; indeed, it is more than probable; for I have more splendid thoughts written upon me, than I had pretty flowers in olden times. I am happier than ever.”
But the paper did not go on its travels; it was sent to the printer, and all the words written upon it were set up in type, to make a book, or rather, many hundreds of books; for so many more persons could derive pleasure and profit from a printed book, than from the written paper; and if the paper had been sent around the world, it would have been worn out before it had got half through its journey.
“This is certainly the wisest plan,” said the written paper; “I really did not think of that. I shall remain at home, and be held in honor, like some old grandfather, as I really am to all these new books. They will do some good. I could not have wandered about as they do. Yet he who wrote all this has looked at me, as every word flowed from his pen upon my surface. I am the most honored of all.”
Then the paper was tied in a bundle with other papers, and thrown into a tub that stood in the washhouse.
“After work, it is well to rest,” said the paper, “and a very good opportunity to collect one’s thoughts. Now I am able, for the first time, to think of my real condition; and to know one’s self is true progress. What will be done with me now, I wonder? No doubt I shall still go forward. I have always progressed hitherto, as I know quite well.”
Now it happened one day that all the paper in the tub was taken out, and laid on the hearth to be burnt. People said it could not be sold at the shop, to wrap up butter and sugar, because it had been written upon. The children in the house stood round the stove; for they wanted to see the paper burn, because it flamed up so prettily, and afterwards, among the ashes, so many red sparks could be seen running one after the other, here and there, as quick as the wind. They called it seeing the children come out of school, and the last spark was the schoolmaster. They often thought the last spark had come; and one would cry, “There goes the schoolmaster;” but the next moment another spark would appear, shining so beautifully. How they would like to know where the sparks all went to! Perhaps we shall find out some day, but we don’t know now.The whole bundle of paper had been placed on the fire, and was soon alight. “Ugh,” cried the paper, as it burst into a bright flame; “ugh.” It was certainly not very pleasant to be burning; but when the whole was wrapped in flames, the flames mounted up into the air, higher than the flax had ever been able to raise its little blue flower, and they glistened as the white linen never could have glistened. All the written letters became quite red in a moment, and all the words and thoughts turned to fire.
“Now I am mounting straight up to the sun,” said a voice in the flames; and it was as if a thousand voices echoed the words; and the flames darted up through the chimney, and went out at the top. Then a number of tiny beings, as many in number as the flowers on the flax had been, and invisible to mortal eyes, floated above them. They were even lighter and more delicate than the flowers from which they were born; and as the flames were extinguished, and nothing remained of the paper but black ashes, these little beings danced upon it; and whenever they touched it, bright red sparks appeared.
“The children are all out of school, and the schoolmaster was the last of all,” said the children. It was good fun, and they sang over the dead ashes,—
“Snip, snap, snurre,
Basse lure:
The song is ended.”
But the little invisible beings said, “The song is never ended; the most beautiful is yet to come.”
But the children could neither hear nor understand this, nor should they; for children must not know everything.
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Flax (Part One)
The Flaxby
Hans Christian Andersen
(1849)
(Part One)
The flax was in full bloom; it had pretty little blue flowers as delicate as the wings of a moth, or even more so. The sun shone, and the showers watered it; and this was just as good for the flax as it is for little children to be washed and then kissed by their mother. They look much prettier for it, and so did the flax.
“People say that I look exceedingly well,” said the flax, “and that I am so fine and long that I shall make a beautiful piece of linen. How fortunate I am; it makes me so happy, it is such a pleasant thing to know that something can be made of me. How the sunshine cheers me, and how sweet and refreshing is the rain; my happiness overpowers me, no one in the world can feel happier than I am.”
“Ah, yes, no doubt,” said the fern, “but you do not know the world yet as well as I do, for my sticks are knotty;” and then it sung quite mournfully—
“Snip, snap, snurre,
Basse lurre:
The song is ended.”
“No, it is not ended,” said the flax. “To-morrow the sun will shine, or the rain descend. I feel that I am growing. I feel that I am in full blossom. I am the happiest of all creatures.”
Well, one day some people came, who took hold of the flax, and pulled it up by the roots; this was painful; then it was laid in water as if they intended to drown it; and, after that, placed near a fire as if it were to be roasted; all this was very shocking. “We cannot expect to be happy always,” said the flax; “by experiencing evil as well as good, we become wise.” And certainly there was plenty of evil in store for the flax. It was steeped, and roasted, and broken, and combed; indeed, it scarcely knew what was done to it. At last it was put on the spinning wheel. “Whirr, whirr,” went the wheel so quickly that the flax could not collect its thoughts. “Well, I have been very happy,” he thought in the midst of his pain, “and must be contented with the past;” and contented he remained till he was put on the loom, and became a beautiful piece of white linen.
All the flax, even to the last stalk, was used in making this one piece. “Well, this is quite wonderful; I could not have believed that I should be so favored by fortune. The fern was not wrong with its song of
‘Snip, snap, snurre,
Basse lurre.’
But the song is not ended yet, I am sure; it is only just beginning. How wonderful it is, that after all I have suffered, I am made something of at last; I am the luckiest person in the world—so strong and fine; and how white, and what a length! This is something different to being a mere plant and bearing flowers. Then I had no attention, nor any water unless it rained; now, I am watched and taken care of. Every morning the maid turns me over, and I have a shower-bath from the watering-pot every evening. Yes, and the clergyman’s wife noticed me, and said I was the best piece of linen in the whole parish. I cannot be happier than I am now.”
After some time, the linen was taken into the house, placed under the scissors, and cut and torn into pieces, and then pricked with needles. This certainly was not pleasant; but at last it was made into twelve garments of that kind which people do not like to name, and yet everybody should wear one. “See, now, then,” said the flax; “I have become something of importance. This was my destiny; it is quite a blessing. Now I shall be of some use in the world, as everyone ought to be; it is the only way to be happy. I am now divided into twelve pieces, and yet we are all one and the same in the whole dozen. It is most extraordinary good fortune.”
...To be continued.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
It Is So Sweet
....to hear my two little women humming, 'Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus, while they play Little Mommies.
May they have that precious song on their lips even when they become Mommies.
So, they force me to think heartily on those words...do I trust? Is it sweet?
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word; (May I not believe the lies)
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
May they have that precious song on their lips even when they become Mommies.
So, they force me to think heartily on those words...do I trust? Is it sweet?
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word; (May I not believe the lies)
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; (He has proven Himself more)
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; (He has proven Himself more)
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease; (He must give the grace to change)
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
Just from sin and self to cease; (He must give the grace to change)
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, (There are days I have learned, and days it feels like I'm drowning)
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end. (Thank you for never leaving me, Savior)
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end. (Thank you for never leaving me, Savior)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
One Whole Year
Today is one year since my arms have been empty. I'm missing my oldest treasure.He is gone, but not forever. God continues to work in his life, and our lives, teaching us so much about dependency on Him.
I am meditating on this today to keep my mind stayed on my Master:
Psalm 119:25-32
My soul cleaves to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
So I will meditate on Your wonders.
My soul weeps because of grief;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
Remove the false way from me,
And graciously grant me Your law.
I have chosen the faithful way;
I have placed Your ordinances before me.
I cling to Your testimonies;
O LORD, do not put me to shame!
I shall run the way of Your commandments,
For You will enlarge my heart.
My soul cleaves to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
So I will meditate on Your wonders.
My soul weeps because of grief;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
Remove the false way from me,
And graciously grant me Your law.
I have chosen the faithful way;
I have placed Your ordinances before me.
I cling to Your testimonies;
O LORD, do not put me to shame!
I shall run the way of Your commandments,
For You will enlarge my heart.
Please continue to pray for "Hoss" as he sails through this year date. We want his heart to belong to Christ, completely surrendered. We need wisdom for making the decision of bringing him home. We need clear direction. Thank you for standing with the Puebla Ponderosa as we long for the day of reconciliation.
Monday, August 23, 2010
My Favorite Adoption Picture Books
I love reading to my children. Fiction. Nonfiction. Chapter Books. Picture Story Books.
But by far some of my favorites have been on the topic of adoption. These are some we have added to our own library at home:
Child of Destiny: Matthew Was Adopted is an excellent source for parents to introduce the topic of adoption to children. The author takes you through the process of being born in a different mommy's tummy and ends with how we are given the ability to be adopted into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ.
A Mother For Choco is an adorable book about a little bird trying to find his mother. His quest takes him to all different animals as he pursues his need of love. In the end, he realizes it doesn't matter what his mom looks like. What makes a mom is her heart.
A Blessing From Above is another great book to own and deals with the subject of adoption in a very gentle way, using animals to depict the process. It weaves in the subject matter of birth parents, adoptive parents and reasons that both find themselves where they often do.
But by far some of my favorites have been on the topic of adoption. These are some we have added to our own library at home:
Child of Destiny: Matthew Was Adopted is an excellent source for parents to introduce the topic of adoption to children. The author takes you through the process of being born in a different mommy's tummy and ends with how we are given the ability to be adopted into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ.
A Mother For Choco is an adorable book about a little bird trying to find his mother. His quest takes him to all different animals as he pursues his need of love. In the end, he realizes it doesn't matter what his mom looks like. What makes a mom is her heart.
A Blessing From Above is another great book to own and deals with the subject of adoption in a very gentle way, using animals to depict the process. It weaves in the subject matter of birth parents, adoptive parents and reasons that both find themselves where they often do.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Imagine Real Hard
Close your eyes.
Imagine you have stepped back in time to the mid-1800's. You have entered the home of the Ingalls family....
I am pleased to introduce you to Mary and Laura Ingalls. Can't you see the resemblance? They both have beautiful long flowing golden brown hair. After all, they live on the Ponderosa, don't they?
I am pleased to introduce you to Mary and Laura Ingalls. Can't you see the resemblance? They both have beautiful long flowing golden brown hair. After all, they live on the Ponderosa, don't they?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Remember the Myrtle Tree
A few weeks ago I posted about a beautiful gift our family received to remember our dear mother by. (The picture is of the crape myrtle tree.)Then today I read this.
God gives us just what we need when we need it.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Anne Bradstreet
Reading, Anne Bradstreet , by D.B. Kellogg, has been a journey of not just learning who she was as a person, but really, a lifelong lesson on the Puritan life as known in the time of the colonies. Anne Bradstreet was a God-fearing woman, who endeavored to stand strong in the midst of a very volatile time in the beginnings of what is now, the United States of America.
She was a wonderful example of a Godly wife, as well as a nurturing mother. The Lord created her with the ability to write poetry in such a beautiful way. As I read this book, I was subtly encouraged to even try my hand at writing poetry too. She wrote of all things in life, from birth to death, from love to hate, from peace to war, from relationships of father to daughter, mother to son, and husband to wife. In the days of the Puritans, women did not have as many "rights" as they have now. That was both negative and positive. The amazing thing was that although she had hundreds and hundreds of poems that she wrote and penned on paper, she was not the instrument to have them published.
D.B. Kellogg has truly shown this saint in the humble state that she lived in. She lived out her beliefs amid others that may have believed but did not exemplify them in their lives. This book is a great resource to read to learn much about the Puritans way of life and system of beliefs as well as come to appreciate this dear beloved soul, Anne Bradstreet.
Monday, August 16, 2010
God is Very Near
...and yet there are so many times, He seems so very far.
The last year has been such a lonely road and yet, one that I have learned so much from my Heavenly Father.
So many days I cry out to Him wondering if He is tired of hearing the same prayer and feeling the same tears that seem to never dry up. The tears come mostly when I am listening for Him in His Word and speaking to Him in the early hours. The tears just keep coming. I know the bottle must be almost filled up by now.
Is this all part of healing?
Healing for this wounded heart seems like forever. But I know my Jesus holds me close and will not let me go.
My best friend, lover and provider reminds me of this as he holds me and lets me cry once again.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Spankings That Heal
Have you ever known a child that craves discipline? Most children would never verbally agree with this, but know deep down inside discipline = agape love.
Today, this child read:
Job 5:17-18
"Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves;
therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.
For he wounds, but he binds up;
he shatters, but his hands heal."
The reproof and discipline are so painful.
My heavenly Father knows when I need that dreaded spanking...have I become conformed to the world?
He has wounded me in this past year. He has shattered my calm, simple world around me. There are so many times I cry for the normal to return, but it is gone forever. In its place I find my loving Savior binding my hurts and healing my heart. My soul is eternally changed.
My emotions still range from dread to joy, from chaos to peace. But my emotions don't always speak truth.
True joy, true peace are in Christ alone.
Lord, I don't want to despise you. I want to embrace this time as one that would open my heart and mind to new areas of growth. I want to be more like you.
Today, this child read:
Job 5:17-18
"Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves;
therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.
For he wounds, but he binds up;
he shatters, but his hands heal."
The reproof and discipline are so painful.
My heavenly Father knows when I need that dreaded spanking...have I become conformed to the world?
He has wounded me in this past year. He has shattered my calm, simple world around me. There are so many times I cry for the normal to return, but it is gone forever. In its place I find my loving Savior binding my hurts and healing my heart. My soul is eternally changed.
My emotions still range from dread to joy, from chaos to peace. But my emotions don't always speak truth.
True joy, true peace are in Christ alone.
Lord, I don't want to despise you. I want to embrace this time as one that would open my heart and mind to new areas of growth. I want to be more like you.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
My Brother and High Priest
This is an amazing thought.
My Lord Jesus became like me in EVERY respect, so He could empathize with my temptations and weaknesses.
Whether I am tempted to give up or give in, I have the assurance my Jesus was there before I was.
Hebrews 2:17-18
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Propitiation is a big word that means a sacrifice that satisfies what God's character requires.
God is holy. God requires holiness from His children.
God is love. God requires agape love from His children.
God is truth. God requires honesty and integrity from His children.
God is just. God requires His children to be just.
This is impossible....apart from the atoning blood of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, " For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
My Lord Jesus became like me in EVERY respect, so He could empathize with my temptations and weaknesses.
Whether I am tempted to give up or give in, I have the assurance my Jesus was there before I was.
Hebrews 2:17-18
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Propitiation is a big word that means a sacrifice that satisfies what God's character requires.
God is holy. God requires holiness from His children.
God is love. God requires agape love from His children.
God is truth. God requires honesty and integrity from His children.
God is just. God requires His children to be just.
This is impossible....apart from the atoning blood of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, " For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness.
The burden of sin is gone. Praise be to God. I have a High Priest who intercedes on my behalf. I have a Brother who calls me friend.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Chute Doggin' and Lots of Steak
Just a fun post today:"Hoss" has had a couple of great opportunities while away from the Ponderosa.
He was involved in a rodeo event. This looked like such fun. "Hoss" is the first guy to try to bring the steer down.
Agape also had a walk a thon. "Hoss" was able to get 3rd place for the monies brought in. "Hoss" is the tallest one in the group pictures.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Windows on the World
Last week, I referenced this book as a tool that we are using during Table Time in school. Windows on the World has been written to educate families on all the different countries and people groups of the world.Each page highlights these features:
1. The facts: population, language, exports, chief crops, etc.
2. The Religion
3. A story from a child's perspective of life. This includes both positive and negative things. But the authors have made sure to include persecution in a mild form. It is so important that our children see how other children live, the struggles in life that we don't have, and the beauty of freedom that we can enjoy that others don't have. Our children grow up in a time when our freedom is taken for granted.
4. The full color pictures that are true to life photographs help the children to see what life is really like in other parts of the world.
5. The most important section is the prayer box. You are given things to thank God for as well as things to pray for God to do in these countries.
As we open this book each morning we get out the globe and find the country or countries each people group comes from. This helps us incorporate geography as well.So far we have studied Afghanistan, Albania, the Azeri people, and the Balinese People from Bali. Last month we had a missionary visit our fellowship from Albania, so his presentation came back to our remembrance and we understood a little more of their story.
There are so many lost and dying around the globe. I pray that my children's hearts will be softened towards those who need the Gospel, either next door to the Ponderosa or on the other side of the Globe.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A Radical Transformation
For those of you who ever wondered why African American little girls' hair is always done up so fantastically, here is the answer to your question. It just can't NOT be done....
THE BEFORE
AND AFTER!
This, here, Adoption Mama is learning quite a bit about how to care for my darling Black Beauties. I would never change what God has blessed my life with.
("Mr. Cartwright", on the other hand, prays that nothing will ever happen to his wife!)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Undeserved Gifts Abound
Titus 3:4-7
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
He is such a good God who abounds in lovingkindness and mercy.
He saved us,
We were so deceitful and wicked, desperate for this salvation.
not because of works done by us in righteousness,
Our righteousness is nothing but filthy rags; there is no amount of good works we can do to merit His favor.
but according to his own mercy,
Mercy:1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency.
2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving:
by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
We were filthy; He made us clean. Renewal: the conversion of wasteland into land suitable for use of habitation or cultivation.
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
What a generous God we have who seals us with His Spirit, not leaving us to our own devices after He saves us.
so that being justified by his grace
Justification is God's act of declaring or making a sinner righteous before God.
we might become heirs
I have been adopted by God; once His enemy, now His daughter.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
He is such a good God who abounds in lovingkindness and mercy.
He saved us,
We were so deceitful and wicked, desperate for this salvation.
not because of works done by us in righteousness,
Our righteousness is nothing but filthy rags; there is no amount of good works we can do to merit His favor.
but according to his own mercy,
Mercy:1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency.
2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving:
by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
We were filthy; He made us clean. Renewal: the conversion of wasteland into land suitable for use of habitation or cultivation.
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
What a generous God we have who seals us with His Spirit, not leaving us to our own devices after He saves us.
so that being justified by his grace
Justification is God's act of declaring or making a sinner righteous before God.
we might become heirs
I have been adopted by God; once His enemy, now His daughter.
according to the hope of eternal life.
I will live forever with my Savior. He has granted me eternal life. This is my hope.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Less Sleep, Much Less Sleep
Parenting is the hardest job on earth. To do a half-way decent job, self has to die away.
Early nights to sleep are bygone days. Early mornings must happen. I cry out to my Master for the strength to keep going.
Our older three arrows are very close in age. They are almost young people. They want to spend time with the aged ones in the house each night. This I treasure.
As my lover and I lay our heads down on the place of rest, our eyes demand closure, but we know, we must seek the One who gives endurance and strength for each day. We read this as our minds want to shut down.
We pray to our Almighty Father that He would make our arrows straight and strong, able to fly through the air hitting the bulls eye of pleasure in God.
We pray for perseverance and purity.
We thank God for the work He has done in our lives and beg Him to do the same in our children.
Early nights to sleep are bygone days. Early mornings must happen. I cry out to my Master for the strength to keep going.
Our older three arrows are very close in age. They are almost young people. They want to spend time with the aged ones in the house each night. This I treasure.
As my lover and I lay our heads down on the place of rest, our eyes demand closure, but we know, we must seek the One who gives endurance and strength for each day. We read this as our minds want to shut down.
We pray to our Almighty Father that He would make our arrows straight and strong, able to fly through the air hitting the bulls eye of pleasure in God.
We pray for perseverance and purity.
We thank God for the work He has done in our lives and beg Him to do the same in our children.
Monday, August 2, 2010
It's Here...Ready or Not!
Today is our first day of school. We are starting a tad early so more flexibility can happen throughout the school year.
In many ways I am ready. Schedule and discipline invigorate the body and soul.
In other ways I am not. My emotions can take over at times and my bed calls from afar and bids me to come and stay for the day. But this I must fight.
"Little Joe", "Marie", and "Inger" are ready. They are a privilege to teach. They bring much joy to each day.
This year we attempt a few new features:
~ a weekly nature walk and nature notebook
~ "Little Joe" is taking a science class taught by a wonderful Christian home school mom. This year it is General Science by Apologia.
~ "Inger" is starting kindergarten. She is elated.
~ Each morning we will have table time, which will include memory work (multiplication tables, Bible passages, catechism), praying for other countries using Window on the World, and art.
Along with the joys, there are many remembrances that "Hoss" is not with us again. We eagerly wait for his return. This will happen in time when the Lord sees fit.
For now we wait and pray.
In many ways I am ready. Schedule and discipline invigorate the body and soul.
In other ways I am not. My emotions can take over at times and my bed calls from afar and bids me to come and stay for the day. But this I must fight.
"Little Joe", "Marie", and "Inger" are ready. They are a privilege to teach. They bring much joy to each day.
This year we attempt a few new features:
~ a weekly nature walk and nature notebook
~ "Little Joe" is taking a science class taught by a wonderful Christian home school mom. This year it is General Science by Apologia.
~ "Inger" is starting kindergarten. She is elated.
~ Each morning we will have table time, which will include memory work (multiplication tables, Bible passages, catechism), praying for other countries using Window on the World, and art.
Along with the joys, there are many remembrances that "Hoss" is not with us again. We eagerly wait for his return. This will happen in time when the Lord sees fit.
For now we wait and pray.
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