God's Promises Endure Forever!

Psalm 119:107 tells us the deep down feelings of the psalmist.

"I am exceedingly afflicted;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word."

The psalmist feels weighed down and lifeless, and yet his response is begging the Lord for new life. But not just any ordinary life. Life according to God's Word.


James 1:12 promises blessedness to "the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

The perspective we need when feeling so afflicted is that God is his graciousness has loved me so much to send me affliction that we might cry out to Him and see our dependence on Him. Jesus gives us the Bread of Life. Tender, life-giving words, that give nourishment for the starving soul.

Paul reminds us in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from our Heavenly Father. So why do we worry and not trust? Why do we not cast our cares on Him? Why do we fear?

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

So often we look to other things to revive us. Oh, friend may that not be. May we run to the Father who will never leave us. May we run to the Son who gave His very life for us that we may acquire eternal life. May we run to the Spirit who brings all comfort and guidance.



The Words of Life are our only hope.

A New Movie Review

Community. Community. Community.

This one word sums up the underlying theme of the movie, The Way Home. Dean Cain does an great job portraying a father whose youngest son disappears into acres and acres of woods surrounding their home.

Job and work has always come before family to this father. God certainly gets his attention away from what he has deemed as most important and refocuses his priorities to what are his precious gifts given by God.

The body of Christ comes out from all over to help the search for this little 2 year old. The testimony of "Christian community" is shown to all professionals involved...firefights, rescue workers, police officers, and even news reporters. This is one of the great lessons learned by those who view this film.

The movie is based on a true story and it was delightful hearing from the real life mom and dad in the special features of the DVD.

Overall, the movie was very good. The story line is near and dear to all parents. And the producers did a great job making this a Christian movie. They do not mask the values that are most important in a believer's life in the midst of trials. The Word of God. Prayer. The body of Christ.

Happy Birthday, "Inger"!

Our sweet little "Inger" turns five years old today. This year my dumplin' has gone through much for her short, little life. Our prayer is that all the Lord has graciously allowed to happen will turn her sinful heart to the Lord. There is no prayer prayed more often than that of salvation for our little flock.

"Inger" has grown into a beautiful little munchkin'. She takes school (Kindergarten) very seriously, and every morning continually asks me, "Is it time for school, yet?" She is learning her letters, sight words and early math concepts. We read Catherine Vos' Story Bible together, and very frequently I am interrupted with, "Momma, there's a 'to' or 'the'". Unfortunately, if things arise to throw our day off kilter, her school is the first to go. But, she will always be quick to willingly do school at anytime of day or night. Boy, do I know this won't last forever, so I joyfully embrace her enthusiasm.

She is a huge fan of the bug population, including animals as well. But, bugs are definitely her love. I have been told amazing facts that she has remembered from days gone by about mosquitoes, bees, ants, etc. Just the other day, she came running to me and was elated. "Mommy, come see the spider in our window. She is guarding her egg sac." Sure enough, much to my chagrin (I do have webs in my screens!!), there was a momma spider doing exactly that thing.

"Inger" brings showers of joy to the Ponderosa. She is a special gift from God.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Little Princess

"Inger" with her best bud.

Parenting a Prodigal

This week "Mr. Cartwright" and myself listened to a CD put out by Family Life Today.

Phil Waldrep speaks candidly about parenting prodigals. He speaks with sensitivity and, yet, brings forth scriptural truths as the key to dealing with hurt, deceit and exhibiting unconditional love toward the prodigal.

I am so thankful for people the Lord Jesus equips in the body of Christ to challenge specific areas in our lives.

Parenting Prodigals Session 1

Parenting Prodigals Session 2

Please pass this on to all who can be encouraged.

My New Favorite Movie

This week the Ponderosa watched, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry. This movie is one your whole family can watch and will inspire you to grow in your walk with the Lord.

My Little Bread Bakers

Here are my favorite little bakers!

This Thought....

But, though I continually sin, God continually shows lovingkindness.

This lovingkindness reaches as high as the heavens are above the earth.

It stretches from east to west.

I will meditate on this today.

How Long, O Lord?

This was a question posed to the Lord by the man who penned Psalm 119.

This is a question that has been uttered by my own mouth many times over the last year.

Psalm 119:81-88

81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.

82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, "When will you comfort me?"

83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.

84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?

85 The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,
contrary to your law.

86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for men persecute me without cause.

87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.

88 Preserve my life according to your love,
and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

Then the next stanza he proclaims victory:

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.

91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.

92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.

94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.

95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.

96 To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless.

The writer proclaims his understanding of the importance of the Word of God. This is what brought him joy, comfort and peace in the midst of trial.

Lord, my heart fails. Revive me according to your Word. Your word is the truth that brings my emotions in check. Guard my thoughts as I long for the day of reconciliation with my big-little man.

Another Book Sent From Above

I just finished reading, Desperate Hope, When Faith in God Overcame My Despair, by Candi Pearson-Shelton.

God placed this book in my hands. No. Really. I did put it on hold at our local library, not knowing what in the world it was about. It sounded like a great read.

My Precious Savior knew more. He knew I had to read it.

Candi Pearson-Shelton takes us on her journey of losing her beloved brother, Ricky, to a two month battle with Leukemia. She and her brother both have been part of the Passion Movement. She wrote the title song to the album, Glory Revealed. She knows her Savior and yet, like me, she had so many questions that she had to explore to come to the realization of her great Savior. This Savior that she had so often sung about.

Her story is candid. Her journey is my journey. The mental and emotional fog she existed in, I have felt and at times still feel. But I also cling to the promises she reminds herself and the readers.

Each chapter is filled with raw emotion, yet solid truths from God's Word. God used this book, along with Scripture, to begin a new level of healing in my soul. I know God's Word is true, yet I have hesitated to dig in. I thank my Shepherd for using the body of Christ to speak to the depths of my soul. He brings trials, grief, hurt and comfort to some in order to comfort others. It is so astoundingly true.

One amazing truth Candi brought out was in the very first chapter. She reminded me of Jesus' prayer for the disciples in John 17. Verse 24 tells us that Jesus prayed to His Father to bring all those who are given to Him back to where He is. I prayed for the opposite, but Jesus' prayer was answered when my beloved mother was taken home to be with Him. I must rejoice in this.

I am.

Pure Joy

The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength......

This was a song I grew up singing at church, and at home. I remember my mom singing this song many days.

I have lost my joy in recent days past. But it doesn't have to be this way. God wants me to be joyful in all things....James 1:2-4, Consider it all joy my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance and endurance will have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.

I don't see joy as dancing around the room being giddy and always having a smile on my face.

Joy is deep down contentment in my circumstances.

Joy is resting assured that God has all things working together for my good.

Joy is the knowledge that my Master and Lord is sovereign and in control of my seemingly out of control life.

Joy is the willingness to embrace His plans for me.

Joy is worshipping Jesus through tears, not just feelings of bliss.

Joy is looking to the future with anticipation that Christ is on the throne, when all things seem hopeless.

I choose joy.

Today....

....I am dwelling on this Truth Word.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that ALL things work together for good to those you love God and are called according to His purpose."

So many times I question this word, ALL.

But, God, it seems so bad right now.

How can anything good come from this?

What do you mean by good, Lord? You and I have a very different definition...

How can death be good?

My oldest lamb is so far away...how can this be good?



Friends, He really means ALL. And He really means GOOD.

Agape Boarding School Finals-Chute Dogging

"Hoss" made it to the finals for chute Doggin' at Agape Boys' Ranch. It is an awesome opportunity that the boys have there to do something they have never done and will probably never do again.

(If you fast forward to 8:59 you will see "Hoss" in action.)

Mt. Sinai Vs. Mt. Zion

I have been planted in the book of Hebrews for the past couple of weeks in my devotions. So many amazing truths have been opened to me.

Hebrews 12:18-24, 28
"For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them.

For they could not bear the command, "IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED."


And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling."

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and (M)church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."

My Savior and High Priest shows such mercy on us. I am so thankful I am part of the New Covenant, adopted by my Heavenly Father. I have no fears of dread; I should live my life in view of Christ's holiness. God's wrath was appeased by Christ Jesus's death on the cross.

Praise be to the Great Shepherd!

William F. Buckley

I am not an avid reader on political issues, nor on politicians, themselves.

I was born in the early '70's, so I had never heard of William F. Buckley.

Since both of the above statements are true, I decided I would read a small biography to educate myself on a figure from that time period and venue.

William F. Buckley, written by Jeremy Lott, is a great, yet brief history on the life of this man, who claimed to have faith in God, and spoke strongly about things that he deeply believed in, whether spiritually or politically.

After reading a small bit each day, it is a decided fact that I still don't enjoy reading about politics. Although, as a book, it is very well written, I am disappointed in how shallow Buckley's faith was. I do not consider Catholicism, true faith in Christ's atoning work.

He seemed the "typical" politician. Suave, well-spoken, and yet brash at the same time. He did stand strong on certain views, but also wavered on others.

Jeremy Lott did well to include the complete span of Buckley's life; from birth to death. Though I was not particularly interested in this man's life, I did learn many things; the most interesting being his work at Yale. He attempted to keep "faith" (I use that term loosely) part of the curriculum at Yale.

A good read for someone interested in the political realm as well as history of conservatism. I didn't consider it a "Christian" biography.

A Great Visit!

Labor Day was spent with Great Grandpa Rootbeer and Grandma Amber. It has been a couple of years since we have seen them and it was a joy to be with them again.

Gliches In Life

Last week, the Puebla Ponderosa experienced a couple of gliches.

And through those small trials (our computer getting a virus and thoughts of lost memories in the form of pictures as well as, a water pipe leak under the slab of our house) we experience the faithfulness of our Jesus.

We had a few meltdowns, not knowing if our savings would be drained and our October trip to see "Hoss" would have to be postponed. Our trust waned for a few days. All this emotion was so unnecessary...

The Lord remains faithful!

Why do we doubt?

Do You Hear It?

If you listen real closely you can hear...

the plates crashing on the walls.

the wailing sobs of a woman in deep agony.

the frustrated pleas of a soul being crushed.

the constant, "WHY, Lord?"

AND YET, you can also hear...

complete surrender to the Lord spoken with deep prayers.

many utterances to Jesus confessing anxieties and distrust.

"Thank you, Master, for these afflictions."

My mind has been so full of confusing thoughts throughout the last year. And many days I have done or said all of the above.

So a dear friend of mine (you know who you are, sister) has helped me to weed through my desperately deceitful heart and ask the hard questions...

"Am I angry at God?"

"Am I shying away from God's Word because I really deep down inside don't want to commune with the God who allowed these things in my life?"

I am so thankful to the Lord for His precious promises that will never fail. I realize my Savior knows every pain and hurt in my heart, but I am also, fully aware, that I must completely give all my hurt to the Lord and not respond with fear or sin. God's Word never fades away. Blessed be His name.

A Prayer For My Servant Leader

It's Been 3 Years!

A special little package came to our door three years ago, today.

We had entered that day with much excitement eagerly waiting the arrival of "Inger". We had taken the previous month to visit with her starting with supervised visits and ending with an overnight. Those visits were so difficult knowing she would be ours and not being able to bring her home; always having to take her back to the house that was not a home.

This sweet little thing was lonely and scared. But having those other three big-little people in our home certainly helped her. She was undernourished, having so many digestive issues since her main diet had for months consisted of sugar drinks and french fries. Things would be very different. She fought us hard but I knew, with the Lord's help, we would win the food battle. To look at her now, guzzling down homemade kefir and eating a huge salad.

God did a mighty healing in our hearts bringing "Inger" into our lives. We remembered that day a few years before when our hearts broke over a disrupted adoption. But now, here we were holding this beautiful little girl.

Today, "Inger" is the life of the Ponderosa. She will turn 5 in a couple of weeks and is more than a joy to have in our lives. So often she randomly arrives at my cheek and pecks a sweet princess kiss. She loves putting her arms around her Daddy. She loves to be told stories and will be glad to tell some of her own.

We thank God for blessing the Puebla Ponderosa with this little cow-girl.

Ponderings

As I sat down to post today, my mind came to a conversation I had had with my precious Mother before the Lord took her home. I had asked her to contribute a guest post on her thoughts and life as she fought cancer.

She never was able to. Things happened so quickly. She was well and fighting one day, and sick and dying the next.

IF she had been able to write something, I believe she would have shared something similar to these thoughts:

"As I fight this cancer, I have a peace and joy that only Christ can give. He has taught me so much about dependency on Him. For two years I have been fighting lung cancer, and through it all have used every opportunity I can get to share Christ with those around me. Whatever you are going through in life, no matter how big or small, Christ is the answer for strength and direction. He is the One who allowed this sickness in my life and I want to use it for His glory."

Mom is now rejoicing in heaven with my Heavenly Father. She is now able to really "see" what she only understood from afar.

I wish you could have known my mom. She was a woman of deep faith. Her favorite quote was from Corrie Ten Boom.

"There is no pit so deep, that God is not deeper still."

I have felt so many times in such a deep pit. I remind myself: "My Father's love is wider, longer, higher and deeper than anything I will go through. He will sustain me."

So I ask my Heavenly Father to send my dear Mother a message: I miss and love her.

Beautiful Handiwork

This year I am using Saxon Math for "Inger's" kindergarten cirriculum. They use a variety of manipulatives, one being pattern blocks. If you look real close, you can see the dragonfly sipping nectar from a flower.

(Notice the bug theme....again! I wouldn't be suprised if our little beauty grows up to be an entomologist)

All is a Day's Work!

While we are busy with school, chores and life....

here lies "Cochise".

Seeing 20/20

Little did we know "Inger" was not seeing the world as we do.

Here is our studious, little girl equipped with her new eyes.

They Are Listening!

"Mommy, Mommy, there's a spider guarding her egg sac!"

"There was a messy spider web out by the swingset."

"Look up, Mommy. There is a paper wasp nest."

These lovely words may not seem like much to you, but they proclaim to me loud and clear that my littlest one is listening, listening very closely.

This year I am using Christian Liberty Press Nature Readers for my beautiful little women to explain to them the wonders of creation and most importantly the wonders of The Creator. I supplement it with library books on each topic.

I am blessed to be able to be the one hearing these words and seeing the wonder in their eyes as we unfold the beauty around us.....in bugs.