Dear.....

In an open letter that every believer should sign and read, the Irish Calvinist reminds us how to ensure that our time together is for God's glory and our good.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I need you. I need you to help me. I need you to live your life in such a way that it intends to draw my attention to the glory and the greatness of our God. I beg you not to sleep in tomorrow morning but instead to get up and read your Bible. Discover afresh the beauty of God in the secret text. Dwell upon His faithfulness to His own promises. Muse upon His glorious gift of grace in the salvation of sinners like you and me. Write the Word of God upon your own heart so that it produces reverence for God.

Also, I urge you to spend time on your knees in prayer. And whatever you do, don't fall asleep; don't let your mind wander; don't stop praying until you start praying. Drive yourself into humble submission before the great and infinite reservoir of grace that you might find help in your neediness.

As you leave and go about your day, please preach the glories of the Gospel to yourself. Tell yourself afresh of the glorious gift of grace, the Lord Jesus Christ, that incarnation of holiness and love; hear again the words of John the Baptist, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) Watch Him obey the law in your place, see his perfection in both speech and in deed. Hear him say afresh, "I always do what is pleasing to my Father" (John 8:29). Watch him march resolutely to the cross to purchase our redemption. See his pray for his executioners, evangelize his fellow cross-bearers, gasp for breath, commission his disciple, proclaim it is finished, and then give up his life. See him here and marvel. But don't stop here! Run with the disciples to the tomb and stoop with them and see, see 'the linen cloths by themselves' and you too will come away 'marveling at what had happened' (Luke 24:12). Rejoice at the reality of the living Savior who has given his life to vindicate the glory of God and rescue a people for himself.

Now as you leave, sing the doctrinal praise along with Paul. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 1:3ff) in tune with Peter with "joy inexpressible" (I Peter 1:8).

And now believer, come and talk to a Christian like me and tell me something.
Tell me something eternal(Ps. 92:8)!
Give me something for my soul(Mt.4:4)!
Tell me what impresses you about Christ(Mt.8:27)!
Tell me of the Gospel's power(Ro.1:16)!
Tell me of Christ's success as a high priest(Heb.7:27)!
Tell me of his impending return(Mt.24:30)!
Tell me of the divine purpose in trials(Ja.1:3-5)!
Tell me the perseverance of the saints(Jude 24)!
Tell me of the ultimate success of the church(Mt.16:18)!
Tell me of God's gracious work in your life(2 Cor.3:18)!
Tell me of the purity and power of the Word of God(Ps.19:7ff)!
Tell me of how you are praying for me(Col.1:9ff)!

Please, I need you to do this. My heart need to hear continually of why Christ is so great(2 Peter 1:12). So please Christian, don't forget to tell me. Please...be a good friend(Heb.3:13ff). And by the grace of God, I will return the favor to you.

As you meander this weekend, be ever aware of building up the body of Christ. Don't let your words be empty, trifle, and selfish. I will strive to do the same.

Happy Gotcha Day, Hoss

Today is January 28th, 2010, which commem-

orates "Hoss'" 13th Happy Gotcha Day. Hoss has had a very rough year and finds himself 1,100 miles from home.

Normally, our Happy Gotcha Days are celebrated as a family, together. This year is very different. It seems this very day may be a large part of the reason we are separated.

When we adopted "Hoss", 13 years ago, we would never have dreamed we would find ourselves where we are; separated.

But we have come to learn, separation is not always a bad thing. It always hurts, but the outcome can surpass what was.

For any parent who finds themselves having to "tough love" their child, they know the immense grief and pain that every picture and memory invokes. The "whys" are quick to come. The tears are even quicker.

BUT, we serve a God of healing. We have no doubt God is using this in "Hoss'" life to make him reach down deeper than he ever has and deal with thoughts, feelings, emotions, rejection, etc. that he has bottled up for too long.

And, God is using this is our lives.

Mr. Cartwright has risen to a level of leadership in his family that he has never exhibited before. He loves so much better. He is a better listener. He is a better Daddy. He is a better MAN!

Myself? Well, I have had an encounter with a Jesus that I only somewhat knew. Now, don't get me wrong, I thought I knew Him very well. I had my "quiet time" most days, said my "prayers", taught my children, loved my husband, served the body of Christ, etc. But, I have come to know that my acts were of naught, because my heart was not where my Savior wanted it to be. I really want to KNOW my Lord. I want to have passion for Him that exudes from my every cell. I want my life to be a light. This is where the Lord has brought me as my oldest, precious one has been stripped from my heart and arms, though, be it temporarily.

The other three "Cartwrights" have had to deal with many emotions and pain, that I would give my life to take from them. BUT we must remember, God will use this in their lives as well. They must learn to trust our Sovereign Master. Prayer has become a very important part of their lives. Difficult times will come in the future. God must remain their source of strength.

For those of you wanting to know how "Hoss" is doing, God is working. He is making good strides and coming along slowly. We talk to him every 2 weeks and, Lord willing, we will visit him in late May. At that time, we will be spending most of our visit with him talking. Please be in prayer that he will open up and be open. We want our relationship healed. Our son is a treasure, not lost, just wandering.

We miss him....every day.

Holy Spirit, please do the work only you can do. His heart needs breaking and mending. This is a task that we entrust into your hands. Please continue to mold us and make us into the image of the One who gave His life for us.

"Mrs. Cartwright"

I first started blogging around April of 2009. It sure has been a journey. It started out as a way to keep my loved ones updated on the goings on at "The Ponderosa". It has turned into a journey of journaling and has been a sort of "therapy" for me. I never thought I liked to write, but I have found this is a joy. It has also been a great adventure getting to know other like-minded bloggers who have emerged as such encouragement to my soul.

I joined Talkin' about Thursdays to get you know some of you that I haven't met yet. Genny, over at MyCup2Yours is asking us to tell a little about ourselves.

A few things about me:

1. I love to crosstitch!! If and when I have time, amidst homeschooling and other life duties, this is the most relaxing thing to my body, mind and soul.

2. Biblical Christian Counseling is something I would like to pursue in my next life, or rather season of life. There are so many hurting women. The Bible is the ultimate handbook for helping them. This is a delightful burden I carry.

3. I hate seafood...I know. This is something you always wanted to know...and yes, I do live in Florida. The location of my existance has always been a source of strife in my life. I grew up in Wisconsin and hated milk, and now in Florida, surrounded by the seas, I detest seafood.

4. I wear size 9 1/2 shoe. AND am only 5'4" tall. Somehow I missed out on the height gene, but my feet didn't get the message.

5. I don't have a favorite anything. Does that mean I can't make up my mind? I don't think so. I prefer to think that my favorites change do to the surroundings in my life.

Just click on the button above to join the party.

My Little Helper

Here is my wonderful helper making bread with me. She has become the resident expert in turning my Bosch on and off and learning what "pulsate" means. She is also a great little adder....the only problem being she loves to eat raw dough...

Another day of Thanksgiving

Gifted Musicians who help to bring our worship to Christ

The Cross where my burden has been laid

Trials that bring my hinds feet in high places

The prophets of old: Habakkuk, Daniel, Jonah, Amos, etc.

Warm slippers on cold mornings

The gentle caresses of my love's rough hands

Running, clean water from our well

Forgiveness

The beautiful buds on my Christmas Cactus that waited to bloom until I was home from our Christmas vacation

My precious circle of girlfriends known otherwise as "Mangoes"

Romans 8

The sound of a bouncing basketball as my hubby and son play "Jesus" (instead of horse) with an unsaved friend in the neighborhood....always a good opportunity to give the Gospel.

Our beloved friends from church that help out with "Marie's" hair...this is always a challenge for her "white" mama. :)

Grace, more and more grace, grace exceeding my sin and guilt

The Deep Love of Jesus

Meditate on Romans 8:38-39.

We can get our minds going off is far directions worrying over so much. Can we just not rest in this love that the Savior has for us? Can we keep from fretting over the unknown?

I believe that when renewing of our mind takes place, we will fight the mental fight of taking our thoughts captive.

We will think on those things that are true, noble, right, lovely, pure, of good report, and admirable.

We will stop the thoughts that invade our minds and not give them a foothold.

Lately, I have had to take charge and fight this battle hourly.

The Holy Spirit fights with me.

The deep love of my Savior will never leave me. Nothing can separte me from Him.

Imagination Station

A beautiful princess

An airplane made of the "highest quality" cardboard

One way conversation being overheard: "Five, two, four, each, each, ten. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine....Brrooom, brrooom.

The imagination of the littlest "Cartwright"...what a gift. This gift is so often forgot by us big people.

Tragedy and Triumph

Our family is reading about the life of Jonathon Goforth. He was a missionary to China. One of those most likely to fail fellows, and yet, God changed him and provided for him in a way that astounds those of us who live in the Western world in the 21st century.

After converting, Jonathon arrived at Knox College in Canada labeled the "Country Bumpkin". He was ridiculed and physically tormented by all of the classmates at Knox College. He persevered. He kept his eyes on Christ.

His testimony had a great affect on those around him. Those who had persecuted him ended up being his sole support in the endeavor to be a missionary to China. Jonathon was a presbyterian and they had no mission posts in China. But his classmates encouraged him to go anyway and financially supported him to do so.

After marrying Rosalind, they set sail for China. Within 3 years of being there, 2 of their 3 children died.

They persevered for the Kingdom.

As the "Ponderosa" reads through this biography, it makes us ponder:

~The pain of loss must have been so great.
~They must have had their eyes glued to the prize; keeping focused on the eternal.
~Jonathon and Rosalind's prayer lives were key. They entered their mission field on their knees.
~Do we pray first or do we just "do"?

Lord, make us doers of your Word, but doers on our knees. When pain creeps in, help us to keep our eyes on the prize. Change our hearts to see through your eyes. Our flesh continues to wage war against the Spirit. Romans 8:24-25 reminds us, You are the victor and overcomer. This is a mental battle we face most of the time. Help us to saturate our minds with your Word and continually meditate on you for the victory.

Forever Mine

My heart is so full of love for this man. My heart is so full of thankfulness to God
for allowing him to be my soul-mate. God has brought trials our way, big trials, this year...this draws us closer. Praise God for his grace.

I am cherished and loved beyond anything I deserve.

Contented Heart = Thankful Heart

helpful little ones

my diligent man....he allows me to stay home and has never complained about working every day

religious freedom and freedom in Christ

hearing my "Marie" pray

the joy in "Little Joe's" eyes when he plays trumpet

my precious nephews and nieces

the continuous blessings of Christ (Romans 7)

the Titus 2 Women in my life

Susan Heck

bouncing beads...when my littlest one runs through the house, you always know where she is!

the tender kiss of my love

raindrops after many nights of hard freezes

then the sun coming out

In the School of the Savior

Many lessons have been learned here at the Ponderosa as we have attended the School of the Savior. Our Teacher happens to be the best that has ever existed. In fact, He has always existed.

We have learned much about ourselves.
We have hearts full of desires to please self, but our Teacher desires us to deny self, take up our crosses daily and follow him.

We have hearts that even deceive ourselves and many times we think we are denying self, when we really have OUR best interests at heart.

Falling apart during trials, we have learned how little we truly trust our Teacher.

Our hearts and minds struggle to meditate on the Perfect Teacher without the pulls of the world invading.
Our hearts boast of great things. We strive to DO much and in the end we are looking for man's praise.

Our teacher wants to be the One we serve.

We are prone to wander.

We have learned much about the Teacher.
He is patient, Oh, so patient.

He wants us to be in love with Him; having our undevoted attention.

Our teacher loves those around us and wants us to love just like Him.

During trials, our Teacher, who has brought them about, wants us to cling to Him as His beloved.

He hung out with the prostitutes, beggars, people with diseases, and the downhearted. He wants to do to the same. Love those who are lost in their sin.

He loves His children so much He was willing to leave His Father's side and take our sin upon Him and give us His righteousness.

He desires our intimate communion with us and promises He can help us achieve that, IF we REALLY want it.

We have been in this school for many years and yet, there is so much more to learn.

Grant us the wisdom and endurance, Lord, to not drop out, to continue to persevere and learn to love you more than we have.

The Stinker

The skunk was renamed "stinker" at the Ponderosa today.

The littlest "Cartwright" comes up with the cutest things.

The Beauty of The Cross

IN THE CROSS....

...my soul is cleansed

...my grief is replaced by unspeakable joy

...my Savior paid the debt I never could

...Satan's power and schemes are shattered

...my once dark heart is made to shine

...I am made my Lord's child forever

...I am given Christ's righteousness, treating me as if I had never sinned

...my sin is placed on Christ, who is the perfect, spotless lamb

...my eternal life is secure

...the weight of the law was abolished, for I cannot keep the law apart from the cross

...no matter how dark the world is, Christ's light shines through and dispells all darkness


Lord, Thank you for the cross. Thank you for selflessly giving your life and giving me life. You are my light and my salvation. Grant that I may keep the cross ever before my eyes.

~ Multitude Monday ~

I have joined the gratitude community. Click on the link to find out how you can as well. Gratitude will change one's life.

1. a small space heater to warm the hearts and bodies of the puebla ponderosa

2. the precious Holy Word that changes hearts and lives

3. "Mr. Cartwright's" endurance to work in this cold, Florida weather

4. agape boys ranch

5. adoption of my children and being adopted by my Lord

6. the Stebbins' Stampede

7. the Fernandez Frontier

8. Dad and Mom x2

9. forgiveness and cleansing by the Only True God

Daughters of Hope

This will change your life....

A Hard Lesson For a 4 year old

My littlest one is facing a trial most 4 year olds don't face and one that most adults struggle to get through.

She misses her big brother.

Restless nights take over.

Screams are heard through the night.

Tears are unceasing.

The pain she feels only comes out when the darkness comes.

What do you say?

The only answer lies in trusting our Good Shepherd.

My prayer is that this uncertain time in her life will prepare her little heart for her future...a future of faith in God.

Soft, reassuring words are whispered through the night to her little heart

Prayers are uttered my her mama for a peace in her soul.

Tears are still flowing. This time not just from the little lass.

Psalm 116:1 I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications.

My Beautifier

Psalm 51:5-12

"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, let the bones which YOU have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take the Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit."

He IS my beautifier.

~making beauty from ashes

~taking a dirty, sinful heart and making it clean

~using the trials in my life to make me shine HIS reflection

~shining His light in my good works

~taking a scarred mind and making it new

~using a vessel not able to birth a new life and birthing 4 beautiful children from my heart

~changing my insubordinate attitude and giving me an attitude of submission to my man

~changing my will to be in line with His will

How has he beautified you today?

He is My Deliverer

The Puebla Ponderosa played this song many times on the way to Missouri over the holidays. We pray one day "Hoss" will sing this song from a heart surrendered to Christ.

For now, we wait and pray...and believe!

Together Again...for a few days

The "Cartwrights" were able to visit "Hoss" in Missouri over the holidays. We had a wonderful visit and are so thankful to the Lord for Agape Boys Ranch. "Hoss" is doing well and is learning many things. Not only were we able to see him, but we also saw snow; for some of us this was a first. Please continue to keep our first born in your prayers.

"Hoss" just turned 13 and is 6"1 wearing size 15 shoe. He looks content and happy. He knows deep down inside he is in a safe and good place.