Off We Go!

We just left for a 10 road trip.

 May your celebration of the Incarnation bring much joy and delightful memories.

Praise God for that little baby!

Merry Christmas!

Birthday Wishes for a Special Young Man

He is 15 today.


I've dreamed of this day. Always thought I'd be with him, but life happens. Thankfully God is the guardian and guide of this life.


Dear "Hoss",
Another year has passed and we find ourselves apart again. I have so many memories, son, of such good times. Of love, affection and your little arms around my neck. I am so thankful for these memories. But you certainly are growing up. The struggles you have as a 15 year old, 6'1", ***lbs young man are struggles others have gone through. So many others. Dad and I continue to hear those stories. But we are confident God is using these hard times to mold you and grow you to be used in a mighty way for Him in the future. The last 3 years have been so hard, but in comparison to eternity they are a drop in the bucket.


Our prayer for you is complete surrender to your Heavenly Father who loves you with an everlasting love. He has plucked you out and called you by name. He has given you to us as a "Cartwright" for a very specific reason. I am trusting you will come to know this reason and place full faith in your Creator.


We leave in the morning to see you. A Christmas we are bound to never forget. New traditions of the Advent. Just so thankful for be able to put my arms around you. Eight months seems like an eternity.


We love you so much, "Hoss".


And I know deep down inside you know this.

The Unexpected...But How We Should Expect.

What do you do when you get a phone call from a car rental dealership saying, "Mrs. 'Cartwright', you have a secret Santa that has paid for you to have a mini van for your upcoming trip to Missouri?" knowing you plan to drive your 13 year old van on a 3,000 mile trip? The same van that makes noises from unknown places?


You say, "God is amazing, always faithful!"


We, here on the Ponderosa, we keep a journal called, "God's faithfulness to the "Cartwrights". It has just gotten longer. My God never ceases to amaze me. Just last night my hubby and I were crying and praying in bed, asking for God's forgiveness for not really believing He can do the impossible.


Our Master can do it. He shows His love and mercy in such tangible ways. He cares for His children and dazzles us so often with His grace.


Santa did not do this, but one of our God's children did.


Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!


Lord, continue to help our unbelief.

Book Review - Nearing Home

Billy Graham is an American household name. Many people have come to Christ in the ministry God has given him. One of the most influential books he has written is his new book, Nearing Home.


Very well written, Graham gives those in any age, but specifically older saints, courage as he practically lays out how to live well to the end. Most importantly, the pages are filled with Scripture to encourage those who are discouraged. For as one ages, the pains are stronger and the body fails. But God is the source of strength. 


Practically speaking, he delves into preparing financially so as not to burden those left behind, as well as encouraging those who are aged to NOT retire. To keep busy ministering to the Lord and the world. This is so contrary to what the world deems as your right for all the hard work you've done previously. Most importantly he encourages the reader to keep going to the end...and finish well, keeping one's eye on the prize of heaven.


Truly it is not how one starts  life, but how one finishes.


As I read this book, I found myself desiring old age. I know, this sounds a little silly. But Billy Graham has an amazing perspective. One that I saw in my own mom as a fatal sickness took her. Even though she didn't have a chance to live into older years, she finished well.


Thank you, Mr. Billy Graham for giving us the best you ever have.

I received a free copy of this book, as part of Booksneeze blogging network.

My Heart's Cry...

for my son.

.

Slow and Steady

We have had several "friends" stop in for pit stops...

We have enjoyed their presence and then, quickly cleaned up their slime trails.

My littlest has added a dimension to the Ponderosa that has NEVER existed before. I have always had my thoughts about people who had ten million animals in their home. Friends, please remind me of these thoughts periodically.

"Inger" may win in the end.

Miscellaneous Advent Items

Our special friend, Patty, came over this week. She was one of my Mom's closest friends. It is such a blessing to have her in my children's lives. In fact, she may become Grandma Patty soon. So, she walks in the door this last Tuesday and has these in her hand. A special memory invaded my mind.

Baking with mom.

One thing I miss so much this time of year. I can still hear mom's beautiful voice singing her Christmas songs. Especially Bing Crosby.

And, yes, they have already disappeared.

Thank you, dear friend.

"Little Joe" is spending the day with a friend so today the girls and I baked our first round of cookies. We made Eskimo snowballs, healthy buckaroos, and oatmeal butterscotch bars. They all look delicious. And I must say they did a fantastic job. There were many teachable moments as well.  Much said about loving our neighbor as ourselves and preferring each other in love.

Now, one of our favorite movies, Holiday Inn, is playing and our crosstitch is out and our hands are busy.

Just love these times when formal school can take a backseat and life can happen.

His Righteousness Not Mine

As my study continues through the book of Romans I stand in awe. (John Piper's sermons are guiding me.)


I was born bad because my heart is bad. I have nothing to offer Christ in and of myself. But He has offered me His righteousness which is the only means to having a relationship with my Savior.


He drew me at a young age. At 4 years old I prayed to receive Christ into my life. I knew not what this life consisted of. I knew not the challenges I would face. But I knew that Jesus died for my sins and I wanted to surrender my little life to Him. As the years came and went, my understanding grew. And still does. Each year I gain more heart knowledge of what this journey is about. And I gain more faith in putting my all in His hands. 


But without the righteousness imputed to me, I would have no hope. It was forgiveness and Christ's death on the cross that sets one free from sin, but without Christ giving me His righteousness, I am lost and dead without hope. When God looks at me, He sees His Son's perfect life. Not my pitiful, measly works.


This is transforming. This is salvation. This salvation is the Gospel. This Gospel is what saves me. And will keep me.

Romans 1:16-18
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel; for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, 'the just shall live my faith'. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness, suppress the truth."

God's love was the force of sending His Son. But His Son's righteousness is the means of salvation.

Book Review -The Grace Effect

Five Stars.


That's what I'd give The Grace Effect by Larry Alex Taunton. This is a great read that takes you down the Taunton family's journey to adoption from Ukraine. But it is not your normal adoption story. The author unravels grace as seen in a whole new way. His experience in a country that has denounced the Christian faith in any form except religiosity drove him to see grace in a whole new way.


As the family journeyed to the Ukraine to adopt their darling daughter, Sasha, must was learned of the history of Russia. Mr. Taunton gives brief history lessons in his book while documenting the atrocities that go on in governments that WILL not acknowledge God. God without grace is laws, rules and evil. It is works based.


As you read this book you will become keenly aware of the many blessings America still has, (though I don't know for how long), because there was a foundation based on Judeo-Christian beliefs.


Russia is full of bribery, embezzlement and deceit, all in the name of getting ahead. The orphan, widow and mentally or physically challenged are thrown to the side, if not abused. 


Grace does an amazing thing in one's life. God's grace does even more.


As a part of the Booksneeze blogging network, I received a free copy of this book.