At Any Cost

2010-11-05T11:04:00.002-04:00

If you want to know how cute second-grade Lydia is, just read this book report she wrote. She hasn't learned Hannah's "technique" in sending me her papers to proof-read yet. Personally, I like this paper much better than Hannah's. ;)

Negative Nancy?

2010-11-04T19:50:00.004-04:00

In past semesters, I never really studied with other people in my class. I would talk to them and try and get to know people, but never really studied with anyone. I still do better on tests when I study alone, but I have been studying with others some too. It has rather annoyed me that every single study session has turned into a "complain about the teacher/work load" session. I'm fine with people expressing how they feel about the subject matter to an extent. When we don't even study but rather just complain the whole time, nothing gets accomplished at all, and it definitely isn't a good attitude to have!

Hannah also was telling me about how a lot of people just seem so depressed at her school. There is just always something negative or wrong going on, so they complain about it.

I'm not one of those "as-long-as-we-think-positive-everything-will-be-ok" type people. But, I am one of those "God-is-in-control-so-don't-worry-or-complain-because-we-get-so-much-better-than-we-deserve-anyway" people.

We deserve nothing yet God chooses to give so many blessings. How can we complain against the faithfulness and provision of the Lord? We should give thanks in all things!

Here is an excerpt from a letter written by John Newton that is a great reminder of the Lord's goodness:

“[One of the marks of Christian Maturity which a believer should seek is] an acquiescence in the Lord’s will founded in a persuasion of His wisdom, holiness, sovereignty and goodness.…So far as we can attain this, we are secure from disappointment. Our own limited views, and shortsighted purposes and desires, may be, and will be, often over-ruled; but then our main and leading desire, that the will of the Lord be done, must be accomplished. How highly does it become us, both as creatures and as sinners, to submit to the appointment of our maker! and how necessary is it to our peace!

2010-10-14T17:13:00.002-04:00

2. Pray without ceasing.

3. Pray with an undivided heart.

"It may seem daunting to walk away from the attractions of pop-culture. But when you seek your King with an undivided heart, you will discover that in His presence is the fullness of joy, and in His right hand are pleasures forever more(Ps 16:11)!"

~from Set-Apart Girl magazine

2010-10-11T17:49:00.003-04:00

1. Pray specifically and boldly.

"There is a general kind of praying which fails for lack of precision. It is as if a regiment of soldiers should all fire off their guns anywhere. Possibly somebody would be killed, but the majority of the enemy would be missed." -Charles Spurgeon

"So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” -Matthew 21:21

(It appears I'm not the only one thinking about prayer! The next few posts will be {Biblical} thoughts on prayer taken from the Set-Apart Girl webzine.)

A little story and BIG Answer to Prayer!

2010-10-07T19:04:00.003-04:00

As I shared the other day, I have been praying specifically and waiting expectantly for God's answer. God has promised to answer all of our prayers. It may not be in the way that we want, but His will is perfect and his response to us is far better than what we could ever ask. Well, I was expecting a reply, but I didn't expect that reply to come so soon. Only a week later, I have received the answer to some of my prayers (and it was far better than I imagined it would be!).

As you may know, this month is a month of decisions in my life. I was supposed to begin planning out the rest of my school until graduation (by Oct. 31) and decide about camp next summer (by Oct 14). I knew I had to do an internship (200 hours within the time of a semester), and that pretty much has to be done in a summer (it would be nearly impossible to complete with a full load of school work). I only have one summer (hopefully!) between now and my expected graduation date--so that leaves one option--do the internship next summer. That's fine, but I really wanted to work at camp!

At the end of this summer, I assumed it would be my last. I "retired" from my Head Wrangler position. Even if I was planning to go back to camp I know I'm a little burnt out from being at the barn. Don't get me wrong, it's one of the most fun, most wonderful places at camp, but the job is exhausting, mentally and physically! I felt like I had used all my ideas and energy the past two years. I did talk to our director and told him I would be willing to do another job at camp. Ever since I knew about camp, I KNEW I would NEVER want to be the Head JC (Junior Counselor) Girl. Working with high school girls in that way just wasn't my cup of tea. The last week or two of camp, God changed my heart on the issue. I sort of had the idea and started to want to do that job. After camp ended, there have been several neat opportunities to minister to girls in high school, including leading a Bible Study on Thursday nights. Also since camp ended, knowing about the internship/school thing, I have been trying to let go of camp and come to face the fact that I would probably not be there. This wasn't working out so well. I was praying that God would provide whatever I needed, including clarity and wisdom to make the right decision.

Last Thursday, I met with an academic advisor about the internship. I learned I could do my internship at camp without really changing the role of Head JC Girl at all! This got me so excited, I was so busy thinking up plans and ideas I couldn't pay attention in class for the rest of the day. As soon as I got home, I shared the ideas with my parents. They had already encouraged me to work at camp--even if that added a year to my school--so they liked the idea. The next morning I called Andy, our camp director, and he was good with the idea--told me to pray about it and let him know by October 14. After finalizing and getting the internship approved (they approved it on Saturday--a NO-SCHOOL day!!), I was totally sure that this is what I wanted to do.

In the past, I have had to make decisions about camp, and other things, and just trust God that He would work it all out. I've never really had such clarity in decision making before. After two months of struggling a lot with the issue, God provided for me to go back to camp, do a new job that I have become very passionate about, AND fulfill my internship responsibilities, getting school credit. This decision has brought so much excitement into my life! I felt like I was walking on air all of Saturday and even a little now--a week later! Learning a new job will be a challenge, but I can't wait for it! I can see how God has been preparing me even during camp last summer, and since then for what will, Lord willing, come next summer! God is good and delights to give good gifts to His children. This gift is being received with great joy!

2010-10-06T09:16:00.001-04:00

Not much time for blogging right now...But here are some pictures from my cousin's wedding. Lydia was the cutest flower girl ever!

Background Music

2010-10-01T08:14:00.000-04:00

So, music is pretty cool. I often have it playing in the background while I work or type or do whatever...Here is what I often listen to....

Songs for worship:
"Beautiful" by Phil Wickham
"Worthy is the Lamb" by Hillsong
"How Great is our God" by Chris Tomlin
"How Marvelous" by Chris Tomlin

Songs for driving:
"While I'm Waiting" by John Waller
"I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin

Songs for writing and painting (and all the other artsy things I do):
Anything Michael Buble
Anything Jack Johnson

Songs for running:

"Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" by Marvin Gaye (haha, I don't know why I like this song)

"You are Loved" by Josh Groban

"How Can I Keep from Singing" by Chris Tomlin

EXPECT

2010-09-29T21:51:00.002-04:00

“…but the people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Daniel 11:32).

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:16b)

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16b)

“If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7)

“Everything you ask in prayer, believing you shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)

“Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:24)

I am praying. I am praying very specifically. God will answer my prayers. It may not be in the way I want, but he will answer. I am praying with faith that the will of God will be accomplished. PLUS....God delights to give good gifts to His children! I'm praying for "rain" and carrying my umbrella!

2010-09-29T21:05:00.001-04:00

We will never outgrow the faithfulness of God: “the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children”(Ps. 103:17).

Feels like Home

2010-09-19T11:50:00.005-04:00

"...complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." -Philippians 2:2

For the past three weekends I have had the opportunity to spend time with some of my favorite people in the world--camp friends. It is so nice just to sit and talk and catch up on life with them. These people get me. We have been through a lot, over the course of the past two summers, with each other. I am really thankful for the time of fellowship with them recently. I love how I haven't seen some of them since camp ended but we can just pick up where we left off, like we were never apart. I feel totally myself and at ease with these people. What do we talk about when we are together? The better question is....What do we NOT talk about? Everything from the dumbest little stories or reliving camp memories to checking in on one another's spiritual life. I love them a lot. Being with them feels like going home after a long time away.

A little poetry for ya....

2010-09-17T09:54:00.002-04:00

The Road Not Taken

By: Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

2010-09-09T08:39:00.000-04:00

The Scandal of Gendercide — War on Baby Girls

2010-09-09T08:35:00.000-04:00

BY AL MOHLER

The reality has been known for years now, though the Western media have generally resisted any direct coverage of the horror. That changed this week when The Economist published its stunning cover story — “Gendercide — What Happened to 100 Million Baby Girls?”

In many nations of the world, there is an all-out war on baby girls. In 1990, economist Amartya Sen estimated that 100 million baby girls were missing — sacrificed by parents who desired a son. Two decades later, multiple millions of missing baby girls must be added to that total, victims of abortion, infanticide, or fatal neglect.

The murder of girls is especially common in China and northern India, where a preference for sons produces a situation that is nothing less than critical for baby girls. In these regions, there are 120 baby boys born for every 100 baby girls. As The Economist explains, “Nature dictates that slightly more males are born than females to offset boys’ greater susceptibility to infant disease. But nothing on this scale.”

In its lead editorial, the magazine gets right to the essential point: “It is no exaggeration to call this gendercide. Women are missing in their millions–aborted, killed, neglected to death.”

In its detailed and extensive investigative report, the magazine opens its article with chilling force. A baby girl is born in China’s Shandong province. Chinese writer Xinran Xue, present for the birth, then hears a man’s voice respond to the sight of the newborn baby girl. “Useless thing,” he cried in disappointment. The witness then heard a plop in the slops pail. “To my absolute horror, I saw a tiny foot poking out of the pail. The midwife must have dropped that tiny baby alive into the slops pail!” When she tried to intervene she was restrained by police. An older woman simply explained to her, “Doing a baby girl is not a big thing around here.”

The number of dead and missing baby girls is astounding.....READ the rest of the article HERE.

INSIDE-OUT Youth Student Conference. Come!

2010-09-07T20:31:00.000-04:00

2010-09-01T16:31:00.003-04:00

I'm back!!! After a busy summer away, and a month of settling back in to home and school and all that good stuff I'm going to try and return to blogging!

Surprise!

2010-05-25T20:51:00.000-04:00

Arms that hold the universe -fee - song lyrics

2010-05-18T08:45:00.000-04:00

Seven Habits of Highly Evangelistic Christians

2010-04-29T14:49:00.002-04:00

Here is a good article I am reposting from Josh Harris, who reposted from Kevin DeYoung.

I'm reposting the following from Kevin DeYoung's blog. Good stuff...

Thom Rainer, President and CEO of Lifeway, argues that the secret to being an evangelistic church "is really no secret at all. Ultimately evangelistic churches see more persons become Christians through the passionate efforts of highly evangelistic Christians."

And what characterizes these highly evangelistic Christians?

1. They are people of prayer. They realize that only God can convict and convert, and they are totally dependent upon Him in prayer. Most of the highly evangelistic Christians spend at least an hour in prayer each day.
2. They have a theology that compels them to evangelize. They believe in the urgency of the gospel message. They believe that Christ is the only way of salvation. They believe that anyone without Christ is doomed for a literal hell.
3. They are people who spend time in the Word. The more time they spend in the Bible, they more likely they are to see the lostness of humanity and the love of God in Christ to save those who are lost.
4. They are compassionate people. Their heart breaks for those who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They have learned to love the world by becoming more like Christ who has the greatest love for the world.
5. They love the communities where God has placed them. They are immersed in the culture because they desire for the light of Christ to shine through them in their communities.
6. They are intentional about evangelism. They pray for opportunities to share the gospel. They look for those opportunities. And they see many so-called casual encounters as appointments set by God.
7. They are accountable to someone for their evangelistic activities. They know that many good activities can replace Great Commission activities if they are not careful. Good can replace the best. So they make certain that someone holds them accountable each week either formally or informally for their evangelistic efforts.

How are you doing? I know the last characteristic isn't present in my life right now. Be sure to read the whole article.

(via Kevin DeYoung)

Before the Morning by Josh Wilson

2010-04-25T21:21:00.001-04:00

Do you wonder why you have to

Feel the things that hurt you?

If there’s a God who loves you,

where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can’t see

And all those things are happening

To bring a better ending

Someday somehow you’ll see you’ll see

Would you dare would you dare to believe

That you still have a reason to sing

Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling

It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming

So hold on you gotta wait for the light

Press on and just fight the good fight

Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling

It’s just the dark before the morning

My friend you know how this all ends

You know where you’re going

You just don’t know how you’ll get there

So say a prayer

And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God

But life is not a snapshot

It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture

Once you feel the weight of glory

All your pain will fade to memory

It’s just the hurt before the healing

Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling

It’s just the dark before the morning

2010-03-30T20:13:00.001-04:00

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee;
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise;
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Today

2010-03-25T13:10:00.001-04:00

So here it is, another day. I did nothing to deserve it. I just woke up this morning, and there it was. I may have expected it to be there, but I had no right to. Just like Christmas morning, I got up to find a present waiting for me, a brand new day.

Yes, today is a gift. And it has my name on the tag. This present from God has been custom-made for me. God has filled it with blessings, some obvious and some in disguise. Its difficulties and challenges are tailored to fit my size. It may not be exactly what I asked for, but it is exactly what I need.

-Russell Board

World Magazine, November 18, 2006

2010-03-24T16:08:00.001-04:00

"There is in each of us an envy; O how hard a matter it is to rejoice in the gifts, graces, and labours of others, and be content in circumstances, when God casts us by as unworthy, and uses others to glorify his name! We are troubled if others glorify God and not us or more than us, or if they are more holy, more useful, or more serious...We should be content to be abased and obscure provided Christ is honored and exalted."

- Thomas Manton

Signs of Spring

2010-03-15T13:18:00.000-04:00

Love and Common Cents

2010-03-10T16:39:00.001-05:00

Love and Common Cents

Posted using ShareThis

Keys to Relaxation After Playing in the Snow

2010-03-04T09:37:00.001-05:00

Hot Chocolate

Kettle Corn

Reading by the Fire

Snow Play

2010-03-03T08:37:00.010-05:00

2010-02-21T12:41:00.002-05:00

"There are actually ways to use technology to create more quality family time....'Technology has brought me closer to my family. Parents need to keep the dialogue open about technology if they don't want to be shut out of their children's lives.'

Let your fingers do the talking. Text with your kids. 'Children can't roll their eyes at you or use a sarcastic tone in a text message...'texting limits negative interactions. Plus, parents tend to be long-winded, and texting is better suited to adolescent attention spans."

- "Family Time 2.0," Better Homes and Gardens magazine

Obviously Better Homes and Gardens never heard of kids "doing hard things" or "children obey your parents in the Lord" or anything like that. I'm not a parent yet, but when that time comes, I don't plan on finding parenting advice from this magazine!

2010-02-03T15:06:00.001-05:00

HOW TO WRITE GOOD!

1. Avoid alliteration always.

2. Prepositions are no words to end sentences with.

3. Avoid clichés like the plague.

4. Employ the vernacular ad nauseam.

5. Eschew ampersands & abbrev., etc.

6. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.

7. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.

8. Contractions aren’t acceptable.

9. Foreign words are not apropos.

10. As Emerson said, “I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.”

11. Comparisons are as bad as clichés.

12. One should never generalize.

13. Don’t be redundant; it is highly superfluous to use more words than necessary.

14. Be specific, more or less.

15. Understatement is insipid.

16. Exaggeration is infinitely worse than understatement.

17. One word sentences? Simple. Eliminate!

18. The passive voice is to be avoided.

19. Bad analogies are like feathers on a snake.

20. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.

21. Who needs rhetorical questions?

22. Colloquialisms are grody to the max.

23. Abjure polysyllabic obfuscations.

24. Finally, chech for pselling errors and typeos.

When you are in Love

2010-01-18T20:56:00.004-05:00

"When you are truly in love, you go to great lengths to be with the one you love. You'll drive for hours to be together, even if it's only for a short while. You don't mind staying up late to talk. Walking in the rain is romantic, not annoying. You'll willingly spend a small fortune on the one you're crazy about. When you are apart from each other, it's painful, even miserable. He or she is all you think about; you jump at any chance to be together.

In his book, God is the Gospel, John Piper essentially asks whether we are in love with God:

"The critical question for our generation--and for every generation is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?"

How many of you will read those words and say, 'You know, I might just be ok with that.'? If you are deeply in love with God...you know you could never be satisfied in a heaven without Christ."

~From the book, Crazy Love, by Francis Chan

Something worth Blogging About

2010-01-18T13:28:00.002-05:00

Romans 5:1-11

¹Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ²Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

⁶For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— ⁸but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. ¹⁰For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. ¹¹More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Brownie Rock

2010-01-14T14:34:00.002-05:00

No matter what the internet says, 2 TBLS of corn starch is NOT a good substitute for an egg in brownies. The above picture shows a thick layer of hardened would-be-brownies that are now stuck to the pan. Next time, we will be out coaxing the chickens to lay just ONE more egg!

Just Buy It.

2010-01-11T23:33:00.002-05:00

JUST BUY IT.

Now, just read it.

Mary's 10th Birthday

2010-01-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

2009-12-30T13:14:00.002-05:00

I am reading through the Bible again, currently in Deuteronomy. The Old Testament is not often people's favorite place to read. And yes, I admit, there are some hard passages to get through. But, every time I read the OT, I am reminded of many things, though one thing sticks out the most. God is so patient. Time and again, Israel, HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE, those that He loved, turned away, completely disobeyed, forgot the Lord, etc...God is just and has to punish wickedness, but He never forgot His people. He was patient and forgiving.

It is easy to say, "Oh those terrible Israelites! Why would they complain? God brought them out of slavery and delivered them! They respond with complaints about something so lame, like manna?!?!" or "Dumb Israelites, they knew God had saved them from harm in the past. God said not to fight, so why would they fear, or fight battles they were told to avoid?"

As thoughts like this enter my mind, I must remember:

God has delivered me from _____(many things!) .
He has provided richly.
Why would I complain against a holy God?
(That is exactly what we are doing when: God has provided pizza for supper and we get mad that Papa John's was out of pepperoni so we had to get bacon, OR we have plans that require sun and we get frustrated when it rains. What about when everyone you know is getting engaged or married, is that jealousy discontentment- which is distrust in God's plan? What about when I'm annoyed that the radio in the nice car that was given to me doesn't work, even though the heat/air, seat warmers, automatic everything else does? Some people are worried about winning wars, sometimes I worry about winning a little basketball game. We make plans, but do we rejoice at the opportunity to change them to serve someone who just needs to talk, or needs other help?)

Rather than complain against the Lord for a change of plans, become greedy when others get different blessings than us, getting upset when we don't get our way, we should be thankful to the Lord.
The Israelites sometimes acted like two-year-olds. So do we.
Remember the Lord. Remember God's faithfulness to provide all we need and more. Remember His patience. Imagine giving a Christmas gift to someone, and them saying "I would have liked this if it were bigger/a better brand/a different color." OR "Ya know, this isn't what I asked for, I'd prefer something else."
If that happened, we would feel hurt or angry with the ungrateful person. But, this is what we do to God--the greatest gift giver ever. He gives us life and salvation, and we complain against Him.

We deserve to be thrown out and forgotten, never to receive blessings from God.
But, God is patient.

Hannah is Graduating!

2009-12-29T10:41:00.002-05:00

Check out a few of her senior pictures and other photography by Sarah!

2009-12-28T08:36:00.000-05:00

Website link to the ad:

http://www.us.dockers.com/season/landing.aspx

Good Advertisement from Dockers

2009-12-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

2009-12-27T15:03:00.001-05:00

"Human beings have very little real power over their lives. Ninety-five percent of what sets the course of their lives is completely outside their control. This includes the century and place they are born in, who their parents and family are, their childhood environment, physical stature, genetically hardwired talents, and most of the circumstances that they find themselves in. In short, all we are and have is given to us by God. We are not infinite Creators, but finite, dependent creatures."
- Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods, page 110

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:45:00.001-05:00

2009-11-02T10:33:00.003-05:00

Sometimes when the phone rings, you just know something is wrong. It's either an odd time or someone you don't expect, etc...The other day I was sitting in class and my phone vibrated--I checked it as I was leaving--three missed calls and a voicemail. As I listened to the voicemail, I learned that my best friend, my horse, was sick and dying. Of course, I have other best friends, humans, but horse friends are special in different ways.
I made a beeline from my class to my car and straight to Nana Jarrard's house as fast as possible. I was scared. She had Wolfgang out, standing, but he looked sick. I took the lead rope, biting back tears. After a few minutes, he lie down. We tried to keep him up, tried to keep him from rolling. Why had the vet not arrived? Nana and I decided we thought he had colic. If that was the case, we could not let him roll. His stomach could twist into knots. We tried walking and jogging him to keep him up. He kept falling down. If he just stayed still, we let him lay there and rest. If he tried to roll, we did everything we could to get him up. Where was the vet? At this point, I'm panicking, trying not to let it show. FINALLY, the vet arrives (around 4PM). He listens, trying to hear gut sounds through the stethoscope. Nothing. Bad sign. It is getting harder and harder to keep Wolfgang up. We get him sedated and into the barn. An ultrasound shows that his spleen is enlarged- part of the intestines likely wrapped around it. Good sign. Relatively easy cure. We take him back outside, the vet begins putting a tube up his nose to his stomach, to pump mineral oil through. Most sedated horses would just stand there. Wolfgang was in so much pain he kept falling down and rolling.
All of this is taking place out in the grassy area in front of the barn. He falls down again, this time next to the vet's truck. He rolls under, gets stuck. We aren't strong enough to fight him to prevent this. Thankfully, Wolfgang doesn't panic or fight, just freezes helplessly under the truck. Blood makes everything seem worse. The vet is able to free his legs and pull him to where he can stand up, which he quickly does. We move to an area clear of everything. The vet begins again the fight to get the tube down. After a long battle, he begins pouring mineral oil down. Doesn't seem to help. We try to keep him up, running him. One of us leading, another chasing behind to keep him moving. We are all tired. Wolfgang, now on the ground just lie still. Constant pain killers and sedatives have him still, but they had not lasted long in previous hours.
An IV is put into his neck. He's dehydrated and needs fluids. The vet calls other doctors to get advice. Why can't we get the pain under control? What normally would help has no effect. Why has nothing worked? No one knows.
My strong, beautiful Arab friend is helplessly lying flat on the ground hooked to fluids. He lets out an occasional groan. I'm about to lose it. What can we do to make him better? The vet returns as he silently helps us get the horse up, to no avail. No one seems hopeful, but I just wait for the vet to speak.
"I don't know what else to say or do. All we can do is take him to UGA." (They have a great vet hospital.)
Here come the tears. UGA is not an option. There is only a 10% chance their surgery will be effective, there is no way I can afford the thousands of dollars it would cost to try. Decision time. Of course I will do anything I can to make him well. I think of all the great times I have had with this dear friend.
In middle school, he kept my busy and focused so I didn't have to even think about boys with all the other girls. In high school, he was a source of peace and quiet after a crazy school day, or a car wreck. We have experienced countless hours on trails, or galloping through a field. He has even played "tag" with me. He gives hugs and kisses. He listens to me, he's been there through the joys and tears of my life. I can't give up trying. I can't lose my dear friend.
We decide to sedate him through the night, and hope for the best.
My parents at Mary come at 6:45, just as the vet leaves to go get more sedatives/pain killers. We stand and cry and pray. After a little while, he rolls and pulls out the IV. Blood is pouring out. We don't know what to do, so we cut the stitches and take the needle out. More blood. Thankfully, he got still so we plugged his neck with pressure from fingers and gauze. Finally, he stood up and the blood stopped. When he stood, we started walking/jogging him again. We all took turns, me, my mom, dad, Nana, Caleb. After about 45 minutes, he still had not layed down. This restored some hope. The vet came back, and he lie down again. With a new IV, he seemed to feel better, and stayed standing for the next hour. Daddy and Nana cleaned out a stall for him to stay the night. We weren't sure whether to leave him in a paddock to graze, or if eating would hurt him. Conflicting advice from various people/vet left making a potential life or death decision really hard. We went with the stall, figuring we could move him during the night if necessary. 10 PM-still standing. Everyone went home, Nana and I went in the house to get cleaned up and rest a bit before the next shot at midnight. At 12, he was down again, not looking good at all. It was then that I prayed and asked God to either heal him or end the suffering quickly, either way I would trust and praise Him. At 4AM, I was scared to even look in the stall. Things seemed to be going downhill earlier. He was standing, and had gone to the bathroom for the first time! An amazing improvement. He was cheerful at 8AM, I walked him for an hour, then took him to the stall to rest. He layed down, but only to rest, no pain evident to me.
I went to eat breakfast, when I returned, he jumped up to greet me. I made a little mash, which he gobbled up. The first time really eating or drinking much. However, things got worse for the next hour and a half. We brought other horses into the barn. That got him standing and moving. By 12:30, he seemed totally well. We let him graze 15 minutes every hour. By mid-afternoon, he totally cleaned out his system and seemed completely well. And, he is still healthy and doing great! The next day he grazed out in the sunshine, trotting to the gate when I called for him, like nothing had ever happened!

Other than old age, colic is probably the leading cause of death in horses. None of us thought he would live through this severe case. I can't imagine not having him, or even owning a different horse. God was merciful and good to us. He showed His power and granted a gift no one expected! Praise him for being so kind!

2009-10-21T22:13:00.000-04:00

"The quest for a contemplative life can actually be self-absorbed, focused on my quiet and me. If we love people and have the power to help, then we are going to be busy. Learning to pray doesn't offer us a less busy life; it offers us a less busy heart. In the midst of outer busyness we can develop an inner quiet. Because we are less hectic on the inside, we have a greater capacity to love...and thus to be busy, which in turn drives us even more into a life of prayer. By spending time with our Father in prayer, we integrate our lives with his, with what he is doing in us. Our lives become more coherent. They feel calmer, more ordered, even in the midst of confusion and pressure."
- Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life

2009-10-09T17:30:00.001-04:00

Education before Legislation

Compare these two sites. The facts are there. The truth is obvious.

abort73.com and planned parenthood.org

JUST DO SOMETHING!

2009-10-07T20:54:00.004-04:00

Good book. Just buy it and read it. I know a good bookstore! :)

2009-10-07T16:15:00.001-04:00

Check out the recent blog posts that Josh Harris has posted on technology!

www.joshharris.com

Quotes for today

2009-10-05T12:17:00.005-04:00

*Bird crashes into our window, 2 cats attack and chow down.

"I sure hope that bird was a Christian!" -Lydia

______________________________________

"Lydia, repeat after me 'I do solemnly swear to say this every day as long as the sun and moon shall endure." --Mary

"I do solemnly swear to say this every day as long as the sun and moon shall endure." -Lydia

"Um, Lydia, do you know how long the sun and moon will endure?" -Hannah

"AH! I do UNsolemnly swear not to do that!!!!!" -Lydia

_______________________________________

"Rachel, look at my handwriting today! Everyone said it was really good. And I think it is really good too! But, I don't want to be vain about my own writing!" --Lydia

Josh Harris Sermons

2009-09-03T18:12:00.003-04:00

Every day on the way to and from school, I try to listen to sermons. This week I have listened to three really good Josh Harris sermons. I thought I'd pass on the link so everyone else could listen, too!

Radical Selflessness

Courtship Shmourtship (part 1)
Courtship is a Community Project (part 2)

(Find lots of free, downloadable sermons from Josh Harris and the other pastors at Covenant Life Church at www.covlife.org)

GREAT PRAYER RESOURCE

2009-09-03T12:35:00.001-04:00

Matthew Henry's Method for Prayer

Back to School

2009-08-27T10:18:00.000-04:00

Here is a great article I found from the girltalk blog:

School days are upon us again.

There will be broken pencils and slow computers, late night study-sessions and pop-quizzes, classmate conflicts, “light bulb” moments, and more than a few tears.

And there will be lots and lots of reading.

But there’s something more certain than all the predictable aspects of the school year:

“Surely [not maybe] goodness and mercy shall follow me all [not some] of the days of my life” (Ps. 23:6, emphasis mine).

"With God these qualities are not merely solid and dependable” explains Derek Kidner, “but vigorous--for 'follow' does not mean here to bring up the rear but to pursue.If you are a Christian, goodness and mercy follow you “always” says Charles Spurgeon: “the black days as well as the bright days. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins.”

Goodness is shadowing us, in the halls of school or the kitchen table at home, to provide all we need—strength, wisdom, perseverance and patience—to help us glorify God.

And Mercy’s right behind, to pick us up when we fall: bringing pardon for our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ.What a promise to take with us into the first day of school--and all the school days thereafter!

Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound!

2009-08-25T14:05:00.003-04:00

Story of God's amazing grace at Camp Westminster:

Senior Session. Middle of the week. What does that mean? Exhaustion. Frustration. All the fun is catching up, at least to me. Tuesday night I'm super excited about going to bed, one more thing to do then I can rest my weary body. Bible study. We had just heard a really good sermon on sharing the Gospel with the world. During the middle of Bible study, one of the campers said, "Umm...I don't think I know exactly what the gospel is. Could some one explain it to me?"
Immediately I did not feel tired at all, and started bouncing on my bed raising my hand saying "oh! I can!" After Bible study, all the girls were going to bed and Savanna and I went outside and sat on a rock. I explained the Gospel to her as simply as I could. Savanna is fourteen years old. Plenty old enough to understand and take responsibility for her sins. I could see the point her eyes lit up and she seemed to really understand what I was saying. She asked me to pray for her, and said she wanted to think about all of this. Then, she went to bed, simple as that. Wednesday comes. Worst day of the whole summer. I don't even know why it was so bad. Everything was just annoying and exhausting that day. Supper was two hours late, a little on the burnt side, and mostly gone by the time I got through the line. At supper, I learned I wasn't the only miserable one. Other counselors were having a super bad day too. Finally, we got to Vespers late, but the sermon was great that night. Really refreshing after a bad day. As soon as it ended, I was ready to go straight to bed. Didn't want to talk to anyone or do anything but sleep. When I got back to the cabin, I learned that Savanna realized that she needed to become a Christian. We, along with the two counselors in my cabin went out to the girls bonfire area. We talked for a while about what it meant to be a Christian and about her family life. That night, under the beautiful stars, she committed her life to Christ.
I tried so hard to get girls interested in the Gospel all the days leading up to that one. Nothing ever seemed to work. The one day (/week) I was tired of trying, frustrated, too tired to care was the day God chose to work. It doesn't matter how good we are at sharing the Gospel. It doesn't matter how much we feel like doing Kingdom work. God is sovereign over salvation and can use even the weakest vessels!
The next morning at staff Bible study, I heard an almost identical story from one of the counselors who I had been complaining with the day before! One of her campers came to Jesus the night before as well.
Here are some of the, extremely appropriate, verses we read in bible study that day:

"Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled. My steps had nearly slipped. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing I desire on earth besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

(selections from Psalm 73)

What GOD Did!

2009-08-20T21:34:00.002-04:00

God showed His power in amazing ways--some that I can't even think of words to describe! Here are a FEW examples

God:

convicted us (me, other staff) through the preaching and teaching of His word and many humbling experiences with campers
showing us His beautiful creativity through amazing sunrises, sunsets, His creatures, etc...
filling our hearts with peace through reminding us of His promises through Scripture, songs, a rainbow
Giving us great joy as we sang great truths at the top of our lungs during Vespers
Providentially blessing me through relationships with godly brothers and sisters who constantly encourage, build up, convict, and love me
Provided strength and energy when the heat and exhaustion totally took over
Carried us through physically and emotionally when we our bodies were done (daily occurance!)
Rewarded our labors with the joy of hearing kids give testimony at Friday night bonfire as to what they had learned about God
brought campers to Himself, opening their hearts and saving them (I'll share some specific stories later!)
restored the health of an ill counselor (I'll share this story later, too!)

Name above all names,

You are Worthy of all praise,

and My heart will sing,

how great,

Is our God!

What I Did

2009-08-16T12:52:00.000-04:00

In the first half of summer, I had staff training week and three sessions of camp. At the end of the third session, we had a week off. At the end of that week, all of the staff went back to camp. I went to Honduras. My trip was from July 3-13. My dear friend, Kara, got married on July 11th; it was such a blessing to get to be in Honduras and apart of her beautiful wedding!
As soon as I got back from Honduras, I washed my clothes, then repacked and went to camp the next day. Even though I had a wonderful trip to Honduras, it was really hard to miss one and a half sessions of camp. Going back was great. I was rested and refreshed, and super excited to be back. The sad part was, there was only one and a half sessions of camp left! At the end of camp, we had a staff banquet and bonfire to reflect on the summer and say goodbye. A couple of days after that, Friends of Refugees came to do a camp and use our facilities. Some of the staff stayed for an extra week to help run some activities for them. I had to go home to coach basketball camp for three days, but I did go back for the final days. The day I went back to camp, the staff went out to play broom ball one night. I gracefully managed to get a concussion. That wasn’t much fun, but the worst part was having to sleep and rest while everyone else was out doing camp! I stayed a couple of days, then said my good-byes and came home. Back at home, I once again, unpacked, washed clothes, and then repacked. We left two days after I got home for family vacation in Florida.
Obviously, it was a very busy summer! I’m finally home, unpacked, and getting ready for school to start in a few days!

Where I've Been

2009-08-16T09:54:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I obviously have not updated my blog much this summer. I’ll use this post to fill you in on what I’ve actually been doing, where I’ve been.
I spent the summer months (from the end of May to the end of July) working at Camp Westminster in Conyers, GA. Camp Westminster is a Christian summer camp for kids (ages 6 and up). The kids come and stay from a Sunday to Saturday, having lots of opportunities for outdoor activities such as horses, high ropes course, archery, swimming, paintball, etc... The main purpose of Camp Westminster is that “they might see Jesus.” The children participate in bible studies, attend daily Vespers services, and are constantly being pointed to Christ in His creation.
My official role at camp was “wrangler.” It was my job, along with four other wranglers, to daily care for the horses and teach the five activity sessions of horses (basically the kids come every day for an hour and we teach them how to ride). In the evenings and at night, I got to participate in the normal events of camp with my cabin. I personally think wranglers have the most fun at camp, but I’m sure others would argue with that! :-)

Earlier in this year, I began praying about options for my summer. I was looking into working at a Children's Home, or something of that nature. In April, one of my friends contacted me telling me about Camp Westminster. He had worked there last year, and knew that they were desperately in need of a wrangler for the summer. Within a few days I had an interview and within a couple of weeks, I was pulling into camp, ready to start! I was expecting it to be a good summer, but I never could have imagined all that life at camp meant...

I'm back!

2009-08-14T10:37:00.002-04:00

Well, I have reached the end (sadly!) of a very busy and super exciting summer. I am currently unpacking (without plans to repack immediately!) and settling back in to life at home. I cannot wait to tell everyone all that God has done and all of the fun that I have had this summer. But, that will have to wait until I put all my clothes away, clean my dusty room, and prepare for the fall semester.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him." Psalm 28:7

2009-06-15T11:45:00.002-04:00

"A missionary is someone who never gets use to the sound of pagan footsteps on their way to a Christless eternity."

I found definition in a book I'm reading (The Missionary Call by David Sills). My prayer is that I will never grow apathetic or deaf to the beat of their footsteps. May the sad steps of unbelievers drive us to share the great love of Christ!

2009-06-14T11:40:00.000-04:00

"There is no greater blessing in life than to know that we are right in the middle of the trail that God has marked for our lives and to know that he is providing the strength and endurance to play our part in His plan for the World." -Steve Saint

Obedience

2009-05-23T17:30:00.001-04:00

"I may no longer depend on pleasant impulses to bring me before the Lord. I must rather respond to principles I know to be right, whether I feel them to be enjoyable or not." (Jim Elliot)

2009-05-17T14:32:00.002-04:00

How great it is to have a stead-fast, unchanging God!

"The fellowship of God is delightful beyond all telling. He communes with His redeemed ones in an easy, uninhibited fellowship that is restful and healing to the soul. He is not sensitive nor selfish nor temperamental. What He is today we shall find Him tomorrow and the next day and the next year. He is not hard to please, though He may be hard to satisfy. He expects of us only what He has Himself first supplied." -A.W. Tozer

2009-05-16T18:27:00.001-04:00

"In the midst of change and transformation, we realize that the older we get the more we need somebody bigger than we are to restore what we have lost. In Prince Caspian C.S. Lewis gives us a magnificent illustration of this. Lucy has just come face to face with Aslan:

"Welcome, Child," he said.

"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."

"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.

"Not because you are?"

"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."

(Recapture the Wonder, by Ravi Zacharias)

The Wonder of Life

2009-05-13T21:47:00.001-04:00

Often times we want to know exactly what will happen in the future--we feel the need to know exactly what will happen in our lives. This worry and fret over the future shows lack of trust in God. He knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future. (from the book of Jeremiah) If we really trusted God and completely surrendered everything to Him, would we worry so much about the future?
If we really knew the future, would we be satisified? Knowing what will come could produce fear if we knew the problems and suffering we will face, and it would take away the wonder and joy of life. There would no longer be a wonder and mystery to life.

Christopher Morley wrote a little poem that helps illustrate this point, more eloquently than I could do myself!

I went to the theatre

With the author of a successful play.

He insisted on explaining everything.

Told me what to watch,

The details of direction,

The errors of the property man,

The foibles of the star.

He anticipated all my surprises

And ruined the evening.

Never again!--And mark you,

The greatest Author of all

Made no such mistake!

The Author of our lives keeps things hidden from us. He knows it all--we get the joy of living with the wonder of a child! We know there are good things to come, and can live with excited hope that God will bring them in ways for our good and His glory (if we truly know Him!).

**The book, "Recapture the Wonder" by Ravi Zacharias got me thinking on this...Good read. :)

Outrageous Mercy!

2009-05-06T13:59:00.001-04:00

This is a great section of a book I'm reading by William Farley, "Outrageous Mercy: Rediscovering the radical nature of the cross." Be blessed! _________________________________________________
"God’s love is more than a feeling. It is a decision to live for the happiness of another. Some define it as a decision for another’s happiness even at your expense. “Agape love is not primarily an emotion,” writes Paul Billheimer, “but aggressive, benevolent, sacrificial, outgoing goodwill. It is the soul of ethics.” This is how God loves us. He longs for our happiness with all the intensity of divine jealousy and all the power of omnipotence, even while, in our unredeemed state, we are “by nature objects of wrath” (Eph 2:3).

....In summary, the cross displays the glory and wonder of God’s love only to the degree that we see our unworthiness of that love and our inability to give him anything. With all this in mind, J.I Packer wrote:

“It is staggering that God should love sinners; yet it is true. God loves creatures who have become unlovely and (one would have thought) unlovable. There was nothing whatever in the objects of his love to call it forth; nothing in us could attract or prompt it. Love among persons is awakened by something in the beloved, but the love of God is free, spontaneous, unevoked, uncaused. God loves people because he has chosen to love them—as Charles Wesley put it, “he hath loved us, he hath loved us, because he would love” (an echo of Deut. 7:7-8)—and no reason for his love can be given except his own sovereign good pleasure.”"

Valley of Vision--The Throne

2009-03-29T21:55:00.000-04:00

O God of My Delight,
Thy throne of grace is the pleasure ground of my soul. Here I obtain mercy in time of need, here see the smile of thy reconciled face, here joy pleads the name of Jesus, here I sharpen the sword of the Spirit, anoint the shield of faith, put on the helmet of salvation,gather manna from thy Word, am strengthened for each conflict, nerved for the upward race, empowered to conquer every foe;Help me to come to Christ as the fountain head of descending blessings, as a wide open flood-gate of mercy. I marvel at my insensate folly, that with such enriching favours within my reach I am slow to extend the hand to take them.Have mercy upon my deadness for thy Name’s sake.
Quicken me, stir me, fill me with holy zeal. Strengthen me that I may cling to thee and not let thee go. May thy Spirit within me draw all blessings from thy hand. When I advance not, I backslide.Let me walk humbly because of good omitted and evil done. Impress on my mind the shortness of time, the work to be engaged in, the account to be rendered, the nearness of eternity, the fearful sin of despising thy Spirit.

May I never forget that thy eye always sees, thy ear always hears,thy recording hand always writes.
May I never give thee rest until Christ is the pulse of my heart; the spokesman of my lips, the lamp of my feet.

Valley of Vision--Morning Dedication Prayer

2009-03-29T07:49:00.001-04:00

Almighty God, as I cross the threshold of this day I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, friends, to Thy care. Watch over, keep, guide, direct, sanctify, bless me. Incline my heart to thy ways. Mould me wholly into the image of Jesus, as a potter forms clay. May my lips be a well-tuned harp to sound Thy praise. Let those around see me living by Thy Spirit, trampling the world underfoot, unconformed to lying vanities, transformed by a renewed mind, clad in the entire armour of God, shining as a never-dimmed light, showing holiness in all my doings. Let no evil this day soil my thoughts, words, hands. May I travel miry paths with a life pure from spot or stain. In needful transactions let my affection be in heaven, and my love soar upwards in flames of fire, my gaze fixed on unseen things, my eyes open to the emptiness, fragility, mockery of earth and its vanities. May I view all things in the mirror of eternity, waiting for the coming of my Lord, listening for the last trumpet call, hastening unto the new heaven and earth. Order this day all my communications according to Thy wisdom, and to the gain of mutual good. Forbid that I should not be profited or made profitable. May I speak each word as if my last word, and walk each step as my final one. If my life should end today, let this be my best day.

Spring Break is the Best

2009-03-18T09:48:00.000-04:00

Great is HIS Faithfulness!

2009-03-17T09:03:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, my dad preached on the section in Mark that talks about Peter denying Christ. I was reminded how easy it is to try and rely on our on strength, or get "puffed up" with pride. Either thing will cause us to fall into deeper sin (in Peter's case, publicly denying Christ). Today, I finished reading through 2 Peter. The verses in chapter three were just so comforting. It's so sweet to hear of how loving our Lord is toward us. They even mean more, coming from Peter, who knew first hand the compassion of Christ.

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.....Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation.....You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."
-2 Peter 3:9,14-15,17-18

35 Reasons Not to Sin (by Jim Elliff)

2009-03-14T09:39:00.002-04:00

1. Because a little sin leads to more sin.
2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
3. Because the time spent in sin is forever wasted.
4. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
5. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
6. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
7. Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
8.Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
9.Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
10. Because my sin saddens the godly.
11. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.
12. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.
13. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.
14. Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of disobedience.
15. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.
16. Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss.
17. Because my sin may influence others to sin.
18. Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ.
19. Because sin makes light of the cross, upon which Christ died for the very purpose of taking away my sin.
20. Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time.
21. Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin.
22. Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony.
23. Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins.
24. Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin.
25. Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body.
26. Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless.
27. Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness has both.
28. Because my sin is adultery with the world.
29. Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied.
30. Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be.
31. Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition.
32. Because to sin is not to love Christ.
33. Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe.
34. Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good use, never because it is worth anything on it's own.
35. Because I promised God he would be Lord of my life.

Relinquish Your Rights - Reject the Sin - Renew the Mind - Rely on God

Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.

201 Main, Parkville, MO 64152 USA

www.CCWonline.org

Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright

Other uses require written permission. Write for additional materials.

2009-03-04T21:30:00.000-05:00

"Strive to see God in all things without exception and acquiesce in His will with absolute submission. Do everything for God, uniting yourself to Him by a mere upward glance or by the overflowing of your heart towards Him. Never be in a hurry. Do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inward peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. Commend all to God."

"Commend all to God, and then be still and be at rest in His bosom. Whatever happens, abide steadfast in the determination to cling simply to God, trusting to His eternal love for you.And if you find that you have wandered forth from this shelter, recall your heart quietly and simply. Maintain a holy simplicity of mind and do not smother yourself with a host of cares, wishes or longings under any pretext."
Francis de Sales

2009-02-22T21:12:00.000-05:00

He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young. --Isaiah 40: 11

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T20:23:00.000-05:00

"For your Maker is your husband— the LORD Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth."

-Isaiah 54:5

Lord's Day help

2009-02-08T10:11:00.002-05:00

The book I was reading this morning by Jeremiah Burroughs is very helpful (and convicting!) on preparing for worship:

"Christians, I beseech you to account highly your time of worship. You have been so long at prayer, yes, but how much of it has been lost because you have not prepared beforehand for it? Perhaps you kneeled upon you knees, but you were a long time before you could get your hearts warm at your work. Why, you should have been warm before you came!
It is so, oftentimes, with many men when they meet together and there is no preparation for their business. They come together and are a long time before they can buckle to the business for which they came because there was no preparation. But if preparation is made, then every man knows beforehand what his work is. They can fall to it, and then dispatch as much in one hour as others do in two or three....
...There must be preparation because our hearts are naturally and exceedingly unprepared for every good work. We are all naturally reprobate to every good work. The duties of God's worship are high and spiritual and holy things, but by nature our hearts grovel in the dirt, and we are carnal, sensual, drossy, dead, slight, sottish, and vain, altogether unfit to come into the presence of God. Oh, that we were apprehensive and sensible of the unfitness of our hearts to come into God's presence! Perhaps because you do not know God, you can rush into His presence without any more ado; but if you knew yourself and God, you could not but see yourself altogether unfit for His presence, so as to wonder that the Lord should not spurn you out of His presence every time you come unto Him. There needs to be, then, preparation because we are so unfit to come into His presence."

WOW! I wish I could think and write like that all the time!

Sowing in Springtime

2009-01-21T17:11:00.001-05:00

http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/2009/01/sowing-in-springtime.html

Prayer for the New President: by Al Mohler

2009-01-20T20:34:00.000-05:00

Our Father, Lord of all creation, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: We pray today with a sense of special urgency and responsibility. We come before you to pray for our new President, Barack Obama, and for all those in this new administration who now assume roles of such high responsibility.
We know that you and you alone are sovereign; that you rule over all, and that you alone are able to keep and defend us. We know that our times are in your hands, and that "the king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord" [Proverbs 21:1]. Our confidence is in you and in you alone. We come before you as a people who acknowledge our constant need for your provision, wisdom, and protection.
Father, we pray today for Barack Obama as he takes office as President of the United States. We pray that you will show the glory of your name in our times and in these days, confounding the wisdom of the wise, thwarting the plans of the arrogant, and vindicating those who do justice and practice righteousness.
Father, we pray with thanksgiving for the gift of government and the grace of civic order. Thank you for giving us rulers and for knowing our need for laws and ordered life together. Thank you for this nation and the blessings we know as its citizens. Thank you for freedoms unprecedented in human history. We understand that these freedoms come with unprecedented opportunities.
Lord, we pray with thanksgiving for the joy and celebration reflected on millions of faces who never expected to look to the President of the United States and see a person who looks like themselves. Father, thank you for preserving this nation to the moment when an African-American citizen will take the oath of office and become our President. Thank you for the hope this has given to so many, the pride emerging in hearts that had known no such hope, and the pride that comes to a people who have experienced such pain at the hands of fellow citizens, simply because of the color of their skin. Father, we rejoice in every elderly face that reflects such long-sought satisfaction and in every young face that expresses such unrestrained joy. May this become an open door for a vision of race and human dignity that reflects your glory in our differences, and not our corruption of your gift.
Father, protect this president, we pray. We pray that you will surround this president and his family, along with all our leaders, with your protection and sustenance. May he be protected from evil acts and evil intentions, and may his family be protected from all evil and harm.
We pray that the Obama family will be drawn together as they move into the White House, and that they will know great joy in their family life. We are thankful for the example Barack and Michelle Obama have set as parents. Father, protect those precious girls in every way -- including the protection of their hearts as they see their father often criticized and as he is away from them on business of state. May their years in the White House bring them all even closer together.
Father, we pray for the safety and security of this nation, even as our new president settles into his role as Commander in Chief. We know that you and you alone can be our defense. We do not place our trust in horses or chariots, and we pray that you will give this president wisdom as he fulfills this vital responsibility.
Father, grant him wisdom in every dimension of his vast responsibility. Grant him wisdom to deal with a global financial crisis and with the swirling complex of vexing problems and challenges at home and abroad. May he inspire this nation to a higher vision for our common life together, to a higher standard of justice, righteousness, unity, and the tasks of citizenship.
Father, we pray that you will change this president's heart and mind on issues of urgent concern. We are so thankful for his gifts and talents, for his intellect and power of influence. Father, bend his heart to see the dignity and sanctity of every single human life, from the moment of conception until natural death. Father, lead him to see abortion, not as a matter of misconstrued rights, but as a murderous violation of the right to life. May he come to see every aborted life as a violation of human dignity and every abortion as an abhorrent blight upon this nation's moral witness. May he pledge himself to protect every human life at every stage of development. He has declared himself as an energetic defender of abortion rights, and we fear that his election will lead directly to the deaths of countless unborn human beings. Protect us from this unspeakable evil, we pray. Most urgently, we pray that you will bring the reign of abortion to an end, even as you are the defender of the defenseless.
Father, may this new president see that human dignity is undermined when human embryos are destroyed in the name of medical progress, and may he see marriage as an institution that is vital to the very survival of civilization. May he protect all that is right and good. Father, change his heart where it must be changed, and give him resolve where his heart is right before you.
Father, when we face hard days ahead -- when we find ourselves required by conscience to oppose this president within the bounds of our roles as citizens -- may we be granted your guidance to do so with a proper spirit, with a proper demeanor, and with persuasive arguments. May we learn anew how to confront without demonizing, and to oppose without abandoning hope.
Father, we are aware that our future is in your hands, and we are fully aware that you and you alone will judge the nations. Much responsibility is now invested in President Barack Obama, and much will be required. May we, as Christian citizens, also fulfill what you would require of us. Even as we pray for you to protect this president and change his heart, we also pray that your church will be protected and that you will conform our hearts to your perfect will.
Father, we pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, the ever-reigning once and future King, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He and he alone can save, and his kingdom is forever. Above all, may your great name be praised. Amen.
_________________________
Christians are, first of all, citizens of a heavenly kingdom. The followers of Christ know no allegiance of ultimate rank to any government or earthly authority. Yet, the Bible clearly teaches that God has given us the gifts of law, government, and ruling authorities for our good. We are instructed to pray for "rulers and all who have authority" and to be faithful in praying "so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God" [1 Timothy 2:2].
As Barack Obama prepares to take the oath of office and become the 44th President of the United States, Christians should be thinking about how to pray for the new President. I offer this prayer as a place to start, as we observe the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States together.

Evangelism

2009-01-13T21:18:00.001-05:00

"Evangelism is not a professional job for a few trained men, but is instead the unrelenting responsibility of every person who belongs to the company of Jesus." Elton Trueblood

"I care not where I go, or how I live, or what I endure so that I may save souls. When I sleep I dream of them; when I awake they are first in my thoughts…no amount of scholastic attainment, of able and profound exposition of brilliant and stirring eloquence can atone for the absence of a deep impassioned sympathetic love for human souls." David Brainerd

"We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them." Robert Moffatt

"You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go not only to those that need you, but to those that need you most…It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can; to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance.” John Wesley

“Perhaps if there were more of that intense distress for souls that leads to tears, we should more frequently see the results we desire. Sometimes it may be that while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, the hardness of our own hearts and our feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of eternal things may be the true cause of our want of success.” Hudson Taylor

"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth." John Wesley

"If sinners be dammed, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one GO there UNWARNED and UNPRAYED for." Charles Spurgeon

"I'd rather have people hate me with the knowledge that I tried to save them."Keith Green
"Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell." C. T. Studd

"No sort of defense is needed for preaching outdoors, but it would take a very strong argument to prove that a man who has never preached beyond the walls of his meetinghouse has done his duty. A defense is required for services within buildings rather than for worship outside of them.” William Booth

“It is no marvel that the devil does not love field preaching! Neither do I; I love a commodious room, a soft cushion, a handsome pulpit. But where is my zeal if I do not trample all these underfoot in order to save one more soul?” John Wesley

“Preach abroad….It is the cooping yourselves up in rooms that has dampened the work of God, which never was and never will be carried out to any purpose without going into the highways and hedges and compelling men and women to come in.” Jonathan Edwards

“I believe I never was more acceptable to my Master than when I was standing to teach those hearers in the open fields…I now preach to ten times more people than I would if I had been confined to the churches.” George Whitfield

“I am well assured that I did far more good to my Lincolnshire parishioners by preaching three days on my father’s tomb than I did by preaching three years in his pulpit.” John Wesley

"Lord, make me a crisis man. Let me not be a mile-post on a single road, but make me a fork that men must turn one way or another in facing Christ in me." Jim Elliot

"Those were great days, and great victories were won. We always managed a riot or a revival. Sometimes a riot and no revival, but never a revival without a riot." William Nicholson

"Could a mariner sit idle if he heard the drowning cry?Could a doctor sit in comfort and just let his patients die?Could a fireman sit idle, let men burn and give no hand?Can you sit at ease in Zion with the world around you DAMNED?" Leonard Ravenhill

"While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight-I'll fight to the very end!" William Booth

"Make it an object of constant study, and of daily reflection and prayer, to learn how to deal with sinners so as to promote their conversion." Charles G. Finney

"Isn't it staggering when you think that one sermon on the day of Pentecost produced 3000 people? And we had some cities yesterday where 3000 sermons were preached and nobody was saved. And it doesn't even faze us." Leonard Ravenhill

"Can we go too fast in saving souls? If anyone still wants a reply, let him ask the lost souls in Hell." William Booth

“If Jesus had preached the same message that ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified.” Leonard Ravenhill

"Let the victors when they come, When the forts of folly fall, Find thy body near the wall." Alfred Buxton

"Let us not glide through this world and then slip quietly into heaven, without having blown the trumpet loud and long for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Let us see to it that the devil will hold a thanksgiving service in hell, when he gets the news of our departure from the field of battle." C. T. Studd

"The attitude of the average Christian today is relax and be raptured. But He is coming... and when God gets angry you’ve no idea what it is. Like a thousand volcanoes exploding. He has appointed a day in which He is going to judge the world and the poor blind world doesn’t know much about it and the poor blind church doesn’t think much about it now." Leonard Ravenhill

"A preacher who preaches the truth uncompromisingly will be asked "does your preaching always have to be so pointy? Does it always have to be so sharp?" And of coarse the answer is no. He can blunt his message if he'd like and become just as dull as the average preacher." Jesse Morrell

"It is not our business to make the message acceptable, but to make it available. We are not to see that they like it, but that they get it." Dr. Vance Havner

"We are not called to proclaim philosophy and metaphysics, but the simple gospel. Man's fall, his need of a new birth, forgiveness through atonement, and salvation as the result of faith, these are our battle-ax and weapons of war." C. H. SPURGEON

"All roads lead to the judgment seat of Christ." Keith Green

"The man whose little sermon is "repent" sets himself against his age, and will for the time being be battered mercilessly by the age whose moral tone he challenges. There is but one end for such a man - "off with his head!" You had better not try to preach repentance until you have pledged your head to heaven." Joseph Parker

"How shall I feel at the judgement, if multitudes of missed opportunities pass before me in full review, and all my excuses prove to be disguises of my cowardice and pride." Dr. W. E. Sangster

” Whenever, in any century, whether in a single heart or in a company of believers, there has been a fresh effusion of the Spirit, there has followed inevitably a fresh endeavor in the work of evangelizing the world.” A. J. Gordon

The invasion of the Church by the world is a menace to the extension of Christ's Kingdom. In all ages conformity to the world by Christians has resulted in lack of spiritual life and a consequent lack of spiritual vision and enterprise. A secularized or self-centered Church can never evangelize the world.” John R. Mott

“Oh, to realize that souls, precious, never dying souls, are perishing all around us, going out into the blackness of darkness and despair, eternally lost, and yet to feel no anguish, shed no tears, know no travail! How little we know of the compassion of Jesus!" Oswald J. Smith

"Brethren, do something; do something, do something! While societies and unions make constitutions, let us win souls. I pray you, be men of action all of you. Get to work and quit yourselves like men. Old Suvarov's idea of war is mine: `Forward and strike! No theory! Attack! Form a column! Charge bayonets! Plunge into the center of the enemy! Our one aim is to win souls; and this we are not to talk about, but do in the power of God!'" Charles Spurgeon

"God save us from living in comfort while sinners are sinking into hell!" Charles Spurgeon

"Oh my friends, we are loaded with countless church activities, while the real work of the church, that of evangelizing and winning the lost is almost entirely neglected." Oswald J. Smith

"Perhaps if there were more of that intense distress for souls that leads to tears, we should more frequently see the results we desire. Sometimes it may be that while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, the hardness of our own hearts and our feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of eternal things may be the true cause of our want of success." Hudson Taylor

"Oh sirs, deal with sin as sin, and speak of heaven and hell as they are, and not as if you were in jest." John Flavel

"I would think it a greater happiness to gain one soul to Christ than mountains of silver and gold to myself." Matthew Henry

"How can I help weeping when you will not weep for yourselves, though your immortal souls are on the verge of destruction!" George Whitfield

"Evermore the Law must prepare the way for the gospel. To overlook this in instructing souls is almost certain to result in false hope, the introduction of a false standard of Christian experience, and to fill the Church with false converts... Time will make this plain." Charles Finney

“A foolish physician he is, and a most unfaithful friend, that will let a sick man die for fear of troubling him; and cruel wretches are we to our friends, that will rather suffer them to go quietly to hell, then we will anger them, or hazard our reputation with them.” Richard Baxter

"Reckon then that to acquire soul-winning power, you will have to go through mental torment and soul distress. You must go into the fire if you are going to pull others out of it, and you will have to dive into the floods if you are going to draw others out of the water. You cannot work a fire escape without feeling the scorch of the conflagration, nor man a lifeboat without being covered with the waves." Charles Spurgeon

"It is of no use for any of you to try to be soul-winners if you are not bearing fruit in your own lives. How can you serve the Lord with your lips if you do not serve Him with your lives.? How can you preach His gospel with your tongues, when with hands, feet, and heart you are preaching the devil’s gospel, and setting up an antichrist by your practical unholiness?" Charles Spurgeon

2008-12-22T21:06:00.003-05:00

I'm glad my sisters share my affinity for elf culture. Click here to see our moves.

Prayer

2008-12-21T10:30:00.002-05:00

"prayer itself is an art only the Holy Spirit can teach us. He is the giver of all prayer. Pray for prayer. Pray until you can pray. Pray to be helped to pray, and not to give up praying because you cannot pray. It is when you think you cannot pray that you are most praying. Sometimes, when you have no sort of comfort in your supplications, it is then that your heart, all broken and cast down, is really wrestling and truly prevailing with the Most High."

"The very act of prayer is a blessing. To pray is, as it were, to bathe in a cool, swirling stream and so to escape from the heat of earth's summer sun. To pray is to mount on eagles' wings above the clouds and get into the clear heaven where God dwells. To pray is to enter the treasure-house of God and to gather riches out of an inexhaustible storehouse. To pray is to grasp heaven in one's arms, to embrace the Deity within one's soul, and to feel one's body made a temple of the Holy Spirit. Apart from the answer, prayer in itself is a blessing. To pray, my friends, is to cast off your burdens. It is to tear away your rags; it is to shake off your diseases; it is to be filled with spiritual vigor; it is to reach the highest point of Christian health. God grant us to be much in the holy art of arguing with Him in prayer."
[from The Power in Prayer by C.H. Spurgeon]

Why Bethlehem?

2008-12-20T18:37:00.003-05:00

Here's a little something I learned in my Bible reading this morning:

Bethlehem means "house of bread." That area was a productive grain producing region.

Ephrathah means "fruitful." It was known for its vineyards and olive orchards.

MICAH 5:2-5a
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.
And he shall be their peace.

Top 5--Books

2008-12-16T08:03:00.002-05:00

The five favorite books I have read this year are (in no particular order):

1. Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss (the first on my list--literally and physically)

2. A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George

3. Homeward Bound by Edward Hartman

4. Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

5. To Have and to Hold by Mary Johnston

Angels Wish

2008-12-08T07:10:00.000-05:00

By: Steven Curtis Chapman

Was God smiling when He spoke the word and made the world?
And did He cry about the flood?
What does God's voice sound like when He sings, when He's angry?
These are just a few things that the angels have on me

Well, I can't fly at least not yet
I've got no halo on my head
And I can't even start to picture heaven's beauty
But I've been shown the Savior's love
The Grace of God has raised me up
To show me things the angels long to look into
And I know things the Angels only wish they knew

I have seen the dark and desperate place where sin will take you
I've felt loneliness and shame
And I have watched the blinding light of grace
Come breaking through with a sweetness only tasted
By the forgiven and redeemed

And someday I'll sit down with my angel friends
Up in heaven
And they'll tell me about Creation
And I'll tell them a story of Grace

Well, I can't fly at least not yet
I've got no halo on my head
And I can't even start to picture heaven's beauty
But I've been shown a Savior's love
The Grace of God has raised me up
To show me things the angels long to look into
And I know things the Angels only wish they knew

Wedding (Ryan and Nicole-my cousin)

2008-12-06T22:09:00.009-05:00

Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

2008-11-25T07:01:00.000-05:00

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go: Washington

Thanksgiving Proclamation of George Bush, 2006

2008-11-24T10:21:00.000-05:00

As Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for the many ways that our Nation and our people have been blessed.
The Thanksgiving tradition dates back to the earliest days of our society, celebrated in decisive moments in our history and in quiet times around family tables. Nearly four centuries have passed since early settlers gave thanks for their safe arrival and pilgrims enjoyed a harvest feast to thank God for allowing them to survive a harsh winter in the New World. General George Washington observed Thanksgiving during the Revolutionary War, and in his first proclamation after becoming President, he declared November 26, 1789, a national day of "thanksgiving and prayer." During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, reminding a divided Nation of its founding ideals.
At this time of great promise for America, we are grateful for the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and defended by our Armed Forces throughout the generations. Today, many of these courageous men and women are securing our peace in places far from home, and we pay tribute to them and to their families for their service, sacrifice, and strength. We also honor the families of the fallen and lift them up in our prayers.
Our citizens are privileged to live in the world's freest country, where the hope of the American dream is within the reach of every person. Americans share a desire to answer the universal call to serve something greater than ourselves, and we see this spirit every day in the millions of volunteers throughout our country who bring hope and healing to those in need. On this Thanksgiving Day, and throughout the year, let us show our gratitude for the blessings of freedom, family, and faith, and may God continue to bless America.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 23, 2006, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to reinforce the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Thanksgiving Proclamation of Ronald Reagan, 1981

2008-11-22T07:05:00.001-05:00

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, A PROCLAMATION

America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this nation throughout its history. In keeping with America’s heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to god for all of His blessings.On this day of thanksgiving, it is appropriate that we recall the first thanksgiving, celebrated in the autumn of 1621. After surviving a bitter winter, the Pilgrims planted and harvested a bountiful crop. After the harvest they gathered their families together and joined in celebration and prayer with the native Americans who had taught them so much. Clearly our forefathers were thankful not only for the material well-being of their harvest but for this abundance of goodwill as well.In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understand that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks.As we celebrate Thanksgiving in 1981, we should reflect on the full meaning of this day as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do as individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance.Let us recommit ourselves to that devotion to God and family that has played such an important role in making this a great Nation, and which will be needed as a source of strength if we are to remain a great people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 26, 1981, as Thanksgiving Day.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth.
RONALD REAGAN

Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

2008-11-22T06:59:00.000-05:00

By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Home Sweet Home

2008-11-17T22:11:00.002-05:00

We just completed our whirl-wind tour of the South! In the past month we have been in Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and our day trip to Washington D.C. We finished up this past weekend in Laurel, and Meridian, Mississippi. We had a great time of fellowship Saturday and Sunday morning with the sweet people at Audubon Drive Baptist Church (pastor-Jerry Marcellino) and visiting a potential church plant Sunday night.
But at last, we are done traveling-at least for a little while!

GCC Week of Prayer- Day 3

2008-11-11T20:58:00.002-05:00

Day 3- Needs within the GCC flock

Question's we might ask ourselves:

How may I encourage members of the body?
How may I serve others at GCC?
What can I do to model godliness to those at church?
What needs do people have that I may help with?
In what areas of ministry may I be able to lend a hand?

Grace Community Church-Week of Prayer-Day 2

2008-11-11T09:47:00.003-05:00

Day 2- Pray for unbelieving family members

This is a great article on the New Attitude site about unbelieving family members.

Grace Community Church, Week of Prayer - DAY 1

2008-11-10T10:12:00.003-05:00

Day 1- Pray for Evangelism

Here are some verses on evangelism that should motivate us first to pray, then to go out and be a faithful witness for Christ.

"Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” So He spoke this parable to them, saying:“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." -Luke 15:1-7

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”” –Mark 16:15

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
–Matthew 28:18-20

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” –Acts 1:8

“However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.” –Mark 5:19-20

“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” -2 Timothy 4:5

“Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”’ –Luke 9:60

“Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” –Matthew 9:38

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” -1 Peter 2:9-10

Here is a website I found that has framed a prayer that may be helpful when praying for a specific lost person.

Don't forget to Vote in 1 week!

2008-10-28T16:20:00.000-04:00

Still in Florida!

2008-10-22T13:34:00.002-04:00

I Think I See The President!!!

2008-10-09T17:05:00.002-04:00

Washington D.C.- The White House

2008-10-09T16:59:00.005-04:00

Washington D.C.- the Holocaust Museum

2008-10-09T16:57:00.002-04:00

We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the museum, so these are the only ones we have!

Washington D.C.- National Archives

2008-10-09T16:44:00.006-04:00

Washington D.C.- the Washington Monument

2008-10-09T10:21:00.007-04:00

Washington D.C. -The Capitol

2008-10-07T21:03:00.010-04:00

Chesapeake Bay

2008-10-07T20:56:00.005-04:00

Yorktown

2008-10-07T20:45:00.010-04:00

Williamsburg

2008-10-07T20:17:00.014-04:00

Jamestown

2008-10-07T20:02:00.008-04:00

Down by the Bay

2008-10-02T11:11:00.006-04:00

Well, not much time to write this week...We are on vacation in Virginia. The house we are staying in is RIGHT on the Chesapeake Bay. Here are a couple pictures of the house and the yard--now we are off to Jamestown--more to come later!

Fun Time with Friends

2008-09-29T13:17:00.007-04:00

Here are some pictures from our weekend trip to Alabama. We really enjoyed the fellowship with our friends the Gues. They have 7 children still at home-1 married. It was great to spend time with them! They have five girls too! Here we are with four of them!

Sarah, Bethany, Hannah

Me with Emily