The Blairs got together for a delightful Thanksgiving feast at my sister, Ann's. She and Sarah (aka Martha Stewart, Jr.) had the house looking so festive! As with most of our family celebrations, everyone brings something to help out. We had quite a bounty from which to choose. Ann's turkey was beautiful and delicious. She worked very hard keeping the ole girl based. We had a smaller crowd than normal with Aaron and family with the Padron's in Atlanta and Keith and Nathan working and then Sam got called out and never made it. Still, I am so thankful to get together with Stephen and the rest of the family. It was so fun to see Taylor and Spencer, too.
After the Blairs, Stephen and I ran into Butler because Eric and Grace made an unexpected visit. I stayed longer than I really planned, but it was wonderful to see so many of the Johnsons...especially from out of town. Grandpa was at the VA and the Bodens were at his brother's. Of course, it was typical of the Johnsons to have enough food to feed most of the apartment complex! Cynthia sent over wonderful pumpkin pies for us to enjoy!! The Colwells were the only ones all present and accounted for and I am thankful to them for picking up the slack.
Poor Keith didn't get much of a dinner by the time I got home, but I made up for it last night with his own turkey dinner with some of the wonderful leftovers sent home.
Yesterday, I went Black Friday shopping for the first time in my life! That was an adventure! I was able to get some bargains, but you certainly can't be in a hurry! It was surprising to see so many people, but yet only run into the Wilsons and Jeannette, Emily's friend from volleyball, that I knew.
Today I did laundry and have most of it on the line. We have had a couple of decent days. Still chilly, but today we may almost hit 40. I am grateful for the sunshine...at least there is a bit of it today. After I came home from shopping yesterday, the sun was out and there was a good breeze and I hurried to put sheets on the line. Well, the neighbors started a fire not long after I hung stuff out. My blanket smelled of smoke, but the rest seemed fine. I rinsed it today, and so far, no smoke from the neighbors.
I would like to get a start on decorating for the holiday, but my sleds are put where I can't reach them, so Keith will need to do that some time soon.
This coming week is a busy one with something almost every day!
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent! Time is flying!
"The tender mercy of our God gleams with kindly light. I see in His mercy a soft radiance like the matchless pearls that form heaven's gate. Mercy is a melody to my ear as well as to my heart. Mercy is music, and to the brokenhearted, "tender mercy" is its most exquisite form.
If you are desperate and depressed, "tender mercy" is life from the dead. think of this in connection with God, and you will be struck with wonder that One so great is so tender.
God is love. Not only is He loving, He is love itself." excerpts from Charles H. Sprugeon, Beside Still Waters
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
More Thoughts on Thanksgiving by Dr. Hendrickson
Dr. Hendrickson at Grove City College has a great piece on the effects of affluence on civilization. He also gives some great reasons to be thankful.
Another piece to check out is by Judi McLeod. She writes about the current government and its ties.
The new world devised by Maurice Strong and George Soros, http://canadafreepress.com/
We are fortunate enough to be getting some meat for our freezer from a local farmer in a couple weeks. Knowing that our freezer needed, shall we say, help, I set about at cleaning it out and trying to get it organized. While I am pleased that we have room now for our meat, I am ashamed that I needed to throw away so much. Frozen veggies that were unrecognizable. Food that had "01" marked on it. I desperately need to do better about using what I have and get my freezer under control. What has happened is sinful and wasteful. There was chicken that I knew we were not going to be able to use before it had freezer burn. So this evening I figured I better get it canned. Thankfully, I was able to can six quarts of chicken. There is stew meat in the freezer, too, but that will have to wait for another day.
"Thy understanding in infinite; I know nothing as I ought to know. Thou canst not behold evil; I am vile. In my ignorance, weaakness, fears, depressions, may thy Spirit help my infirmities with supplies of wisdom, strength and comfort. Let me faithfully study my character, be willing to bring it to light, observe myself in my trials, judge the reality and degree of my grace, consider how I have been ensnared or overcome. Grant that I may never trust my heart, depend upon any past experiences, magnify any present resolutions, but be strong in the grace of Jesus..." excerpt from Self-Noughting, Valley of Visions
Another piece to check out is by Judi McLeod. She writes about the current government and its ties.
The new world devised by Maurice Strong and George Soros, http://canadafreepress.com/
We are fortunate enough to be getting some meat for our freezer from a local farmer in a couple weeks. Knowing that our freezer needed, shall we say, help, I set about at cleaning it out and trying to get it organized. While I am pleased that we have room now for our meat, I am ashamed that I needed to throw away so much. Frozen veggies that were unrecognizable. Food that had "01" marked on it. I desperately need to do better about using what I have and get my freezer under control. What has happened is sinful and wasteful. There was chicken that I knew we were not going to be able to use before it had freezer burn. So this evening I figured I better get it canned. Thankfully, I was able to can six quarts of chicken. There is stew meat in the freezer, too, but that will have to wait for another day.
"Thy understanding in infinite; I know nothing as I ought to know. Thou canst not behold evil; I am vile. In my ignorance, weaakness, fears, depressions, may thy Spirit help my infirmities with supplies of wisdom, strength and comfort. Let me faithfully study my character, be willing to bring it to light, observe myself in my trials, judge the reality and degree of my grace, consider how I have been ensnared or overcome. Grant that I may never trust my heart, depend upon any past experiences, magnify any present resolutions, but be strong in the grace of Jesus..." excerpt from Self-Noughting, Valley of Visions
Thanksgiving
In a "Me First" society, it is a challenge to take time to give thanks. We still live in the greatest country in the world. Our country has prospered the globe. With our farms, we feed the starving and with our gifts, we clothe and find fresh water for those in catastrophic circumstances.
Our forefathers came here to find religious freedom and thanked God for it and his Providence and provision on their first Thanksgiving.
Family, blessed friends, church family, the coming of a new pastor, a bountiful harvest and the ability to store it, a warm home with water and room for so many, money to buys things we don't even need...these are among the many blessings for which I am thankful. Above all that, God has richly blessed me with salvation. That is worth everything.
God has richly blessed us and we often forget to thank the one who gives us everything. I am challenged to remember to be the one leper who remembers to come back and give thanks to Jesus, who healed him (check out Luke 17:11 for the whole story).
"In Romans 1"18-32, Paul give a vivid description of the downward moral spiral of pagan humanity of that day, as God gave them up more and more to the wicked inclinations of their evil hearts. Near the beginning of the description, Paul writes, 'Although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their think, and their foolish hearts were darkened; (verse 21, emphasis added).
So their ever-increasing wickedness actually began with their ungodliness (failure to honor God as God) and their unthankfulness to Him....It may seem like a small sin to us, but God takes it seriously." excerpt from Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges
May each of us be thankful today, tomorrow and each day for all that God has done for us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Our forefathers came here to find religious freedom and thanked God for it and his Providence and provision on their first Thanksgiving.
Family, blessed friends, church family, the coming of a new pastor, a bountiful harvest and the ability to store it, a warm home with water and room for so many, money to buys things we don't even need...these are among the many blessings for which I am thankful. Above all that, God has richly blessed me with salvation. That is worth everything.
God has richly blessed us and we often forget to thank the one who gives us everything. I am challenged to remember to be the one leper who remembers to come back and give thanks to Jesus, who healed him (check out Luke 17:11 for the whole story).
"In Romans 1"18-32, Paul give a vivid description of the downward moral spiral of pagan humanity of that day, as God gave them up more and more to the wicked inclinations of their evil hearts. Near the beginning of the description, Paul writes, 'Although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their think, and their foolish hearts were darkened; (verse 21, emphasis added).
So their ever-increasing wickedness actually began with their ungodliness (failure to honor God as God) and their unthankfulness to Him....It may seem like a small sin to us, but God takes it seriously." excerpt from Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges
May each of us be thankful today, tomorrow and each day for all that God has done for us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Now Playing at Abiding Radio...
Thanks to my brother-in-law who told me about this site. They are now playing Christmas music, but the also have instrumental and other Christian music to choose from.
Log on and enjoy!
Thanks, Tim!
Log on and enjoy!
Thanks, Tim!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Are Our Freedoms and Way of Life Lost?
Ever since the campaigns began in earnest, which seems like years ago, my thoughts have wandered down the path of, "Is America going to fall like Rome?".
I remember things that grade school teachers and high school teachers told us. When I was in elementary school, Russians were the really bad guys. A neighbor even had a bomb shelter. Jets flew overhead on a regular basis, breaking the sound barrier. My folks did a great job hiding the outside world from us. I didn't know about the bomb shelter until we were exploring in the woods and stumbled on it. I didn't know much about the Cold War, until high school. Vietnam was bad, but I never really understood anything about what was going on. One day, while discussing how horrible the Great Depression was, our teacher said we need not worry, as long as the folks who lived during the Depression were still alive, they would make sure it never happened again. But, he warned, once they are gone, America will go through another Depression.
The "Greatest Generation" is all but gone. Those that remain were young during the Depression and don't seem to know how we got there. It now appears that we are on the brink of our next Depression.
It is now that I wish I could talk to my Grandmothers. How did they manage? What are tips for preparing that they would share? I want to soak it all in so I am prepared.
Our country seems so lost...in the biblical sense. Are we just getting what we deserve? Has God left us to our sins? We honor bad behavior, we scantily clad our daughters and our boys are not encouraged to be men. Anything goes and is OK unless you get caught, then just blame your upbringing. I found this article at Grove City College's Visions and Values site: http://www.visandvals.org/The_Threat_Within.php Dr. Hendrickson seems to say what I was thinking...or fearing.
God is in control. He knows what is going on. My grandparents gave me a godly heritage. I want to pass that on to my grandkids as well. Not a fearful one, but one that is confident in God and his love and care for me and that he always does things for my best.
"Help me not only to receive Him, but to walk in him, depend upon him, commune with him, be conformed to him, follow him, imperfect, but still pressing forward, not complaining of labour, but valuing rest, not murmuring under trials, but thankful for my state." excerpts from The Convicting Spirit from The Valley of Vision
I remember things that grade school teachers and high school teachers told us. When I was in elementary school, Russians were the really bad guys. A neighbor even had a bomb shelter. Jets flew overhead on a regular basis, breaking the sound barrier. My folks did a great job hiding the outside world from us. I didn't know about the bomb shelter until we were exploring in the woods and stumbled on it. I didn't know much about the Cold War, until high school. Vietnam was bad, but I never really understood anything about what was going on. One day, while discussing how horrible the Great Depression was, our teacher said we need not worry, as long as the folks who lived during the Depression were still alive, they would make sure it never happened again. But, he warned, once they are gone, America will go through another Depression.
The "Greatest Generation" is all but gone. Those that remain were young during the Depression and don't seem to know how we got there. It now appears that we are on the brink of our next Depression.
It is now that I wish I could talk to my Grandmothers. How did they manage? What are tips for preparing that they would share? I want to soak it all in so I am prepared.
Our country seems so lost...in the biblical sense. Are we just getting what we deserve? Has God left us to our sins? We honor bad behavior, we scantily clad our daughters and our boys are not encouraged to be men. Anything goes and is OK unless you get caught, then just blame your upbringing. I found this article at Grove City College's Visions and Values site: http://www.visandvals.org/The_Threat_Within.php Dr. Hendrickson seems to say what I was thinking...or fearing.
God is in control. He knows what is going on. My grandparents gave me a godly heritage. I want to pass that on to my grandkids as well. Not a fearful one, but one that is confident in God and his love and care for me and that he always does things for my best.
"Help me not only to receive Him, but to walk in him, depend upon him, commune with him, be conformed to him, follow him, imperfect, but still pressing forward, not complaining of labour, but valuing rest, not murmuring under trials, but thankful for my state." excerpts from The Convicting Spirit from The Valley of Vision
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Welcome To...: 100th Post Giveaway...
Welcome To...: 100th Post Giveaway...I found this site through "Country Mom", which is a site I follow. When I saw she was having a giveaway, I thought I would list it here, too. Lynette Jensen has beautiful things and has a way with color combinations. It looks like there are projects for the home, such as pillows and shower curtains, to name a few. It would be a wonderful addition to anyone's library.
Hope you check out Brandi's site.
Hope you check out Brandi's site.
Catching Up
As I continue to struggle with, what may be, the next Great Depression, I also think it is important to think and plan ahead.
There were sweet potatoes for sale in bags at Aldi's for a decent price. So they are waiting to be canned. If you are interested in learning more about canning sweet potatoes, here is a website I found that I'm going to use because, of course, it has pictures! http://canningusa.com/IfICanYouCan/PotatoesSweet.htm
My apple guy had some more Cortland apples that I dried yesterday. I am thankful for my "dryer" that my in-laws were finished with. Dried apples make great snacks and then there are Amish Moon Pies. I love these! Although, I must confess, that I still have not perfected them. Keith says he will happily eat all the experiments! If you are interested in drying apples, here is a website: http://www.pickyourown.org/apples_dried.htm It explains things very well and has pictures! Like I said, I prefer the Cortland apples because they don't darken like other varieties. I don't care to treat my apples--just one more step that I don't think is necessary. This site has pictures and How-To's for doing this in the oven, in a dehydrator and even your car on a hot day. I store mine in big 1/2 gallon canning jars that I got from my daughter's mom-in-law.
I'm still wondering if Keith and I should find someone to plow our "back 40" to plant more stuff either for us, for the kids or to sell. (I'm already anxiously awaiting the seed catalogs.)
It has been cold here the last couple days. A bit of snow, but not much yet. What little we get is gone in a short time. The roads were horrible coming home from our small group on Monday. The road was covered with black ice. Flipped cars and trucks and skid marks everywhere! I went 35 mph down Rt. 422. Butler County was the worst. Once I arrived in Armstrong, the roads had be faithfully taken care of by our PennDot.
This time of year everyone around here hibernates. We'll see each other either at the store or when we shovel snow. It is kind of a lonely time, but we will celebrate when we see each other in the Spring. This is a time to quilt and watch movies and get some reading done. I also want to can some vegetable soup and more chicken, when it is on sale. That worked great!! All I'm missing is my wood stove, which, on days like this, I miss so very much.
The following is something to which I want to aspire--I have not arrived yet:
I want not the favour of man to lean upon, for I know that thy electing grace is infinitely better. Excerpt from Election, from the Valley of Vision. It is my prayer that I can get over being concerned about what people think.
There were sweet potatoes for sale in bags at Aldi's for a decent price. So they are waiting to be canned. If you are interested in learning more about canning sweet potatoes, here is a website I found that I'm going to use because, of course, it has pictures! http://canningusa.com/IfICanYouCan/PotatoesSweet.htm
My apple guy had some more Cortland apples that I dried yesterday. I am thankful for my "dryer" that my in-laws were finished with. Dried apples make great snacks and then there are Amish Moon Pies. I love these! Although, I must confess, that I still have not perfected them. Keith says he will happily eat all the experiments! If you are interested in drying apples, here is a website: http://www.pickyourown.org/apples_dried.htm It explains things very well and has pictures! Like I said, I prefer the Cortland apples because they don't darken like other varieties. I don't care to treat my apples--just one more step that I don't think is necessary. This site has pictures and How-To's for doing this in the oven, in a dehydrator and even your car on a hot day. I store mine in big 1/2 gallon canning jars that I got from my daughter's mom-in-law.
I'm still wondering if Keith and I should find someone to plow our "back 40" to plant more stuff either for us, for the kids or to sell. (I'm already anxiously awaiting the seed catalogs.)
It has been cold here the last couple days. A bit of snow, but not much yet. What little we get is gone in a short time. The roads were horrible coming home from our small group on Monday. The road was covered with black ice. Flipped cars and trucks and skid marks everywhere! I went 35 mph down Rt. 422. Butler County was the worst. Once I arrived in Armstrong, the roads had be faithfully taken care of by our PennDot.
This time of year everyone around here hibernates. We'll see each other either at the store or when we shovel snow. It is kind of a lonely time, but we will celebrate when we see each other in the Spring. This is a time to quilt and watch movies and get some reading done. I also want to can some vegetable soup and more chicken, when it is on sale. That worked great!! All I'm missing is my wood stove, which, on days like this, I miss so very much.
The following is something to which I want to aspire--I have not arrived yet:
I want not the favour of man to lean upon, for I know that thy electing grace is infinitely better. Excerpt from Election, from the Valley of Vision. It is my prayer that I can get over being concerned about what people think.
Sewing and such
Some one told me I could sew. In Junior High I was forced to take sewing in Home Ec. In 7th grade I made a pillow case and an apron. I think it took me the whole six week period. It's a wonder there was anything left of the fabric with the amount of time I needed to rip stuff out. In 8th grade I made a jumper and top. I actually got an "O", which means outstanding. I couldn't believe it!! I loved that thing. What I made in 9th grade is long forgotten. When Emily was tiny, I made a couple dresses--one had french seams!!--while she was napping. I made the kids shorts and stuff when they were little. We were blessed with hand-me-downs for the kids, for which I continue to be thankful.
When my Martha Stewart Living magazine arrived with directions for a cute little apron, I thought, "I made one of these in 7th grade, this will be a piece of cake!" What I learned about sewing aprons must have been in the one or two brain cells that I killed off enjoying the few adult beverages I've enjoyed in my life. While Martha's apron calls for grosgrain ribbon for a waistband/sash. Just try and find 2 in. grosgrain ribbon! No doubt Martha has it all stashed at her house. So, I figured, I know how to sew, I'll just adjust! Yeah, well, one would think I could adjust. However, "adjusting" includes knowing how to do something that most folks can do--SIMPLE MATH. Long story short--after much ripping and frustration, my waistband/sash has exposed raw edges on the back side because I did not make it wide enough. I'm not sure what to do with it--I wanted to make it for a gift, now it is probably mine. If I had only known I was going to be making such a mess out of a simple project, I would not have made my "trial run" out of nice fabric. At least the next two should be done better--I hope!! I know that I need to make the waistband/sash 4 in. wide in order to have a decent width front and back and no exposed seam edges. What makes me nuts is that THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EASY!
There is at least one moral to this story...learn how to do math. My sister, Ann, and I have always said that it is a hereditary problem, but I think I just gave up a long time ago. Years ago someone told me I just couldn't do math, and I believed them. Bad idea.
I think I'll quilt today.
When my Martha Stewart Living magazine arrived with directions for a cute little apron, I thought, "I made one of these in 7th grade, this will be a piece of cake!" What I learned about sewing aprons must have been in the one or two brain cells that I killed off enjoying the few adult beverages I've enjoyed in my life. While Martha's apron calls for grosgrain ribbon for a waistband/sash. Just try and find 2 in. grosgrain ribbon! No doubt Martha has it all stashed at her house. So, I figured, I know how to sew, I'll just adjust! Yeah, well, one would think I could adjust. However, "adjusting" includes knowing how to do something that most folks can do--SIMPLE MATH. Long story short--after much ripping and frustration, my waistband/sash has exposed raw edges on the back side because I did not make it wide enough. I'm not sure what to do with it--I wanted to make it for a gift, now it is probably mine. If I had only known I was going to be making such a mess out of a simple project, I would not have made my "trial run" out of nice fabric. At least the next two should be done better--I hope!! I know that I need to make the waistband/sash 4 in. wide in order to have a decent width front and back and no exposed seam edges. What makes me nuts is that THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EASY!
There is at least one moral to this story...learn how to do math. My sister, Ann, and I have always said that it is a hereditary problem, but I think I just gave up a long time ago. Years ago someone told me I just couldn't do math, and I believed them. Bad idea.
I think I'll quilt today.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Blahhhh
I'm just not sure what the trouble is, but I'm just feeling down. Could be the weather...not much sun lately or knowing that it's getting colder or post-election crud. Maybe it's just that I'm fighting some virus.
So many of my church friends and family members are going through difficult times and that may weigh on me more than I think it really is...no matter how far off in my brain I try to store it.
While I know that God holds the future and that all things work together for good, I must not really know it, because I am fearful for our country and what that all means. As I listened to the radio last night, so many people called in to say how scared they are. I just never thought this type of thing would happen.
The government and media have lost my trust. And maybe that is just where God wants me...to trust in Him. Urghhh...I hate that I am 50 + and still don't think I have a handle on Christianity at all! The more I learn, the more I see I know nothing...that I still have so far to go; that God has so much more work to do with me...its like I'm a little kid or something.
I have bread rising (hopefully, it will work on this dreary day), and I should run the sweeper. I need to get back to quilting, too.
"Glorious and Holy God, Provocations against thy divine majesty have filled my whole life,
My offences have been countless and aggravated. Counscience has rebuked me, friends have admonished me, the examples of others have reproached me, thy rod has chastised me, thy kindnesses allured me.
Thou hast seen and abhorred all my sins and couldst easily and justly have punished me, yet thou hast spared me, been gracious unto me, given me thy help, invited me to thy table....
At the cross that relieves my conscience, let me learn lessons of self-denial, forgivenss and submission, feel motives to obedience, find resources for all needs of the diviine life. Then le me be what I profess, do as well as teach, live as well as hear religion.
~ Valley of Vision excerpts from A Neophyte's Devotion
So many of my church friends and family members are going through difficult times and that may weigh on me more than I think it really is...no matter how far off in my brain I try to store it.
While I know that God holds the future and that all things work together for good, I must not really know it, because I am fearful for our country and what that all means. As I listened to the radio last night, so many people called in to say how scared they are. I just never thought this type of thing would happen.
The government and media have lost my trust. And maybe that is just where God wants me...to trust in Him. Urghhh...I hate that I am 50 + and still don't think I have a handle on Christianity at all! The more I learn, the more I see I know nothing...that I still have so far to go; that God has so much more work to do with me...its like I'm a little kid or something.
I have bread rising (hopefully, it will work on this dreary day), and I should run the sweeper. I need to get back to quilting, too.
"Glorious and Holy God, Provocations against thy divine majesty have filled my whole life,
My offences have been countless and aggravated. Counscience has rebuked me, friends have admonished me, the examples of others have reproached me, thy rod has chastised me, thy kindnesses allured me.
Thou hast seen and abhorred all my sins and couldst easily and justly have punished me, yet thou hast spared me, been gracious unto me, given me thy help, invited me to thy table....
At the cross that relieves my conscience, let me learn lessons of self-denial, forgivenss and submission, feel motives to obedience, find resources for all needs of the diviine life. Then le me be what I profess, do as well as teach, live as well as hear religion.
~ Valley of Vision excerpts from A Neophyte's Devotion
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Cleaning Day
Another beautiful November day--in the 70s; who would believe it??!!
With the weather so beautiful, I was hit with the urge to clean. While my mother always says that when that happens one should sit down and wait for it to pass, I thought I would take advantage of the day. I washed a few windows, washed the curtains in the kitchen, ironed them and hung them back up, washed the throw rugs, did a load of regular laundry and hung it all out, cut the grass around the house and enjoyed some reading in the sun.
I did my usual devos outside today (Tabletalk). I read a bit of "Respectable Sins" and got out a book I purchased not long ago, "The Mortification of Sin", by John Owen. As you can see, I follow Dan's blog and he is doing a study on this book. Today, I saw that he mentions it as one of his "Three Books", and seeing that it was a great day, I pulled it out and read the first chapter. It really goes along with my "Respectable Sins" class and I need all the 'mortification' I can get. I need to go back over his study notes, too. Thanks, again, Dan!
Tonight is our small group. We have not met in months and I am anxious to spend time and get caught up. We see each other on Sundays, but never long enough to really talk. I'm afraid I've worn myself out, though and there is a great deal of night left today...I hope that made sense :-).
Tomorrow I get my hair cut--not soon enough. I look overgown. There will be a visit to the chiropractor to repair the damage done from moving and all the other stuff I do and a visit to my brother's family in McCandless Twp., for an evening visit.
With the election still fresh in my mind, I am reminded of a study in Daniel our small group did with a sermon series by Tim Keller. The study begins with the letter to the exiles in Jeremiah 29:4 with instructions from God on how to live in Babylon. Keller goes on to explain how we live in a similar situation. We are in a similar situation where we are no longer in cultural power. God called them to become deeply engaged in the life of the "city", but still protect their spiritual heritage. Their dispersion among the pagan people was for the well being of the city and culture. Love the city of man for the sake of the city of God. Christians will need to be salt and light in a culture that may make it difficult for us. How will we live faithfully before God in an unbelieving culture that is hostile to God?
I highly recommend Tim Keller's series. You can check out his website and purchase tapes and CDs at : http://www.redeemer.com/.
"I am guilty, but pardoned,
lost, but saved,
wandering, but found,
sinning, but cleansed.
give me perpetual broken-heartedness,...
Open to me the springs of divine knowledge,
sparkling like crystal,
flowing clear and unsullied
through my wilderness of life." Valley of Vision excerpts from The Broken Heart
With the weather so beautiful, I was hit with the urge to clean. While my mother always says that when that happens one should sit down and wait for it to pass, I thought I would take advantage of the day. I washed a few windows, washed the curtains in the kitchen, ironed them and hung them back up, washed the throw rugs, did a load of regular laundry and hung it all out, cut the grass around the house and enjoyed some reading in the sun.
I did my usual devos outside today (Tabletalk). I read a bit of "Respectable Sins" and got out a book I purchased not long ago, "The Mortification of Sin", by John Owen. As you can see, I follow Dan's blog and he is doing a study on this book. Today, I saw that he mentions it as one of his "Three Books", and seeing that it was a great day, I pulled it out and read the first chapter. It really goes along with my "Respectable Sins" class and I need all the 'mortification' I can get. I need to go back over his study notes, too. Thanks, again, Dan!
Tonight is our small group. We have not met in months and I am anxious to spend time and get caught up. We see each other on Sundays, but never long enough to really talk. I'm afraid I've worn myself out, though and there is a great deal of night left today...I hope that made sense :-).
Tomorrow I get my hair cut--not soon enough. I look overgown. There will be a visit to the chiropractor to repair the damage done from moving and all the other stuff I do and a visit to my brother's family in McCandless Twp., for an evening visit.
With the election still fresh in my mind, I am reminded of a study in Daniel our small group did with a sermon series by Tim Keller. The study begins with the letter to the exiles in Jeremiah 29:4 with instructions from God on how to live in Babylon. Keller goes on to explain how we live in a similar situation. We are in a similar situation where we are no longer in cultural power. God called them to become deeply engaged in the life of the "city", but still protect their spiritual heritage. Their dispersion among the pagan people was for the well being of the city and culture. Love the city of man for the sake of the city of God. Christians will need to be salt and light in a culture that may make it difficult for us. How will we live faithfully before God in an unbelieving culture that is hostile to God?
I highly recommend Tim Keller's series. You can check out his website and purchase tapes and CDs at : http://www.redeemer.com/.
"I am guilty, but pardoned,
lost, but saved,
wandering, but found,
sinning, but cleansed.
give me perpetual broken-heartedness,...
Open to me the springs of divine knowledge,
sparkling like crystal,
flowing clear and unsullied
through my wilderness of life." Valley of Vision excerpts from The Broken Heart
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Applesauce Day -- Chapter 3
Today was a fun Applesauce Day with Andrea and little Daniel. While Daniel didn't "help" he certainly was helpful by being so good at entertaining himself.
We did a bushel of Jonagold, which I've never done before. They turned out great and she was pleased to get 17 jars. I was so glad to be able to help her. I remember trying to can with a big belly and being tired. One regret I have is that my mom was not more helpful. With three kids and so much responsibility around the house--inside and out--it would have been nice to have someone with which to do canning. I really want to be there for my family in whatever way I can be. My talents may not be amazing, but I don't mind helping do this kind of stuff. I admire the Amish who get together to do these things. Why don't we have more of a sense of community and do these things together? It's more fun to have a friend or two around. It makes a long day go fast and a day with friends is always a good day. Why not get a couple friends and split a bushel or two at the end of a day? Laura and I used to split a bushel, but now her family is growing and she needs that bushel. I'm more than happy to be with her and the kids for the day to help! Maybe, when I grow up, I can be a professional canner :-)!
It was a beautiful fall day, again, and Daniel and I took a walk in the leaves. He loved to hear them crunch under his feet. We checked out the neighbor's horses and a pinecone that was a present for his mom....a good walk.
And about the election...while I struggle to understand what people were thinking, I have to hold on to God being sovereign. Without that I would be so depressed. No doubt, things are going to 'change', and I am pretty sure I'm not going to like the changes, it is my job to be faithful and live like a Christian in a culture that seems to forget that it was once Christian. It will be good to remember and be reminded how the early church had to live and how they loved their neighbors and each other. Or Daniel and how they were instructed to live in exile. It will be interesting to see what God is going to do. Is the church being disciplined? Is the country being disciplined? Will the church get it's bearings and grow stronger? We may not live to see God's full purpose fulfilled, but we know that all things work together for good and His glory, that we are His and cannot be snatched out of His hand and that His promises are true.
My good friend, Karen, has this beautiful painted verse on her wall, "God is the blessed controller of all things". He is in control. Always and forever with every thing.
"Believer, the events of history march as a victorious legion under a skillful leader. Do not think we can order our affairs in better style. " C. H. Spurgeon
Keep the faith and don't stop praying for our country and His Church,
We did a bushel of Jonagold, which I've never done before. They turned out great and she was pleased to get 17 jars. I was so glad to be able to help her. I remember trying to can with a big belly and being tired. One regret I have is that my mom was not more helpful. With three kids and so much responsibility around the house--inside and out--it would have been nice to have someone with which to do canning. I really want to be there for my family in whatever way I can be. My talents may not be amazing, but I don't mind helping do this kind of stuff. I admire the Amish who get together to do these things. Why don't we have more of a sense of community and do these things together? It's more fun to have a friend or two around. It makes a long day go fast and a day with friends is always a good day. Why not get a couple friends and split a bushel or two at the end of a day? Laura and I used to split a bushel, but now her family is growing and she needs that bushel. I'm more than happy to be with her and the kids for the day to help! Maybe, when I grow up, I can be a professional canner :-)!
It was a beautiful fall day, again, and Daniel and I took a walk in the leaves. He loved to hear them crunch under his feet. We checked out the neighbor's horses and a pinecone that was a present for his mom....a good walk.
And about the election...while I struggle to understand what people were thinking, I have to hold on to God being sovereign. Without that I would be so depressed. No doubt, things are going to 'change', and I am pretty sure I'm not going to like the changes, it is my job to be faithful and live like a Christian in a culture that seems to forget that it was once Christian. It will be good to remember and be reminded how the early church had to live and how they loved their neighbors and each other. Or Daniel and how they were instructed to live in exile. It will be interesting to see what God is going to do. Is the church being disciplined? Is the country being disciplined? Will the church get it's bearings and grow stronger? We may not live to see God's full purpose fulfilled, but we know that all things work together for good and His glory, that we are His and cannot be snatched out of His hand and that His promises are true.
My good friend, Karen, has this beautiful painted verse on her wall, "God is the blessed controller of all things". He is in control. Always and forever with every thing.
"Believer, the events of history march as a victorious legion under a skillful leader. Do not think we can order our affairs in better style. " C. H. Spurgeon
Keep the faith and don't stop praying for our country and His Church,
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Is This November??
What a wonderful, relaxing day. Lunch in the sunshine, bedclothes on the line, did devos in the sunshine, sat with my neighbor, Betty, in the sunshine...it's 68 degrees, some windows are open and it is just glorious!
Right now, I'm waiting for cookies to come out of the oven and I'm hanging out with Mozart. We will have potatoes from the garden tonight, and I'll make some Apple Crisp.
Keith and I will go vote when he gets home from work. I expected to be anxious about the election today, but I only listened a bit to the talk shows. That probably helps. Only God knows what tomorrow will bring, but He is faithful and controls everything...I'm having trouble spelling soveriegn, OK, and this thing doesn't have spell check, that I know of :-).
In my devos today in Tabletalk, I read an article about the gospel in Africa. There are brothers and sisters in Christ suffering over there. Limbs being cut off, just because they preach the good news. Churches are being burned, yet the faithful return, time after time to rebuild. And the church is growing. The author, Dr. Peter Hammond, said this, " Bad times are good for spiritual work." If we are headed for rough economic and spiritual times, this is good to remember. The church grows stronger in tough times. I need to be among those who are tough. Usually, I'm the one who runs from confrontation. There is a lesson from our African church family. That, for me, at least, Christ needs to be most important, not what men can do to me or threaten. I have a great deal of "growing up" to do.
Enjoy another beautiful fall evening!
"I make this sad confession. When my soul is happy and things prosper, I do not live so near to God as I do in the midst of trials and depression. When the world's bread is sugared and buttered, we eat it until we become sick. then the world changes our diet, filling our mouths with vinegar and making our drink bitter. The world's wells are full of sweet but poisonous water. We pitch our tents at the mouth of the well and drink until we forget the well of Bethlehem. When earth's waters become bitter like Marah's stream (Ex 15:23), we turn away sick and faint. But this affliction brings us to our God, just as the barking dog drives the wandering sheep to the shepherd's hand." C.H. Spurgeon
Right now, I'm waiting for cookies to come out of the oven and I'm hanging out with Mozart. We will have potatoes from the garden tonight, and I'll make some Apple Crisp.
Keith and I will go vote when he gets home from work. I expected to be anxious about the election today, but I only listened a bit to the talk shows. That probably helps. Only God knows what tomorrow will bring, but He is faithful and controls everything...I'm having trouble spelling soveriegn, OK, and this thing doesn't have spell check, that I know of :-).
In my devos today in Tabletalk, I read an article about the gospel in Africa. There are brothers and sisters in Christ suffering over there. Limbs being cut off, just because they preach the good news. Churches are being burned, yet the faithful return, time after time to rebuild. And the church is growing. The author, Dr. Peter Hammond, said this, " Bad times are good for spiritual work." If we are headed for rough economic and spiritual times, this is good to remember. The church grows stronger in tough times. I need to be among those who are tough. Usually, I'm the one who runs from confrontation. There is a lesson from our African church family. That, for me, at least, Christ needs to be most important, not what men can do to me or threaten. I have a great deal of "growing up" to do.
Enjoy another beautiful fall evening!
"I make this sad confession. When my soul is happy and things prosper, I do not live so near to God as I do in the midst of trials and depression. When the world's bread is sugared and buttered, we eat it until we become sick. then the world changes our diet, filling our mouths with vinegar and making our drink bitter. The world's wells are full of sweet but poisonous water. We pitch our tents at the mouth of the well and drink until we forget the well of Bethlehem. When earth's waters become bitter like Marah's stream (Ex 15:23), we turn away sick and faint. But this affliction brings us to our God, just as the barking dog drives the wandering sheep to the shepherd's hand." C.H. Spurgeon
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pear update and much thankfulness
Things went well! Thanks to expert directions and pictures. I managed to get six jars and some left for eating.
It was a wonderful day!
It has been my privilige to see God work in a great way. He has been faithful and gracious. He cares greatly for His people and I have been granted a front row seat to see it all unfold. My heart is so full of thankfulness and gratefulness. And I am so excited to see what He will do in the lives of His people. I'm so happy I want to explode. God's love is amazing. He controls every small circumstance in our lives--big ones, too. This is a big one...HUGE.
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." Psalm 7:17
With a grateful heart,
It was a wonderful day!
It has been my privilige to see God work in a great way. He has been faithful and gracious. He cares greatly for His people and I have been granted a front row seat to see it all unfold. My heart is so full of thankfulness and gratefulness. And I am so excited to see what He will do in the lives of His people. I'm so happy I want to explode. God's love is amazing. He controls every small circumstance in our lives--big ones, too. This is a big one...HUGE.
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." Psalm 7:17
With a grateful heart,
Canning Pears...hopefully
A new friend blessed me with a batch of pears that appear to be ready to can. This will be a new adventure for me and I am looking forward to the challenge. Armed with the above link--it has pictures!!!--I am prepared to give this a try.
My mom canned pears when I was small, still living in Meridian, and I still remember how good they were. Filled with cream cheese or added to cottage cheese they make a great and easy dessert.
The In-Laws are all moved!! It will be the challenge now to get them to pass some of their "stuff" off to someone else. They just have so much.
Looks like it will be a beautiful week, especially for November!
"Help me to place myself always under thy guiding and guardian care, to take firmer hold of the sure covenant that binds me to thee, to feel more of the purifying, dignifying, softening influence of the religion I profess, to have more compassion, love, pity, courtesy, to deem it a honour to be employed by thee as an instrument in thy hands, ready to seize every opportunity of usefulness, and willing to offer all my talents to thy service." Valley of Vision, excerpt from Choices
My mom canned pears when I was small, still living in Meridian, and I still remember how good they were. Filled with cream cheese or added to cottage cheese they make a great and easy dessert.
The In-Laws are all moved!! It will be the challenge now to get them to pass some of their "stuff" off to someone else. They just have so much.
Looks like it will be a beautiful week, especially for November!
"Help me to place myself always under thy guiding and guardian care, to take firmer hold of the sure covenant that binds me to thee, to feel more of the purifying, dignifying, softening influence of the religion I profess, to have more compassion, love, pity, courtesy, to deem it a honour to be employed by thee as an instrument in thy hands, ready to seize every opportunity of usefulness, and willing to offer all my talents to thy service." Valley of Vision, excerpt from Choices
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