April 1, 2004 Little House Books and vidoes
http://webpages.charter.net/frontiergirl/store.htm
In the "If you love the Little House Books, try
reading..." section, there are books listed that
would *not* be on my suggested reading list---just
fyi.
In addition to other works and series, this site
also has an "Anne" section that's filled with
books and videos.
http://webpages.charter.net/frontiergirl/annestore.htm
you can try
eBay after looking through the list of
books/videos available.
March 31, 2004 Another
month... another calendar page to flip
over---revealing 9 months left in this year.
Now the year's full speed ahead and it'll pass us by
before we know it! Snow pictures tomorrow!
In the current climate of judicial tyranny and
anarchy, they're back in court again---this time to
challenge the ban on Partial Birth Abortion.
It's grievous that babies are being slaughtered by
the millions but to be concerned that language or
descriptive terms would add emotion to the cases is
repulsive to me. This, from WND: "In the New
York trial, plaintiffs' attorney A. Stephen Hut Jr.
warned U.S. District Judge Richard C. Casey that
graphic descriptions of partial birth abortion might
add "an element of emotion," reported AP. "It is the
nature of this procedure itself that gives
discomfort," countered Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean
H. Lane." Ack! It's not reprehensible that
millions of babies are being destroyed, it's the
procedure that gives discomfort?!? The
enormous avalanche of sin. How dark will be
that outer darkness!
This atrocity is more poignant to me today as I
recall just yesterday seeing an hours old baby in
the arms of her mother and the precious opportunity
of life. Abortion is surely no reproductive
right! A reproductive right, I suppose, is to
say: yes or no. Killing babies is no right.
It'll be old people next, then disabled's... then
unproductive's... it's already happened to
"undesirable races." The
enormous-enormous avalanche of sin. How vast
will be that outer darkness!
Over the last week there's been such a troubling
situation in a neighbouring city. The ordeal
started with a cross burning on the lawn of the home
of a local pastor who happens to be a black man,
whose son was the "target." Jason Martin,
pastor of the Jesus is Lord Life Tabernacle in
Marysville, has remained forbearing and forgiving
throughout the whole situation. I share this
because yet another angle of society that is
targeted---not because of their choices, but because
of who they are---big difference. Area pastors
and congregations rallied around this family in
support to
demonstrate solidarity. This pastor's
attitude has been gracious toward the
two young people who committed the offense---and
he's planning on seeing them. They've
apparently requested to speak to Pastor Martin to
apologize in person, an opportunity that may present
itself to them in the future, only it'll likely not
be as simple as they'd like. Pretty good call
by the judge in the case who's not allowing home
detention but sent them to Denney Juvenile Justice
Center. Though they said they were just bored
and it was just a prank... that the cross burning
"was just a spur-of-the-moment" event, according to
court documents. "It was just a prank. We didn't do
it because we hated this kid." Hate crimes
aren't just spur of the moment deals and they're not
just pranks. Especially not when that home had
been targeted the previous week. The real hope
here is that the young men will repent and turn from
their ways and yield to the LORD. There's
something to be said of their trip to the Police
dept. and voluntarily turning themselves in.
March
30, 2004 We praise the LORD for
His mercy and grace, His loving protection
and direction for our friends who've been
blessed with their twelfth child born at
home early this morning. There was a
complication with the mother which
necessitated a speedy trip to the hospital
and a short stay there. What a gift
each of the children, the midwife and
friends were in their ability to work
together, to help one another, to each take
charge of specific needs that enabled
everything to be handled so smoothly.
The LORD surely met them in their time of
need and we so pray that He'll continue to
provide and direct them and that in all
this, He will be glorified! It
sure was hard to come home and go to bed
this morning after spending some time at the
hospital... I just continued to pray the
LORD's will be done. With
thoughts of that little newborn in the arms
of her daddy, sweetly nestled in a large
blanket, I smiled and drifted off to sleep.
New
e-postcards from Karla Dornacher... so
sweet and such a delight to receive!
It was a nice treasure to wake this morning
and find one in the 'inbox' waiting for me! Some
artist's proliferation of merchandise seems
so contrived---but (to me) this artist
really has a knack for choosing
venues that are appealing. I put her
link up yesterday on the
e-cards page before the (operator error)
glitches.
Well, instead of blogging last night as is my usual custom, I botched
many pages, thus, you see the blank site
index page... you can think of it as my
blank stare, the sort of vacant look you
receive in reply to your question: who made this mess?
So, it's one of those love/hate times with
the computer. 'Seems I inadvertently
deleted data and then saved the page,
which in turn saved that blunder on every
page... and let me just say not a few
pages reflect this little error!
So we sure had a wonderful time away this
past weekend. What an incredible thing
it was to be stomping around in 7 feet of
snow in the mountains on Sunday... sledding
and hiking, and then to have the brilliant
sunshine and warm weather here on Monday!
We stayed at
Hope Lodge---what an amazing story
behind the construction and purpose of that
lodge! Some of our children
look like they were in a war! It
seems nothing could deter them from sledding
down the slope and running back up again!
The flood lights allowed for late night
sledding and the early morning sun
beckoned them at about 5:40.
Yep... that's what I was thinking: Whaaaat?
It's morning already?!? They
worked up a healthy appetite before
breakfast. I'll put up some
pics---later.
March
29, 2004 It's a spectacularly
bright and warm day---will blog when
the sun goes down as it's just too beautiful
to stay inside today!
March 28, 2004 Happy birthday to
my dear mother-in-law today!
March
27, 2004 You can read a cool new
blog---World
magazine's website has a blog---great
news each day for you!
I believe this has been my favourite
birthday---How grateful I am to and for my
family---my precious family! Surely
the LORD has blessed me over and over again.
What a privilege it was to join others at
the memorial service of cousin Kathryn
Lindstöm. Such a
blessing it was to hear of God's ways in her
life, to hear testimonies of her influence
on other's lives and to see pictures and to
sing and hear meaningful songs. One of
the passages read was from Ecclesiastes
7---It was especially meaningful to me as
the LORD has been speaking to my heart about
living in *this* season of life and living
*in* and not *beyond* the moment. We
were encouraged to take from Kathryn's life
and live out those qualities which we most
admired in her. She loved the LORD and
now beholds His face, she had unshakeable
faith---she was, as was shared: a woman of
stunning beauty and grace. So,
on my birthday, it was a very sweet
privilege to go into the house of mourning,
to join others in the celebration of her
life and to hear the compelling challenge to
live today very well. This,
from Ecclesiastes 7: "1
A good name is better than precious
ointment; and the day of death than the day
of one's birth. 2 It is better to
go to the house of mourning, than to go to
the house of feasting: for that is the end
of all men; and the living will lay it to
his heart. 3 Sorrow is better
than laughter: for by the sadness of the
countenance the heart is made better. 4
The heart of the wise is in the house of
mourning; but the heart of fools is in the
house of mirth."
A celebration
with friends
and my family. |
...singing "happy
birthday" |
I thought it was
hysterical that
Andrew blew out my candles! |
one of my great
gifts
and great joys! |
a very special
"tea" |
lollipops at the
tea |
March
26, 2004 I thank the
LORD for this day, for this season and for
His marvelous ways, and I thank Him for His
blessing---for my mom and my late dad.
What a joy to continue celebrating my
birthday with family and friends.
My sweet Kathryn made pies for my
birthday---lemon meringue, chocolate cream
and peanut butter-chocolate, pies.
Incredible! I received a new Starbucks
mug---and if you've seen them, you know
they're wonderful and large! Also... a
left-handed wooden spoon! If you're
right-handed, you probably never considered
that most every tool that is shaped is
designed to be used in the right
hand---therefore, the curve of the spoon is
wrong for left handers who need things that
are are right for lefties.~wink~
Think of all the things that are formed for
the right hand---that mouse in your right
hand, for example, or how about scissors or
the position of the refrigerator's cold and
freezer sections---they're always backwards.
There are many other things...
|
This will be a bittersweet day
as our family gathers to say
farewell for now to our dear
cousin, Kathryn MacKerron
Lindstöm, at a service of
celebration of her life.
We'll miss her sweet ways, her
cheerful outlook and sunny
disposition and cute hats.
We'll always be grateful for
what she taught us and how she
loved life and made everyone
feel special. |
My
Kathryn has made some not-so-secret plans
for a party here in the evening after the
service, and she's planned some things with
our daughter-in-law and my mom... so I am
anxious for that. All this is what I
meant by bittersweet: saying good-bye,
celebrating with my family and rejoicing
over a new life in our daughter-in-law.
All God's ways are good.
March
25, 2004 I sure appreciate
all the gracious letters I've received and
the kind and encouraging words concerning
this blog. I so understand the need
for encouragement and companionship in the
home and that many women have very little
support in their lives---so what a blessing
it is to me to be able to share in this way.
I pray for the continued ability to do so
and for wisdom to share.
It's
been a beautiful day with my mom today---a
delicious lunch and some shopping for my not
yet birthday! Yes, I am really
stretching this one out! We reminisced
days gone by, the happenings with the
children and grandchildren and she shared
with me hopeful things about being older.
She knows I am grieving the passing of a
life-season and the entering a new season.
She bought me a beautiful white teapot and a
tea-strainer for teacups. We tasted
some different coffees which were yummy!
There's a joke around here sometimes that I
oughtta just have a coffee-IV inserted---but
it's not for that, really, I just love
the taste of hot coffee with lots of
cream---(and, uh... chocolate). One of
my favourites is Millstone's Chocolate
Swiss-almond coffee. Any mocha or latté
is fine
with me, too---but I really need to wait on
having these! I also have a favourite
mug---it's the perfect blue. People
who like navy and white stuff know what I
mean about finding the perfect "blue"---and
the just right cup is important, too!
I have a
wonderful new gift this birthday! The
LORD is blessing again---another grandchild
is on the way! I think our son was a
bit dismayed to have to answer our
questions... because he wasn't sure it was
time to divulge the news... but we, never
ones to remain quiet on a hunch, just *had*
to ask if a new baby was on the way---his
stammering for an answer was just the
perfect answer for us! So... around
election time, we anticipate our third
grandchild.
I fondly remember
looking over calendars probably hundreds of
times to calculate and recalculate
birthdates, due dates and weeks till babies
would be born. It was common for me to
make dots and circles as I counted weeks...
forty weeks from this date or 3 months less
plus ten days from this date and so on.
I really should've bought a little wheel
that my midwife used! Well, here's a neat
interactive tool on Ruth's site that'll
calculate dates in an instant!
March
24, 2004 I'm smiling
as I type this thinking that only my mom
would notice that the colours of a double
rainbow are opposite. I know--if
you're like me you were thinking
r-o-y-g-b-v... then v-b-g-y-o-r??
(Scroll down) and so... I'm thinking there
must be some studied explanation for this...
'will have to do some reading on this later
on.
A friend and her daughters are taking my
daughters and me out to a tea lunch today.
This is the first of my birthday
celebrations---which I'm so happy to begin
this way---even though today is not my
birthday! The months leading up to
this birthday have felt heavy as I've
grieved the passing of youth. I
suppose I'll one day look back on these days
and see that *these* were youthful days.
The things I'll never be able to do again
make me sad---things particular to younger
women; and I so wish I'd had a better
understanding to savour the moments of the
years gone by. But 'am seeing
that I'm becoming a part of a group in which
I couldn't participate or even understand
when I was a younger woman; things
particular to grandmothers, mothers-in-law
and gray-haired ladies with calloused knees
and lined faces, women who've both laughed
and sorrowed a lot and have learned the hard
way to trust and obey. Anyway, I'll
take more pics as I'm realizing more and
more the need to treasure these moments.
One of "life-lessons" I'm struggling to
learn lately is to live---really live in the
moments and not live over the moments.
Because of loading up the schedule all the
time over the years, events, birthdays,
responsibilities, etc. have been too often
handled in a 'checklist' manner---especially
if there were several things to do in a few
days' time---such that some occasions have
been sort of stepping stones to the
next---though each was significant---and I
missed them, looking to the next.
No cool links today... and I'm deciding on
purpose not to peruse the news or
newsletters or congressional "alerts."
Maybe tomorrow---but maybe not.
Though, a news junkie can't leave it alone
for many days---or hours. I do have
some book reviews and new sites to
highlight---so more later on those.
A spectacular double rainbow here monday
afternoon!
I
received this quote this morning from
This Day's Thought:
Righteousness as
exemplified by Christ is not merely
the absence of vice or the presence of virtue.
It is a consuming passion for God
which sends you forth in His name to establish
His Kingdom.
---Irving
Johnson
As this day
began, we were mindful that our cousin, Bjorn,
was facing this day alone... had gone to bed and
had gotten up alone... and while we know that
he'd tried to be prepared for what seemed to be
the inevitable: his wife Kathryn's passing, we
know it's so difficult to walk these next steps.
We do praise the LORD for His Hand in their
lives and the testimony of cousin
Kathryn's life---she'd been living with
cancer that required much of her over many years
and yet, through the course of all these years,
Christ was glorified and lifted up and her life
was a testimony to the grace of God. We
thank you, LORD, for cousin Kathryn.
|
We
just received the call saying that our
precious cousin
~ Kathryn Lindstrom ~
has gone to be with the LORD; following
many years of living with Cancer. What a
blessing her life has been to countless
many. May the LORD be
glorified. |
|
She
taught us a lot about really living...
and now about dying.
How grateful we are to have just had a
dinner gathering of the cousins here on
Friday evening and had just had good
fellowship together. I took note
at the time that everyone was giving and
receiving genuinely loving hugs
good-bye...
Cousin Kathryn was such a lovely
woman who loved the LORD and now sees
Him face to face.... no more pain, no
more weakness---only JOY. |
March 22, 2004 |
|
Ahhh
Springtime---Welcome Springtime! What a
blessing to look out, to look ahead and to get this
year's gardens underway! I suppose the gardens
have been underway for some time now---with all the
clearing, pruning and tilling that's being done.
I don't like to start the seedlings
too soon as they just shiver in the
chilly ground when set too soon!
The rose bushes are coming along and the bulbs are
blooming: the daffodils tipping their cups to Spring
and the hyacinths making their fragrant debut. |
|
The landscape in most Northwest gardens does not
naturally look very beautiful for several months of
the year and yet, it seems to me, there's no
comparison anywhere to the beauty of Spring and
Summer in the Northwest! I can never
get over the colour of Spring... the brilliance of
the greens and the exquisite bushes and flowers and
on sunny days: the bluest skies. |
The national news is not so beautiful and the
international news is even worse!
Hamas vow to retaliate not only on Israel, but
on the US as well. On the homefront: In the
news, a headline reads,
Gay Marriages present pastors with a dilemma---I
would think that WAY before this, the Bible presents
them a greater dilemma!
March 20, 2004 You want to have a
good time? Spend more time with your family... Get out your shoeboxes of
pictures---(O, does that surprise you? Pictures
in shoeboxes?) Well, you know, it's people like
me who give inspiration and the creative impetus to
scrap-booking companies! 'Sides, if
people like me didn't need shoeboxes for pictures,
do you think we'd need to buy as many shoes? I
know... you're shaking your head---pamela, get off
the becuter and get your pics in albums where,
because of acidfree paper and ink, they'd be
preserved for many generations! I know what's
really going to happen: in a couple of decades...
who are these people!? (becuter is
ami's word for computer)
It's so beautiful
outside this morning---the kind of day that inspires
the writing of worship songs and all to praise the
LORD for the magnificent beauty of the earth.
Ahhhh Springtime! The leaves that have been
hidden in the branches of the giant weeping
willow beside our home are, it seems,
exploding---and what's been a giant upside-down tan
string-mop for several months is now the most
brilliant green fountain of Spring! It's
ringed by daffodils and jonquils---some we've added, some've been there many many years. I
think one of my greatest joys this spring is to see
the life and growth in a couple of old rose bushes I
dug up from Dad & Mom's ranch the day before the
heavy equipment demolished the old barn and leveled
the orchard and rest of the land. There beside
the old barn were a couple of old rose bushes that
seemed neither alive nor dead. The leaves were
present but dry and yet, there seemed (to me) to be
hope for the salvaging of those bushes, so, I dug
them up! Now that I look back, I recall that's
what I was doing when I fell backward off the branch
and onto my 'backside.' That little fall gave
me reason to stand up most all the time for months!
I still cannot sit comfortably in my dear rocking
chair---the cushioned seat just presses wrong... and
many of you know what I mean as you've shared your
coccyx injury stories! So, today as I see
those sweet old rose bushes, I look back on the many
years and happy memories of the ranch.
Bittersweet memories now.
____________________________________________________________
More reasons to HOMESCHOOL children and to be
totally guarded about their reading of "children's
books!" It's bad enough that history or
geography books seem to all begin: "millions of
years ago..." or "billions of years ago..." but now
we have other subtle indoctrinations surfacing: the
homosexual agenda---the fierce and mighty machine of
the enemy continues the barrage against the Creator
and LORD of the Universe. You can read about
the story book for children,
King and King. The enemy flaunts himself
against God throughout history---reading in Exodus
yesterday, I saw again the subtlety of the enemy in
Moses' reluctance to obey God and then in Matthew,
the temptations he presented Christ---and all
through history the attempts to thwart or undermine
God's creation. We see it everywhere from the
current issue: homosexuality: a total mangling of
God's design, to others: feminism, abortion,
birth-control (yes! I do hold to this strong
conviction that birth-control is not right---I know,
I know there are a million reasons why people use
birth-control or break, working things---),
revisionist history, evolution (except, this: a
messy home *will* evolve into a messier home!), the
proliferation of cults and the occult, religions
that do not have the Word of God as its guide and
headed by Jesus Christ as LORD, Saviour, Creator and
King; and a host of other not so surprising
things---we see in the Bible that all these things
that are happening were foretold by God in His Word.
If we believe the Bible, then even what culture
*demands* be accepted, cannot be condoned---if we
believe the Bible---and we do.
Voices matter... you
can make a difference!
The Broadcast Decency Act of 2004 - S.2056
This is what's happening...
the FCC is
taking action---the FCC on Thursday reversed their
decision allowing stations to use the "f" word.
Now, to many, the use of this or other profane words
is freedom of speech! Vulgar speech is
unbecoming to any people. I smile as I recall my
mama saying that people use vulgar speech because
they're ignorant and do not have a command of the
English language (I think she was teaching me to be
careful in speech---but as always, ended up teaching
me a whole lot more!) ~wink~ So... all these years,
when I hear someone spouting off crude words, I have
this notion (along with a picture of worms coming
out of their mouth) that whatever they're saying is
not credible because if they first do not have a
command of the language, how can whatever they're
trying to convey have any merit!?!
March 19, 2004 Today marks the one year
anniversary of Kathryn's first foot surgery.
Sure was a long road and one that she traveled with
such grace. We're continually grateful to the
LORD for His provision, His care, and mercy in her
life---this is just one of many ways His hand is
evidenced. Many years she walked with pain and
other trials associated with the condition of her
feet and then, with God in His love for her, a
provision was made for her to have the four
surgeries to correct her feet. It was a
major undertaking as people who've experienced this
can attest. Many have encouraged her along the
way---and Kathryn has blessed us in countless ways.
One of the gifts I've shared in the past was a poem
written by a woman on the other side of the world
from us---what a blessing to have Glenys share in
this way---Beautiful
Feet.
The picture behind the poem is part of an
x-ray taken one year ago and then 2 months later
when her cast was removed. Since then, the
pins and screws have been removed and the bones
reshaped. It has really been an incredible
thing to see the transformation and her delight in
what God's done!
Samuel's getting pretty good at helping
Wes by cutting brick coping! |
good
job!
|
Here's a neat deal---a local Google search! I
hadn't seen this before!
local.google.com/lochp
We use the net for lots of things... Google
is really a helpful tool and is a safe way to search
and especially if you have a site name you're
wanting to look up but can't remember if it's .net
or .org or .com or whatever; it's sure better to
look it up on Google [or your favourite search
engine] than to risk (foolish!) guessing and seeing
what you should never have seen!
March 18, 2004 As I type, my eyes
are filled with tears and swirling in my thoughts
are the words of a precious letter I just received
from a missionary in Poland which gave me a glimpse
of *why* the LORD led me to begin and continue daily
writing a weblog---why I'm vulnerable and risk
sharing. You see, I don't write because
of any unique talent or ability, and surely not with
the skill of an accomplished author or writer or
because my life is so overflowing with abundance and
riches or because of the profundity of my
thoughts... no: It's all the LORD. I
blog because as I walk with the LORD, He shows
different things in His Word, in prayer and through
other believers: His ways---and I share them.
I blog because this is the opportunity He has
provided me to give help and hope and friendship to
believers around the world, some who have little or
no fellowship with other believers, little or no
encouragement for motherhood and obedience to God's
Word, little or no hope to be in submission to their
husbands or for being a keeper at home. I
share with homemakers things that have helped me in
our home, in mothering and homeschooling. I
share slices of life around our home and in our
family to, hopefully, offer encouragement---not
because there's anything in particular worthy of
boasting---save, only Jesus and His work---but
because we're just an ordinary family who loves the
LORD and we serve Him with the desire to be a sweet
offering to Him and a blessing to others.
We're not wealthy by American standards, but we are
so humbled by the understanding that the LORD has
literally drenched us with blessings; it takes my
breath away---His mercy. We don't take the
gift of children lightly, or of health lightly, nor
of hearing, nor walking, nor any other ability at
all---for we know it's all God's and it's all God.
Passionate writing, no strong opinions
here---mistakes and all, rants & raves, typo's and
grammatical errors---it's just me with the Welcome
Home blog for you.
_______________________________________________________
It's mind boggling
that the LORD would have *us* to live in such perilous days!
To think that we and our children would, of all
possible days in His-story, live in these days! These
days of immoral relationships, and all the chaos in
the news---incredible, to think that we are living
in these days! Of one thing we can be
certain, these days are not surprising to God.
I'm adding the text from Romans today to
show the ways of man before the Living God.
Romans 1
18 For the wrath of God is revealed
from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of
God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto
them.
20 For the invisible things of him from
the creation of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made, even his
eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without
excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God,
they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and
their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise,
they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the
uncorruptible God into an image made like to
corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted
beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to
uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts,
to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a
lie, and worshipped and served the creature more
than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto
vile affections: for even their women did change the
natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving
the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust
one toward another; men with men working that which
is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that
recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to
retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to
a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient;
29 Being filled with all
unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder,
debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God,
despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil
things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant
breakers, without natural affection, implacable,
unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God,
that they which commit such things are worthy of
death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in
them that do them.
___________________________________________________
Here's a great site in the making:
http://www.futurechristianhomemakers.com/
Laurie: the
founder of Future Christian Homemakers has written:
"For the past 7 years I have been teaching girls in
my home how to cook, sew, keep house and become
Godly homemakers...My fervent prayer is that no girl
will grow up without the skills she needs to be a
successful homemaker!" That's a worthy
endeavor!
You may have read and remember "Through Gates of
Splendor," the story of the 5 men who were speared
to death in 1956 by the "Aucas"? This is the most
famous mission's story of the past 50 years and Jim
Elliot is, of the five, probably the most well
known. Two new movies are being prepared about
this story. This includes how God has changed those
in this tribe. They're called "Aucas" by the outside
world, but they are the "Waorani" people. "BEYOND
THE GATES" is the name of the Documentary film.
"WALK HIS TRAIL" is a drama telling the story of one
of the killers who becomes "grandfather" to the
grandchildren of one of the the men he killed 48
years ago! Steve Saint, son of missionary
martyr, Nate Saint, has become "family" to the
tribe who killed his father. There's a web page
about the Waorani movies:
http://www.bearingfruit.org and the web
page about the work and ministry of Steve Saint:
http://www.i-tecusa.org
March 17, 2004 |
|
Top 'o the Mornin' to ya and
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Are you wearin' the green today? Are
you having corned beef and cabbage for
dinner? How about lamb stew and Irish
soda bread? These are traditional
foods served in Ireland. Funny, Saint
Patrick wasn't even Irish and he surely was never
Catholic as some might think, but truly a
born again believer, a Christian who
preached salvation through faith in Jesus
Christ. He preached against
idolatry and superstition---things for which
the Irish are famous. There is no such
thing as luck---good or bad, but the enemy
sure attempts to persuade otherwise.
More in the News: Save Marriage, preserve
society; preserve marriage, save society. A strong
marriages is the backbone of the family and
therefore, society in general. Some
interesting articles at the
Family Research Council
site.
There are incredible advances or at least a there's a
whole bunch of noise coming from a relatively small
percentage of society. Problem is,
they're a very boisterous, organized, and
well financed group. All of these
factors make it seem an impossible force to
overcome.
|
Tony Perkins, president of the
Family Research Council, has written a great article:
Preserving Marriage, Saving
Society.
Oh, how I pray folks will heed the
wake-up call --- get up and out of the
bed of complacency regarding marriage,
the home, and the family! The
broad scope of the activists agenda has
far reaching effects and deadly
consequences. I often wonder how
much devastation it will take to startle
liberal minds to acknowledge the lies.
Even so, Come Lord Jesus. |
March 16, 2004 The sting of the words: "Convicted
felon Martha Stewart..." gripped me as I read of
her resignation and new title: "founding
editorial director" of the "empire" she built
over the last couple of decades. Not missing a
beat to keep a good thing (no pun intended) going, the
company continues to reface the corporation. It's
likely that coffee tables may soon reflect the change
with Everyday Living magazines as fans stash the Martha
Stewart Living mags for rainy day reading and nostalgia.
Everyday Living is an easy transition as MSO already
puts out Everyday Food. The Everyday Living mag
would have that appeal even sans Martha Stewart because
of the phenomenal infrastructure of the company, the
proven format and style---the appeal she's had
transcends the spectrum. The beleaguered Kmart's
got its work cut out for them on this one!
It's
always a blessing to share home industries and a couple
that I'm so pleased to see doing so well are
Hopechest Legacy and
Simply Graceful. The Hopechest Legacy really
opened my eyes to the complexity of what a Hopechest
really is and what an heirloom it really can become for
a woman. It's so much more than just a box to put
stuff in---it really is a legacy, and the more I've been
considering these for our daughters, the more I see them
as a hope for the future with treasures from the past.
I so recommend Rebekah's book (for mothers of daughters
*and* sons!) and others she recommends on her site.
Then, the Simply Graceful site continues to expand and
bless others with expanded product lines. More on
these another time.
March 15, 2004 Received this link
today...
Hollywood Rethinking Faith Films After ’Passion’.
I think "Hollywood" is trying to understand what's going
on here... and what's going on here isn't the power of
Hollywood; it's not the power of "big name"
actors---it's not any of that at all and I don't think
it's even the power of film, either. It *is*
the power of The Name... the Name above all Names.
It's that, and hundreds of thousands have flocked to see
on film what they've put their hope in! Out of
curiosity, they've allowed themselves to "violate"
convictions that normally preclude the viewing of r
rated films and for many, that's in addition to setting
aside their "non-ecumenical" convictions to see the
film. Add all that to the sensational advertising,
sheer curiosity and peer-pressure to see the film and
then, blend all that with the understanding that it's
the Greatest Story ever told, and you've got a runaway
success. Problem is, Hollywood thinks Hollywood
determines the scope and direction of society and no
matter how things seem... it doesn't. Hollywood's
a facade on which plastic empires have been built and
when a movie like this comes along, Hollywood has to
look in the mirror and it sees no reflection.
Activists are mowing down
some long held
arguments and platitudes---it's past critical time for
Christians to so live that the Word of God be not
blasphemed. Here's an interesting commentary on
marriage:
Marriage Fight A Battle For Our Kids.
Another
incredible story... what a convoluted legal system---ours!
A
woman charged with murder for allegedly refusing to
have a c-section---and yet(!) had that same woman opted
to exercise her "reproductive health" option and had an
abortion, *that* would perhaps have been defended as her
"right!" It's said that "Rowland acted with
depraved indifference to human life." But
abortion---now, isn't that depraved disregard for human
life?!?! Well, so, I'm incredulous
over this---considering the large segment of society's
thinking on life and so-called "reproductive health."
So, on this deal, I'm not taking into account the other
angles of the charge against this woman---I'm only
referencing this recent charge. Sure, the prior
incident and conviction of child-endangerment, her
mental state and apparent drug use factors into this,
but my concern is with a grossly flawed and legal
system. I'm so sorry for the little baby who
died as a result of this mother's neglect and her
ignorance; sorry, too, for a society that disregards
human life and the LORD, our Creator.
Support the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.
Some members
of Congress oppose this legislation, as they claim that
abortion rights will dissolve by establishing legal
rights for the preborn. If babies in the womb are
recognized as 'living human beings' Some lawmakers
are purportedly writing an amendment to the Act that
would recognize only one victim: the mother. But
then, what about the unborn victim? If you've got an
Unborn Victims... Act and you remove the victim...
yes... I'm shaking my head.
|
What a blessed day we had yesterday
--- a day of worship, fellowship around the Word, and
celebrating Timothy's birthday! We're again
mindful of the great gift and blessing of
the LORD in Timothy. How grateful we
are and have been for this dear son.
So... not much
time for blogging today---It's a clean-up day and we've gotta run to the
library, dontchaknow! |
|
Fun with
family
and friends |
|
Too tired... a long, fun day! |
|
Wes, up late...
talking over the Word. |
March 13-14 2004
~
Happy 16th Birthday, Timothy! ~
my buddy & exercise partner! |
_________________________________________________
"How often
do we attempt work for God to the limit of our
incompetency rather than to the limit of God's
omnipotency."
~ J. Hudson Taylor
"I like
my tea as I like my religion - Hot, very
Hot!"
~William Booth, Founder of the Salvation
Army
"All roads lead to the judgment seat of
Christ."
~ Keith Green
"You find no difficulty in trusting the Lord
with the management of the universe and all
the outward creation, and can your case be
any more difficult than these, that you need
to be anxious about His management of it?"
~ Hannah Whitall Smith
March 12, 2004 Well, it must be springtime!
With just less than a month before the Mariner's
home-opener, we listened a little bit to our first
baseball pre-season game on the radio yesterday
afternoon. Now, I'm not a Mariner fan, but I *am*
a fan of boys who love to listen to baseball! The
games plays out in that loud and wild and exciting
stadium of their minds as they
listen to Dave Niehaus
screaming "My Oh MY!"
Yes, This is Timothy in the bathtub he put in the garden
and intends to fill with lilies and fish.
There, in the next pic, is Ami and Andrew standing in
the tub. Never a dull moment around here.
We
celebrate Timothy's 16th birthday this weekend.
What an amazing blessing he is and has been to and for
our family. I marvel at the person
he is and the man he's becoming. There is
no job he will not tackle, no load he will not carry and
no task he refuses. His heart is set to obey--I do
not say this arrogantly, or naively, but actually, with
a very humbled heart, I say this candidly. You
see, I've seen other roads with different children I've
known and I do praise the LORD for this one, in
particular. Wes and I are very grateful to God for
the gift of Timothy. As he was born, his cord,
with a complete knot, was around his neck a couple of
times, and the doctor exclaimed with amazement: "You are
sooooo lucky!" to which I replied, "No, I am so
blessed!" I knew there was a little problem and
had that knot been tighter, Timothy would not have
lived---I knew it was of the LORD. This boy was
and is a gift: I knew it then and I know it better, now.
I know that it was God who brought that child early and
quickly. I know it was God who protected that knot
from tightening as it had to have been that way for
months. I know it was God who gave him this
tender heart and fervor for the Word and things of the
LORD. I know it is God who inspires him and
blesses us. So... as I see the daffodils saluting
Spring, I see the golden haired baby with the sweetest
face. It was just yesterday... I'm pretty sure.
This, from the American Family Association:
StopLiberalJudges.com
Put an end to federal judicial activism that
threatens our religious liberties. Support the
Religious Liberties Restoration Act.
NoGayMarriage.com
Sign a petition showing your support for a
federal marriage amendment which protects
marriage as between one man and one woman.
AgapePress.org
Looking for news from a Christian perspective?
Try free daily e-mail news updates from
AgapePress.
OneMillionMoms.com or
OneMillionDads.com
Fighting for a moral future for our children. |
Pray the LORD
will work in this situation.
alliancedefensefund "The Same-Sex
“Marriage” Juggernaut in San Francisco (and Oregon) is
Ordered to Halt!"
March 11, 2004 Yesterday
afternoon Kathryn made some *delicious* cookies for our
neighbours---but wasn't home to deliver them herself, so
imagine her delight in discovering later last night that
when her sister and brother took the cookies over, they
saw that it was his birthday and his girlfriend, Elaine,
said the cookies would add to the surprise of his party!
Now... this situation, as many others in our lives, is
an opportunity to share the love of God and to be a
blessing to others because of Him. My husband has
encouraged us many times to seek ways to do this sort of
thing and so we look for opportunities and listen for
ways we can bless others. The LORD is so good and
so faithful---how can we do anything but seek ways to
demonstrate our gratefulness to and for Him?
How gracious is the
LORD to provided the books I've just received! How
just a little reading in them so far has rekindled my
fervor to guide my children in our home. Now, she
didn't know how much I needed this spark in home-keeping
and training the children, but
Barbara Curtis sent me some of her books this week
and I want to share with you over the weeks ahead some
highlights from her books. Practical, practical,
practical---that's what I love! The one that
really has my attention at the moment is Ready, Set,
Read! I'm afraid that the book: Lord, Please Meet
Me In The Laundry Room, will hit too close to home...
but I'll get to it---after I get another load or two
done. By the way---I do think there's a real
blessing having the laundry *in* the kitchen---there's
no way to "let it go" ---it must stay done every day!
So, back to the "Reading" book; I have lately
neglected the careful early reading skills---too often
in the last five years, I've done the most expedient
thing (which really isn't expedient at all) at the
moment instead of careful, measured teaching on purpose
day by day---at the younger ages! I've been
reading to the children but I've not bee requiring from
them the same things I required of the olders and so...
they don't read as well or at the very young age that
the older children did. However, the older
children didn't get my 'play-time' attention that the
youngers are getting because of my 20/20 hindsight that
knows how much is lost or how quickly time goes by.
In the end... I pray the LORD will order up every
attempt at serving Him through child training and well
loved children---to His glory. They're all sweet
to me---tallest to smallest.
Ah... society!
How grievous to watch the decline... and yet to consider
that God, who is rich in mercy, allows things that are
evil, allows the consequences of sin, and yet works
through all the devastation for His glory. People
mock God everywhere, everyday. But the ekklesia,
the called out ones, the church, is to obey Him, to seek
His face and to worship Him---but is the 'church'
sleeping? Is it too busy finding ways to entertain
itself and the would-be attendees of local institutional
churches? Opportunities are given
everyday for people to hear the good news of the gospel
and to respond and repent of sin---for sin separates man
from God eternally and faith in the Lord Jesus brings to
that repentant believer: life everlasting. We pray
now, more than ever that people who refuse God, people
who fear giving up their independence, would turn to
God---and would accept the call---for we know, as Jim
Elliot so aptly said, that "He is no fool who gives up
what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
Fools rage against God---but Jesus has paid the price
for fools---for us even when we were dead in trespasses
and sins---the Word says,
"But God, who is rich in
mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even
when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together
with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us
up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places
in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show
the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward
us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the
gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians
2.4-9
O, how I pray for
Christians to heed the wake up call --- for the day is
far spent! We are careening down the steep slope
to destruction as a nation. When sin, injustice
and immorality reign, and when man perverts the Word of
God and evil abounds, then the nation is corrupt and
condemned and cannot survive. The Word says that
"Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach
to any people." (Proverbs 14.34)
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them
that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness
for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for
sweet, and sweet for bitter!
When a United Methodist "pastor" would become a
"chaplain" for Planned Parenthood, and men and women
would pervert God's design with their unbounded lust and
pride, when fathers would leave their families for the
pleasure of sin for a season, when pornography and
gambling are eating up the resources of homes, when
mothers kill their own children---innocent babies who
then have no protector, when girls will sell their
bodies, and women dress as harlots, and when evil is
exalted everywhere, the stench is deathly
sickening---there is no hope but hope in the LORD, for
only the Creator of the universe----the Creator of
everything in it has power to undo the hideousness of
what sin has wrought. O, I pray the LORD
will be merciful and save this nation---not for the
nation's sake---but for the lost souls in it. I
saw a bumper sticker: Can God Bless America?
So, this
chaplain of Planned Parenthood [what a sick oxymoron
of a name---when you know abortion is anything but
planned parenthood. Heaven hears those cries.
Do we?] is supposedly there to provide "spiritual
insight and guidance to the reproductive health
movement." Now, if abortion is anything but
planned parenthood, then surely murdering children is
not reproductive health!
So, as for the United Methodist Church---it's gotta make
you wonder who is their god.
I can see why the
LORD would say that judgment must first begin at the
household of faith. 1Peter 4.17 For the time is
come that judgment must begin at the house
of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end
be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
I received a nice letter from the folks at
EraceBoards.com---I'd mentioned them the other day.
their prices are very low and I think you'll like the
variety of boards. They've got a great "classroom"
package deal... now, we don't have *that* many
students---we never made it to 30 children. And,
remember.... about women not having children after
35---35 children is enough for any woman!
After taking more time looking through the
EraceBoards.com site, I noticed a link for magnetic
boards and supplies, which are also extremely
helpful---not just in homekeeping, or homeschooling, but
for business as well. So here you go... another product
to help you at home or in business. It's
Magnatag.com ; They offer custom printed
dry-erase boards at modest prices--now, modest prices is
usually code for: you'll get over the sticker shock when
you see how nice the product is! But in this case,
I think the pricing the quote really is fair.
March 10, 2004
A
beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest---both sunny and
foggy, beautiful and chilly! (Got a
pic I'll put up later on! It's great!)
I read of David's absolute anguish over those that would
turn their backs on God, those that would flaunt their
vile deceptions and yet with all his sorrowing over sin,
he fully recognizes that it is God who carries him and
it is to Him that vengeance belongs. So then, here
with all this beauty and the admonition I'm mulling over
these days: to lead a quiet life, etc., etc., and
considering the fact that I know and trust that
everything is in the Hand of the LORD---all the weights
of the bag are His and He holds the world and all life
in the balance... even knowing and being fully persuaded
by these things... Why
stand up against any 'alternative' to marriage and why
engage in battle against so-called "gay-marriage" and
other atrocities? Why? Because of all this. Because of the grim
consequences of such unions and for the sake and future
of our nation.
Pete Winn interviewed Dr. Alan Keyes on this matter
and his answers were wise and thought provoking.
My continued course will be to encourage and admonish
believers to stand strong and finish well, to guard
their marriage and guide their homes well, to stand
against evil and promote good. These days are incredible days---as our society is
deteriorating, it will not survive on its current
course. Our society has already eroded to the
point of *seeming* no return and no remedy---save a
miraculous Spiritual reformation---save a miraculous
work of the LORD. In countries
where homosuality is widely accepted, marriage is
virtually unheard of---thus the family, as we know it,
does not exist. If that doesn't grip you!
One of the consequences of immorality is death---though
people would argue that point---God will not be mocked.
Our society is in dire straits. Interestingly, our
government leaders who've made careers of "representing"
(?) the people *seem* to have little knowledge of or
regard for their predecessors or for the role of the
Word in our nation's founding and existence. How
arrogant and foolishly they behave who do not learn or
gain wisdom from the teachers of the past. O, pray
for our leaders, pray for our nation---now more than
ever, we need His touch.
Even in the midst of
this struggle for righteousness and godliness to be
revived and once again be the foundation on which our
nation stands, there is a fierce battle raging all over
the world---the enemy of Christ taking many
forms---persecution, destruction and death of Christians.
Voice of the Martyrs tells many stories. O, in
our own small worlds it may be hard to fathom the
persecution of Christians all over the globe---it's just
staggering, but its a grim reality! And here, as
our country continues its moral decline and with the
arrogance of those that call evil good and good evil, it's
not difficult at all to imagine persecution of this
magnitude in America---shocking as that would be, it's
not difficult at all to imagine.
Well, we've nearly
concluded our journey through Acts in our family morning
devotions. Yes... it has taken us a rather long
time to wind our way through this incredible book.
But, it's been a blessing as we've watched the story of
the church---the ekklesia---unfold. Interestingly,
the reading/study of this book of the Bible has given
rich food for thought and understanding of what "church"
is and what it means to be a church! Then as
we have sought to better understand just what the
"church" looks like, we've come to appreciate many
aspects of
home fellowships or house churches. This
desire and our actions are often met with negative
feedback---but we're not seeking the approval of man,
but the blessing of the LORD. So, in our
searching, we're continually striving for a bond of love
with our brothers and sisters in Christ,
believers---though they may not understand or may even
disagree with some of our ideas, we pray they see our
desire for peace---with and for them---but more, that
they, too, seek Him and His will.
March 9, 2004
How these days stymie us... how the events of our
times grieve our hearts. I ask the LORD
continually to reveal Himself to the hearts of men.
"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and
for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (ps
107) I ask Him for His ways and I marvel
over the Scriptures which promise His purposes will be
fulfilled and His working all things together for good
to them that love Him and are the called according to
His purpose. It's difficult to see good in the
evil of the day. Sodom was wicked---very wicked
and the Lord would have saved that city were there even
but few righteous but there were none righteous!
What will be the end of America? What of other
nations? I know that His Hand is moving all over
the world... when Glenys wrote, I knew that His power
was there, "down under" and when Sconces write, we know His Hand is
there. Wherever missionaries all over the world are
persecuted for the faith, the LORD is there. How
this country has become so arrogant and ignorant of the
ways of the Lord---what a stiff necked people we
have become---every man doing what is right in his own
eyes. But God. But God who is rich in mercy.
Consider the beauty everywhere today---how merciful the
Lord God is.
Well, I sure have
been mulling over this
case against Martha. Interesting to read the
different articles. I've considered the enormous
impact she's had on our society. She shaped a huge
segment of our culture, gave women who never thought
they could decorate a home or a cake or a letter: power
to do them and do them well. She brought a sense
of creativity that was screaming to be
developed---especially in a society that seems
preoccupied with darkness and evil and depression.
She made the art of
homemaking a reality with products that could be
purchased in stores that "Mrs. Anybody America" could
afford shop in. It was her creativity and
decorative flair that attracted all ages and walks of
life. But sadly, now this is one of those cases
where everybody loses. Nobody wins in this
deal---not really. So, it's sort of a bizarre
twist, somehow because she's a woman, perhaps some would
want to be more lenient and then others seem to want to
destroy her. Such a turn of events, sort of an
enigma, she sure had a lot going for her and because so many
have followed this "domestic diva" and regardless of
ones feelings about her... she's been a household
name---an American icon. I wonder about all the
women who've faithfully followed her---because right or
wrong, guilty or no, she's brought great shame on her
name---and then there's the present reality of all the
good things. The things that were a good thing, are
still a good thing.
Well, the "not in
my backyard" has happened...Seattle will recognize same
secs marriage. This, from
The Herald: Mayor Greg Nickels "doesn't have
the authority to begin issuing gay marriage licenses, as
the mayors of San Francisco and New Paltz, N.Y., have
done, because marriage licenses are handled by counties
in Washington." Further, Nickels "signed an executive
order that requires city departments to begin
recognizing the marriages of gay employees who get
married elsewhere." [clearly anarchy!] Six couples
were denied licenses so they filed a suit in King County
Superior Court, seeking to overturn the state's 1998
Defense of Marriage Act. Two of the people
represented in the lawsuit are women who came with their
two children. Where did these children come
from!!! They want to be able to look [their?]
"kids in the eye and have them see us as a family, like
all the other families in their lives... we are
parents and we want to protect their futures."
Protect their futures? What? I know, I know... I'm
mulling over that leading a quiet life... deal.
This from the
Seattle PI, "As it is, state law prevents
County Executive Ron Sims from issuing marriage licenses
to same-se.. couples. [In the Defense of Marriage Act
1998 law says] "Marriage is a civil contract between a
male and a female," and denies recognition of same-se..
unions in other states. Neither the city of
Seattle nor King County can define the terms of
marriage," Sims said in an interview yesterday. "There
is nothing I can do. Governments cannot pick and choose
which laws they're going to enforce." What? they
can't pick and choose what laws they're going to enforce
--or not!-- enforce? They *are* picking and
choosing! In clear violation of
State law (scroll down on that link page),
Because of "Executive Order", The city will recognize
same-se.. marriages in other states for the purpose of
employee benefits. "Gay and lesbian city employees
now fill out forms to obtain benefits for "domestic
partners." If they get married, they can just check the
"married" box and skip the paperwork." Easy
as that... just check the box. No consequences...
I'm wondering a
couple of things... where and when do Christians stand
up and make a case against ungodliness? And, I'm
wondering what our friends over at
Judicial Forum are saying about all this.
They're in Idaho... maybe they're getting out the big
guns... (uh, that was a figure of speech--) and saying,
not in my backyard!!
March 8, 2004 The LORD is gracious! Omy, This day surely
hasn't gone the way I imagined it would go or rather,
even how it was already going prior to noontime.
When my husband returned home, having been gone two
minutes, asked me to get ready to go---and once I was
walking out the door he let me know that he'd be picking
up our friend's truck and so I'd need to go help with
that. I didn't ask any questions---just followed!
He then let me know that our friend was in the hospital
and that's all he knew. As I type this, I'm
mindful that we'd had a good time of study in the Word
here this morning and prayed for each of our friends and
many acquaintances by name. Wes had also talked
about the uncertainties of life and the One certainty we
*do* have---when we have faith in Jesus Christ.
Our children are often made profoundly aware of the ways
of the LORD when events, such as today's, happen. Wes
and I have had many opportunities to meet friends in
hospitals and the joy of talking with the LORD on behalf
of our friends. As it happens, this friend, who is
more than a brother to Wes, was suffering head pain from
a concussion---post concussive syndrome, they called it.
He's home now, and needs rest. O, my heart was
racing for a moment, because it was this friend who, one
morning 7 years ago, called me and asked me to come to
that same hospital because he needed some information as
they'd had a "little incident" on the job.
It wasn't till after I got there that I saw this was
quite a bloody "little incident" that required some
reconstructive hand surgery. Mike neglected (on
purpose) to tell me it was a "little skil-saw incident."
So they've been through many "little incidents"
together! Today was a blessing as our friend,
Joyce, shared of her daughter's initiative and
responsibility in taking care of some needs at home.
Such an encouragement that the work invested in child
training is very effective and this trial was a sort of
proving ground and she did exceedingly well! So
thankful for cell phones! Mike called her... Joyce
could call Wes---I could talk with him on the way to the
hospital, I could talk with Kathryn on the way, I could
let them know what was happening and then later, let
them know I was on my way home. So thankful for
the provisions that make our time here so much easier.
I don't take these things lightly or for granted.
I know that I know that I know---it's of the mercy of
the LORD that we have any of these things, that our life
it what it is, that we are not consumed day by day.
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*
How do you know that it's Monday in Seattle?
The *sun* is shining!
*
Where can you park for *free* in Seattle?
On I-5! |
It's a blessing
to me to receive email from many different people with
various concerns, or requests or ideas to share. I
can't always reply to the encouraging emails but am so
thankful for the gracious letters. I receive
letters from "start-up" businesses and from ladies
who're starting or running home businesses. When I
believe the particular biz would benefit other ladies, I
heartily recommend the site. Well, I've got a few
today--- a new one to me comes from a man who wrote to
share about dry-erase boards after seeing my link to
another company in our
homeschool page. Apparently, this man & his
father-in-law have a
company that offers the boards at a better price---now
I haven't seen the boards, but they look to be of good
quality---plus, they are believers and so that's the
reason I'm suggesting the site. We like
dry-erase boards for school work! A couple of
ours have bright clock-faces on them for teaching
'telling time' and can be used very well for teaching
fractions. We also have some story-boards (half
lined, half blank) and some math-boards (columns in
light gray). O, and we use (I buy a case of
three or four colours) the low odor markers now so
there're less noxious fumes. I used to wonder why the
children were passing out at math time ;-)
So... yesterday
was a blessing. I'm mulling over the messages we
heard in our fellowship and seeking application for
each. A few, in particular, stood out to me...
living a quiet life... what does it mean to live a quiet
life, and what does it mean to steal... what do we
steal? Interesting examples followed. Do we
steal time? Do we steal envelopes, paper, etc.
from work (if we're in the work-place)? I'm
thinking today of what I might be stealing... time that
ought to be for my family or husband... thoughts... lots
of thoughts. SO... I am especially watching my
time on the computer! Another message came from
Philippians... and another from the life of Jacob---he
reaped what he'd sown. His sons manipulated as he
had manipulated or deceived. He was wrestling with
God---he began to understand and have a heart after
God... but what of the training of his sons? My
husband was sharing about fathers leading their
children. And in doing so, they'll do one of three
things: they'll lead well, they'll lead poorly, or
they'll not lead at all. They'll all do *one* and
perhaps most commonly, a combination of the three, and
sadly many do the third: not lead at all. There
was further talk of the consequences of not leading at
all. Food for thought!
March 6, 2004
I think my life must be screaming for some comic relief
or I've just really gone totally over the top.
Anyway... I don't know if it was the recent enjoyment of
watching some home decorating shows at my mom's house or
if it's our constant quest to find better ways of doing
things or making over and decorating our home with
things we have, or what. But seeing the
cell-makeover's was totally funny to us---NOT
mocking cells, not mocking anyone---just the funny
thought of decorating a place that *never* would be
decorated like these pictures. Okay---enough
disclaimers! I think Hannah got some
decorating ideas for all the sets of bunkbeds & small
spaces we have in our home! However, in linking to these
pictures, I've totally separated the person of Martha
Stewart from the hysterical pictures of cell
transformations. I laughed as much over the
Martha/Irma
Bombeck Christmas letter. So, all this
laughing is not at the person but more the lack time or
ability or creativity some of us may have, or the season
of our life that prevents tea-room décor or our more
shabby than chíc furnishings. Levity... just a
little levity.
Speaking of décor...
I cannot remember a Saturday without some great concern
over getting some work done for Sunday. I wrote of
the "lifted weight" of responsibility. But now,
I'm experiencing a phenomenal sense of wondering just
what to do *now!* Well, that feeling gives way to
reality and reality says: clean the house! So,
that's what I am doing today---cleaning! There are
so many things that need to be taken care of that I not
just sure where I ought to begin. Trouble with
abstract random's is that it would not be unheard of for
me to have gone into a room to make a bed, clean &
vacuum the floor or to change the linen and bedding and
then, instead(!), to paint the room and rearrange the
furniture. I've been known to do this in the
middle of the night, too. Poor little children who
went to sleep in bed only to wake the next morning to
find the bed against an opposite wall and dressers and
bookshelves moved either *out* of the room or to a
different location in the room. You can
imagine why the Kitchen is such a conundrum to me---that
refrigerator! O, and toilets & tubs... I can
always think of a way it would've worked better for me!
March 5, 2004
I'm late blogging today. I've so appreciated
the letters I have received regarding the movie, my
suggestion that you visit
Barbara Curtis'
website to glean from her writings and that you're
keeping up with news
in our government from Judicial Forum. I've
been trying to do as much replying as I can, but am sure
behind! As we're able, we reply asap!
Duty calls and I answer here, first! ;-)
As if a weight has
been lifted off my shoulders, after five years of doing
secretarial work for our local church, I've completed my
last regular weekly responsibilities. It's
bittersweet because I like doing the work and it's a
blessing to serve, but strangely, at the same time, it's
totally a relief to eliminate the duty. I think
often in my Christian walk that I have equated busy-ness
with faithfulness and work = sanctification. Now,
you and I know that's totally untrue but it's sort of a
programmed deal in the church--- as if the ones whose
work is most visible means they're the more "faithful"
members. You know... you've heard it... a
woman is eulogized for all her work, the quilting bee's
she hosted, the women's Bible studies she taught, the
car-pooling, the cleaning and organizing of the church
kitchen, the showers she arranged, the pies she baked...
all her work. (There's a ton that could be written
for the accomplishments of men, too!) What a
blessing all these things are(!) ---but--- I think
sometimes there's this guilt trip women take when they
*don't* or *can't* do all those things! Then, to
make matters worse, they begin to *believe* the *lie*
that busy-ness equals godliness. So, where was I
going with all that... ah, freedom---freedom in Christ
to do just what *He* calls us to do, not of "fear of
man" but of love and obedience for and to *Him!*
Ah, so you *had*
to know it was coming!
Martha, Martha... careful and troubled about many
things. I was just saying to my older children---just
watch, the media is going to have a field day with this
one (pretty cells and colour coordinated jumpsuits, and
on and on...)---and, sure enough, here's just a
glimpse of what's to come.
(I'm
*not* endorsing the mocking!)
You know, it's incredible to me what's a big deal and
what's not. What sends the media into a frenzy and
what it overlooks or dismisses out of hand.
Incredible---that totally lewd immorality is lauded and
other things incite rage ( like this unbelievable amount
of attention or focus on MStewart and yet scandalous
transactions are overlooked probably every working day
of the year---it's so bizarre to me that
the same people who defend whales are completely
comfortable with the choice to have a baby murdered;
who'd protest prayer or the study of theology in schools
but promote witchcraft or education/promotion of homose-uality in
the same. O, don't you think it's such a convoluted system we have---and now think of this: though this
generation's been steeped in vulgarity from music lyrics
to MTV to lewd movies there are
many who're concerned over people viewing The
Passion of the Christ and are suddenly concerned about young
people viewing an R rated movie! With all the
truly vulgar things broadcast everywhere,
everyday---it's outrageous: the anti-Christian attack---and
it's simply that: anti-Christian.
It seems that the
barrier between
justice and absolute anarchy in this country is all
but eroded and soon the dike will give way entirely.
The atrocities of judicial tyranny, the moral decline or
the steep immoral incline, and the
destruction of the family: the
daddy-mommy-children-in-the home-family. Soon all
the clamoured-for or demanded freedom will become the
cinched noose or springboard to the black abyss.
And we go on... licking ice cream cones. Do we
hear the cries?
Does it matter that the world is going to hell?
(powerful reflections by Amy Carmichael).
March 4, 2004 It
feels like we're being washed under the tide... now the
same sx "marriage" has moved a tad bit closer to home.
Now marriage licenses have been
issued in Oregon. But, no matter what people
say or do, whether they "get married" or whatever: it's
just paper because God already outlined and defined
marriage---and no, it's not just a matter of semantics,
it's not a matter of 'rights' ---it's a matter of
violations of moral absolutes. God cannot---will
not be mocked. He's already proven that and we
have His Word on it. I'm wondering if the
"marriage licenses" that have been granted around the
country will be revoked, shouldn't the judges power or
positions also be revoked as well? This, from Fox:
"The Senate Judiciary Constitution subcommittee is
probing whether the Massachusetts judges overstepped
their bounds." Judges may have overstepped their
bounds... -----uh, ya think?
Why be concerned about
this, why be disturbed? We're seeing rapid fire
assault on marriage, on the family: on our future.
It's grievous, really very dreadful. O, God save
our nation.
What
a blessing it has been to receive email from people I
don't know and will likely never meet this side of
heaven. What a marvelous thing it is to share
ideas and give & receive encouragement. Such
has been the case with the author I shared about a
couple of days ago. Now after reading some of her
articles and ordering her book, I'm all the more
inspired to share about her work with you.
Barbara Curtis
is a most gracious woman and being that I'm a mom with
many children, I can so relate to some things that are
unique to large families. I appreciated reading
and agree with her article on how to
get kids to help at home ---and something that's not
unique to large families, is the need to have children
be and be able to be helpful in (age appropriate)
situations. She points out the need to start out
as I say, before the need arises. Illustrating how
a child can be discouraged from doing a job before he
ever gets the chance to try it out, she suggests
starting early! I so agree. I believe we
moms can get so wrapped up in perfection and performance
that we miss those wonderful teachable moments and then
wonder why or how in the world we ended up with children
who don't or won't help out or who have a poor attitude
about work. Speaking of poor attitudes, this
reminds me of a very good website---that'll really
encourage you---and you might do well to read some of
her articles especially if you've got some (young)
troubles on your hands. Elizabeth shares loving
parenting with
only occasional trips to the woodshed.
That treadmill
was getting dusty so I thought it was time to "un-fold"
it and use it! This time, thirty minutes was a
very comfortable walk. It was easier while
watching a movie, so I'll need to go to the library and
pick up some 'educational' movies for my walks.
Now, for those of you who walk regularly, this must
sound rather silly; but for those of you who don't walk
regularly, taking the time to walk (nowhere!!) seems
like a waste of time. On the other hand, if being strong and
staying well requires that I do this, then this seems
less and less like a waste of time! The treadmill
is actually pretty efficient---space-wise and time-wise!
So glad for that
ready
mop! This floor gets to be a mess around here
by noon and dinner each day! I'm thankful for that
mop hanging on a nail in the closet "at the ready!"
We've tried *many* mops ---many--- mops! This
one's by far my favorite. Sometimes I use a thin
wash-cloth in place of the 'ready-mop' pads on the mop
and I've used other cleaners in the solution bottle.
What I thought was going to continue to be a pricey mop
has turned out not to be!
March 3, 2004
Get Bibles --- people need to hear the Word!
This morning I had a
real good talk with a dear friend here whose
opinions I value and who's been a true friend
through many years so I understand her words and
feelings on things. That said, after
hearing---really listening---to her thoughts on "The
Movie" and from several emails I have received, I must
share that I so appreciate the testimony of how the
LORD's used the experience in each life---and btw, I
sure don't look down on or condemn anyone for seeing the
film. My cautions are just that... cautions---not
condemnations! All those who've seen the film echo
the sentiment that they'll never be the same, never
again take Communion lightly and will never consider
lightly the stripes and pain He bore for our
transgressions, the sin ---our sin--- that nailed Him to
the Cross and that after all that horrific scourging, He
forgave still and He rose again, and lives today.
And the impossibility ---apart from grace--- of our
being crucified with Christ is a reality now, more than
ever.
So, Here's
the latest deal on the movie---then I'll give it a
rest---I've dug myself in pretty deep on this one and
there're lots more thoughts and lots more passion,
too---but then, I'm thinking: Is this profitable and is
it going to be edifying? So what I'm going to do
is leave
a site link on here and you can take a look at which
ever of the many angles you want to read about.
I'm telling you---this one's not cut and
dried---there're too many angles, too much symbolism and
too much passion on both sides---the deal is this:
Christ died to save sinners; the price has been paid and
to be saved, one must believe in faith on the LORD Jesus
Christ. We must give the world an answer for the
hope that's within us. The world sees Christians
and all the sensational programs and promises. The
banners and billboards---the mass marketing of studies
and plans and all the trappings that go along with them.
Let us not get caught up in vain debates or in the
pretty trinkets. Let us love and let us so live as
the LORD commands.
1 John 5.20-21 And we know that the Son of God is come,
and hath given us an understanding that we may know him
that is true and we are in him that is true, even in his
Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and
eternal life. Little children keep yourselves from
idols.
__________________________________________________________________
I just talked with my daughter-in-law about
some cake decorating supplies and gave her a
small list of supplies to add to her order.
We've made a cake called
The Triple Chocolate Celebration Cake---a
Bon Appetít, Epicurious cooking school
cake---chocolate, ganache, chocolate mousse
triple layer cake! The delicious cake is
quite spectacular and makes a stunning
presentation. One aspect of the cake
is that
chocolate transfers are used to make
beautiful designs on the frosting of the
cake.
Beryl's offers many many cake & pastry
decorating supplies and ideas. I wish
we'd thought of this site when we we looking
for
special cookie cutters---they have lots
of them! I know, I know... what in the
world am *I* doing talking about
butter-sugar-flour foods, anyway!?!? |
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March 2, 2004 (late night) Well, it's sometimes a risky thing to blog frankly
and openly on heated topics. I don't recall a more
emotionally charged issue than the release, and ensuing
debate over, The Passion of The Christ. Now... I
don't want to be offensive, nor do I "like" being
critical---in fact, because of all the controversial
stuff and all the "ah-ha" moments we've been having
lately, I've been more critical than I've ever
been---sort of how it gets when you spend time with
negative people... you know? You start behaving
just like them! I look in the mirror and say: ohmygoodness, I don't think I've ever been so
pessimistic about so many things! I've had
acquaintances who were negative and what a drain it was
to spend time talking. I guess that's what
inspires me to look on the brighter side---the bearing
all things, hoping all things, enduring all things, way
of thinking. The current controversies have really
weighed heavily on my heart and my cautions and negative
views have not been meant as a personal vendetta.
I do have the caution lights blinking---and I'll
continue to have them blinking---without seeing the
film, I'm sure it seems to be ignorant criticism---but
I'd rather just collect information, pray and seek ways
to help or to encourage people now that the movie's a
fact---it's out, it's being seen, and it's being talked
about everywhere we've been. Especially, I thank
those who've written---I value each of the opinions and
thoughts shared regarding the film.
That said, I do want
to clarify my reference to and opposition to the
proliferation of movie and book stuff (trinkets and
trash). When my dad was working in advertising,
he'd bring us things that had come out to promote
products or companies or campaigns and he always called
the stuff (that's a biblical term, you know) "trinkets
and trash" and so, that's why I refer to the "stuff"
that way. And I know that the movie and the other
books (Jabez, et al) are not the same---but the
merchandizing is! I'm not ashamed to say it's a
shameful shame!
A new (to me)
site for searching for more stuff---dishes, etc. to add
to your search list is Ruby Lane. I check
eBay for dishes quite often---now, I'll check
Ruby Lane for dishes too. Occasionally we see our
patterns and have ordered a couple of pieces.
We've been so pleased with every single one of our eBay
purchases and have never had any difficulties or
misrepresentations of products. It's amazing
*what's* on there for sale---anything and everything!
March 2, 2004
Taking in over 125 million dollars (gulp) in its
first five days,
you had to know it was coming... the
trinkets and trash. It'll be interesting to
see just what comes of the movie, The Passion of the Christ,
and the
proliferation of
books (!), stuff, of things... uh, witnessing tools.
How about a Bible! The
tools... the reasons, the discussion guides... how
'bout a BIBLE! It goes without saying that this
generation seeks an answer. This generation seeks
a sign. Look at the proliferation of the
material(!) after the Prayer of Jabez and the
trend following that book. It'll be no surprise to
see a resurgence or broadening of ecumenical teaching,
principles or philosophies and the impact of such
on the "church" in America (not to mention the nonsense
we export to other nations). What is the LORD
saying to us in/through all this?!? Dontcha find
it incredible that the majority of the movie-goers were
Christians/Catholics/etc. and I'm thinking the very ones
who don't often go to "R" rated movies and now they've
made this one one of the top 5 day grosser's of all
time? Pretty incredible, huh? Faith cometh by
hearing and hearing by the Word of God. How
'bout a Bible!
I just received
an email from a mama of 12 children---extraordinary!
While I looked over her letter and then "visited" her
website, what caught my eye a couple of times was a
quote she has on a couple of pages, "God's gifts put
man's best dreams to shame." Isn't that a remarkable
statement?! She seems to be an amazing woman.
It's not just because she's written many many books---on
homeschooling and other topics, articles, columns, etc.
It's not because she's traveled extensively, or that
she's got an artistic flair or an ability to communicate
so well on so many different topics. What I found
to be the most noteworthy is her obvious love for the
LORD and her desire to be obedient or yielded to Him.
Peace that passes understanding is the peace she
demonstrates in the joyful acceptance of all of her
children---with, or without Down's Syndrome.
Barbara Curtis's site and books will likely make a
significant impact on your life!
March 1, 2004
Ah--the first day of another month! I resisted the
temptation to do this in green and shamrocks--part of my
family is Irish, but I've never been too involved with
Irish traditions or whatever. I guess over the
years as we've steered clear of superstitions and
traditions of men, we've not practiced 'cultural'
expressions of the Irish.
In the news "'Gay
Marriage' is not about 'Rights'" This, by David
Limbaugh - Friday.
Talk, talk, talk about the Passion. If you didn't
read the article, by Andrew J. Webb,
you can read some valid points for your
consideration. Many continue to ask us if
we'll see the film---our answer remains: we don't know,
but we tend to think not. My continued thought is
that I can never "un-see" what I've seen and my strong
opposition to the movie in the first place is that the
focus of Christ's death was not his beating but that the
agony and the passion was the bearing of the weight of
the sins of the world and the atonement for sin---His
resurrection is evidence of the penalty being paid and
is the finished work of the Cross. The focus is
misplaced in the film. Another strong opposition
is that Roman Catholic tradition or accounts plays in
and artistic liberty adds things that are not recorded
in the Word ---Mary proposing to help Him carry the
cross with a flash-back to her helping Him up as a child
after a fall. These, along with the portrayal of
satan---which I am totally opposed to. I never
take part in things dealing with satan. (I
know---narrow--- and I don't read books by Tolkien or
Lewis or watch movies based on their works.)
Many tell us
that Mel Gibson is a believer--- his views have surely
changed over the months---my hope is that this is the
genuine work of the LORD in his heart. Months ago
he asserted that none outside the church (RC) will be
saved. Now, all are children of God---a
blasphemous statement if he means that. Eternity
will sort all this stuff out.
It totally
matters if/when Biblical accounts are compromised.
It's here. It's done. Like the
purpose-driven anything, it's a force to be dealt with.
So---that said, what we tell people now has got to be
unshrouded truth---the truth of the gospel and the
saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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