The Dark Tale

(Gleanings from the Inner Life of Ruth Bryan)

December 31st, 1837.

The last day of the year has come again! How rapidly are the wheels of time revolving and bearing me on to a boundless eternity! Another year closing, and of what do its "gone-by" periods testify? Why! of aggravated transgression and ingratitude on my part—and most astonishing mercy and longsuffering from my covenant God!

There has also been granted more laying hold of Christ; and, when sensible of sin, more running to Him for pardon and cleansing, and, as it were, hanging upon Him in my desperate case. All this, with much more, I take to be very, very great mercy.

But, oh! the dark tale of my own sin, which has also marked this year—it is too black to be told!
Ingratitude,
murmuring,
carnality,
worldliness,
unbelief,
backsliding,
and a thousand other evils—make up a list which ought to sink me into shame and self-abasement!

Almighty Spirit, condescend to melt me into real contrition, that having received much—I may love much; and having sinned much—I may have much forgiven.

I am sure the flesh is no friend of mine, and as I have not resolution to cut off its right-hand sins, and to pluck out its right-eye sins—it is most merciful of the Lord to do it for me. And though I often cry out from pain, my heart says—Go on, Lord, deal with me as You will; only support and bring me to walk closely with You.

Happy New Year!

Tomorrow begins a new year. What a great time to reflect on God's blessings and mercies over the past year and look ahead to a new year and how we can grow to glorify Him more completely.

Anybody else want to share?

Last year was another opportunity for us to see His faithfulness as He orchestrated all the details of our move from St. Louis to Fairway--selling of a house, leading us to the right area and house to buy, safety in driving over for us and our truckload of stuff, and then giving us a church home at Providence. Six months after our move, we are AT HOME here. What great grace He's shown us.

In 2008, I want to grow in loving brothers and sisters in Christ better and being more of an encourager. I also want to be a better home manager. And needless to say, I want to grow in my comprehension of the Glorious Gospel.

Have a safe and happy celebration tonight!

Jennie

The Star

The day of the Christmas presentation finally arrived. My young daughter, Jana, was so excited about her part that I thought she was to be one of the main characters, though she had not told me what she was to do. The parents were all there and one by one the children took their places. I could see the shepherds fidgeting in the corner of the stage meant to represent the fields for the sheep. Mary and Joseph stood solemnly behind the manger.

In the back three young wise men waited impatiently. But still Jana sat quietly and confidently. Then the teacher began: "A long time ago, Mary and Joseph had a baby and they named Him Jesus," she said. "And when Jesus was born, a bright star appeared over the stable."

At that cue, Jana got up from her chair, picked up a large tin-foil star, walked behind Mary and Joseph and held the star up high for everyone to see. When the teacher told about the shepherds coming to see the baby, the three young shepherds came forward and Jana jiggled the star up and down excitedly to show them where to come. When the wise men responded to their cue, she went forward a little to meet them and to lead the way, her face as alight as the real star might have been.

The playlet ended. We had refreshments. On the way home Jana said, with great satisfaction, "I had the main part!"

"You did?" I questioned, wondering why she thought that.

"Yes," she said, "'cause I showed everybody how to find Jesus!"

From Pulpit Supply by way of Doc's Daily Chuckle. To subscribe: http://family- safe-mail. com/lists/ ?p=subscribe& id=55

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

This is exactly what I want to be found doing -- with all my thoughts, motives, will, strength, speech, affections, and strength -- this Christmas season, and right in to 2008. If I am the only Jesus somebody sees, what will they see? If I am the only Bible somebody reads, what will they read? Am I wearing Cross marks?

Christmas Love

(paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13)

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

(http://www.holytrinitynewrochelle.org/yourti14714.html)

Help me live this, Lord. How I need You!

The Ice Storm Cometh...

So here I sit, checking the NOAA weather website for updates regarding our ice storm warning. Along about rush hour tonight, it's supposed to start precipitating frozen stuff...and could continue until about 1am Wednesday morning. The potential for fallen power lines and trees is pretty high, which is a major concern if you live in someplace known as "The City of Trees" and you have lots of tall trees around your house and yard that could do some big-time damage to your home if they fell on it. Do we sleep in the basement tonight, just to be on the safe side? I think The Husband would say that's over-reacting; I think the doggies would say that's a GREAT idea! (Can you imagine us trying to sleep on an Aerobed, with 3 40-pound dogs trying to share it with us??)

The really good news is that yesterday we rearranged the stuff in the garage (and moved a little to the basement) and managed to park the car inside the garage--for the first time! In light of tonight and tomorrow's forecast, this is a beautiful thing (as Lynn Baird would say).

Along about now I'm really missing the fireplace we had in our house in St. Louis...

Y'all pack your longjohns and come visit!

First Snowflakes!!!

I'm sure Diane wins the prize for First Posse Sister With Snow In Her Yard, but here in Fairway we're seeing the first snowfall of the season. I love how quiet the world becomes as the beautiful white flakes fall and build up on the ground. We might have 1 to 3 inches; north of where we are (where Tim works) could have 3 to 5.

The other four of you sistas are probably wearing sunscreen today. :-)

Jen

Last Call for St. Louis

Tomorrow (Monday, Dec. 3) I leave for St. Louis for the 10th and final time. The Bible study I've been leading winds up on Tuesday, and I'll return home on Wednesday--my final Amtrak trip for the near future.

What a summer and autumn this has been. God is wise to not show us the future. :-) But in the midst of it all, I've found God to be faithful in new ways.

One more early Monday morning; one more eastbound train; two more nights of sleeping in the third-floor room at George and Barbara's; one more morning group; one more lunch at St. Louis Bread with whoever can come; one more evening group gathered around Barbara's dining room table; one more morning walk to the Metrolink station to ride to the Amtrak station; one more westbound train.

And one more Wednesday afternoon reading at Union Station Kansas City while i wait for my sweetheart to pick me up after work!

Rejoice with me, sistahs!

Have a nice day!

Could this be God's way of saying, "Have a nice day?"

The Sisterhood Posse

Here we are at one of our literary (ahem) hangouts (aka, Claimjumpers).

(Sue, Beth, Diane, Stephanie, Joycey [L to R])

(Jen is not pictured...she is unable to make the West coast meetings.)

Home Again

We made it home yesterday, incident-free by God's grace (except for a near collision with a pick-up truck that changed lanes without looking...thankfully, my husband is a good defensive driver.)

We had a wonderful week, drove about 1,550 miles, spent about 24 hours in the car alone together (...conflict-free, I might add :-), and enjoyed our time visiting family and friends.

A highlight of the trip was the chance to stop briefly at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville; it was the place where we became engaged on March 4, 2000! We took pictures of the very place where Tim proposed to me and the loveseat (aptly named!) off one of the lobbies where we sat and talked after he proposed, talking of our future together (...you know, the future we assumed would be in California.) We also bought a magnet of the hotel, thereby filling in the most notable hole in our magnet collection; when we got engaged, we had no idea that collecting magnets of places would become a memorable thing for us.

Back in Kansas, we picked the puppies up from their kennel; they were glad to see us but were obviously well cared for in our absence; each of them seemed to weigh a couple of pounds more than they did when we dropped them off!

(But, then--so do we.)

And then we watched Kansas get beat by Missouri in one of college football's longest-running rivalries. (...but that's too depressing to talk about.)

Two more trips to Saint Louis for me and the Bible study I've been leading will be over.

I don't think we'll ever get all the leaves raked.

Have a great week!

Position Yourself

MONDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2007
ISAIAH 6:8

My football career was less than impressive. I don't think I ever actually started a game, but I did learn a secret about getting to play. The coach will sometimes send in the guy standing closest to him. It happens, for example, when someone has just been dragged off the field and he needs someone -- anyone -- to fill a spot.

I learned that if I was close enough at that moment, he just might choose me. It worked sometimes -- certainly more often than sulking on the bench would have. This is why, during the course of my single season of play, I entered the game as an offensive lineman, a wide receiver and a safety -- even though I never practiced in these positions. I usually didn't know exactly what I was expected to do, but at least I was on the field.

There's a principle here to remember: As Dwight L. Moody once said, "God always uses the man closest to him." Unlike my junior high coach, God isn't easily distracted and he doesn't send us anywhere unprepared. But he does use those who are eager to get into the game.

That's why I want to make a habit of "getting in God's way" so to speak, so that when he's ready to use someone, he sees me first. I want always to be in a position where God can do something with my life.

Isaiah heard God say, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And Isaiah responded, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

God is asking the same question today. He's looking for those who are to ready to be used in a great way. When he's searching the sidelines for someone to take the field, I want to be standing close to him.

--Steve May

About the Monday Memo
The Monday Memo is a weekly devotional for leaders sent out each Monday by Steve May. This is a free service. For more information, to change your email address, or unsubscribe to this newsletter, please visithttp://www.aboutsunday.com/omm.htm

Thanksgiving Greetings

Yes, it's true that Thanksgiving is still 6 days away, but I wanted to wish you all a blessed and joyous holiday time.

We're leaving on Sunday morning for parts unknown (...well, actually, parts known) to visit family. In 6 days we'll cover over 1400 miles and spend roughly 21.6 hours together in the car traveling through 7 states.

The dogs will be pampered at a kennel that has an indoor rock fountain and waterfall for their viewing pleasure. (It's better-appointed than some hotels I've stayed in...)

And The Husband shouldn't get any calls from work. (We'll see if this one holds up.)

We'll get to visit 1 grandparent (Cornelia, aged 101), 4 parents, 1 daughter, 8 siblings, 8 siblings-in-law, 22 nieces and nephews, and 3 close family friends.

And hopefully during this week we will reflect much on the kindness of The One Great God.

Blessings to you as you give thanks this week with those you love.

I'm getting that "give up" feeling

What should I do? I should look at the cross and not myself. I should preach the gospel to myself daily. That means right now! I should thank God for His immeasurable grace. I should thank Him that I am doing far better than I deserve. Now all that brings biblical perspective. It doesn't make problems and discomfort go away but it shines gospel light so I can really see what's going on in my heart. Thank You, Holy Spirit.

One Minute Uplift

Your weekly one minute inspiration from Rick Ezell
11-15-07

Don't Give Up
By Rick Ezell

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised."
(Hebrews 10:36 NIV)

Effective people never buckle under. Despite mounting criticism and intensity of opposition and overwhelming obstacles they persevere with determined resolve. They refuse to throw in the towel. They accomplish the seemingly impossible task because they never give up.

Often, the easiest thing is quitting, giving up. Return to the comfort and convenience of mediocrity. Forget about one's dream, one's passion, and one's goal. Give in to the words of the critics, give up to the opposition, and give way to the obstacles. Simply, tuck tail and run away.

Great power is embodied in perseverance. The race is not always won by the fastest. The game is not always won by the strongest. But rather victory comes to the one who does the will of God, who keeps on keeping on, who refuses to give up. Doing the will of God is that important.

Consider the postage stamp. Its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. Race car driver Rick Mears said, "To finish first, you must first finish."

When you are tempted to quit, resist. We must endure in the battle until the evil day is over. We must press on in the face of the temptation to quit. Until the war is over, we must fight to the end. Until the race is finished, we must keep running. Never give up. Never. The promises of God are always at the end. So, don't quit. Don't give up.

About the Author

Dr. Rick Ezell is a husband, father, author, pastor, consultant, coach, conference leader, and communicator. Rick has a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology in Preaching from Southern Baptist Seminary. He has published over 450 articles and sermons in various Christian publications. While authoring six books he has served over twenty years in pastoral ministry. Rick, Cindy, and Bailey currently reside in Greer, South Carolina.
www.rickezell.net

Some good ideas

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye. Then, genuinely ask for forgiveness.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. How about three?

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives. This will serve you well.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "God bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

Transition(s) / Update(s)

Early this morning, Chris' mom (Sue's mom-in-law) left this life for her heavenly home. Words are never enough at these times. We mourn with you. We're praying for you.

We cried and waved goodbye to dear friend Diane and her family as they relocated to Spokane two weeks ago. Gone, never forgotten. Your place at the posse table never to be replaced. Hugs.

Posse member in the midwest, Jennie -- thank you for a wonderful visit. So far you've had a virtual seat at the posse table. Won't it be fun when we can all be together? (Hmm... perhaps Secret Travel Agent Joycey will be able to help us out sometime in the future.) You are a great example of what it means to serve your husband and the body. Thank you for serving Memorial so faithfully. Much fruit will be reaped.

Joycey, you have 5 teenagers (youth is a better biblical term) in your house. Whew. May God continue to give you grace, strength, wisdom and energy. Jerry chose well when he chose you. I am provoked at how well you speak of him, submit to him, encourage him, and look to him. Way to go, girl.

Steffer, you're doing well. From a preschooler to an eleventh-grader and points in-between, there's always something going on at your house. It is definitely the place to be! You receive counsel well and promise to think on counsel given. You are to be commended. Plus the fact that you are a much sought-after friend, you are greatly treasured!

And then there's me. We are praising God for Coy's job -- five months now. It's a virtual lovefest. We are so grateful. We have one youth and a 'tween. Please pray for us as we have entered in to the waters of leading and mentoring boys to young men. Additionally, many of you know my dad has Alzheimers; he requires 24/7 care. Mom is doing her best to provide care for him but she is losing ground physically trying to keep up. We would appreciate your prayers when they come to mind.

Thank you for the fellowship we share together around the cross of Christ. It is all because of Him. "For in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

Savior, help us, as we start this new week!

The most effective eloquence!

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

What unspeakable injury has been done to the cause of Christ, by the inconsistent lives of many professors of religion! To unholy lives, must be ascribed the comparatively little progress which Christianity has hitherto made. It is this . . .

which emboldens the scoffer,
which encourages the profligate,
which strengthens the hands of the infidel,
which seals the eyes of the impenitent

in death-like slumber!

Those who bear the name of Jesus should ever remember--that the eyes of an ungodly world are upon them, and that their impression of the gospel, both in its nature and results--is derived from what they witness in the conduct of those who are identified with it!

"The Bible," as one observes, "is God's revelation to Christians; and Christians are God's revelation to the world." The sacred Scriptures are not read by the careless and ungodly multitude--but they are eager in reading the character of the followers of Christ!

How important is it, then, that they should give, by their spirit and deportment--a correct representation of our holy religion!

Great is the power of impassioned oratory, as embodied in burning words, dramatic gestures, and flowing tears. But, after all, the most effective eloquence--is that of a pure, upright, consistent life! This shames the accusers of our holy faith; and puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Christian, let it be your earnest prayer and daily endeavor, to adorn the doctrine of your Savior, not in some things--but in all things. Adorn it . . .

by the purity of your conversation,
by the blamelessness of your life,
by the integrity of your dealings,
by your abhorrence of all which is base or
impure.

Adorn it in the various conditions in which you may be placed--

in prosperity or adversity;
in obscurity or eminence;
in health or sickness;
in joy or sorrow;
in youth or old age;
in life or death.

"For this very reason, make every effort to

add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8

(John MacDuff, "The Precepts of Jesus" A guide through life to immortality!)

I'm back from KC

Now that I'm back from Kansas City, I need to jump back into my life here with both feet -- as opposed to one foot or maybe just one foot at a time, I guess. Regardless, dearest husband, bless his heart, cleaned the house and shaped up the area around my assigned place at the family work table which, believe me when I say this, I am most grateful. There was a time when I would not have been... Out in the work-a-day world (I hardly remember!), it bugged me tremendously when the receptionist would bring all the mail and school stuff in and put it on my desk. So, what I am obliquely getting to is the insidious enemy named clutter. Real or imagined, physical, emotional, spiritual, it truly is a vicious enemy. It bogs one down. It robs one of energy. It consumes one's attention as a prostitute searches for her prey. Too much? Not for me, because I too easily run, falling into the ratpack nest of comfort, content to take residence there unchallenged to remain.

So, on that note, here goes:

A Cluttered Desk Is...

About a week ago, I came across an Internet advice column that told me how to eliminate the paper work clutter on my desk.

GREAT! So I printed out the five pages of how-to instructions and placed them on top of the rest of the stuff on my desk.

Now I can't find them.

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

--Rate this funny at http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20071105

Timely Clarification

One Minute Uplift
Your weekly one minute inspiration from Rick Ezell
11-01-07

Compass or Clock?
By Rick Ezell

"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands" (Psalms 31:14-15 NIV).

A friend said, "My problem is that I have surrendered my time to work, to other people, and to bad habits."

Then truly that is the problem. We should first surrender our time to God. God owns it anyway. Our task is to manage properly what has been entrusted to us until he returns or wants it back, including our time.

Think about a compass and a clock. Two very important tools, but two very different instruments. One would be wise not to confuse the two. To surrender our time to God is to be governed by a compass rather than to be controlled by a clock. A compass provides a sense of direction, purpose, vision, perspective, and balance. A clock measures duration, the expenditure of time. A compass determines effectiveness-doing the right tasks. A clock determines efficiency-how long it takes to accomplish a task. Both have their place. But, the compass must come before the clock, therefore, effectiveness before efficiency. The "mega priorities" of the compass subordinate the "mini priorities" of the clock.

A compass, therefore, becomes a symbol of an internal guidance system that provides us with our values and convictions based on God's Word. This non-negotiable governs our lives. In the same manner that the gravitational force pulls the compass needle; it is God that governs the drive of our lives. We surrender to his force.

Our time should be surrendered to God daily. I asked a friend who is engaged in many pursuits successfully, how he managed it all. He said, "I give my first minutes to God, then I commit the remainder of the day to his Lordship. And amazingly I work more effectively and efficiently."

Have you surrendered your time to God? Is your time in his hands?

About the Author
Dr. Rick Ezell is a husband, father, author, pastor, consultant, coach, conference leader, and communicator. Rick has a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology in Preaching from Southern Baptist Seminary. He has published over 450 articles and sermons in various Christian publications. While authoring six books he has served over twenty years in pastoral ministry. Rick, Cindy, and Bailey currently reside in Greer, South Carolina.
www.rickezell.net

A Continual Supply of Grace, Comfort, and Strength

(William Mason, "The Believers Pocket Companion")

"I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20

That the believer may live cheerfully and comfortably, he is exhorted to the free and constant use of Christ.

O consider—Christ is given to us—to be enjoyed by us!

He is the bread of life. We are to feed upon Him daily.

He is the water of life, which our souls are to drink of constantly.

He is our righteousness. We are to put Him on continually.

So then, we not only have a precious Christ—but we are also to use Him—and enjoy His preciousness! He is not only a well of salvation—but we must draw water out of it with joy—and drink of it to the refreshing of our souls!

Deeply consider, that without this inward enjoyment of Christ—you cannot be . . .

happy in your soul,
comfortable in your walk,
nor holy in your life.

We must live by faith upon Christ—so as to derive a continual supply of grace, comfort, and strength from Him! "I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20

A grateful day for all!

O the Love of His Royal Heart!

(William Mason, "The Believers Pocket Companion")

"Christ is all!"

Colossians 3:2O for the pen of a ready writer, to set forth the matchless glory and unparalleled excellence of the King--the King of Kings--the King of saints, even King Jesus!

We were once stout-hearted rebels against His crown and government! But, O the love of His royal heart! Instead of executing fierce vengeance upon us, for our sins--lo, He came from heaven to earth, with a flame of love in His heart, and matchless grace on His lips--on purpose . . .

to die for us,
to wash us from our sins in His own blood,
to conquer the rebellion of our hearts against Him,
and to win our affections to Him!

Has He saved us by His precious blood? Has He made us His willing, loving disciples, by His powerful grace? Surely then, we should live in the sweet enjoyment of all the rich blessings of his kingdom, and be holy and happy every day, yes, every hour--IN HIM. This is His loving will concerning us.

O for a single eye to look unto Jesus, a humble heart to sit at His feet, and a simple soul to hear and believe every word from His gracious lips, that we may know the love of Christ--constantly know it by a heartfelt sense of it. This, this is the one thing needful--to make poor sinners rich, and miserable sinners happy in time, and joyful to all eternity!

Remember your chief employment. It is not merely to make a profession, and to keep up a form of godliness; but to maintain and keep up a warm, lively, comfortable sense of the love of Christ in your hearts, from day to day, yes, from hour to hour!

Fun in Kansas :-)

For all the Posse:

We (that would be Beth and me and CJ and Andrew and Tim--who's at work) are having a blast here in Fairway (The City of Trees). The Ritter Trio arrived safely yesterday afternoon; today we're off to a slow start to allow for recuperating from a l-o-n-g travel day.

Wish you could all be with us!

Encouragement

The Monday Memo was waiting for me in my inbox this morning. I don't know about you, but I need to be encouraged. Every day. From a variety of resources. And I have been blessed to find them. And, in turn, I then feel it my duty, my joy, my privilege to encourage somebody else. Today's Monday Memo is all about encouragement.

PERSEVERANCE IS NOT A LONG RACE
PHILIPPIANS 3:14

Walter Elliot said, "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."

Many would define perseverance as one consistent day after another, but the fact is that no one is consistently consistent in all things 100% of the time.

A better way to say it is that perseverance is 4 consistent days out of 5. Or 9 consistent days out of 10.

I love Paul's use of the phrase "press on" in Philippians 3. It communicates the idea of not just trying, but trying again. Paul admits that he is not perfect, has not yet attained all that he desires to be ...

(v. 13-14) But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind

and straining toward what is ahead,

I press on toward the goal ...

Perseverance isn't so much a matter of winning one long marathon as it is a matter of winning (or even "placing" in) the short races you run day after day, hour after hour. It requires us to press on, even after minor setbacks and temporary defeats.

Perseverance is a lifetime accomplishment ... lived out one day at a time, one 40-yard dash at a time.

--Steve May
__________________________________

WHAT'S BEEN SAID ABOUT PERSEVERANCE

One worthwhile task carried to a successful conclusion is better than half-a-hundred half-finished tasks. --B.C. Forbes

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go. --William Feather

Mistakes are easy, mistakes are inevitable, but there is no mistake so great as the mistake of not going on. --William Blake

The universal line of distinction between the strong and the weak is that one persists; the other hesitates, falters, trifles and at last collapses or caves in. --Edwin Percy Whipple

Paul Harvey said that if there is one common denominator of men whom the world calls successful it is this: They get up when they fall down.

The Monday Memo is a weekly devotional for leaders sent out each Monday by Steve May. This is a free service. For more information please visit http://www.aboutsunday.com/omm.htm

Church Lite

I wonder how this would go at our church... I'm not looking for this anytime soon.

THE LITE CHURCH

(everything you always wanted in a church . . . and less)

7. Guaranteed 20-minute sermon or your next one's free!

6. Your choice of only 8 commandments

5. Only happy hymns and choruses

4. Fewer commitments

3. No messages on subjects that hit too close to home

2. Reclining pews with pillow pads and head rests

1. Offering followed by a complimentary beverage and after service mint

(From "Bible Humor Top Seven Lists" by Dave Veerman and Rich Anderson.

http://snipr.com/biblehumor)

Desiring God

We may know the kingdom of grace is set up in our hearts--by having true desires after God. By the beating of this pulse--we conclude there is life.

A true desire after God is sincere. We desire God for Himself, for His intrinsic excellencies. The savor of the ointment of Christ's graces draws the virgins' desires after Him. Canticles 1:3. A true saint desires Him not only for what God has--but for what He is; not only for His rewards--but for His holiness. No hypocrite can thus desire God. He may desire Him for His jewels--but not for His beauty!

A true desire after God is insatiable. It cannot be satisfied without God; let the world heap her honors and riches--they will not satisfy. No flowers or music will content him who is thirsty. Just so, nothing will quench the soul's thirst--but the blood of Christ! He faints away, his heart breaks with longing for God. Psalm 84:2; Psalm 119:20.

A true desire after God is active. It flourishes into endeavor. "With my soul have I desired you in the night; yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you early." Isaiah 26:9. A soul that desires aright says, "I must have Christ! I must have grace! I must have heaven, though I take it by storm!"

A true desire after God is supreme. We desire Christ, not only more than the world--but more than heaven! "Whom have I in heaven but You?" Psalm 73:25. Heaven itself would not satisfy--without Christ. Christ is the diamond in the ring of glory!

A true desire after God is increasing. A little of God will not satisfy--but the pious soul desires still more. A drop of water is not enough for the thirsty traveler. Though a Christian is thankful for the least degree of grace--yet he is not satisfied with the greatest degree of grace. He still thirsts for more of Christ, and His Spirit. A saint would have more knowledge, more sanctity, more of Christ's presence. A glimpse of Christ through the lattice of an ordinance is sweet; but the soul will never stop longing--until it sees Him face to face! It desires to have grace perfected in glory! It desires to be wholly plunged into the sweetness of God. We would be swallowed up in God, and be forever bathing ourselves in those perfumed waters of pleasure, which run at His right hand!

Surely this sincere desire after God is a blessed sign that the kingdom of grace has come into our hearts. The beating of this pulse shows life! "Desires for God--are from God." If iron moves upwards contrary to its nature--it is a sign some magnet has been drawing it. Just so, if the soul moves towards God in sincere desires--it is a sign the magnet of the Spirit has been drawing it!

Thomas Watson, The Lord's Prayer

What happens when you get just a teensy bit off...

Bible Stories by Kids

In case you're a little foggy on your biblical history, let our junior church students help you with this complete overview of the Bible, compiled from their essays.This is one clever rendition of the "Bible in a Nutshell"! Enjoy!......laughter is a gift from God!*

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, "The Lord thy God is one," but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, "Give me a light!" and someone did. Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then He gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me. After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn, too, because my mom is always saying to me, "Close the door! Were you born in a barn?" It would be nice to say, "As a matter of fact, I was.") During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

A woman passed out and her husband, Bubba, called 911.

The operator said they would send someone out right away and asked, "Where do you live?"

Bubba replied, "At the end of Eucalyptus Drive."

The operator asked, "Can you spell that for me?"

There was a long pause and finally, Bubba said, "How about I drag her over to Oak Street and you can meet us there?"

Welcome, Grandson!

A picture is worth a thousand words... Congratulations, Sue, the first member of the Sisterhood to be elevated to the status of "Gee-Ma"!

Hooray for Carson Ball!

What a joy to hear of Carson's birth on September 3rd!! And on such an auspicious day: Tim Altstadt's 50th birthday, Jessie Celmer's 9th birthday, and Dave and Pam Quilla's wedding anniversary! (Those are the ones I know about...)

God's blessings on this new little man, and his parents, AND his grandparents!!!

Love you, Sue :-)

No Time To Waste

I read this and was convicted. There's just no time like the present -- literally. I need to constantly remind myself, which I usually don't, that time is precious, and once lost, not re-gained. This life is the dress rehearsal for the next. Heaven is the goal. Life, eternal life, spent with Jesus. That's where I'm heading, that's where my eyes need to be.

Gone so soon without a trace!

"Redeeming the time." Ephesians 5:16

How you spend your time, is a matter of great importance. Many people fool away their time--some in idle visits, others in recreations and pleasures which secretly bewitch the heart, and take it away from holy things. What are our golden hours for--but to attend to our souls? Time misspent is not time lived--but time lost!

Time is a precious commodity. As salvation is to be worked out in it, and a conveyance of heaven depends on using it well--it is of infinite concern!

Think of your short stay in the world. "We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a shadow--gone so soon without a trace!" 1 Chronicles 29:15

There is only a span between the cradle and the grave! Solomon says there is "a time to be born and a time to die"--but mentions no time of living--as if that were so short, it was not worth naming! Time, when it has once gone, can never be recalled. "My life passes more swiftly than a runner. It flees away, filled with tragedy. It disappears like a swift boat, like an eagle that swoops down on its prey." Job 9:25-26

This Scripture compares time to a flying eagle. Yet time differs from the eagle in this: the eagle flies forward and then back again--but time has wings only to fly forward--it never returns! "Time flies away irrevocably."

The serious thoughts of our short stay here in this world, would be a great means of promoting godliness. Whoever considers how flitting and winged his life is--will hasten his repentance.

~from Thomas Watson, The Godly Man's Picture Drawn With a Scripture Pencil

What I Need Today

O Lord, My God, Most Earnestly
Psalm 63

O Lord, my God, most earnestly I seek Your holy face,
Within Your house again to see the glories of your grace.
Apart from You I long and thirst and naught can satisfy;
I wander in a desert land where all the streams are dry.

The lovingkindness of my God is more than life to me,
So I will praise You all my days and pray continually.
In You my soul is satisfied, my darkness turns to light,
And joyful meditations fill the watches of the night.

Beneath the shadow of Your wings I sing my joy and praise.
Your right hand is my strong support through troubled nights and days.
All those who seek my life will fall; my life is in Your hand.
God’s king and people will rejoice; in vict’ry they will stand.

Psalter, 1912; rev. Psalter Hymnal, 1987; CRC Publications. Emphasis added

“… He that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:25b

'tis here!

The first official posse t-shirt is here and it goes to . . .


Jennie in KC!

Now, if I can just make it to the post office.

wow

I am preparing to meet my grandson. My words are few. My heart full.
Lord, thank you.

St. Patrick's Breastplate

I wrote several days ago of the accident of Captain Dann, a member of our church here in Pasadena. (For more information and an incredible display of God's grace and goodness in His earthly kingdom, visit http://captaindann.com). Last evening I began reading through the postings on the site and finished up this morning -- there were too many for me to count. I was struck by Emily's post (I remember her because she identified herself as "Kit's best friend"). I believe she attends an Anglican church here in SoCal. Regardless, she wanted Colleen, Dann's wife, to know she is praying for Dann's complete healing and appropriating this old gaelic hymn of their church. It's a great hymn and the words caught my heart -- especially the last two refrains. May it bless you.

I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and One in
Three.

I bind this today to me forever
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river,
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of cherubim;
The sweet ‘Well done’ in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word,
The Patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord
And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the star lit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea
Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.

The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility
I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart’s idolatry,
Against the wizard’s evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,

The Three in One and One in Three.
By Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Go to http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/t/stpatric.htm for the words and tune.

Yours! Mine!

Lord, the condemnation was Yours, that the justification might be mine!

The agony was Yours, that the victory might be mine!

The pain was Yours, and the ease mine!

The stripes were Yours, and the healing balm issuing from them mine!

The vinegar and gall were Yours, that the honey and sweet might be mine!

The curse was Yours, that the blessing might be mine!

The crown of thorns was Yours, that the crown of glory might be mine!

The death was Yours, the life purchased by it mine!

You paid the price, that I might enjoy the inheritance!

Excerpt from John Flavel's The Fountain of Life

A Timely Reminder

From Thomas Watson's A Christian Soldier:

Stunted in grace

It is a pitiful thing, to be contented with feeble grace. Weak grace may live in the heart—but is sickly, and does not flourish into lively acts. Weak grace will not withstand strong temptations, or carry us through great sufferings. Little grace will not do God much service. A tree which has but little sap—will not have much fruit. It may be said that some Christians are stunted in grace. Oh, labor to grow to further degrees of sanctity. The more grace—the more strength! "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

This Inspires Me...

I read this yesterday; it was quoted by Susan Hunt in her book Spiritual Mothering, and it comes from a book called Managing Your Restless Search by Janet Chester Bly.

I would rather
clutch my invitation
and wait my turn
in party clothes
prim, proper
safe and clean.

But a pulsing hand
keeps driving me
over peaks
ravines
and spidered brambles.

So, I'll pant
up to the pearled knocker
tattered
breathless
and full of tales.

Doesn't that make your heart swell?

Isn't that what we all want?

On that Great Day when I will see my Savior face to face, I want to be tattered, breathless, and full of tales.

When One Hurts, We All Hurt

Our pastor informed our congregation today of this news:

"Dann, a member of the Sovereign Grace Church in Pasadena was in a serious car accident very early Wednesday morning. He is a pilot for Southwest Airlines and was driving his VW van from the Oakland Airport. I do not have details of the accident except that the van rolled and his head hit the windshield and steering wheel very hard. He suffered a broken clavicle, L-3 vertebrae, and a skull fracture.

"He was rushed to the UC Davis Medical Center where he is still being treated. There have been encouraging signs indicating no paralysis (responding to commands and able to move hands and legs) but the immediate concern was to relieve the swelling of the brain. After a four hour surgery yesterday afternoon, the swelling was down.

"I received a call telling me that the swelling had increased this morning. I do not understand how swelling is measured but to give you some reference, the swelling was in the 20’s shortly after the accident, was down to less than 10 last evening, but this morning went back up in the 20’s.

Please take some time today to pray for God’s mercy and power, asking for the swelling to go down and for our friend's full recovery.

"Thank you for praying."


Additionally, Diane sent this e-mail to us:

"Steve reminded me last night that Dann read Psalm 34 in church on Sunday. I woke up this morning and was reading it and was freshly reminded of God's kindness even in the midst of what feels like a devastating circumstance.

I will bless the LORD at all times;

his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the LORD;

let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me,

and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the LORD, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant,

and their faces shall never be ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps

around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

"How kind of God to remind us all, through Dann, of His unending faithfulness and His compassionate care for us. God knew what we needed to hear.

"Seeking the Lord, together with you." ~ Diane

A New Home For Providence Community Church!

Fellow bloggers, you may already be aware of this, but in case you're not: Providence Community Church in Kansas will have a new home as of Wednesday morning. Here's a photo... As you can see, it was a funeral home...but it was built to be a church. Behind you (if you were really here and looking at the building from this perspective...which would be really fun, if you were all here!...but I digress) there's a gymnasium, and behind the gym is a park area which should be really fun for all the children during Children's Ministry time. Our first Sunday to worship here will be August 12th. We are very excited with how the Lord has blessed us with a facility.

Life is made up of little details, isn't it...

A kangaroo kept getting out of his enclosure at the zoo.

Knowing that he could hop pretty high, the zoo officials put up a ten-foot fence. However, the next morning the kangaroo was out again, just roaming around the zoo.

The zoo officials raised the height of the fence to twenty feet. Again, however, the next morning the kangaroo was again roaming around the zoo.

This kept on, night after night, until the fence was sixty feet high.

Finally, the camel in the next enclosure asked the kangaroo, "How high do you think they'll go?"

The kangaroo said, "Probably a hundred feet, unless somebody starts locking the gate at night."

And now... (from Steffer!)

Although she doesn't know it (yet), Steffer sent this to me and I just couldn't let them go unshared. If you've had the good old "now that you're fifty" medical procedure, I think you just might laugh and relate!

Colonoscopies are no joke , but these comments during the exam were quite humorous...

A physician claimed that the following are actual comments made by his patients (predominately male) while he was performing their colonoscopies:

1. 'Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone before!

2. 'Find Amelia Earhart yet?'

3. 'Can you hear me NOW?'

4. 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?'

5. 'You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married.'

6. 'Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?'

7. 'You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out...'

8. 'Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!'

9. 'If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!

10. 'Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity.'

11. 'You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?'

And the best one of all..

12. 'Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?

It Is In These Storms

The very storms through which the believer passes, will only strengthen him to take a firmer hold of Christ. As the same wind that blows down the poplar tree, only establishes the oak tree; so the very storms which uproot the shallow professor, only root the child of God more firmly in Christ.

Though these storms may shake off some of his leaves, or break off some of the rotten boughs, they do not uproot his faith--but rather strengthen it.

It is in these storms that he learns . . .
more of his own weakness, and of Christ's strength;
more of his own misery, and of Christ's mercy;
more of his own sinfulness, and of superabounding grace;
more of his own poverty, and of Christ's riches;
more of his own desert of hell, and of his own title to heaven.

It is in these storms that the same blessed Spirit who began the work carries it on; and goes on to engrave the image of Christ in deeper characters upon his heart; and to teach him more and more experimentally--the truth as it is in Jesus.

Philpot, Christ the Lord Received and Walked In

Its been a while....

Since I have updated things. Katy was in Texas, living as a guest on an Army base for a while, finding out what her life might look like. Ty's orders have come in, and for right now, he is considered "non-deployable". He is a Cav Scout SSG in the "Army Weapons Evaluation Force" and gets to try out all the experimental stuff - traveling from Texas to Alaska to Louisiana. It might be fun for him. Katy has decided to do the Baking program. She & Ty attended Hillside Baptist Church- nope.... and SG El Paso - liked the people.
Lord, please speak to her, giving her peace, letting her know where next to step

Michelle and Michael seem to be doing well. Michelle is due soon and after a flurry of "nesting activity", is starting to feel quite tired - and having random contractions.

Oh yes, and I turned 53. wow. A lot is in front of me. I need to have the Euclid House fixed up to rent the first floor. I will work on the second. Chris will be having some funds removed from Mom's annuity, since he cannot work right now. That will help take some of the burden off me. Between renting and the annuity, that will be considerably less I will have to make this year. I want to have us be a little more secure financially, as we will probably be spending more in '08. I'm still deciding what to do work-wise. I suppose on paper, the best thing would be to rent out Euclid completely - to replace the house payment and have them handle utilities. That would take everything except property taxes, upkeep and insurance off me. Not sure where I would work, though. Katy asked that I not become some one's "Employee" until she is out of the house. My time would be a lot less flexible. Of course, God can change anything he wants, but she could be gone as early as this time next year...wow.

I am also VERY excited about Christmas this year. What a party it will be! Michael& Michelle and little Carson, Sam&Cassie& kids, Ty and his family, the Currans and my dad and mother-in-law! happy! happy! Joy! joy!

Katy "texted" me today just to tell me she loves me. No reason other than that. Regardless of anything that might happen work or money-wise, those three little words, "love you mom" - is all I need to feel successful. To meet a financial goal is fun and rewarding, but to forever effect my children's life is the deepest joy I could ever know.

Sometimes you just have to. Really.

Trouser was normally a happy-go-lucky dog. He would chase tennis balls, play with other doggies, and eat his dinner without a fuss. He was a dog without a care.

But on that fateful autumn afternoon, it was to be different.

Trouser's owners were walking him along a trail at the park, when suddenly from out of the bushes jumped a man all dressed in black. He had white paint on his face, and was gesturing annoyingly at Trouser's masters. This strange person spoke not a word, but proceeded to pretend that he was trapped in a box and that he was pulling on a long rope.

Seeing the sheer horror on his masters' faces, Trouser took it upon himself to rectify the situation. With a low growl he jumped and sank his teeth into this annoying pseudo clown's leg.

Trouser immediately got a sickened look in his eyes and began to vomit wildly. He then dragged his tongue all over the ground in an effort to remove the man's foul essence from his mouth.

For Trouser had learned that a mime is a terrible thing to taste.

I Love Care Groups

After almost 6 years away from Sovereign Grace, we went to Care Group last night.

It was GREAT.

We had a cook-out and just sat around visiting; Tim and I got a chance to meet new people and begin to hear their stories.

And we knew that these people understood how we saw the world, and how we saw God, and how we filtered our experiences through the grid of God's sovereignty.

It was the best of fellowships. My soul felt like I had jumped into the most refreshing pool of clear, sparkling water on a day that the temperature reached 96 degrees (...which, by the way, was our high temperature here in Fairway yesterday).

Yahoo.

Moving Day

I woke up this morning hearing all the Munchkins sing, "...and KAN-sas she says is the n-a-a-a-a-me of the star..."

Dorothy may have been able to say "Well, it really was no miracle: what happened was just this..."--but from my perspective here at 6:30am Central Time, it WILL be a miracle for us to get to Kansas. :-) The day began at 6am after a fitful night's sleep; as I let the dogs out for their morning constitutional before breakfast, I didn't notice that a cute little squirrel was in the backyard nibbling on the clover that grows so avidly in the middle of what's supposed to be a lawn of bluegrass. I opened the patio door; the squirrel headed for the telephone pole in the back corner; the dogs headed for the squirrel, barking ferociously; I headed for the dogs, in my nightgown and bare feet, and added to the clamor of the dawn by trying to get them to be quiet. The neighbors would probably rate it a toss-up as to who was louder--the dogs, or me shushing them.

The movers will arrive between 8 and 10am to begin packing all our stuff into boxes; we've tried to segregate What Will Go With Us In The Car from Things To Be Packed. I have no doubt that we've only been partially successful in that endeavor and will be praying for discernment as we stand among a lot of boxes on Friday in our Fairway house and hunt for Things We Need And Should Have Had With Us.

The dogs and I will be spending much of the day at Andrea's apartment, since the alternative (our dogs with strangers coming in and out of the front door at random) isn't pleasant. Tim will oversee the proceedings at our house. This will be the first of our three moves that he will be present for, having been out of town for the last two, and in the depths of my sinful heart I am aware that I amhappy--nay, even GLEEFUL--that this time HE gets to deal with the movers, in the even more sinful hope that after this experience he will be so deeply grateful for what I have had to endure twice before that he will shower me with adulation.

(You're all thinking that I can use the time at Andrea's for reflection upon my corrupt state...and you would be SO right.)

So...that's our day. Tomorrow will be similar, except the boxes will be loaded into the van along with everything else. In 36 hours it will be Tim, me, 3 dogs, an Aerobed, 3 doggie pillows, and the aforementioned What Will Go With Us In The Car camping out for one last night at 7107 Cheshire Lane, St. Louis, MO. Thursday we drive the Yellow Brick Road known as I-70 to Fairway. Please pray for safety as we go.

Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh, My!

Interesting... When you buy a house in Kansas, all of a sudden all these random quotes from The Wizard of Oz (probably the State Movie) pop in your head. And your husband finds it amusing to call you "Dorothy."

The process of buying a house reminds me of the journey that Dorothy and her friends made through the forest while they uttered the title of this blog. I feel like that today. There are details and post-its and State Farm--oh, my! Appraisals and termites and taxes--oh, my! Closings and movers and contracts--oh, my!

I had a list of phone calls to make today to either (1) give information to someone; or (2) receive information from someone. In the midst of it, I was waiting for the appraiser to come to finish his report. One party who had information I needed to give to another party wasn't answering. The appraiser was now 20 minutes later than he said he would be.

In the middle of all this, my heart was anxious and irritated and annoyed that all this untidiness was swirling around in my brain.

And in the kindness of God, He used this circumstance speak to my heart and say, 'It's here in the midst of all this clutter that you have the opportunity to respond like Christ."

How gracious of Him to drop those words into the swirl and bring the peace that passes understanding! It changed my perspective on the afternoon.

What a holy, happy life is this!

"Give us this day our daily bread."

Matthew 6:11

God will have us live a life of daily faith upon His bounty. If we would live a life of holy victory amid the daily conflict of the flesh--we must live a life of daily faith upon Jesus, a life of daily waiting upon God."

THIS day, my Father! The supplies of yesterday are exhausted; those of tomorrow I leave with You. Give me this day all that its circumstances may demand.
Give me . . .
the clearness of judgment,
the soundness of decision,
the resoluteness of will,
the integrity of principle,
the uprightness of heart,
the moral courage,
the Christlike meekness,
the holy love,
the watchfulness and prayerfulness,
the integrity and consistency,
its yet unshaped history may require.
I know not . . .
what temptations I shall be exposed to,
what foes I shall be assailed by,
what trials I shall pass through,
what clouds will shade,
what sorrows will embitter,
what circumstances will wound my spirit.
Lord, give me . . .
grace,
strength,
love,
guidance,
faith.
Give me this day my daily bread."

What a holy, happy life is this!

It removes all care from the mind but the present; and for that present, the believer hangs upon a Father's care! Thus begin and continue your day with God.
Its history is all . . .
undeveloped,
uncertain, and
untraced.
You cannot . . .
foresee one step,
be certain of one circumstance,
or control one event.

Let your prayer be, "Give me, Lord, all supplies for this day.
I may have . . .
trials of my judgment,
trials of my affections,
trials of conscience,
trials of my principles,
trials from those I most tenderly love.
Lord, be with me, guide me with Your counsel,
hold up my steps that they slide not,
let Your comforts delight my soul."

Day by day is the life of faith you are to live upon Jesus.
It is DAILY bread . . .
Jesus for each and for every day.
Jesus for each day's needs.
Jesus for each day's trials.
Jesus for each day's sins.
Jesus for life.
Jesus for death.
Jesus forever!

Octavius Winslow, The Lord's Prayer, 1866