CrossMarks

The Greatest Temptation for Those Zealous to Advance Christianity

2010-05-14T11:00:00.001-07:00

A convicting quote from Jonathan Edwards, lightly modernized here by Ray Ortlund [1]:

Spiritual pride is the main door by which the devil comes into the hearts of those who are zealous for the advancement of Christianity.

It is the chief inlet of smoke from the bottomless pit, to darken the mind and mislead the judgment.

It is the main source of all the mischief the devil introduces, to clog and hinder a work of God.

Spiritual pride tends to speak of other persons’ sins with bitterness or with laughter and levity and an air of contempt. But pure Christian humility rather tends either to be silent about these problems or to speak of them with grief and pity.

Spiritual pride is very apt to suspect others, but a humble Christian is most guarded about himself.

He is as suspicious of nothing in the world as he is of his own heart.

The proud person is apt to find fault with other believers, that they are low in grace, and to be much in observing how cold and dead they are and to be quick to note their deficiencies.

But the humble Christian has so much to do at home and sees so much evil in his own heart and is so concerned about it that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts.

He is apt to esteem others better than himself.

—Jonathan Edwards, “Thoughts on the Revival,” Works (Edinburgh, 1979), I:398-400.

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Article printed from Justin Taylor: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor

Something a bit different today

2010-04-07T10:21:00.001-07:00

The Ross Sisters Act from 1944 -- amazing flexibility, strength, and they can sing, too!

Above All

2010-03-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Found this a few moments ago.

What? I Can't Hear You!

2010-03-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

...from Ann Voscamp at A Holy Experience.

Ann writes on silence. How we generally aren't, and why we should be. Every day. Great post. Go here.

Ann also gives you options to follow her blog. Sign up!

A Strong Woman v. A Woman of Strength

2010-03-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape…
But a woman of strength builds relationships to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything…
But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the better of her…
But a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future…
A woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be unexpected blessings,
and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman wears a look of confidence on her face…
But a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey…
But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

--- Copyright © 2005 Dee Cheeks

New Year, Old Goals

2010-01-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

2010. Here to stay for 361 more days.

And I realize I don't have any new resolutions.
I have the same resolutions that I've had for almost 28 years.

I'm still working on them...and will be until my days here are over.

I want to love God more.

I want to be more like Jesus.

I want to love the people in my life much more as God loves them and much less as I usually do...which isn't very much like Him.

I want to grow in the knowledge of God.

I want to be passionate about the One who's worth being passionate about.

I want to find out more of what it means that God redeemed me.

And, yes, I'd like to eat better and exercise more.

(and maybe blog more.)

It's gonna be a great year...because He's a very, VERY big God.

Draw God

2009-11-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

Later I would learn that Uccello painted the Battle of San Romano with tempera on wood panel in 1435, a scene recounting the victory of the Florentines over the Sienese.

But walking through the Louvre that day I didn’t know any of that. Frankly, the painting’s spirited clash of metal, charging horses, flapping banners appealed little to my pastoral, peace-loving sensibilities. But it was that boy sitting there….

If it hadn’t been for that cross-legged boy sitting on the floor of the gallery, a few feet from this masterpiece that purportedly once hung in Napoleon’s bathroom, I likely wouldn’t have given the work more than a passing glance.

But when I realized what this child attempted in the circling of tourists and foreign languages and the clicking of shutters, I lingered long, intrigued.

What I witnessed brushed me, dyed me, soaked into the fabric of me.

Actually, the young boy didn’t gaze on Uccello’s painting either. I never saw him look directly at it. Instead, this boy of perhaps ten turned slightly to peer at the canvas beside him. An artist had propped up an easel in front of Uccello’s Battle of San Romano, carefully dipped her brush into the palette atop a stool, and painstakingly copied every stroke of Uccello’s unto her canvas.

And this boy copied every stroke of hers.

By Ann Voscamp

Read the rest here.

This Is A Must-See Video!

2009-09-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

All I Have Is Christ from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

Keep My Heart

2009-09-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

Father, you know the secret thoughts of my heart;
You know how easily from your truth I part.
Keep my heart focused on you, I pray,
And still in your presence throughout each day.
Let my heart not be troubled by cares and worry,
But rather be at rest and mindful of eternal glory.
Show me how to reject discontent and pride,
And in your love and grace continually abide.
Oh, Lord, be keeper of my heart!
Take it today, each and every part,
That the issues of my life may flow from you,
And your precious Spirit season all I do.

Found here.

Life in the Midst of Mess

2009-08-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Chapter One of The Grace of Catastrophe by Jan Winebrenner (2005) appears by permission of Moody Publishers.

God is what He is in Himself. He does not become what we believe. 'I Am that I AM.' We are on safe ground only when we know what kind of God He is and adjust our entire being to that holy concept.
A. W. Tozer

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:18-19

Desperation makes us do strange things—things like sit up all night in a cheap motel and read the Bible out loud.

It’s not something I’d usually do after a day on the road. On my best day, I’d probably watch a little TV, read a novel, then turn out the lights, and get to sleep early.

But let a catastrophe strike, and God has my attention.

The rest is here.

We Can't Even Imagine!

2009-07-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

(John Newton, "The present and future rest of true believers")

Our most enlarged ideas of our future glory, are faint and imperfect. Who can describe or conceive the happiness of heaven? It will be as unlike as possible--to this wilderness of sin and sorrow where we are now confined. Here on earth, we are in a warfare--but then we shall enter into perfect rest. We now cry out, "O that I had wings like a dove! For then would I flee away and be at REST." (Psalm 55:6)

Heaven will be a rest from all SIN. No 'unclean thing' shall ever defile or disturb us forever! We shall be free from all indwelling sin. This alone would be worth dying for! Indwelling sin is a burden under which all the redeemed must groan, while they sojourn in the body.

And those who are most spiritual--are most deeply affected with shame, humiliation, and grief, on account of their sins--because they have the clearest views of the holiness of God, the spirituality of His law, the love of Christ, and the deceitfulness of their own hearts! Therefore the Apostle Paul, though perhaps in grace and talents, in zeal and usefulness, was distinguished above all saints--accounted himself the 'chief of sinners,' (1 Timothy 1:15) 'less than the least of all saints,' (Ephesians 3:8) and cried out under the disparity he felt between what he actually was--and what he desired to be, "O wretched man that I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin!" (Romans 7:24)

But we shall not carry this burden of sin beyond the grave. The hour of death shall free us from our inbred enemies (the inseparable attendants of this frail perishing nature) which now trouble us, and we shall see them no more forever!

Heaven will also be a rest from all outward AFFLICTIONS, which, though necessary, and, under the influence of Divine grace, are profitable--yet they are grievous to bear. But in heaven, they will no more be necessary. Where there is no sin--there shall be no sorrow. Then, "God will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever!" (Revelation 21:4)

Heaven will also be a rest from SATAN'S TEMPTATIONS. How busy is this adversary of God and man--what various arts and schemes he employs! What surprising force, what constant assiduity does he employ to ensnare, distress, and terrify those who by grace have escaped from his servitude! He says, like Pharaoh of old, "I will pursue, I will overtake, I will destroy!" (Exodus 15:9) He follows them to the last stage of life--but he can follow them no farther. The moment of their departure out of the body--shall place them beyond his reach forever!

Heaven will also be a rest from UNSATISFIED DESIRES. Here on earth, the more we drink--the more we thirst. But in heaven, our highest wishes shall be crowned and exceeded! We shall rest in full communion with Him whom we love; we shall no more complain of interruptions and imperfections, and a careless heart.

Here on earth--we obtain a little glimpse of His presence, when He brings us into His banqueting-house, and spreads His banner of love over us! And how gladly would we remain in such a desirable frame! How unwilling are we to 'come down' from the mount! But these pleasing and holy seasons are quickly ended, and often give place to some sudden unexpected trial, which robs us of all that sweetness in which we lately rejoiced. But when we ascend the holy hill of God above--we shall never again 'come down'! We shall be forever with the Lord, never offend Him, and never be separated from Him again! "I will see Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be fully satisfied with Your presence!" (Psalm 17:15)

Here on earth--we find a mixture of evil in our most holy moments! When we approach nearest to God, we have the liveliest sense of our defilement, and how much we fall short in every branch of duty, and in every temper of our hearts. But when we shall see Jesus as He is--we shall be fully transformed into His image, and be perfectly like Him!

"Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when He comes--we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is!" 1 John 3:2

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined--what God has prepared for those who love Him!" 1 Corinthians 2:9

A Tribute to My Dad

2009-07-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

It's Good Friday

2009-04-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

Today is Good Friday. How can the worst day in human history be described as good? This is the day that Our Lord was crucified. It is the day he hung on the cross for all our sins. It is the day of darkness at noon.

The story of the last days of Jesus' ministry should be familiar to all. Knowing he would be killed, our Lord entered Jerusalem on the back of a colt. He was hailed by the multitudes, who lay their cloaks in his path, who spread palm fronds before him. "Hosanna to the Son of David," they cried. How quickly that would all change.

When Jesus was betrayed by a kiss, . . . more

from Tony Perkins' Washington Update

Address: 801 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001Toll-free: 1-800/225-4008

Sunday

2009-04-09T21:26:00.001-07:00

I'm thinking about Sunday. Resurrection Day. I'm looking ahead. Can't wait, really. Here's what's ringing:

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS

Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own!
Awake, my soul and sing
Of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of life,
Who triumphed o’er the grave,
And rose victorious through the strife
For those He came to save.
His glories now we sing,
Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring
And lives that death may die.

Crown Him the Lord of Lords,
Who over all doth reign,
Who once on earth, the incarnate Word
For ransomed sinners slain
Now lives in realms of light
Where saints with angels sing
Their songs before Him day and night,
Their God, Redeemer, King.

Crown Him the Lord of heaven,
Enthroned in worlds above;
Crown Him the King to whom is given
The wondrous name of Love.
Crown Him with many crowns
As thrones before Him fall;
Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns
For He is King of all.

Text: Matthew Bridges, 1851
Tune: DIADEMATA, George J. Elvey, 1868

Exalting the "Main Thing"

2009-03-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Never Let the Gospel Get Smaller

March 17, 2009
By: John Piper

Here is a simple exhortation that I have been trying to implement in our family:

Seek to see and feel the gospel as bigger as years go by rather than smaller.
Our temptation is to think that the gospel is for beginners and then we go on to greater things. But the real challenge is to see the gospel as the greatest thing—and getting greater all the time.

The Gospel gets bigger when, in your heart,

grace gets bigger;
Christ gets greater;
his death gets more wonderful;
his resurrection gets more astonishing;
the work of the Spirit gets mightier;
the power of the gospel gets more pervasive;
its global extent gets wider;
your own sin gets uglier;
the devil gets more evil;
the gospel's roots in eternity go deeper;
its connections with everything in the Bible and in the world get stronger;
and the magnitude of its celebration in eternity gets louder.

So keep this in mind: Never let the gospel get smaller in your heart.

Pray that it won’t.
Read solid books on it.
Sing about it.
Tell someone about it who is ignorant or unsure about it.

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel....

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received:

that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

(1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

More of John Piper at http://www.desiringgod.org/

The Cross and Criticism

2009-03-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

by Dr. Alfred J. Poirier, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Peacemaker Ministries

On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger and its crew embarked on a mission to broaden educational horizons and promote the advancement of scientific knowledge. The most outstanding objective of the Challenger 51-L mission was the delivery of educational lessons from space by teacher Christa McAuliffe. A lesson was, indeed, delivered, but not one which anyone expected.

Just 75 seconds after liftoff, tragedy struck. Before a watching world the shuttle suddenly erupted overhead, disintegrating the cabin along with its crew. The debris of metal, blood and bones plummeted to earth, along with our nation's glory.

What had gone wrong? That was the pressing question everyone asked. As teams of researchers examined the wreckage, the specific cause was soon found. The problem was with the O-rings (circular rubber seals), which had been designed to fit snugly into the joints of the booster engine sections. Evidently, the O-rings had become defective under adverse conditions, and the resulting mechanical failure led to the tragedy. Was that the whole story?

The truth eventually got out. The New York Times put it frankly: the ultimate cause of the space shuttle disaster was pride. A group of top managers failed to listen carefully to the warnings, advice and criticisms given by those down the line who were concerned about the operational reliability of certain parts of the booster engine under conditions of abnormal stress. Just think: heeding criticism could have saved seven human lives.

As a pastor, church leader, and lecturer for Peacemaker Ministries, I am blessed with the opportunity to minister to people and congregations in conflict. Among the many things I've come to learn is the dominant role that giving and taking criticism has in exacerbating conflict. Yet, even more, I've learned that the remedy wonderfully provided by God requires us to return to the cross of Christ. For our present purposes, I want us to look at the problem of taking criticism.

The rest is here.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 1999 issue of The Journal of Biblical Counseling, (Vol. 17, No. 3). It is also available in booklet form.

God's People Have Work to Do

2009-03-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

More Americans say they have no religion
By RACHEL ZOLL
AP Religion Writer
Mon Mar 9

A wide-ranging study on American religious life found that the Roman Catholic population has been shifting out of the Northeast to the Southwest, the percentage of Christians in the nation has declined and more people say they have no religion at all.

Fifteen percent of respondents said they had no religion, an increase from 14.2 percent in 2001 and 8.2 percent in 1990, according to the American Religious Identification Survey.

Northern New England surpassed the Pacific Northwest as the least religious region, with Vermont reporting the highest share of those claiming no religion, at 34 percent. Still, the study found that the numbers of Americans with no religion rose in every state.

"No other religious bloc has kept such a pace in every state," the study's authors said.

In the Northeast, self-identified Catholics made up 36 percent of adults last year, down from 43 percent in 1990. At the same time, however, Catholics grew to about one-third of the adult population in California and Texas, and one-quarter of Floridians, largely due to Latino immigration, according to the research.

Nationally, Catholics remain the largest religious group, with 57 million people saying they belong to the church. The tradition gained 11 million followers since 1990, but its share of the population fell by about a percentage point to 25 percent.

Christians who aren't Catholic also are a declining segment of the country.

In 2008, Christians comprised 76 percent of U.S. adults, compared to about 77 percent in 2001 and about 86 percent in 1990. Researchers said the dwindling ranks of mainline Protestants, including Methodists, Lutherans and Episcopalians, largely explains the shift. Over the last seven years, mainline Protestants dropped from just over 17 percent to 12.9 percent of the population.

The current survey, being released Monday, found traditional organized religion playing less of a role in many lives. Thirty percent of married couples did not have a religious wedding ceremony and 27 percent of respondents said they did not want a religious funeral.

About 12 percent of Americans believe in a higher power but not the personal God at the core of monotheistic faiths. And, since 1990, a slightly greater share of respondents — 1.2 percent — said they were part of new religious movements, including Scientology, Wicca and Santeria.

The study also found signs of a growing influence of churches that either don't belong to a denomination or play down their membership in a religious group.

Evangelical or born-again Americans make up 34 percent of all American adults and 45 percent of all Christians and Catholics, the study found. Researchers found that 18 percent of Catholics consider themselves born-again or evangelical, and nearly 39 percent of mainline Protestants prefer those labels. Many mainline Protestant groups are riven by conflict over how they should interpret what the Bible says about gay relationships, salvation and other issues.

The study found that the percentage of Americans who identified themselves as Muslim grew to 0.6 percent of the population, while growth in Eastern religions such as Buddhism slightly slowed.

More.

A Prayer from Ligon Duncan

2009-02-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

In line with Packer's prayer on God's attributes and the gospel, Ligon Duncan offered this prayer at church on Sunday:

O Lord – Living, True and Triune God,
We love you more than the world.
We need you more than life.
We are not here today as a diversion,
or to go through the motions,
we are here in the midst of a dread battle,
because we need to be together with one another
with the Captain of our salvation, more than we need food.

We are here because of your grace,
Otherwise we would be somewhere else destroying our own lives.

We are here not because we are good, or because we are better than others;

rather we are here because
you found a way to justify the unjust justly;

we are here because
in your love you gave your Son to bear death’s agony for us;

we are here because
in your justice you made your Son, as our substitute, to suffer the sentence that our disobedience deserved;

we are here because
with your power you have bought us back from sin, selfishness and Satan,
and united us to the risen Christ,
renewed our hearts,
freed us from sin’s bondage,
and moved us to repent and believe;

we are here because
in your faithfulness you have kept us from falling, as you promised to do, until you bring us safe home, triumphantly to our final glory, and yours.

This is all of your doing, all of your grace, and so all to your glory.

Because of this, we want men and women and boys and girls
from every tribe, language, people, and nation to know, love, and worship you.
Do this thing, O Lord.

Lord God, draw near to us then, now.
Hear our prayers. Receive our praise. Open and draw our hearts.
Speak Lord, your servants listen – and we hang on your every word.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Attributes of God and the Glory of the Gospel

2009-02-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

(from Justin Taylor's blog at:
http://theologica.blogspot.com/2009/02/attributes-of-god-and-glory-of-gospel.html)

I (JT) can't resist reproducing one more quote from Packer's Praying the Lord's Prayer. It's vintage Packer -- Pauline in both its length and theology:

By wisdom God found a way to justify the unjust justly;
in love he gave his Son to bear death's agony for us;
in justice he made the Son, as our substitute, suffer the sentence that our disobedience deserved;
with power he unites us to the risen Christ, renews our hearts, frees us from sin's bondage, and moves us to repent and believe;
and in faithfulness he keeps us from falling, as he promised to do, till he brings us triumphantly to our final glory. (page 43)

From A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God:

2009-02-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

O God, I have tasted Your goodness,

and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more.

I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace.

I am ashamed of my lack of desire.

O God, the Triune God,I want to want You;

I long to be filled with longing;

I thirst to be made more thirsty still.

Show me Your glory, I pray,

so I may know You indeed.

Begin in mercy a new work of love within me…

Give me grace to rise and follow You up from this misty lowland

where I have wandered so long.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

None But Jesus

2009-02-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored --

When You call, I won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose --

There is no one else for me!
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free --
Now I live to bring Him praise.

In the chaos, in confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will

When You call I won't delay
This my song through all my days

All my delight is in You, Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You, Lord --
Forevermore.

(Hillsong)

Help me, Lord, redeem the time (You've given me...)

2008-12-09T20:46:00.000-08:00

Let me no longer waste my time

(Hannah More, "The Book of Private Devotion")

Almighty God, I adore Your infinite patience, which has not cut me off in the midst of my follies; I magnify Your wonderful goodness, which has spared me thus long. Let me no longer abuse that precious treasure--time, which you have allotted me as a proper season to work out my own salvation, and secure that happiness which is great in itself, and infinite in its duration.

Let me bid adieu to all those vain amusements, those trifling entertainments and sinful diversions, which have robbed me of many valuable hours, and endangered the loss of my immortal soul. Let me no longer waste my time in ease and pleasure, in unprofitable studies, and more unprofitable conversation; but grant, that, by diligence and honesty in my calling, by constancy and fervor in my devotions, by moderation and temperance in my enjoyments, by justice and charity in all my words and actions, and by keeping a conscience void of offence to God and man--I may be able to give a good account in the day of judgment, and be accepted in and through the merits of Jesus Christ, my only mediator and advocate.

Amen.

Scripture Memorization: Yawn or Yippee?

2008-12-08T12:14:00.000-08:00

Over at Between Two Worlds, they're encouraging folks to do some Bible memorization during 2009. In fact, a passage every week. That's a chunk.

I immediately wondered if this was something I could do, but really if this was something I wanted to do. Let's get real: Do I really think hiding God's Word in my heart is helpful? necessary? essential?

What will I do with this challenge?

Here's the list.

Just Do It!

2008-11-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

No unwelcome tasks become any the less unwelcome

by putting them off till tomorrow.

It is only when they are behind us and done,

that we begin to find that there is a sweetness to be tasted afterwards,

and that the remembrance of unwelcome duties

unhesitatingly done is welcome and pleasant.

Accomplished, they are full of blessing,

and there is a smile on their faces as they leave us.

Undone, they stand threatening and disturbing our tranquility,

and hindering our communion with God.

If there be lying before you any bit of work from which you shrink,

go straight up to it, and do it at once.

The only way to get rid of it is to do it.

-Alexander MacLaren (1826–1910), Scottish preacher

So what do I do when no one is looking?

2008-11-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

J.P. Hayes is as honest as we like to think we are
By Jay Busbee

The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching. John Wooden said that, or maybe it was Spider-Man. Whatever, it still holds true; being noble and upstanding is easy enough when you've got people watching, but when you're alone with yourself, when you could do the wrong thing (or avoid the right thing) and get away with it, well -- that's when you find out what kind of person you are.

By that standard, then,

J.P. Hayes is among the best that sports has to offer. More.

from Spurgeon

2008-11-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

It is a vain idea of ours,

to suppose that if our circumstances were altered

we should be more at rest.

My brother,

if you cannot rest in poverty,

neither would you in riches;

if you cannot rest in the midst of persecution,

neither would you in the midst of honour.

It is the spirit within that gives the rest,

that rest has little to do with anything without.

Show Some Gratitude!

2008-10-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Let us continually. ..praise. ..God...giving thanks. - Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

At a Women of Faith conference they were short of space for 150 people, so the staff brought in narrower chairs. Everyone had a seat, but conditions in the auditorium were cramped and nobody was happy. The director asked the guest speaker, Joni Eareckson Tada, to help calm the crowd. A childhood diving accident had left Joni quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair. As the attendants pushed her out onto the platform she addressed the audience: "I understand some of you don't like the chair you're sitting in. Well, neither do I! But I've a thousand handicapped friends who'd gladly trade places with you." Immediately the hall went quiet and the complaining stopped.

When Paul was training Timothy he said, "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ" (2 Tim 2:1), and gratitude is an offshoot of grace. The Bible says, "Let us continually [not just when you feel like it!] offer the sacrifice of praise to God...giving thanks to His name." After the Bible expositor Matthew Henry was accosted and robbed he wrote in his diary: "Let me be thankful, first, that I was never robbed before, second, that although they took my purse they didn't take my life, third, that although they took everything I had, it wasn't much, fourth, that it was I who was robbed, and not I who did the robbing.

"If you're struggling to find something to be grateful for today, here's a good reason: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever" (Ps 118:29 NIV).

SoulFood Bible Readings: Ezek 22-23, Luke 21:1-11, Ps 78:17-31, Pr 20:15-19 as seen in word for today http://www.rhema. co.nz/index. php#email

====From Cup O'Cheer Compiled by: Kimberly B. Quiggle. Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc. rr.com

Listen Up, Ladies

2008-10-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

Here's an article with wonderful biblical perspective to read and to share with others. Women in the church, particularly those with sons, need to be concerned their boys are seeing strong men leading. Thank God for those men. Thank God for your husband, father, brother, uncle, care group leader, pastor, and Sunday School teachers. Pray that God will grant these strong, male, Christ-followers favor as they cross paths with men in their daily lives to bring many more men into God's Kingdom.

The True Woman Manifesto

2008-10-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

From the Revive Our Hearts True Woman Conference --

You must read this.

What is the secret, Grandmamma?

2008-10-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

(J. R. Miller, "The Duty of Pleasing Others" 1904)

"Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good,

in order to build him up."

Romans 15:2

The Duchess of Kent was universally beloved. Once the Princess Alice, herself simple, sweet and unspoiled, asked her:

"What makes everyone love to be with you? I am always so sorry to have to leave you--and so are all the others who come here. What is the secret, grandmamma?"I

It was not easy for the noble woman to answer such a personal question. But it was important that it should be answered for the sake of her who had asked it, and who was indeed hungry to know the secret. So the noble lady gave this memorable answer:

"I was early instructed, that the way to please others--was to be sincerely interested in the things which interested them, namely their own affairs; and that this could be accomplished only by burying one's own troubles, interests, or joys completely out of sight. Forgetfulness of one's own concerns, a smiling face, a sincere word of sympathy, or unselfish help, where it is possible to give it--will always please others--and the giver equally so."

"I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them--so they may be saved."

1 Corinthians 10:33

Not One of Us Would Ever Be Saved!

2008-09-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

(J. R. Miller, "The Hidden Life" 1895)

"He always lives to intercede for them."

Hebrews 7:25

Some speak as if all Christ's work in saving us, had been done on the cross nineteen hundred years ago, in His giving up of Himself to die for us. But His actual work in saving us--is continued with us--

in teaching us life's lessons,
giving us grace to overcome in temptation,
lifting us up when we have fallen,
going after us and bringing us back when
we have wandered away, and
keeping us from the world's deadly evils.

Were it not for this patient, never-failing, watchful love of Christ--not one of us would ever be saved!

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish --ever!

No one will snatch them out of My hand!"

John 10:28

Everybody, Somebody, Nobody, and Anybody

2008-09-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there were four church members:

Their names were Everybody, Somebody, Nobody, and Anybody.

Whenever there was an important job to be done, Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought that Somebody would do it, but Nobody realized that Nobody would do it.

So consequently Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place.

"He gives too late who waits to be asked." – Latin Proverb

Free Commentary Download

2008-08-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

This may be one of the best freebies ever—a $35.00 commentary for free!

They just re-launched the Logos Blog and They really need our help to spread the word! Logos is making it easy by giving everyone a free commentary download to encourage us to spread the word and link to their blog! Not to mention... buy the entire commentary series!

Here's the catch: The freebie only lasts as long as the entire 9 volume series is on Pre-Pub.

As of the time of writing this email they were at 93% of the interest needed to move this commentary series into production. Apparently it is a hot series, and why not, contemporary scholarship from nearly 100 scholars, based on the New Living Translation, almost 5,000 pages, edited by Philip Comfort...

They will keep the freebie going after they reach 100% interest and move into production, but they will be working hard to get the finished series to market as soon as possible, and then the freebie goes away!

Now, here's more about The Cornerstone Biblical Commentary Series...

Last Friday the Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (9 Vols.) hit the Pre-Pub page. This relatively new series from Tyndale, under the editorship of Philip W. Comfort, Tremper Longman III (OT), and Grant Osborne (NT), attempts—like the second edition of the New Living Translation it is based on—to be both exegetically accurate and idiomatically powerful.

The CBC gives careful attention to both the words and theological message of the texts of Scripture and strives to be a helpful tool for teachers, pastors, students, and lay people alike.The contributors to this series—Allen P. Ross, Tremper Longman III, Darrell L. Bock, Harold W. Hoehner, and many others—represent a wide spectrum of theological positions within evangelicalism, reflecting the rich variety that exists in the church.

The 9-volume collection now on Pre-Pub includes the following titles:
Genesis, Exodus
Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations
Minor Prophets: Hosea-Malachi
Matthew, Mark
Luke, Acts
The Gospel of John, 1-3 John
Romans, Galatians
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Philemon

Visit the product page to place your pre-order. Get the free volume now!

Logos has arranged with Tyndale to give away one of the volumes for free—no strings attached! For a limited time (until the Pre-Pub ships) you can get one of the volumes for free—visit the Logos Blog to find out which volume they are giving away!

They're confident that after you've had a chance to try out the free volume from this series many of you will want to place your pre-order for the whole collection.

Check out the Logos Blog to find out which volume is free, then download it and help spread the word about this free offer!

http://blog.logos.com/

"The More"

2008-08-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

The more generous we are,
the more joyous we become.

The more cooperative we are,
the more valuable we become.

The more enthusiastic we are,
the more productive we become.

The more serving we are,
the more prosperous we become.

The more outgoing we are,
the more helpful we become.

The more curious we are,
the more creative we become.

The more patient we are,
the more understanding we become.

The more persistent we are,
the more successful we become.

- William Arthur Ward

Found at: A Ministry of Pastor Tim and Cybersalt Communications
http://www.cybersalt.org Subscribe for yourself!

This really got me thinking...

2008-08-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Christian amusements

(J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures" 1890)

Amusement must never become an end in life. Itmust always be a means, a help on the way--just as sleep is, just as rest is. An hour's amusement, should be to you, just what a night's sleeping is. It should make you stronger, clearer-headed, braver, calmer-souled, more hopeful, more earnest, more enthusiastic--inspiring you for godly living.

Anything which leaves a taint of impurity upon the life, or starts a thought of impurity in the mind, anything which degrades or debases the soul--is an unfit and unworthy amusement for a Christian. Christian amusements must be such as do not harm spiritual life; they must be means of grace.

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do

~ do everything for God's glory!"

1 Cor. 10:31

A Home That Reflects God's Grace

2008-07-28T15:53:00.000-07:00

Every day I look forward to receiving the brief summary Nancy Leigh DeMoss' daily radio program from Revive Our Hearts. I am posting today's interview because I think it may be helpful for someone; maybe that someone is you. For years, yes, years, this subject has left me intimidated and feeling less than, well, womanly, because I didn't feel I measured up in this area.

The plain truth is I didn't even want to explore this area of me. But God is good and gracious and knows: there was and is within me a deep desire to keep my home clean, orderly, well-managed, and display my distinct touch. I am not scared anymore. I am no longer intimidated. Largely because of the most important women in my life: Mom, and the divine Sisterhood Posse. God has not called me to be Martha Stewart -- but I've learned much from her and I admire her. God has called me to be me and to become all that I can be in Him. That should keep me busy for as many days as I continue to draw breath. Thanks, Mom, for making our house a home. Thanks, dear sisters, for your consistent display of gracious hospitality and sense of personal style. You are each so much fun!

Series: Home-making Is Not a Dirty Word: An Interview with Dr. Pat Ennis and Dr. Lisa Tatlock
Monday, July 28 2008

Leslie Basham: If you want to learn a skill, you have to practice, right? Have you ever considered obeying God’s Word as practice? Here’s Pat Ennis.

Dr. Pat Ennis: God’s Word doesn’t offer a cafeteria plan for obedience—that if you tend to have the aptitude for it, then you do it. He tells us, “These are some specific things that please Me.” And that is going to mean that sometimes we have to practice. We’re going to fall, and we need to pick ourselves up with His strength and keep moving on, so that we do become proficient.

Leslie: This is Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss. It’s Monday, July 28.

An important part of our mission here at Revive Our Hearts is helping women experience the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives. And, Nancy, this week’s programs are no exception.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: This week we want to talk about one aspect of biblical womanhood that, for some of our listeners, is going to sound like we’re talking about something very old-fashioned. In fact, let me use a word that maybe you haven’t heard for a while. It’s the term homemaking: the making of a home. God’s call to us as women—whether married or single—is, in different senses, to be homemakers. It’s such an important part of His mission and His vision for our lives.

The first part of this week, to help us with that subject, we’re going to be talking with two women who have co-authored a couple of books that help us understand God’s perspective on this subject of homemaking.

Dr. Pat Ennis and Dr. Lisa Tatlock both teach at The Master’s College, which you may be familiar with, in southern California. Pat and Lisa have also co-authored two books, the first called Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God and the second Designing a Lifestyle That Pleases God.

Pat and Lisa, thank you so much for joining us on Revive Our Hearts.

Dr. Lisa Tatlock: Thank you for having us.

Pat: We are privileged to be here. Thank you for inviting us.

Nancy: It’s been fun for me to get to know you two women and to sense your heart and read what you’ve written about a subject that, for a lot of women, is not even on their radar screen: this whole subject of homemaking. You are so into this subject! Pat, you actually started the Home Economics department at The Master’s College. Lisa, you teach in the Home Economics department. So this is something that you women really have a heart for.

Now, when I say Home Ec.—Home Economics—to some people that sounds like we’re talking about dinosaurs or something that isn’t even heard of anymore. Pat, how did you even get interested in this subject of Home Economics?

Pat: Well, I actually started as a seventh grader always wanting to be a teacher. And my seventh-grade Home Ec. teacher really lit the fire so that I wanted to be a Home Economics teacher. All of my college counselors tried to discourage that, because I was too academically prepared to just "waste my time" in being a Home Ec. major.

But I found, as I went to college and I studied the discipline, that it was food science; it was chemistry; it was biology that backed up all of the concepts that made the house a home.
I actually learned homemaking from my mother. My mother was a gracious southern woman who learned many things from practical experience. She had an opportunity to practice her skills many years before I was brought into the family.

Go here to read the rest or you may choose to listen to the broadcast.

Unto the end!

2008-07-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

"Having loved His own who were in the world --He loved them to the end."

John 13:1

The most wonderful thing in the universe, is our Savior's love for His own people. Christ bears with all our infirmities. He never tires of our inconsistencies and unfaithfulnesses. He goes on forever forgiving and forgetting. He follows us when we go astray. He does not forget us--when we forget Him. Through all our stumbling and sinning, through all our provocation and disobedience, through all our waywardnesses and stubbornnesses, through all our doubting and unfaithfulness --He clings to us still, and never lets us go. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever!

No one will snatch them out of My hand!"

John 10:28

J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures"

In my inbox today . . .

2008-07-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

God is sitting in heaven when a scientist says to Him, "Lord, we don’t need You anymore. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing. In other words, we can now do what You did in the ‘beginning'!"

"Oh, is that so? Tell Me," replies God.

"Well,” says the scientist, "we can take dirt and form it into the likeness of You and breathe life into it, thus creating man."

"Well, that's interesting. Show Me.”

So the scientist bends down to the earth and starts to mold the soil.

"Oh, no, no, no...," interrupts God.

(I love this!) "Get your own dirt."

A Fresh Start Today . . .

2008-07-07T10:04:00.001-07:00

Our new school year begins today and with it new goals, high hopes, fresh discoveries, and more opportunities to make memories. Today marks CJ's first day of high school. Seems like yesterday we were practicing to begin kindergarten in the fall. Where did the time go? Mom was right: the time runs by so quickly.

Enjoy this devotional from Arthur W. Pink.

"Give Me your heart"

"Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

"My son, give Me your heart." (Proverbs 23:26)

A "willing" heart (Exodus 35:5)--which acts spontaneously and gladly, not out of necessity.

A "perfect" heart (1 Chronicles 29:9)--sincere, genuine, upright.

A "tender" heart (2 Chronicles 34:27)--yielding and pliable, the opposite of hard and stubborn.
A "broken" heart (Psalm 34:18)--sorrowing over all failure and sin.

A "united" heart (Psalm 86:11)--all the affections centered on God.

An "enlarged" heart (Psalm 119:32)--delighting in every part of Scripture, and loving all God's people.

A "sound" heart (Proverbs 14:30)--right in both doctrine and practice.

A "merry" heart (Proverbs 15:15)--rejoicing in the Lord always.

A "pure" heart (Matthew 5:8)--hating all evil.

An "honest and good heart" (Luke 8:15)--free from deceit and hypocrisy, willing to be searched through and through by the Word.

A "single" heart (Ephesians 6:5)--desiring only God's glory.

A "true" heart (Hebrews 10:22)--genuine in all its dealings with God.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (Proverbs 4:23)

Laundry List for Life

2008-07-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

Written by Regina Brett of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 90 in August, so here goes:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11 . Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Updates . . .

2008-06-27T00:10:00.000-07:00

Diane is going to be a grandma. They sold their home in SoCal. Hubby needs a well-paying position to open up for him in Spokane.

Joycey just graduated her three boys from high school. She still has her twin girls in 8th grade and, of course, the boys aren't out on their own just yet.

Sue now has both girls married off and is getting reacquainted with the love of her life. Sue is also considering her involvement in jail ministry in SoCal. Beth would really like to have her as a partner.

Jennie is home again following a two-week trip abroad where she was privileged to speak at a women's conference. If you want to enjoy some excellent teaching, you can download the audio here:

http://www.emmanuelbaptist.co.uk/downloads/index.html

Look for: FCT B:Beautiful events, with Jennie Altstadt (April 2008). Don't wait too long to download; they may be taken down soon.

Steffer is nearing the end of a home remodel (!) while looking at having a senior in high school next year, a new junior higher, one in elementary, and possibly one in kindergarten (I'm not certain of little one's age). I think she definitely needs a vacation.

Me? I'm going to the beach and catching up on my own coursework. Feel free to join me.

School's Out (yea!)

2008-06-26T23:54:00.000-07:00

And the kids think they're the happier ones. Not on your life. Nope, I am. We've been out since about the middle of April. Now we're looking at the start of 2008-09 in about 11 days. I must say, I'm not ready to jump in just yet. I'd rather sit by the beach, listen to the surf, read my book, let the wind blow through my hair, and veg . . . Now that sounds about right.

CJ has finished his baseball season. He did very well; the team had a successful year. He was able to play every position he wanted to at least once, I think. He already is planning out next year's season. The boy lives for baseball. My kind of guy.

Andrew and I just finished the indoor soccer season. I asked Andrew if he'd mind if I volunteered to coach his team this year -- he was all for it. (I figured, why not? I would be there anyway.) We had an almost perfect season. 0-7-1 and we lost our only game in the post-season tournament. There were 9 junior highers on the team, 8 boys, 1 girl. I had a great time with them. I learned winning is great but letting the kids get in the game and play was more important. I really like to win, mind you. But as a parent, I really like to see my kid play, and I think most parents think like that. So, that's how I managed playing time. We did our best, every player's skills improved but each athlete played an almost equal amount of time. I thought that was the right thing to do and that seemed to coincide with the philosophy of the YMCA league we were in.

So now, our Saturdays are once again ours. Whew.

It's late . . .

2008-06-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

If you didn't already know this, Sue is a graphic designer. And this picture? Well, this is Sue.

Sue loves to have fun. Sue is fun. When you're around Sue, you can't help having fun. It just happens. So you see, Sue is a very happy person and Sue made this creation of herself. Perfect.

Courtesy of South Park.

Found in my email...

2008-05-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

"I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids."

...Priceless.

Prayer by C.H. Spurgeon

2008-05-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

December 30, 1877:

"Lord, there are so many today who are running away from the truth. Oh, that You would be pleased to speak by Your Spirit that Your Word may be known. Lord, hold us fast to the truth of Your Word, bind us to it. May we not be ashamed of the truth of Your Word but proclaim it boldly without compromise. May we not wish to be thought cultured, nor aim to keep in step with the times. May we be side by side with You, O bleeding Savior; and be content to be rejected, be willing to take up unpopular truth, and to hold fast despised teachings of sacred Scripture to the end. Oh, make us faithful unto death."

The Arm of Grace is Very Long

2008-05-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

Let us learn never to despair of the salvation of anyone--as long as he lives. Fathers ought never to despair of prodigal sons. Mothers ought never to despair of self-willed, headstrong daughters. Husbands should never despair of wives, nor wives of husbands. There is nothing impossible with God. The arm of grace is very long, and can reach those who seem very far off. Let us pray on, and hope on, for others--however unlikely their salvation may appear to be at present.

The Holy Spirit can change any heart!

The blood of Christ can cleanse away any sin!

We shall see many in heaven, whom we never expected to see there. Grimshaw, the famous pastor of Yorkshire, when he died, left his only son unconverted, careless, thoughtless, and indifferent to true religion. The day came when the young man’s heart was changed, and he walked in the steps of his holy father. And when he lay upon his deathbed, one of his last words was, "What will my old father say--when he sees me in heaven!"

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save!" Isaiah 59:1

--J.C. Ryle, Many Shall Come

Life is hard for most people

2008-04-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,

bearing with one another in love."

Ephesians 4:2

We should train ourselves to such regard, to such respect for others, that we shall never hurt the heart of one of God's creatures, even by a disdainful look!

Our love ought also to be patient. Our neighbor may have his faults—but we are taught to bear with one another's infirmities. If we knew the story of men's lives, the hidden loads and burdens which they are often carrying, the unhealed sore in their heart—we would have most gentle patience with them. Life is hard for most people; certainly hard enough without our adding to its burdens by our censoriousness, our unkindness, our jeering and contempt.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

There Must Be A Difference

2008-04-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Matthew" 1856)

"You are the salt of the earth." Matthew 5:13

"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14

Surely, if words mean anything, we are meant to learn from these two figures, that there must be something marked, distinct, and peculiar about our character, if we are true Christians.

It will never do to idle through life, thinking and living like others, if we mean to be owned by Christ as His people.

Have we grace? Then it must be seen.

Have we the Spirit? Then there must be fruit.

Have we any saving religion? Then there must be a difference of habits, tastes, and turn of mind, between us and those who think only of the world.

It is perfectly clear that true Christianity is something more, than being baptized and going to church.

Daily Supplies

2008-04-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

(Thomas Vincent, "Love to the Unseen Christ")

Such as are very wealthy, are greatly loved by the poor and indigent—if they find them also to have large hearts and open hands—ready to distribute unto their needs and necessities.

Consider Christ's fullness and all-sufficiency. None have such fullness and plenty as the Lord Jesus Christ—and none are so willing to give unto the needs of such as are poor in spirit, and sensible of their need.

"It has pleased the Father, that in Him all fullness should dwell!" Colossians 1:19. There is not only fullness in Him—but all fullness! Not the fullness of the cistern—but the fullness of the fountain! Not the fullness only of sufficiency for Himself—but the fullness of redundancy for His people! Not some fullness for some good things—but all fullness for all good things! Not fullness for some time, and to continue but for awhile—but all fullness dwells in Him, and abides for all His people throughout all generations!

Christians have need of daily supplies of Christ's grace. They have need of Christ . . .
when they are dark—to enlighten them;
when they are deadened—to quicken them;
when they are straitened—to enlarge them;
when they are weak—to strengthen them;
when they are sad—to comfort them;
when they are tempted—to support them;
when they are fallen—to raise them;
when they are in doubts—to resolve them;
when they are under fears—to encourage them;
when they stagger—to establish them;
when they wander—to restore them!
None but Christ can do all this—and more than this, for them!

You are empty—Christ is full!
You are poor—Christ is rich!
You are indigent—Christ is all-sufficient!

Christians, will not you love Christ—who is able to do for you beyond what you are able to ask or think; and is as willing as He is able to supply all your spiritual necessities? Will you not love Christ—who is an overflowing and everflowing fountain of goodness; who has inexhaustible treasures of graces and comforts in Him, which are set open before you, and unto you—and every day you may freely come and fetch such jewels out of His treasury as are of higher worth, and of greater use, than any earthly riches!

True Friendship Is None of that Sissy Stuff

2008-03-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

So I get this in my inbox today from BF Jennie in Kansas City . . . (thanks so much; just had to pass it along to the rest of the posse and all other members of the Sisterhood out there in bloggerland) --

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good,
But never actually come close to reality?

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.
You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card-
Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad
like a spider monkey.

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much Worse it could be until you quit whining.

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well
again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsiness.

Attitude

2008-03-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

“Well,” she said, “I think I'll braid my hair today.” So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

“Hmm,” she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.” So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “today, I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did, and she had a terrific day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. “Yea!” she exclaimed. “I don't have to fix my hair today!'

Attitude is everything.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly.

Spiritual Growth

2008-03-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

O Thou most high,

In the way of thy appointment I am waiting for thee,
My desire is to thy name,
My mind to remembrance of thee.

I am a sinner, but not insensible of my state.

My iniquities are great and numberless,
but thou art adequate to my relief,
for thou art rich in mercy;
the blood of thy Son can cleanse from all sin;
the agency of thy Spirit can subdue my most powerful lusts.

Give me a tender, wakeful conscience that can smite and torment me when I sin.

May I be consistent in conversation and conduct,
the same alone as in company,
in prosperity and adversity,
accepting all thy commandments as right,
and hating every false way.

May I never be satisfied with my present spiritual progress,
but to faith add virtue, knowledge, temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.

May I never neglect what is necessary to constitute Christian character,
and needful to complete it.

May I cultivate the expedient,
develop the lovely, adorn the gospel,
recommend the religion of Jesus,
accommodate myself to thy providence.

Keep me from sinking or sinning in the evil day;
Help me to carry into ordinary life portions of divine truth
and use them on suitable occasions, so that
its doctrines may inform,
its warnings caution,
its rules guide,
its promises comfort me.

from The Valley of Vision

A Timely Word from Rick Ezell

2008-02-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

One Minute Uplift
Your weekly one minute inspiration from Rick Ezell
02-21-08

What Does Sabbath Mean?
By Rick Ezell

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Ex. 20:8 NIV).

Rest and relaxation are not optional. Rest was never meant to be a luxury, but a necessity for growth, maturity, and health. Rest is so important that God included it in the Ten Commandments. We do not rest because our work is done; we rest because God commanded it and created us to have a need for it. The Sabbath was made for man because God knows that our physical, emotional, and spiritual well being demands periodic breaks. The old proverb is true, "If you don't come apart, you will come apart."

The Sabbath reminds us that life has a rhythm. When you listen to an orchestra, all the parts work together in harmony. The music has balance and rhythm. Without rhythm, the music is awkward and out of sync. It just doesn't flow right.

Have you ever felt as if your life isn't flowing right, as if you've lost the rhythm? To have rhythm in your life, four ingredients are necessary: rest, worship, play, and work. Too many of us change and reverse these ingredients and end up with work, work, work, and perhaps a little play. Gordon Dahl wrote, "Most middle-class Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship. As a result, their meanings and values are distorted. Their relationships disintegrate faster than they can keep them in repair, and their lifestyles resemble a cast of characters in search of a plot." Or to keep with our metaphor, their lifestyles resemble a song in dire need of rhythm.

The Sabbath renews our reverence of God. "And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy" (Gen. 2:3 NIV). The Sabbath is a holy day because it is God's.

This usually raises some questions like these: "Does that mean it's all right to watch television on Sunday? Is it all right to go to a ballgame on Sunday? Can we eat out, read the newspaper, play softball, or go grocery shopping on Sunday?" Those are good questions. The only thing wrong with them is that you have asked the wrong person. It's not my day. It's the Lord's Day. Ask him, "Lord, how can I honor you on this day?"

The word holy literally means set apart. Let me encourage you to set apart one day a week as a Sabbath to reverence God and rest your bodies. When you do, you not only gain a physical and emotional benefit, but a spiritual benefit as well.

The Sabbath renews our reliance on God. The Sabbath is a testimony of trust. Perhaps one reason we hurry so much, has little to do with poor time management or economic necessity, as much as it does with faith in God. Perhaps we simply do not believe that God will be true to his word. Perhaps we are not confident that God will take care of our needs.

There's the story of the two birds perched high above a busy city watching all the people busily scurrying from one activity to another. The Robin said to the Sparrow, "Why do those humans scurry to and fro?" "Perhaps," said the Sparrow, "they do not realize they have a heavenly Father like ours that cares for them so."

The Sabbath restores our souls. Do you remember snow days? As a child, when it snowed, you would get up in the morning and immediately turn on the radio to see if school was going to be closed, and when it was canceled, you rejoiced. You had a free day, completely unplanned, in which you could do anything you wanted. It was a gift.

We need to create our own snow days, or at least some snow time. We need blocks of time on a regular basis to recharge our souls, or as the Africans would say, to let our souls catch up with our bodies, in order to remain free of burnout and breakdown. That time, that snow day, is the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is a day of remembrance. The Sabbath is more than simply resting our bodies. It's greater than merely restoring our souls. It's higher than recharging our minds. The Sabbath is foremost a day of remembering God's role in our lives. Remembering, worshipping, and resting are acts of contemplation. Yet in the midst of our busyness, we are starved for contemplation. We need that time to remember what God has done for us in our lives. First and foremost, the price he paid for our salvation, and then every good and perfect gift that comes from the Father. Let's remember him.

Rest is not just a psychological convenience; it is a spiritual and biological necessity. "Remember the Sabbath" is more than simply a lifestyle suggestion. It is a commandment, an ethical precept as serious as prohibitions against killing, stealing, and lying. To forget it is dangerous-personally, morally, and socially.

Copyright 2005 Rick Ezell
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

In my inbox today...

2008-02-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott.

Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.

On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school.

Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what, Mom," he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me.

"I've been chosen to clap and cheer."

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I'm clapping and cheering for you today, dear sisters.

Another great memo from . . .

2008-02-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

The Monday Memo
MONDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2008

THE BIG PICTURE
EPHESIANS 5:16

Mary David Fisher said, "The length of our life is less important than its depth."

Her saying reminds of something that musician Eubie Blake said on his 100th birthday: "If I'd known I was gonna live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."

We never know how much time we have left, either in this life or in this ministry, but the question of longevity isn't nearly as crucial as the question of intensity. Even though quantity is an unknown variable; quality must remain consistent.

I think of this when I spend time with my kids. They're out of the house now, living in other cities, starting new lives. When we're together, it's only for a few days -- sometimes only a few hours. When I see them, I forget about what's on TV and my cell phone gets turned off. I want to make every second count.

We need to approach our lives and our work the same way. Paul used a phrase in Ephesians 5 that is translated in the NIV as "make the most of every opportunity." The King James uses the phrase, "redeeming the time." In order to do this, we need to understand two things:

1. Our lives fit into the Big Picture of God's plan.
2. The Big Picture is played out one frame at a time: one day, one hour, one moment at a time.

If you're like most of us, your plate is already full. At any moment there are a dozen things you could be doing. The important question is: "Of everything on my list, what is the best thing I can do right now?"

You can't answer this question without a good idea about where your life is going. Grasping the Big Picture empowers you to shape your plans day by day.

So your day is full. Maybe you'll spend some time today cleaning up yesterday's mess. Maybe you'll spend some time putting out today's fires. These things are inevitable. But the biggest "maybe" is if you'll spend some time today preparing for what your life will become tomorrow.

If we're not careful, we can spend all of our time focused on yesterday and today. The result is that the Big Picture stuff doesn't get done -- until it becomes another fire to put out or another mess to clean up. (Need examples? Waiting until December 10 to decide how you'll pay for Christmas; waiting until you're 62 to decide how you'll pay for retirement; waiting until September 15 to decide who will speak at your Fall Retreat ... and so on.)

Redeem the time. Make the most of every opportunity. Think about the hours you have at your disposal. What's the best thing you can do -- not just for the crises you're facing now, but for the life you want to have in the months ahead and in the years to come?

Determining the most important thing to do at any given moment isn't as easy as it seems. It takes practice, discernment and wisdom. And it takes a grasp of the Big Picture. The pay off is that your days have meaning, and your life tells a story that brings glory to God.

--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 visit http://www.aboutsunday.com/omm.htm

Reasons to Read?

2008-01-20T18:23:00.000-08:00

The Sisterhood Posse began simply: we wanted to study good Christian books. What has grown out of that is a deep commitment to each other in biblical accountability and fellowship. This has been needful and richly rewarding in my life. I am deeply grateful to these women. I have not always been a reader. I am a reader today because of Jennie. It is all her fault. Thanks, friend. (Jen sent along this virtual "tour" for those who love to visit bookstores. Enjoy.)

Over at Unashamed Workman, Colin Adams lists "20 Reasons to Read (Good Christian Books)". I list them here. I should mention that Colin is an associate pastor and writes his blog as a preaching pastor for preaching pastors. However, I believe there is much good we can learn here.

1. You will grow in your knowledge of God, yourself and the world around you.

2. You will gain a better understanding of the Bible, the book of books.

3. You will broaden your English vocabluary, helping you to express similar truths to your congregation in fresh ways.

4. You will have an improved imagination and actively engage your mind in a way that probably won’t occur when watching TV.

5. You will be able to sit at the feet of some of the great Christian teachers and minds over the centuries (even if you have few ‘living’ teachers to assist you).

6. You will be forced to cease from incessant activity and think.

7. You will receive a historical perspective on current problems and spot present day blindspots.

8. You will have some of your questions answered and confront other questions you hadn’t even thought of.

9. You will be able to practically apply Paul’s command to think upon “wholesome” things.

10. You will develop a sense of how arguments are constructed and be able to weigh both strong and weak arguments.

11. You will enjoy spiritual input during the week, not just on a Sunday (if not a pastor).

12. You will (if a pastor) be able to engage with other issues beyond this week’s text, thus broadening your perspective.

13. You will be able to mull over a subject. You will be able to put the book down to think, chew over a sentence or re-read a paragraph. You will be able to explore an issue at length, rather than brush over a topic too quickly.

14. You will be better prepared for the task of evangelism, after reading clear presentations of the gospel by great communicators.

15. You will be better prepared for the task of discipleship, having a good way to open up discussion about Christian life issues (what are you reading?).

16. You will be made aware of how Christians interpret and apply Scripture differently in various cultural contexts.

17. You will gain information for your ignorance, inspiration for your weariness, and insight for complex problems.

18. You will be better equipped to lead in your church, marriage and family.

19. You will be stimulated, as in a good conversation, to new lines of thinking.

20. You will be drawn to worship God, especially when the book centres on God not man.

From Carolyn McCulley's Blog...

2008-01-11T06:48:00.000-08:00

This post from Radical Womanhood (which is Carolyn McCulley's blog) is entitled The Rules for Self-Discovery. I thought it was so provoking that I'm posting it in case you didn't see it.--Jennie

For Christmas, one of my friends gave me the leather-bound edition of A.W. Tozer's devotional, The Pursuit of God, The Pursuit of Man. I have really enjoyed it so far. Tozer's vocabulary is denser and more varied than the writers of today, so this devotional has provided much to ponder each day.

One thing I read at the start of the year was Tozer's list titled "Rules for Self-Discovery." Unlike the self-esteem movement of this generation, Tozer was concerned not that we esteem ourselves more highly, but that we esteem God more highly. Where God stands in our affections can be discovered through the answers to this list below. If we want to know better our own weaknesses and affections for this passing world, the answers to these questions will provide illumination.

Rules for Self-Discovery

1. What we want most

2. What we think about most

3. How we use our money

4. What we do with our leisure time

5. The company we enjoy

6. Who and what we admire

7. What we laugh at

If we're honest when we answer, this list can really help us see the hidden motivations of our hearts and the things we value most. It could also be a prayer guide, helping us to see what areas in our lives need the most prayer for godly change. I was struck in particular by the last rule; it really addresses the crass age in which we all live.

The Dark Tale

2007-12-31T13:56:00.000-08:00

(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!

2007-12-31T08:08:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-20T11:03:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

(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...

2007-12-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2007-12-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-02T14:15:00.001-08:00

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!

2007-11-28T23:27:00.000-08:00

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

The Sisterhood Posse

2007-11-28T22:58:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-20T08:47:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-16T06:41:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

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)

2007-11-11T20:13:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-05T09:55:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

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

2007-11-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

(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!

2007-10-28T19:36:00.001-07:00

O the Love of His Royal Heart!

2007-10-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

(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 :-)

2007-10-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-09-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-04T10:27:00.001-07:00

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!

2007-09-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-08-26T00:11:00.001-07:00

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

2007-08-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

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

St. Patrick's Breastplate

2007-08-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-08-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-08-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-07-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-07-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

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!)

2007-07-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

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....

2007-07-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

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 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.