"If we cut off their tongues and forbid the Christians speech, they love with their hands, with their feet, and with their eyes, they love always and everywhere until their last respiration. Does anybody know how to take out the power of love from these stupid Christians?"

-Romanian prison guard who found both his fulfillment and frustration in torturing Christians

I Want To Know That Man

If there's a man with a vison to recognize beauty in places and faces the rest have passed by

If there's a man who could meet with the queen

and stay warm with a beggar the very same night

A man who would pour himself out for a stranger for years for no kind of pay

Let me know his name

I want to know that man

I want to know that man

I want to know that man

If there's a man without a wallet or looks to explain

why these masses of people wanna follow him around

If there is something compelling

if he's saying something they know they've gotta know more about

A man who could love like a mother and die for a world instead of saving himself

I want to know his name

I want to know that man

I want to know that man

I want to know that man

Oh I'd be fool to go on acting like it's unimportant

It might take a little more faith to imagine him away

to walk the other way...

If he came if he lived if he came if he lived

If he died if he lived if he IS if he IS

If there's a God who would enter humanity to capture the love of a rebel like me

I want to know his name

(I want to know his name)

I want to know that man

I want to know that man

(I want to know that man)

I wan to know that man

I want to know that man

by Christa Wells

Download selections (including this song) from her album Frame the Clouds here at her website!

Pretties

When this sweet lil' feller jumped up on my arm, we were instantly friends. :)

Daddy bought me an orchid! Isn't it absolutely gorgeous!?
I'm learning about how to take good care of it.

My cheerful phalaenopsis.

Staring contests.

This little guy came to visit on the back porch. Isn't he amazingly created?

Guidance

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye."
Psalm 32:8

I will guide you with My eye.

Those who are most beloved to me follow my gaze, and I theirs. It is only natural that when you love someone you want to know what they look upon, what captures their attention and brings light to their eyes. What excites them? What saddens them? What makes them beam with pleasure?

This, I believe, is what our precious Lord means when He says He will guide us with His eye.
THOSE WHO LOVE HIM FOLLOW HIS GAZE.
They watch to see what makes Him smile...
and find themselves smiling also.
They watch to see what He looks upon that makes Him cry...
and tears fill their eyes.
They find Him laughing and laugh with Him.

And as they follow His gaze, their eyes are opened.
They are not rebellious, nor do they turn away.

They always keep following...

ALWAYS

Seek My Face

*be sure to pause the music at the bottom of the page*

If You Love the LORD

If you love the Lord, you will love His will for you

Instead of questions why, there'll be praise for all He brings you through

If you love the Lord, you will love His holy commands

Delight yourself in them, and everything you do will surely stand

We are His workmanship created for good works in Christ

He calls us to offer up ourselves a living sacrifice

Well, if you love the Lord, His discipline you won't despise

Cause it will prove to you, that you're a Child in His eyes

And if you love the Lord, you'll seek His face with all your heart

And even when you're old, from His holy place you won't depart

We are His workmanship created for good works in Christ

He calls us to offer up ourselves a living sacrifice

We are His workmanship created for good works in Christ

He calls us to offer up ourselves a living sacrifice

If You Love the Lord, by Keith Green

These words have been running through my mind for days! I love this message. I want to shout it to all the world! To all the church!

"Instead of questions why, there'll be praise for all He brings you through."

"His discipline you won't despise 'cause it will prove to you that you're a child in His eyes."

So good. So true.

Nevada

Hot, dry desert land. Crisp, clear water.

Beautiful sunset. And a sky full of stars.

Walker River Resort was nice.

Nana liked the farm country up against the Sierras so much that we teased her about becoming a mail-order bride and living on a big Nevada ranch.

I told her I would come visit. :)

Springtime Tidepool Fun

Boredom

I firmly believe the word is not to come from any true believer's mouth, much less be an attitude of his heart and mind. It grieves me to hear young people, even young adults whining, "I'm bored..."What does God say about it?
"Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. " 1 Thess. 5:16-18
Does this leave ANY space for boredom?
Do you sometimes wonder what the Lord's will is for you? This verse states it clearly. This is the beginning of His will for you; pursue these things!



Elisabeth Elliot, in her book Discipline, writes:
"I once heard a formula guaranteed to prevent boredom.
It is to have

1. Something to do
2. Someone to love
3. Something to look forward to

"The Christian has all these things in Christ: work, a Master, a hope.
How easily we forget this. One of the results of the Fall is that we lose sight of the meaning of things and begin to see the world as dull and opaque, instead of charged with glory."



In the light of our Lord and His salvation, even the smallest tasks take on a glorious meaning. Again and again God's Word makes it clear that everything is worthwhile if done as unto the Lord. "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Also, we are told that God has prepared good works for us, which we should walk in. Just like the Israelites entering the promise land, He tells us, "Here is My great plan for you, full of milk and honey and all manner of sweetness, walled cities and giants to conquer (It is I who fight for you; do not be afraid), therefore GO! Every bit of soil that you place you foot upon is yours, take it all! Be strong and of good courage; I have given you this land which I swore to give you."

So we enter in and begin to walk; we keep walking and never stop.

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

May every day be sweeter as you pursue our precious King Jesus.

A Challenge and a Question (For the Women)

"Girls, your beauty should come not from time spent in front of the mirror, but rather from time spent in front of the mirror of the Word of God."

-alistair begg

And in light of God's Word, and specifically what He requires of women, here is a question:

What are the eight things that God requires of a woman, which if she does not obey she is guilty of blaspheming the word of God?

do it again

"Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again" to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we."

-G.K. Chesterton

don't forget to pause the music at the bottom of the page. :)

poured forth

“Measure thy life by loss and not by gain

Not by wine drunk but by wine poured forth;

For love’s strength standeth in love’s sacrifice,

And he who suffereth most hath most to give.”
-Ugo Bassi

The Goal

"Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is.

Missions exists because worship doesn't."

- John Piper

----------------------

I had not quite thought of it that way before, but it's true. God created us to worship Him.

This is our purpose.

-----------------------------

"But you are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

His own special people,

that you may proclaim the praises of Him

who called you out of darkness

into His marvelous light;

who once were not a people

but now are the people of God,

who had not obtained mercy

but now have obtained mercy."

-1 Peter 2:9-10

------------------------------

However, as we worship the One who has called us out of darkness,

we come to realize that

there is a place where He is not worshipped.

----------------------

"the principle of the Gospel is this:

the Gospel always brings life to the receiver,

and death to the giver."

-jackie pullenger

ouch

"Christians don't tell lies;

they just go to church and sing them."

- A.W. Tozer

Shema

"Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one."
-Deut. 6:4

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
-Matthew 17:5

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

"Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given;
and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him."
-Luke 8:18

"Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you;
and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever has, to him more will be given;
but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
-Mark 4-24-25

"See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven. "
-Hebrews 12:25

"...the sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His sheep, He goes before them; and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice."
-John 10:3-4

"Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
So then. my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear..."
-James 1:18-19

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
-Romans 18:17

"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation...?"
-Hebrews 2:1-3

"He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned.
The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away."
-Isaiah 50:4b-5

"Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."
-Hebrews 4:7

what must I do

Carolyn, what must I do to win,

what must I do to win,

What must I do to win your love

Carolyn, how do I begin, to tell you what you mean

And how I want to be your friend

If I bring you flowers, sunshine after the showers

If I gave you the springtime,

On a card in a heart-filled line

Oh....Carolyn, what must I do to win,

what must I do to win

What must I do to win your love

--------------------------

If I gave you the morning, the sound of the rivers roaring

If I gave the sky to you, it's always delightful and new

Oh....Carolyn, what must I do to win, what must I do to win

What must I do to win your love

Carolyn, how do I begin, to tell you what you mean

And how I want to be your friend

---------------------------

If I gave my Son for you, would you see my love is true

If I called you by name and took you in and washed away your sin

Oh...Carolyn, what must I do to win, what must I do to win

What must I do to win your love

Carolyn, oh how, how do I begin

to tell you what you mean

and how I want to be your Friend

- "Carolyn" by Wes King

-----------------------------------------------------

Today I was singing this song, thinking of God's love. He always uses the little things to steal my heart- tiny
flowers, sunsets, whispers and songs.

Even when I am cold, hard and brittle to His touch, He is ever so tender, so ready to use whatever it takes to draw me to Himself. His love still amazes me.

love songs

I've grown up hearing plenty of love songs (that would be my daddy:), and when I first heard Eric and Leslie's music, I was amazed! Their songs are so Christ-centered and inspiring; not sad, meaningless or discouraging like so much other stuff out there.

I love it when my brother sits down and plays their songs and we sing together. It is so sweet; I wish he would do it every day. (was that a hint?:)

This particular one my sister has played beautifully on the piano, but I had never actually heard the whole song/lyrics before today. It is great; I especially love Leslie's background vocals.

~Be sure to turn off the music at the bottom of the page before you play the song~

You can find more of their songs here.

You Are My Stronghold

Lord, You are my light and my salvation

Whom shall I fear if You are near?

Lord, You are my peace when there is war all around me

And even here inside me I will have no fear

Oh Lord, You're my protection from my enemies

You set me high upon a rock and You defend my soul

And when their ways advance against me I am confident

that they cannot make me less, for You have made me whole

O Lord, You are my stronghold

You are my stronghold

----------------------------------

Lord You are my strength so let my head be lifted up

That I may glory in the ways You've overcome

Lord You are my home because You've created in me,

a heart that lives the victory that You've already won

Oh Lord, You're my protection from my enemies

You set me high upon a rock and You defend my soul

And when their ways advance against me I am confident

that they cannot make me less, for You have made me whole

O Lord, You are my stronghold

You are my stronghold

Safe

It is amazing how often Christians are heard praying, "Lord, keep her safe... keep him safe.... keep me safe." Those same words have come from my own lips more times than I can count. While asking for God's protection is great, I wonder if we have gone too far. Did Jesus ever promise that we would be safe?

Here's a definition of SAFE:


1. Free from harm, injury, or risk; untouched or unthreatened by danger or injury; unharmed; unhurt; secure; whole; as, safe from disease; safe from storms; safe from foes


2. Conferring safety; safe from harm; not exposing to danger; confining securely; not dangerous; to be relied upon; not dangerous; as, a safe harbor; a safe bridge, etc...

He has promised supernatural protection to those who fear Him and walk in His will, but our common idea of safety may actually be quite different from His. Ours is more of the "risk free, not exposing to danger; confining securely" idea rather than Christ's promise of "You will be persecuted. You will be hated. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul."*
Perhaps we confuse safety in trouble with safety from trouble.
I would encourage you to go to scripture. Do a Biblical study of "safe". How is it used in the Bible? What does God say about it?

My brother recently drove down to Mexico to minister alongside the Church there. The first night we received a call which scared us a little. He had arrived at the old church building (safely), and then waited about twenty minutes until the man who is living there arrived and let him in. This man is involved in a ministry that rescues girls out of sex slavery. (From what I heard of the story), he had been out of town, and when he got back he was told that there had been problems at the rescued girls' home (which is across the street) the last few nights. Men had been there pounding on windows and causing the problems, and so a confrontation of some sort was expected again. And my dear brother arrived right in the midst of it. Prayer requests went out to our whole church, and everyone began asking God for the safety and protection of Ian and the men involved in the ministry.

Now, it could have been easy to desire that my brother hop right back in the car and come home immediately. You know.... let's just keep him away from all that risky stuff, surrounded with a wall of fluffy pillows, where he can read his Bible and pray for the safety of those men far away in Mexico who are doing all that *ahem* radical stuff.
Don't misunderstand me. I love my brother dearly, more than you could know, and I greatly desire his well being. It's just that I've been doing some studying of God's Word, and now I find myself cheering him on instead of wanting him safe at home surrounded by pillows.



It seems that there is something within men that yearns for adventure, risk, and rescue.
Why else can they spend hours in front of computers and televisions killing bad guys, blowing up enemies, fighting battles, and gaining victories? What is in them that makes them so desire to be strong and brave and courageous?
I believe that Satan has a great victory in the deception of men. He has produced a brilliant counterfeit: When you play this game, you feel brave. You are strong. Yes. Spend your energies on cheering for this football team; what a good battle to fight! You like to win, don't you? It makes you feel like a real man. (can't you just feel the slime?)
The problem is, we don't see that it is a counterfeit! It is not the real thing! Men were made to fight... just for entirely different things!

A while back a heard that a local pastor had invited his two assistants over to his house on a Sunday afternoon to watch football.
"So?" you might ask, "What's wrong with that?"
How heart-breaking! Is that really all there is? Is there nothing more worthwhile to spend one's energy on? I'm not judging them, it's just that there has to be more. Can we really go home from church, having heard the GOSPEL, and then sit on the couch and cheer for a football team?
Please don't get me wrong. I know my own self very well. This complacency, this ease, this sluggish, comatose soul within me is most horrifying in the light of Christ's risen life.
What if that pastor and his assistants had spent the afternoon praying?
I know these are not very comfortable things to think about. But I don't recall the Gospel being comfortable either.


My brother has been driving around with the lead Rescue-man (may I call him that?) the past few days in what they call "the zone". They are looking for girls to rescue!
This excites me. Yes, it is risky. Yes, it is dangerous. Yes, that is my brother you are taking along with you, mister! He's never been exposed to such things, he isn't your man to take along, find someone else! He's so innocent and naive. He would do much better in a ministry much tamer than this!
No! This is the kind man that I have prayed he would become. The kind of manhood that is willing to take risks, willing to step out and fight.

I love the words in Job 29, as he testifies of how he lived as a man:

"Because I delivered the poor who cried out,

the fatherless and the one who had no helper.

The blessing of the perishing man came upon me,

And I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;

My justice was like a robe and a turban.

I was eyes to the blind,

And I was feet to the lame.

I was a father to the poor,

And I searched out the case that I did not know.

I broke the fangs of the wicked,

And plucked the victim from his teeth."

-Job 29:12-17

Job was honored because of the way he lived, and surely any man such as this is worthy of honor and respect! I've heard it said that while women have Proverbs 31 as their example of true womanhood, men have Job 29 as their example of true manhood. I wholeheartedly agree. It is an awesome picture.

Few men are "willing to shoulder the full responsibility of manhood, to take the risks and make the sacrifices of courting and winning a wife, marrying her and fathering her children in obedience to the command to be fruitful"**, let alone risk their lives to rescue little girls out of slavery and "pluck the victim from his teeth"!

Few men are willing to lay down their video game controls and instead get down on their knees and ask God for the Spirit of Jesus and of Job--- to search out the case they do not know.

Ian, I am praying for you, cheering for you, excited for you, and honored to be called you sister.

I admire your courage to obey the Lord and go and serve in Mexico. I wish I was by your side! May the Lord teach you much of what it means to be a man, entirely seperated unto God and devoted to Him, dependent, obedient, and fruitful. I love you and miss you!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Extra thoughts:

"Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell,

I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of Hell."

- C.T. Studd "

"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
-G.K. Chesterton

And people who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives…and when the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted."

- Nate Saint

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves."

-Christ

"Therefore prepare yourself and arise,

And speak to them all that I command you.

Do not be afraid of their faces,

Lest I dismay you before them...

They will fight against you,

But they shall not prevail against you.

For I am with you," says the LORD,

"to deliver you."

-Jeremiah 2:17, 19

"At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

-2 Timothy 4:16-18

*Matthew 10

**Elisabeth Elliot, Keep a Quiet Heart, page 166

Congratulations Ian!

2010 College of the Redwoods Valedictorian!

In front of a huge crowd,

he was given the opportunity to boldly lift up the name of Jesus Christ in his Valedictorian speech!

He has now departed to bring the good news of the Kingdom to the people of Mexico.

Goodbye, Ian!

We will miss you!

Mr. Shuttle Man

I was just remembering a funny story from last summer in Colorado, and I thought I would share it with you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Set Apart Girl Conference had ended, and all the girls were packing up and catching their rides to the airport. I watched as they all headed off, having enjoyed a great weekend but also glad to be going “home”-- which consisted of all parts of the nation and even the world.
My sister and I would not be leaving for a few hours. I thought for sure we would be the last ones left, deserted in the big, empty University Center. I headed up the elevator to the Panorama Room where we had spent the weekend and was glad to find people still there. Annie, Grace, Bex, Eric, and a few others were still around finishing clean-up. Annie and Eric both kindly asked me if I needed help with anything, but I told them that I just had a late shuttle and would be around for a while. I chatted with them for a few minutes and then headed down to wait with my sister.
We sat in the big room with huge glass windows and watched for our shuttle. All the while it thundered and hailed and flashed lightning outside. Finally our shuttle appeared, and by then it had calmed down a bit outside, for which we were thankful. We ran up with our bags and the shuttle man saw us and hopped out. He looked about the age of my grandpa, and after greeting us he kindly took our bags. We jumped in the back of the van and waited for him to have a smoke before getting back in the drivers' seat.
As we headed off he made small talk, asking a few questions like “Where are you from?” and “What brings you here to Greeley?”. I told him that we had been attending a conference and were now heading home to California.
Then, with a chuckle, he asked, “So did you meet a lot of nice-looking young men while you were here?” I turned a little red but replied, “No, we didn’t.”
He didn’t give up. Now grinning at me into the rear-view mirror with a twinkle in his eye he continued, “Well, surely you at least met a few good looking young men while you were here...?” to which I replied with another definite “No” and hid a smile. Now he was nearly blown-away, and paused as a confused expression now crossed his former joking countenance. I laughed and told him that actually we didn’t meet one single young man because we were attending a girls’ conference! He was still bewildered that we had indeed not met any “good-looking young men”, and didn’t seem to understand.
Next he proceeded to take a different approach and asked, “So what was this conference about?” Ah. I knew he would ask that. I began to tell him that we had attended what was called a Set Apart Girls’ Conference, and that the focus of it all was actually on purity. I told him that 200 girls had gathered together who all wanted to keep themselves for one man, their future husband, and not chase after guys but rather use their energy and single years toward pursuing Jesus Christ.
If he had been bewildered before, now he was positively at a loss for words, and I was able to say only a few more sentences before he grew uncomfortable and changed the subject completely.
Later I laughed as I thought about his jesting attempts, but realized that he really was just approaching from the mindset that he thought was the "norm". He thought that all young girls only had one focus- guys. He didn’t know any different I suppose. I’m sure he grew up quite differently than the 200 girls who had just spent their weekend together.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sometimes it's easy to forget that the people we meet when we go out in the world don't know.
They don't know the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the wondrous love of the Father, or His saving grace. How could they? "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" -Rom. 10:14
How careful we must then be toward them! How needful that we be in tune to the Father's thoughts about these lost souls. May the Lord give us wisdom!
"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." -Colossians 4:5-6

May the Lord give you wisdom and grace today as you walk as His kingdom-bearer in the midst of this lost world.

tell me a secret...

here I am again

So here I am again...

willing to be opened up and broken like a flower in the rain

Tell me what have I to do to die and then be raised?

To reach beyond the pain

like a flower in the rain

-jaci velasquez

The feast of passover had begun. Jesus knew that His time had come. He was leaving. He was going to His father. He had loved His own who were in the world unto the end. But He also knew that one would betray Him.

And knowing that His Father had given all things into His hands, that He had come from Him, and was going to Him, Jesus rose from supper and laid aside His garments. He took a towel and girded Himself, poured water in a bason, and began to wash His disciples feet...(1)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus never ceased to do the absolutely unexpected.

Why would He wash feet? In a few hours He would be hanging on a cross, bearing these men's sin. At the same time, they would be running for their lives, denying His very name, and leaving Him alone. He knew this would happen. Why then did He do this?

--------------------------------

Sometimes I want to do great things. To rescue the lost. To wrestle in prayer 'till victory comes. To abound with fruit for my Father's pleasure. To see the enemy conquered, and God's people rise up strong. To have a place in the kingdom come.

But then, in gentle voice, He whispers, "Do this little thing. The one that is right before you. Wash these feet. Lay aside your own gain, and get down on you knees. Take up you towel, and follow Me. Wrestle in prayer for this person, who will never know you did so. He who is faithful in that which is least is faithful in much. "

----------------------------------------

have you taken up your towel today?

(1) John 13:1-5

Ladies Against Feminism

This is another wonderful website for ladies!

It was just recently re-launched and has many new authors sharing

inspiring and challenging thoughts.

Check it out!

A Wise Woman

I would like to mention a little something about the blog that I recently added to my list of "sites I visit". It is called A Wise Woman Builds Her Home. What a blessing it has been to me to read bits and pieces of this site! It is full of practical, inspiring posts on Biblical Womanhood, Femininity, Rich Christian Living, and much more. Though primarily directed to mothers, it has set me thinking and preparing my heart for whatever God has for me in the future, echoed the words of Scripture that I have been pondering lately, and further established me in truths that were swimming in my mind. It has given me ideas to ponder, truths to wrestle with, and kindled a vision in me for true womanhood and Christ-centered family life. Some of the posts which I have especially liked are: Top Ten Things Ungodly Cultures Hate That the Bible Tells Men, Would You Love Her?, The Controlled Mother (helpful thoughts for my baby-sitting), The Broad and Narrow, She Beautifies His Life, and Pioneering Biblical Femininity in a Post Christian Culture.

If you get a chance, I would encourage you to visit this beautiful site for some worthwhile reading.

Something Wonderful

"After years of society belittling the calling of motherhood, something wonderful is happening--something wonderfully counter-cultural! In the midst of the anti-life, anti-motherhood philosophies which pervade the culture, there is a new generation of young ladies whose priorities are not determined by the worlds expectations of them. They have grown up in homes where fathers shepherded them, where children are not merely welcome, but where they are deeply loved. Some of these women have been home educated, which means that many of them have grown up around babies and their mothers. They have learned to see motherhood as a joy and a high calling because their parents see it that way.When asked about their future, these girls know their own minds. These are the future mothers of the Church: Young women who are not afraid to say that the goal of all of their education and training is to equip them to pursue the highest calling of womanhood--the office of wife and mother."

--Doug Phillips, The Little Boy Down the Road

Advice on Reading

by Richard Baxter (1615-1691)


"Make careful choice of the books which you read: let the holy scriptures ever have the pre-eminence, and, next to them, those solid, lively, heavenly treatises which best expound and apply the scriptures, and next, credible histories, especially of the Church . . . but take heed of false teachers who would corrupt your understandings."

1. As there is a more excellent appearance of the Spirit of God in the holy scripture, than in any other book whatever, so it has more power and fitness to convey the Spirit, and make us spiritual, by imprinting itself upon our hearts. As there is more of God in it, so it will acquaint us more with God, and bring us nearer Him, and make the reader more reverent, serious and divine. Let scripture be first and most in your hearts and hands and other books be used as subservient to it. The endeavours of the devil and papists to keep it from you, doth shew that it is most necessary and desirable to you.

2. The writings of divines are nothing else but a preaching of the gospel to the eye, as the voice preaches it to the ear. Vocal preaching has the pre-eminence in moving the affections, and being diversified according to the state of the congregation which attend it: this way the milk comes warmest from the breast. But books have the advantage in many other respects: you may read an able preacher when you have but a average one to hear. Every congregation cannot hear the most judicious or powerful preachers: but every single person may read the books of the most powerful and judicious; preachers may be silenced or banished, when books may be at hand: books may be kept at a smaller charge than preachers: we may choose books which treat of that, very subject which we desire to hear of; but we cannot choose what subject the preacher shall treat of. Books we may have at hand every day. and hour; when we can have sermons but seldom, and at set times. If sermons be forgotten, they are gone; but a book we may read over and over, till we remember it: and if we forget it, may again peruse it at our pleasure, or at our leisure. So that good books are a very great mercy to the world: the Holy Ghost chose the way of writing, to preserve His doctrine and laws to the 'Church, as knowing how easy and sure a way it is of keeping it safe to all generations, in comparison of mere verbal traditions.

3. You have need of a judicious teacher at hand, to direct you what books to use or to refuse: for among good books there are some very good that are sound and lively; and some good, but mediocre, and weak and somewhat dull; and some are very good in part, but have mixtures of error, or else of incautious, injudicious expressions, fitter to puzzle than edify the weak."

While reading ask oneself:
1. Could I spend this time no better?
2. Are there better books that would edify me more?
3. Are the lovers of such a book as this the greatest lovers of the Book of God and of a holy life?
4. Does this book increase my love to the Word of God, kill my sin, and prepare me for the life to come?

Good Morning, Sunshine!

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He hath set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race...

Psalm 19:1-5

Pondering Worship #2

(Disclaimer: I do not mean this to be at all judgemental. It is merely a glimpse into some things that I have been thinking about lately. I'm on a wild search to find out what worship really is, what it looks like, and what it should be. )

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On a wide stage, she stood singing. She was helping lead worship in a little church for the youth group. About halfway through the third song, she looked out at the young people. Some were slouched in the pew with their feet on the pew in front of them. Many looked down at something in their laps, fiddling with their cell phones. Even the ones who should have known better sat whispering to each other, giggling and fidgeting. Faces stared glumly downward. Many of the lips showed no sign of movement. Only a handful looked like they were taking part.

Suddenly she didn't feel like singing. She wanted to cry, to yell, to do something.

And yet all she could do was sing louder, clearer, bolder. Maybe they would hear. Maybe they would hear what He is like, this King named Jesus. Maybe all these words about His love, about knowing Him and finding life and joy in Him would not go in one ear and out the other; maybe they would be heard. Even believed.

She couldn't help but wonder what these young people lived like in their private lives. Did they ever worship when they were alone? Wouldn't that affect the way in which they worshipped in public? They did not even look like they were trying to appear to be taking part. Did they even know what it is like to worship God? Did they know that this is what they were created for? If only it were possible to show them! But she could not. Oh, why was she even here?

And then she remembered. She remembered her own cold, hard, heart. Her own stiff, lazy spirit, so long unresponsive to her Lord's gentle bidding. Her slouching, fiddling, glum self grieving the Lord who bought her with His blood. She remembered what HE HAD DONE, how all her life He had pursued her, wooed her, yearned to be with her, and done everything He could to draw her. He had ever been the perfect gentleman, never forcing, but always ever tenderly calling, "Come unto Me". He had washed her and cleansed her, filled her and refreshed her. He had looked on her with love and said, "Live", and given her the amazing gift of His Spirit. He was constantly whispering, "You are Mine", "I have called you", "I have chosen you", "I will never leave you", "I will be with you ALWAYS". When she was faithless, He was ALWAYS FAITHFUL. When she doubted and questioned, He just whispered, "Trust Me...Love Me...Worship Me". He had showered her with inconceivable blessings.

How could she now think Him unable to change them also? Look what He had done in her! He was more than able to breath His life into dead bones if He wanted to. Of course He could change anyone! And He will. He has. He does.

We were created to worship.

You have been chosen to proclaim His excellencies. May God enable you to do so with every breath that you breathe. He is worthy.

YES

"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."

-2 Cor. 1:20

What are these feelings these tears, these disabling fears. This appearance of pain unseen. What are these questions, these doubts, that I can't figure out. Confusion as to what this is all about.
What is this burden, this weight, that I underestimate? I will wait for Your answer, whatever it may be.
Whatever it may be, a Yes, No, or a Maybe, it's OK with me; all is Yes with You. Whatever You say to me will surely set me free despite my wanderings, for all is Yes with You. All is Yes with You.
You hold these feelings these tears, these disabling fears, this appearance of pain unseen. You are the silence to these doubts that I can't figure out, as You show me what this is all about. You bear this burden, this weight, that I underestimate. I will wait for Your answer, whatever it may be
Whatever it may be, a Yes, No, or a Maybe, it's OK with me; all is Yes with YOU. Whatever You say to me will surely set me free despite my wanderings, for all is Yes with YOU. All is Yes with YOU.

-Whatever It May Be by Lindsey Kane
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Today I laid out my fleece. Have you ever done that? It's scary. Whatever it may be, it will be BEST. All is YES in Jesus Christ.
Preparing for rain...

Pondering Worship #1

In a little home, a girl sat with several elderly faces looking at her. She tried to sing, but with each breath her throat continued to constrict and give out. Sure, it was just because she had been sick and her lungs were not quite back to normal, but would she have to leave after just beginning their songs? The battle began. It may seem odd, but this girl believes that spiritual battles are fought even over the most commonplace circumstances. Even over a throat tickle.

As she continued trying to breath evenly and keep singing normally, she reflected on why she was even in this little home. Why did she even take a portion of her day to worship God in front of these people? Because the King of kings is worthy of all praise, worthy of being proclaimed to all people. She thought about these people looking at her. Did they know what it is like to worship God? Did they know that this is what they were created for? If only it were possible to show them! But she could not. As she fought just to keep singing, she realized her own weakness. Every breath is given from Him. Even singing is impossible without His allowing it, without Him giving the strength. This makes us quite dependent, doesn't it? Completely dependent. And yet, as we seek to proclaim His great name, how often do we rely on our own (seeming) strength? In our pride we forget just how dependant we are.

This girl learned quite the lesson as she began to cry out to God that He might sing through her, that He would be her "strength and song". Satan would have stolen her voice and made her leave right then and there. But he can't win. Not when one is calling on Jesus Christ. God is so gracious, and as the people sat listening, she saw their faces turn from uncertainty and distraction into smiles of understanding. What an amazing God we serve! He inhabits the praises of His people, showing Himself strong through their weaknesses. We cannot make Him known to them, but we sure can rely on Him to come and show Himself. And He will. He has. He does.



Worship is a clue to meaning in life.



You have been chosen to proclaim His excellencies. Never forget that He gives you the very strength to do so. Today, as you praise our King, remember to sing clearly, boldly, joyfully, and sincerely. He is worthy.

Signs of Purity

"Holy friendship has no looks but what are simple and modest,

no caresses but those that are pure and sincere,

no sighs but for heaven,

no familiarities but those of the soul,

no complaints but that God is not loved,

the infallible signs of purity."

-St. Francis de Sales

(Note: I'm not recommending anything by this man; I merely found this quote in a book by Elisabeth Elliot and thought it was beautiful)
(picture: yesterday's incredible sunrise!)

Will We Be Sleeping?

Recently I was listening to an audio of a message by a man named Paul Washer. The whole thing was excellent, and well worth hearing. (You can find it here under courtship series. I would definitely recommend that you listen to it! Pay no attention to the title, it is for everyone; just please listen to it!) One specific thought really stuck in my mind from what Mr. Washer was saying. Here it is:
"I hear people, because I've lived so many years in third-world countries, they'll say, 'Well, you know, we don't even know what it's like. It's so easy to live as a Christian in the United States of America.'
That is one of the largest lies that exist! It is so much easier to live for Jesus Christ in the jungles of Peru than it is [here in America] that you can't even compare the two things! I knew two Russians who when they were young men in church saw the KGB come in, slam their pastor against a wall, pull out his tongue and cut it off. And yet those two young Russians told me it's much more difficult to live for Jesus Christ in America than in Russia.
It's easy to live as an unconverted church member. It's easy to live like most people who call themselves Christians. But to be a Biblical disciple of Jesus Christ, this place, the Bible Belt, is the most difficult place to do it on the face of the earth! The question is, are you going to follow Jesus? Or are you going to have a form of godliness that denies the power thereof."
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What shocking words!
But they shouldn't be. Of course they are true. I had just never thought of it like that. I consider those words as a challenge. We are called to be salt and light to a dying world. We are called to be in this world but not of it. And we have been given everything we need for life and godliness.
We live in Sodom. There is no doubt about that. And I sure hope that there are many Abraham's out there who are pleading, clinging, wrestling in prayer on behalf of a righteous few. Because this nation is on the path to destruction.
I once thought that the reason Sodom was wiped out was because of homosexuality. It was not. Ezekiel tells us the reason:
"Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: she and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy." -Ezekiel 16:49
This describes America exactly.
Pride...fullness of food...abundance of idleness... "neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and the needy."

"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. " -2 Chron. 7:14

America,what will we miss while we are sleeping?

Will Jesus come again and leave us slumbering where we lay?

America, we will go down in history

As a nation with no room for its King.

Will we be sleeping?

Will we be sleeping?

-"While You Were Sleeping" by Casting Crowns

Lips Are Given For Smiling

A Message From Pastor Richard Wurmbrand.

Richard Wurmbrand is the founder of The Voice of the Martyrs. For 14 years he suffered imprisonment and torture in prison in communist Romania because of his faith in Christ and work among the persecuted church in eastern Europe. Upon his release in the mid-1960's, Richard and his family were ransomed to the west, where he quickly became known as "the voice of the underground church." , The following devotional is taken from VOM archives.

(a note from Sara: I found this and several other of Richard and Sabina's letters recently online. I will try to share more of them. Some are a little hard to understand, and take a little careful reading to figure out what they are trying to say; this one is probably the easiest, but keep that in mind. Also, if I'm remembering right, the Wurmbrands were Jewish but then became Christians. Thus the use of "Messiah" instead of "Christ" as we would say. Though written quite a while ago, such Christ-centered stories and thoughts will always be profitable to anyone walking the narrow way to Life.)

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Romans 8:35)

Dearly Beloved,
In Communist China and other countries where believers are persecuted, there are now millions and millions of Christians, despite the persecution that is exercised. They meet in secret places with joyful hearts because they believe with the apostle that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38,39).
You should see how the persecuted Christians recite the Apostle's Creed. They state the same affirmation of faith that we recite in the West. But where there is persecution the Creed is said somehow in a different manner. You should see how they say it.
As they begin, their faces shine and their eyes are full of joy. They say, "I believe you, the persecutors, may not believe, but I am me. I am not you and if the whole world would not believe, I believe, I believe in the one God, the Father almighty. He has made not only the visible things but many invisible things. He has made not only the earth but a beautiful heaven, and if you put me in jail, if you take away my life on this earth, I would have a heaven."
They say, "I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ" and they finish the Creed as we finish it. "I believe in the resurrection of the body and in life everlasting."
I give you the good news that persecution and torture did not break their faith but made it stronger. We have unknown numbers of brothers and sisters in jail, but they have kept the same faith that you have.
I do not know how often you sing to the glory of God. Some Christians sing only once a week, on Sunday; others sing throughout the week.
We, in prison, sang every day and every Christian in jail had a musical instrument. The Communists were nice: every Christian, when he entered jail, received a musical instrument. Not a guitar but chains on his hands and feet. Chains are splendid musical instruments. We could sing, "Onward Christian soldiers (clink, clank), marching as to war (clink, clank, clink, clank)." The words of praise and glorification of God never cease.
The brethren in Communist and Muslim prisons pray for you. You should also pray for them and think about them with love. Do not think that they sit there in their prison cells, very sad and brooding. There is a joy in their hearts because Christ is with them.
One of our brethren was arrested. They beat and tortured him because he did not wish to denounce his faith. The Communist officer who led the interrogation said, "I am tired. We will not beat you any more. We will deport you to Siberia where the snow never melts. It is a place of great suffering. We will deport you and your whole family to Siberia."
The brother smiled. Lips are given to us for smiling; a Christian can smile even in moments of great sorrow. The Christian replied with a smile, "Captain, where can you deport me? The whole earth belongs to my Father. Wherever you send me I will be on my Father's earth."
Now the Communist got very angry. He said, "We will confiscate all your property." The Christian continued to smile and said, "You are free to take all my property, but I pity you because I have gathered my treasures in heaven and you will need a very high ladder. If you find such a ladder, you will have to climb and climb and climb. If you arrive there, you can take everything I have. On earth I have nothing."
Now the officer thought he was being mocked. He shouted, "We will shoot you!" The Christian still replied with a smile, "If you take away my life in this world, my real life of bliss and beauty will begin. I am not afraid of being killed." The Communist yelled at him, "We will not kill you! We will keep you alone in a cell behind locked doors and iron bars, and we will allow no one to come to see you!" The Christian, still smiling, replied: "You cannot make me sit alone in a cell. I have a Friend who can pass through locked doors and iron bars. No one can separate me from the love of the Messiah."
That is the experience we had in jail. Other Christians and I experienced it in our jail; my wife and other Christians had it in their jail. Alexei Kortov, a pastor who was in jail in Russia for 45 years, had also the same hope and joy.
Our brothers and sisters have learned what it means when they repeat the words found in the Creed," I believe." You have all passed through different experiences. Every one of you, every day, have before you different choices and decisions. Christ is purity; if you are impure, you deny Christ. Christ is truth. When you lie, you deny Christ. Christ is love and peace. When you quarrel and when you hate, you deny Christ. Do not be hypocrites. Let us be Christians who express joy to our Savior.
Let us each love Him with all our heart. We are not put to the same tests as our brethren in Communist and Islamic countries. But Messiah looks to the heart. May He see men and women who love Him with all their hearts, who will not be separated from the love of Messiah.
May God bless you for your prayerful help, which we share with the persecuted Church.
In Messiah,
Richard Wurmbrand

When Love Takes You In

Today I watched the sweetest video of a song by Steven Curtis Chapman. It is called "When Love Takes You In".

I was unable to embed it here, but this is the link to watch it:

I would encourage you to listen to this beautiful song.

Love,
sara

these are a few of my favorite things... :)

* singing * heaven-scented white carnations * long walks with my Lord * heights * sleepy kiddos * lavender * snuggling * faithfulness stories * birdies * simplicity * music * scented candles * waterfalls * glad quietness *

A Knitting Bag

The other day I decided that I needed a better way to store my knitting supplies. I was tired of stuffing yarn and needles in several random locations about my room, and never being able to find what I needed without a long search in all those places. So I got out my scrap fabrics and made a big mess.

The result was a giant bag to hold both yarn and needles!

The wrap-around pockets hold all my straight needles, a ziplock with circulars, sets of small double-pointed needles, and a few crochet hooks.

The inside of the bag is spacious enough to hold all of my yarn!

what fun!