Little Cabin In The Woods

Life is a fascinating roller coaster ride.   It is full of ups and downs, excitement and fear, laughter, tears, joy and pleasure.  If we continue to ride that same roller coaster over and over and over again we  eventually grow weary of it.  It is not as exciting or pleasurable as it us to be.... we don't fear it anymore and  have become discontent so begin to search for a new ride.    Thus begins our journey in search for something new, more exciting.  To go  somewhere or do something so we don't feel so bored or sad.  We become stale and like unmoving water are stagnant.... a sign of being out of sync with God.   Maybe we have put something before our relationship with God.  All the wonders and riches of this world can suffocate what the Lord may be trying to show us.   This  morning why not start fresh by renewing our relationship with Him!  He is waiting and ready to accept us, wanting to lavish His gracious love and gifts upon us.  As Christians our purpose in life is to put Him first and foremost in our heart, soul and mind.  To yearn for more of Him..... to serve Him....to wait, always leaving room for Him to work in our life.  This should show through our thoughts and actions.  There have been many ups and downs lately in my life.... it has been a tough year.  Am I putting Him first, leaving room and inviting Him to do what He wishes with my life?  I found myself asking these questions.   Take no thought for your life  Matthew 6:25 & Luke 12:22.   Christ shouldn't have to compete with the world for my time.  I need to be faithful and be secure in knowing He will  care for me no matter what.  Even when I become discontent with my circumstances and my soul grows weary,  He is my refuge and will strengthen me so I may leave the enticements of this world and  turn my eyes upon Christ.  My soul is weary with sorrow;  strengthen me according to your word.  Psalm 119:8  Oh what a privilege he has chosen me to walk with Him.  What a gift to know without a doubt I am His....forever.

Dollar hats from the a flea market

Willow picked a bright red one.... of course

Another treasure... such funny stories for little ones!

Fabrics lined on the shelf just waiting to become a dress or top.  I have a little addiction to fabric ;)

I hope you have a wonderful week full of blessings.  Remember to put God first each morning in your life.  Remember He loves you dearly and when all else fails He doesn't.

Patricia

My Utmost for His Highest...

Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading. 

It is a life of Faith, not of intellect and reason, but a life of knowing Who makes us "go." The root of faith is the knowledge of a Person, and one of the biggest snares is the idea that God is sure to lead us to success.  Oswald Chambers

We had a lovely weekend, full of simple pleasures.... flea markets, horses, lunch out with daddy and music.  I often, by choice, find myself a bystander.... observing and relishing in my children.  Just watching them brings me happiness.   Even though our life is full of uncertainties right now there is one thing that remains firm and solid.  Christ.  I have been re reading My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.  You can find it free online at www.myutmost.org , but I guess I am old fashion, liking the feel of  paper and ink on my fingers.   Oswald Chambers had such spiritual insight and anything written by him is a treasure to read.  As I woke early this morning while the house was still in slumber, I settled in a chair outside by our creek with Mr. Chambers and The Word in my hand ( along with a sweet cup of coffee ;)  The air was still and the sound of the rushing waters along with God's word soothed my very weary soul.  Such peace came over me.... I wish I could share it with you and hope you will search and ask for it.  It is there waiting.

When the darkness of dismay comes, endure until it is over, because out of it will come that following of Jesus which is an unspeakable joy. O.C.

Treasure hunting  riding boots - $2.00

We are apt to imagine that if Jesus Christ constrains us, and we obey Him, He will lead us to great success. We must never put our dreams of success as God's purpose for us; His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have an idea that God is leading us to a particular end, a desired goal; He is not. The question of getting to a particular end is a mere incident. What we call the process, God calls the end. O.C.

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands 1 Thessalonians 4:11

 

Flea Market Hats $1.00

blonde curls.... priceless

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Oh!  I always find it interesting to read bumper stickers --- they really tell about a person don't they? ;)  Bumper sticker of the week:

"Save a cow, Eat a vegetarian"

Have blessed week...

New Beginnings...

2008 was a year of immense change for our family.  We welcomed our newest little one into our hearts and lives.  She has truly been the most magnificent gift of the year.  We also put our house on the market and Mountain Man lost his job.  I will admit, it has been difficult emotionally for us.  I have had some considerably trying days.  But through it all.... one thing remains steady...  My Lord.   When I falter, He never changes.  When I despair, His word is steadfast.  When I fail, His promises continue and prevail.  When all else is unstable and I lose promise, He provides me with a constant hope and light.     His love never ceases.  His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.   His love endures forever.  

Give thanks to the God of gods.  His love endures forever.  

Give thanks to the Lord lords: His love endures forever.                                                                    

to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.     
who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.     
who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.     
who made the great lights,His love endures forever.     
the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.     
the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.     
 ~~with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.         
~~ and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.     
~~to the One who remembered us in our low estate, His love endures forever.     
 and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.     
and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.     
Give thanks to the God of heaven. 
His love endures forever.  from Psalm 136

So it is with great anticipation that I say

"Welcome 2009!   His Love Endures forever!"

I leave you with a few pictures for 2008 ... of life through my eyes ...;o)

 

 

 

 

Apples and Life

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings... Psalm 17:8

Have you ever experienced a time in your life that was full of riches and blessings?  A time when everything was going well and your worries were few?  Do you find your self in absolute contentedness and joy during these times?   God is good and you know it times?

Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15

Have you ever experienced a time of worry and fear?  A time in your life when  finances are drained and it seems everything you own is breaking?  Your relationships are strained as well as your bank account?  Do you find yourself in misery during these times, fearful of the unknown  asking "Why is this happening to me and where is God!?"  Sick to you stomach, sad.... even pouty?    Then a check comes in the mail, things get better, you "feel" lighter and all is well with the world again.....  

 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
 for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.  Proverbs 15: 13

I  personally have experienced both of these and  recently wondered why I let my emotions control my happiness?  Why should I be so worrisome and depressed by my situation?!  I  imagine God looking down on us thinking "How silly they are, don't they know the things of this world don't matter?  Don't they believe I will take care of them?"   

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5

 I think the less I own the more content I am.  The more I give away the freer I feel.  I have learned to be content with less but find myself slipping at times when I become fearful.  Instead of worrying during these times,  I need to lean more on Him and chose to be happy.... and content.  

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  Philippians 4:12

Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act. Psalm 37:7

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  Philippians 4:11

We have been enjoying the last days of fall weather.  Snow will be upon us this evening, one of the many firsts for Willow.  It is so lovely watching her explore her new world.  She is a feisty little thing!  Full of spice and life!   We went to one of the many local orchards and the girls picked apples right from the tree.  We were in the clouds and it was quite chilly but they had a grand experience and tested many varieties of apples.  We later strolled to the fair - a no ride fair- where we talked to artisans, ate hot grilled corn on the cob ( oh my it was delicious!), drank fresh pressed hot apple cider and watched a very funny magician.   It was a lovely, lovely time. 

Children of Grace

I got it!

Trees laden with luscious apples...

Little helpers...

Little hands  picking apples...

A wish for you mama

Elvis

Here's a flower for you mama

from the orchard...

to little hands....

to the table...

guess what were making??

Apple Pie per  ;o)

Nothing goes to waste.... the animals will like these apple skins

Busy hands while the pies cool....

May your day be filled with an abundance of family blessings!  It's now snowing and I am going to sit by the fire.

 

 

 

Contentment....

When life isn't the way you like it, like it the way it is... Jewish Proverb

Contentment....satisfaction; ease of mind.  Contentment springs up from having God's view on life.  Our preoccupation with the comforts of this world and the desire for more hinders contentment. God has granted us all we need in life.  It is up to us to use it.  Can we be satisfied with our condition?  Do we always want more?  I am ashamed to say it, but this is something I  struggle with in my life.  How difficult it is to be content with what we have when the world has so much to offer!   There always  seems to be a new gadget or new curriculum being offered.  A new book with the secret on how to make my life easier or something to make my life more pleasurable.  Music equipment, photo equipment and books are just a few weaknesses of mine.   I pour over music and photography catalogs yearning for merchandise held within the glossy pages.  How silly to actually lust after stuff.  But that's what I'm doing.  "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."Philippians 4:12-13.   

Since striving to be more content my existence has been an upheaval and disseverment of life's needs and wants.  Separating the two has been an eye opener.  This is not to say you are not to have any pleasures in life!  The Lord loves to prosper his children!  My front tooth chipped --again.  I don't have to have it fixed..... Neither can I afford to have it fixed,  :o)  Nor do I want to go around looking like a hillbilly (no offense to hillbilly's - I'm obviously, and without effort, crossing over).  I don't think God wants me to be that content..... well, I hope not or we're going to chat pray. ;)  Being satisfied with our situation in life is requisite to our contentment.  The more content we are the closer we can grow to God.  He truly is all we need.  It is with great intention I seek the gift of contentment.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5.

When Life Happens

It has been 30 delicious days that our precious Willow has been with us in our beloved USA.  A time of settling in, a time of us getting to know her, and a time for her to begin the process of melding into the family.  It has been joyful, busy, thrilling and chaotic.  Sometimes change (joyous or not) can topsy turvy your peaceful, comfortable life.  What was once easy nows takes a bit more effort. What use to work before does not work now.  The tender flow of the family and the running of the home has taken on some new challenges.  I have noticed, with great disappointment in myself, at how I sometimes react when things are not running as smoothly as they usually do.  This has been a fault of mine for years and has given me cause to reflect and consider my shortcomings of expectations of such perfection.   I do not like not being rushed or hurried. I like peace and smoothness.  More than usual, I have been anxious and agitated by some occurrences in our lives at this time.   The Lord tells me ..... do not be anxious about your life.........And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin.......do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’.....But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.........“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.  ( Matthew  6 :25-34)

....yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”  ( John 4: 15-16)

Music performances, violin recitals and lovely ballets have blown through our lives like a tornado and we have been on the road it seems, constantly.  I came down stairs the other day and there were dishes in the sink -- even though I had done them the night before.  The rug needed vacuuming and the floors called to be mopped again.  Willow had strewn papers, toys, shoes and many other various objects around the house while Piper had poured cat food on the floor.  I also stepped on a grape at the bottom of the steps .. which I thought was a bug.  Ok Moms, You know the feeling you get when this happens.  This "scene" set me an undesirable mood for the morning but there wasn't much  I could do as Willow was a quite fussy from not feeling well....bless her little heart.  After the day was almost over and even though I had done much work I looked around and .... well, it looked the same... maybe even worse! :)  I can't function well in a messy house. And trust me mine is often messy with evidence of homeschooling and children. lol         But, we painted and colored together.  We made music and danced in the living room.  We went for a walk and read the Bible outside on the porch and talked about Christ.  We sat on the bed this evening and played hand clapping games to songs like "Miss Mary Black" and "Oh, Oh, Oh Playmate"  So, even though there are still a few dishes in my sink, the table has books and drawing pencils still resting in a jar on it's top, the laundry is still waiting and the porch needs sweeping again I am trying to remember what's important....My God and my family.  I still may feel defeated at times when I can not obtain perfection and my house is not one a magazine would consider for a cover shot,  but I know the Lord has convicted me of what is most meaningful.  I am physically tired but mentally refreshed tonight.  I have high hopes  of getting at least one room clean tomorrow but, I know if I don't it will be a day filled with fun and laughter for my children.  I will make sure of that.

My little dancer...

always so graceful...

always singing...

dancing...

dreaming...

Always full of drama...

Violin Recital

Little Signets...

bringing me treasures...

Brownie and Patoutie and that fabulous smile

she loves these kitty's

the queen

giving orders....

Playing with the kitty...

getting closer to the kitty....

and closer...

to see if it's a male or female...

all frills

and smiles....

places to go

things to do!

great.  Now their all in my chair...

my three darlings...

Hoping you have an unstressful Friday .... do something fun!

God's Provisions

Happy Birthday Jack!

It is the wee hours of the morning and all is asleep in our household except me and the Lord.  Music is quietly playing and the fire is a warm comfort from the chill.  In this stillness, I ponder on the Lord's benevolent provisions.  This season of my  life is filled with abundance.   I have so many riches, my life abounds with His blessings. Along with these gracious gifts come feelings of undeserving guilt.  Do you ever feel unworthy of your life?  Does guilt squeeze in when your cup overflows and your store house is full ?  May I never slide into this world and away from Him!  Perhaps years of pain and struggle have placed apprehension in my heart.  Or is it a gentle nudge saying ~ be careful.   Have I found favor in Him or is it a test?  I ponder these things for there is nothing I desire more than to have a close relationship with my sovereign.  Nothing means more to me than my Lord and my family.   So, as I walk, no, bask in this season of peace and comfort may I be able to enjoy the goodness He has bestowed upon me.... as undeserving as I am.  His peace floods over my lilfe.... God's provisions are faultless.

March is a full month and overflowing with a bounty of goodness.  Honorable Son #2 celebrated his 23rd birthday yesterday,  we are celebrating Sage's 6th Gotcha Day today, and her 7th birthday later this month. Willow will be placed in my arms this month and I will become a mother once more.  But, most importantly we proclaim our Risen Lord on Easter Sunday.  What a bountiful, blessed month...

Our first glimpse of Sage . Gong Jia Fang (in blue) 6 years ago.... a moment I will never forget.

In China with daddy.

Contemplate the gifts in your life and whence forth they came.  Have a blessed and fulfilling day!

Rest In Me...

Jennifer has blessed me today with this award.  I needed a lift since we have no news of TA. ;o) Good things come to those who wait upon the Lord! 

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.  Psalms 27:14

Oh how hard it is to "be still" and wait on the Lord.  But, how comforting when we finally do.  Through His word I have been told to be still.  I shall do just that.  I know He will not fail me.  All the anxiousness and worry is for not.  Sometimes circumstances are beyond our control.  My humanness tells me to worry and struggle, but I will be still and prayerfully wait.  It is amazing how peace overcomes you when you let go and give your worries to Him.  Our burdens are heavy but His yoke is light.   He calls to us ~ rest in me. 

I am passing this award onto:

Cultivating Home ~ A place of restoration where I am often comforted when I feel alone.   We seem to have so much in commonm.  "Stay at home , my heart, and rest.  Home keeping hearts are happiest."  Longfellow.  A quote from her blog.  Her life emulates this statement.

Knowing God...

What a peaceful Christmas....  a time to remember the birth of our precious Lord.  The girls were quite content with their gifts and play happily.  I would like to say everything is gay and merry, and do try to put on the front but the truth is I have a terrible bug,  my front tooth chipped off (again), our car engine light is blinking, our pipes froze, I need new tires, my husbands company informed us that we have new (worse) health insurance and my windshield is cracked.   These things have only made me uncomfortable and I am so very thankful for all the gracious gifts we have!  In spite of all these inconveniences I am so grateful I have a strong immune system,  thankful I have teeth and a dentist, blessed to have a car that runs, health insurance and indoor plumbing.  The Lord watches over me as I come and go keeping me safe and over flowing my life with blessings. 

As this year comes to a close I can't help but ponder on the marvelous & individual plan God has for each of us.  We each have a uniqueness given to us by our Creator.  We are also at different locations in our spiritual walk.  What one family  practices  another may view from a different perspective.   When I was younger and my heart was not as dependent on Him as it is now I walked much differently, often wandering off the path,  sometimes stumbling along.  But, He was always there to catch and guide me.  I had only to reach out.  As I have become more intimate and developed a dependency upon Him I have changed.  Much as in the the journey of a tree beginning as a seed, watered and nourished by the sun,  taking in nutrients needed for sustenance and growth from the rich soil.  Next, a tiny delicate shoot peeping up from the earth reaching up to the suns light.  With the proper nourishment from the earth, water and sun the shoot matures and heightens stretching to wards the sun to grow even more.  Eventually, if properly  cultivated a wee bud will appear, immature yet eager for growth.   This eagerness bringing the expectancy of the little buds goal... a delightful bloom bursting forth   to produce more shoots, stems,branches,flowers and eventually fruit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are Are we not like the seed needing the nourishment of our heavenly Father ?  Do we not need  his love and care to grow and blossom into a purposeful vine worthy of producing good fruit?   If the Lord provides so carefully to the little seed giving it all it needs in order to grown into a mature fruit bearing tree will he not do the same for us who are so much more important to Him?  He freely offers us the soil and rain,  the sun and nourishment we need.  However, it is up to us to reach up and take it in continually.  If we fall short trying to supply our own nourishment we lapse and again begin reaching for the sun who is waiting, call us in to   the light, offering all the sustaining substance we need.    I am constantly falling and reaching, sliding and growing.    It is when I stop reaching that I cease to grow.  He has given me everything I need but I must continually stretch out to Him.  When the weeds thicken and I can't see the light  I reach for my sword and yield it until I can see His rays of hope.  He is always there... waiting.  I strive to be completely dependent on Him so I can become whole.  On my own I am incapable of knowing God because of my sinfulness.  I fall short of the standard of holiness acceptable to confer with Him.  Through no effort of my own Christ bridged that gap providing a way to Him.    I am just amazed today and always at His care for me.  How foturnate.... how astonishing I have been chosen to be a child of God.

Christmas morning... gifts and the story of the greatest gift

gifts for mommy.... :)

gifts for Xiao Hua...

Do you know how difficult it is to get a decent photo of 2 boys , 2 girls and a cat?...

Very difficult...

very very difficult...

daddy and his girl...

Blogging With A Purpose Award...

I'm so  honored and to receive an award for my humble blog.  Morning Ramble has honored me with this nomination.  I often visit her site to steal glimpses of her magical photographs.  She is also quite gifted in word and I am inspired whenever I visit.  The history of this award is meaningful too Eric Novak came out with the Christian award Blogging with a Purpose in late April of 2007. With so many secular awards around, Eric thought it would be a good idea to come out with a Christian award.

Rules:
1. Awarded parties must nominate five people who have not received the award.
2. The blogs that receive the award must serve some purpose.
3. In their post about the award they need to link back to this entry.
4. Awarded parties must post the award banner on their site. The banner must remain linked to this site.

With so many inspiring blogs it was so hard to chose who to pass this on to but my 5 nominees (in no particular order) are...

Ms. Klaus at Clothed in Scarlet.  Her blog gives a honest account of godly motherhood and life.  I honestly believe she dedicates her life to what is most important.  She encourages and always has something new to share, from sewing to recipes and words of wisdom.

Simply Godly Living.  I just want my school room to look like hers... all nice and clean and picked up.  lol  This mother of five  is striving for  a simpler godly life.  One that will encourage her children to grow in grace.

Good musician friends Robbie Trice and his wife Marhtha.   Using their gifts to glorify the Lord, Robbie and Martha have dedicated their lives to His will.   Robbie is a notable song writer having written songs such as Alpha and Omega (recored by the Gaither Vocal Band).  His songs are rich, and delicious to the soul.   This family is dear to me and my husband and we use to enjoy playing music with them.  You can also visit their site at The Trice's.  They are truly living and blogging with a purpose.

LifeSong is a beautiful place to visit.  I always feel enriched when I read her musings --whether she is just speaking her heart or sharing a recipe.  I visit her blog often as it is comforting and unstressful.  I think she has a beautiful life.  Oh, and she is adopting a little one from China. :)  You can visit her adoption blog at  Bringing Home Lydia.

Biding...

                                                                                                         

I have been waiting on the Lord to answer a prayer particularly close to my heart. This is not the first time so I know the anxiety and joys that come from waiting. Waiting doesn’t come easy to me. I am a doer and get fidgety if I don’t see that new tree bearing fruit shortly after planting. Learning to sit back and wait has been an on going lesson for me. The emotional ups and downs encountered from having to wait can be stressful and the Lord’s silence deafening. At times it may seem He isn’t listening but the fact is He is silently working. His silence calls me to listen closer thus drawing me closer to Him. Patience is a gift. Not gift as in present but a spiritual gift, one that teaches us strength, fortitude and submission. Patience is one of those gifts I am constantly working on. So, I am trying to participate by being still and biding time until the Lord answers. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

A friend of mine over at  Three's A Magic Number  recently received a referral for a precious little 9 month old boy from China.  They are over joyed!  A lesson in good things come to those who wait! Love the socks....

                                                                                                         

Angels Watching Over Me

                                                                                                                                 

Going up the  stair way in our house is a beautiful picture of Michael the archangel.   I have to admit, I have always been fascinated by angels.  I enjoyed the courses I  had to take on angels immensely.  Here are a few interesting facts about these celestial beings:  (scripture references below*)   God created angels for many purposes;  to praise God, worship God, serve Him,  glorify Him &  to bring  judgment from God.  They are messengers , they assist in bringing the lost to Christ, bring answers to prayer, protect , guide & minister to believers in need.   They observe us here on earth and are with us at our time of passing.  I believe angels guard us as Matthew 18: 10 states "...do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." ,  but no where in the Bible does it state every person has his own guardian angel.   

Angels  have their own will and emotions but are subject to the will of God.  There are good angels and there are bad angels.   Humans do not become angels when they die.   Angels were created by God just as we as humans were created by God.   They were created before man and are highly intelligent.  We should never worship angels as this right is reserved to God alone.   Angels do not necessarily have an assigned gender, however, they are given masculine names.  The number of angels is always constant.  They never die.    There are various orders of angels and an order of Celestial beings.  Cherubim, Seraphim, Ophenin, Thrones,Virtues, Dominions, Rulers, Principalities, Powers ,Authorities, Archangels, and Angels which are the lowest order of angels.  The Archangel ( Greek ajrcavggelo: masculine noun meaning chief of angels)  is mentioned only twice in the Bible and  Michael is the only angel identified in the Bible as an archangel.   Michael was the Archangel over the nation of Israel.    The apocrypha  provides us with  three more angelic names, Raphael, Uriel, and Jermiel.

Only two types of angels are mentioned as having wings:  Cherubim and Seraphim's , angelic beings who praise and worship God.  (The Seraphs worship God constantly).  Satan was actually a Cherub until his insubordination. :)    Ezekiel gives a pretty graphic picture of Cherubim.  Cherubim have four wings while Seraphim's have six.   Sound lovely?  You should read more of Ezekiel... 

Angels appeared as men many times throughout the Bible.  They can appear to us now in human form but being spiritual beings do not have human form.  More than likely they appeared/ appear in human form because this is what our human mind can comprehend.  These are only a few facts and there are so many more.  The Bible is full of information on these heavenly beings.   There are also many good Biblically based books for research on Angels.  Just remember, God is our Father and we are to worship no one but Him.       

Artwork ~ Descending Angel by John Wimberley          *Genesis 3:24, 19:10,12; Exodus 2:1-6, 25:20; Ezekiel 10, 28:12-15; Psalm 148:1-2; Isaiah 6:3,;Hebrews 1:4,6; 1:14;  Daniel 6:20-23 10:21,; 2 Kings 6:13-17; Acts 12:5-10, 8:26, 10:3; 1 Corinthians 4:9; 11:10;  2 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 2:18;Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Peter 1:12; Luke 16:22;Matthew 8:29, 18:10;Luke 2:13; James 2:19; Jude 1:9; Revelation 5:8-13, 7:1,2; 8:2,3, 12:17 ~ Apocrypha Tob. 12:15

The Lord's Day

Aug. 26, 2007

We read this morning from 1 John.  Isn't it amazing that no matter how many times you read the scripture the Lord reveals something new to you?  Verses 17-18 say "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of God be in Him?.... let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth"    I so often become engrossed in my own life and fail to lift others up to Him.  Loving others through selfless acts shows them the love of Christ and let His light shine through us.  I long for my children to be keepers of the faith... to grow in Him every day.  It is important to keep our children's hearts and show through our example Christ's love.  I pray He helps me to be a better witness through acts of kindness.  On another note... our cat had kittens about 5:30 in the morning.  The girls are absolutely enthralled with these new little delights.  I have to admit, they are darling.

Striving For Simplicity

from Jul. 24, 2007

In today's world it isn't always easy to live a simple life.  With all the injustice in the world it can also be difficult to live a Spirit filled life.  Our world is full of delicious temptations and in America we are bombarded with a triple portion. From microwaves and ATM's to credit cards and fancy new cars complete with GPS's we have become enticed into always wanting more.  The desensitizing of America is cause for great concern.  People are expendable and elderly parents a nuisance.  Murder is just a common word and everything is acceptable.  If it feels good it's o.k.  Even the word "Christian' has been tarnished to where many people believe as long as you try to be good and help others you are a Christian.  It is the Christian thing to do... what about Christ?  I have to be careful in my daily living not to become completed ensnared by the world.  It is hard being set apart and living set apart from the world.  I do find this easier trying to live simply... and believe me, it's hard. (no pun intended) I am so tempted with wants!  But I do love the simplicity of life offered to us if we accept it.   Satan is always looking for ways to coax us away from God.  He continuously seduces us with new gadgets and fads.  Anything to draw our attention away from God....  Decorating our homes, new clothes, Internet, cell phones, large paychecks, new cars, parties.... we always seem to want more.  I find such solace in the peace of contentedness.

April 2006

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  God sets the lonely in families..."  Psalm 68:5,6

                                               

Adoption:  To take into one's family through legal means and raise as one's own child.   To take up and make one's own

Adopting our daughters was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I honestly believe it is the Lord's will to provide homes for children without them.    It is a believers obligation to care for widows and orphans.   James 1:27 tells us, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." 

Galatians 2:10 encourages us to "remember the poor." And in Matthew 19:14, Jesus declared, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."   There is a special place in the Lord's heart for children. 

Exodus 22 and 23 tells the Israelites to help the aliens, widows, orphans, and the poor. 

Psalm 82:3 says Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.

He is defender of the fatherless... Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 10: 18, Psalm 68:5, Psalm 40:17.

It is not comfortable to look upon those who are so needy such as the poor and orphans who do not have homes or hope.  It takes us out of our comfort zone.  It makes us feel...                                             

The famous British Christian author C.S. Lewis writes... "Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea."  (The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey)

"Anyone will be cursed who is unfair to foreigners, orphans, or widows." Deuteronomy 27:19. 

It is the responsibility of believers to help orphans (and widows) whether by adopting or helping a family to adopt, giving money to orphanages, volunteering or sponsoring a child.  When a Christian family adopts they demonstrate God's love to everyone.  When you go home to your comfortable home with heat and air conditioning, sit down to a lovely dinner of fresh food, take a nice hot bath and snuggle up in your bed with fluffy pillows think of these children who have absolutely nothing.   

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40