February 29, 2004 Leap day!
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for,
behold, your reward is great
in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto
the prophets.
Luke 6.23
February 28, 2004 What a week it's been---whew! An
amazing week! Tuesday, the memorial of Justin's life
and amidst the grief of loss, there was celebration on
his home-going---the full blessed assurance of the
reality of faith in Jesus Christ and redemption through
His blood---the earnest of our inheritance. Then to
Wednesday and the release of the movie: The Passion of
the Christ and all the commentaries and reviews that
it's stirred up. Then yesterday to receive the joyful
news of answered prayer and the birth of the Sconce's
baby. Missionaries in PNG with
Co-Mission Int., they've sacrificed a great deal to
live in obedience to the LORD and to serve Him there.
Do they think it's a sacrifice? No---they believe it is
their reasonable service---this is the incredible peace
that passes understanding in hearts yielded to God.
Death, Atonement for death, birth. The essences of this
week----of life.
All
this in the midst of continued anarchy---incredible,
isn't it?!?! Jesus died to save sinners---an attempt
was made to depict that sacrifice on the screen and we
see evidence before our eyes of man turning his back on
God everywhere.
Homose-ual "marriage" is but one angle of the
depravity of man. "What we're witnessing in America
today is the flowering of the largest civil rights
movement the country's had in a generation," said New
Paltz' Green Party mayor, Jason West.
O, God save our
nation! The anarchy we're seeing is just another
symptom of the depravity of man---the pride of life in
opposition and ignorance of the Holiness of God. But in
the midst of all of this... we see the Hand of God---and
will see the Justice of God who has power to set up
kings and destroy nations; and everywhere, we see the
consequences of violating the laws of a Holy God.
Whenever I hear the
startling stats of teen "immorality" I grieve---I
grieve for the young men and women, I grieve for the
families, I grieve for the future generations and loss
of innocence and occurrence of disease---but these are
but a few of the consequences of violating the laws of a
Holy God.
"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last
days scoffers, walking after their own lusts" 2 Peter
3.3
In
the last days...
February 26, 2004 A beautiful day in the
neighborhood!
Our neighbors have just
installed an invisible fence for their dogs.
Incredible! Incredible, because of the *size* of
the "yard" they're fencing! Our property
is surrounded by theirs and I don't know how many
of the 65+ acres will be included, but from
the looks of the flags around the perimeter, I think
it's *most* of the acreage! My Joey loves the dogs
and they love him---but mama does *not* like dogs, or
cats(!) and so mama is happy! The huge yard will
still allow for lots of stick throwing and retrieving---so,
Joey's happy! Mama's happy because all this fun
will happen out of our yard! The dogs have
gone back home... and the boys have come back in... like
always, they've come in smelling like wet-puppies---and
I smile. Pretty soon these days will pass and new
little boys will throw sticks to the dogs and then it'll
be their turn to come in... smelling like wet-puppies
and I'll probably still be smiling... with tears in my
eyes.
More help and encouragement in congress for
legislation protecting life!
The Unborn Victims of Violence Act is expected to
pass the House Today. There's soooo much
going on in these days of Judicial tyranny and
*anarchy*!
Take a look at
Judicial Forum's blog for today---and previous days!
February 25, 2004 Today's my sister-in-law's
50th birthday... and what a terrific sister she is!
We're extremely thankful for and proud of her!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Connie!
Well... the long awaited day finally arrived and the
highly acclaimed film debuted. It's a drop-dead
amazing movie, I understand---literally! I can't
imagine watching the film, I cannot imagine the
intensity of the scenes attempting to bring to life what
it must've been like at the crucifixion of our LORD and
Saviour, Jesus. We've been asked numerous times
whether or not we'll go to see the movie,
The Passion of The Christ---and our answer remains,
we don't know. I'm tending to think not, because,
though, having never seen, I have faith; having never
heard His voice audibly, I hear Him every day; I believe
because The Word of God is living and so to go see a
film depicting my LORD would put a face to my LORD and I
couldn't forget the imagery were I to view such agony
and I fear I'd pray to the face whose eyes I'd seen.
I
also have this underlying thought in many decisions I
make, and it is this: caution. When my oldest sons
still lived at home, they had a phrase: "Aw, Ma, c'mon
*every*body's doing it!" and I'd say to them,
"Well, if everybody's doing it, then there must be
something wrong with it." Well, you know that just
because everyone's doing it doesn't make it wrong---but
it really ought to get us thinking---AND---questioning!
SO... amidst all the positive accolades and (O,
except for that
death) glowing reports there are many who have a
different view... one, in particular,
Andrew J. Webb offers some valid points for your
consideration.
A
hesitant Yay for
Matt Daniels and Robert Bork and the proposed
constitutional amendment that, if passed, would block
recognition of same-sex marriage. The proposed amendment
would read: "Marriage in the United States shall
consist only of the union between a man and a woman.
Neither this Constitution or the constitution of any
state, nor state or federal law, shall be construed to
require that marital status or the legal incidents
thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups."
Now you can readily see all the gaps for loopholes and
plenty of room for misinterpretation. For example,
I once talked with a man who told me that he was a woman
born in a man's body. And sick as that was, many
people believe to this day that this man is, in fact, a
woman. So... yay for the attempt to salvage
marriage in this nation, and that, from an Ivy league
grad---but it's still a flimsy attempt. I
know, I know... what do I know. That word
"require" eludes me and seems an inappropriate
choice---how 'bout "allow" or "permit" in it's
place---no expert in legal-ese.
I
finally got the pics downloaded from last Sunday
afternoon; we had a great time visiting with old and new
friends! What a blessing it is to be a part of the
family of God, brothers and sisters all over the world!
Here are a few pics of the 'reception' for the Bruzas'
that's me and Hildi
some of the girls
The boys loved the cool chairs!
... long time friends and some new ones,
too!
Some little ones were too tired! And these are the
grandbabies! [our Daniel & Tara, too ;-)]
February 24, 2004 I can't remember why I
started blogging in the first place, but over the months
it's become a regular habit of recording slices of the
day and highlighting things we discovered or places
we've visited on the net. Danger is, that I, being
a person who's passionate about whatever I'm doing and
fervent in my beliefs, tend to go overboard with the
transparency deal and frequently get myself in a heap of
trouble with those who can't take sincerity at face
value---as if there's some hidden meaning or ulterior
motive to candid speech. I think I ought to ask my
mom if I was always like this but deception is abhorrent
to me and double-speak just drives me bats.
Language is a powerful tool---it can manipulate or hide
a shocking truth, it can deceive people or families or
nations. Language in writing, though, at best,
conveys truths of the heart in a way perhaps unlike any
other method of communication. Problem is,
if the message is sifted through a wrong filter, it will
be misconstrued. I like to write. I like to
read. I long to share with others---it's a lonely
world sometimes and I love that I have an opportunity to
touch lives with not only day to day slices of life, but
also with the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Everything pales in comparison with the surpassing
greatness of knowing Christ as Saviour and LORD. I
hope one day to learn to write in such a way as to
communicate with such clarity that misunderstanding is
eliminated. Until then, I pray the LORD uses
this cracked and chipped vessel to pour out messages.
Okay... so where was I going? Language.
Language is powerful and persuasive speech is
compelling. I've been thinking on this a lot today
as we sat and listened to words, and music and saw
pictures imposed on a large screen... I don't know what
impressed me more---that *was* said or what was *not*
said. The service was thought provoking and God
honouring. References were made continually to not
look on the outward, but to look on the heart---to
"judge by the fruit and not by the suit" was one of
Justin's quotes inscribed on the back of the program.
So, here was a young man, whose life was being honoured
and remembered by the hundreds of people gathered, and
the recurring message was to not judge the outward, to
clean up the inside and not get hung up on the outside.
SO... as I have been really mulling over language---and
I've been referring to *written* language, now I'm
processing what it is to speak without words. To
give a message without words. Surely as we
are misunderstood because of the *words* we might choose
to convey a thought, how much more then by our
appearance or behaviour. Needless to say, I
came away today with more questions than answers---more
puzzles than solutions. But this I know, I'm
clinging to an unseen Hand.
All men
should strive to learn before they die, what they are
running from, and to, and why. - James Thurber
February 22-23, 2004 I'm typing this Sunday
night blog at 1:30 Monday morning... Starbucks, dontchaknow. A mocha latté,
totally not
part of my diet but I had one today---late in the
day---worse, it was a double. You know, one thing
about staying up late, apart from the regret I'll have
when I wake up (if I ever go to sleep!) is that there's
much quiet time for reflection. Interesting that
the LORD placed me in or with a large family---I love
solitude. Interesting that He gave me boys---I
love calm. Interesting He made life
unpredictable---I love predictability. So as
I type here, and read other things I trust the LORD to
make things a bit less ambiguous to me as the day hits
rewind and I take another look.
What a blessed day---The LORD's day. What a
blessing to recall some of the conversations, the
testimonies, and the prayers of the day. How
amazing all the details the LORD so carefully and
precisely weaves and works in our lives. One of
the interesting things about fully yielding and walking
with the LORD is that no matter what we do, how we plan
our steps or propose to arrange our schedules, His plans
prevail and His purposes are accomplished. As we
walk the roads the LORD's called us to walk over the
years, there've been many times when we've been
misunderstood, misrepresented and our motives or our
decisions have been misconstrued. It's that way
for lots of people sometimes, I suppose, and everyone at
some point will fall under scrutiny for their beliefs of
decisions. Problem is, most always because we look
at other people's views through our filter instead of
theirs, and both are never clear.
How
thankful I am today to have just laid the day at the
Feet of the LORD and He directed the path. No
matter what it may have seemed, we'd never have known
just how it would go had we second-guessed the ways of
the LORD. And so as we made an unplanned visit to
a friend in the hospital, we saw a glimpse of the ways
of the LORD, then later, as we proceeded with plans to
attend a reception, we saw a friend we hadn't seen for
many years----we never imagined that we'd see this
friend or that he had hoped to see us there and hoped
we'd be able to visit awhile (which we did!). Oh,
how marvelous it is to take hold of the unseen Hand and
to walk with the LORD.
We
just attempted to call our friends in Papua New
Guinea... they're expecting a baby any day and we had so
hoped to talk just for a bit---but when we were
connected, it sounded as if one of the children had
answered the phone and was carrying it around... sadly
the time ran out so we'll need to get another card to
call them --- perhaps next week. But I'm not sure
how many late nights I can muster---calling at 1 or 2 in
the morning is best as there are few lines into the
country and 'after-hours' it's easier to get through.
Disappointed---but not discouraged!
February 21, 2004 Well, enough politics, etc. this
morning. Not that there's nothing to share about
that... quite the contrary, but for now, there are many
other things to consider! Plus... after
staying up till 3am with my girls, I'm way too tired to
wrestle with too much 'worldly' stuff today... too many
more important things are on our minds these days and my
perspective's been challenged, anyway!
O,
something neat: Kelli's planning on getting a
Hammer Dulcimer---something we'd love to buy,
too---someday!! The beauty of the instrument is
surpassed only by the beautiful sound when skillfully
played. We were talking about
heirlooms yesterday (which this would become in their
family) and I was sharing with Kelli that what would
make the instrument an heirloom to her children would be
the beautiful music they'd remember and that only if it
had become a regular part of family life, then any
instrument passed on would be the family's heritage of
beautiful music. That got me thinking about things
we all do in our families---are the times we spend
together of lasting value? Are our activities
encouraging and 'nourishing' then children? Is the
tone or 'feel' of our home one to remember---or one to
emulate?
On the HOMESCHOOL front: a neat site loaded
with curriculum---books-books-books!
It's a "message board" site for Used
Homeschool Curriculum, it's the place to post your "For
Sale" and "Want to Buy" messages for used homeschool
curriculum, books, and resources. Sort of a 'homeschooler's
eBay" site! I've not done much curriculum shopping
on eBay
but we've sure been pleased with --every-- eBay purchase
we've made. From china, to books, to CD's, to
clothing---our eBay purchases have been great!
Every seller was great to work with and every product
arrived just as was listed and described. Now...
you know I'd comment if the opposite were true, but I'm
pleased to say we've had no "sour" transactions!
So----eBay! Here's my warning... be careful: you'll be
up all night searching if there are specific things
you've been looking for! You might not find the
item you're looking for under a specific name, but
sometimes typing in a bit of a different description or
name will bring up the item you wnat. It's
amazing... I've learned that if my boy Daniel likes a
method (like eBay) and has good results, then I'm very
comfortable using that avenue, too! Now, I haven't
even come close to shopping eBay like he has! ;-)
Yesterday we went
to visit our boy, Michael, and were so pleased to be
able to see his apartment and his delight in his
beautiful home! You know... it's been over five
years since this son left home and so much has
transpired---but one thing I've learned is to be patient
and to not get ahead of the LORD... the LORD *is*
faithful and will complete the work He's begun! We
do praise the LORD for His faithfulness! Well...
knowing I was/am trying to be in top shape
,
Michael gave me his treadmill. Now this may be my
last blog---bcz that machine might just do me in!
Okay, so my first (planned) hour-long aerobic walk was
cut short by 56 minutes. I needed to get the hang
of slowing the thing down or risk being thrown across
the kitchen! Today's aerobic session will be, uh,
six minutes... well, maybe. Slower, I can do the
hour... but speed that machine up too fast and I'll
likely pass out! That's granny's fitness update!
I
was searching for some contact information and came
across this neat tool on the Citizen Link Site.
You can locate and contact
national and local media. I think you'll
discover that this site is an invaluable resource if you
don't already use it!
What an
encouragement it is to read
Roger Bennett's
writings as he prepares for bone marrow transplant!
What's incredible to me is that he's continued to play
the piano for the group and has continued to meet the
obligations he's had.
As
our friends grieve the loss of their son, there is an
outpouring of love and support for them and recognition
of this young man's life. So many lives were
touched by this young man---we never know the influence
we have. So many times I consider this thought:
our sphere of influence is far greater than our sphere
of acquaintance. I wrote
a letter on this some time back... that was for
women, but I realize more and more that no matter the
age, the influence one has can be tremendous.
A baby... a young child... a mother... a young man... a
father... whatever the age, whatever the circumstance:
there will be an influence. I've been mulling over
this: what will my influence be? What will I leave
behind? What will matter?
Most of us never know the stories behind the lives of
people in our community. As we've followed this
multi-part story,
The Garden that Grief Built, this week in the
Everett Herald, it's been totally gripping to read---in
this week of again coming to terms with the pain in
people's lives---pain apart from salvation in Jesus, what they've been through to bring them
to who they are today. Neighbors... seemingly living worlds
apart from our own and yet, some are a real picture of where we
might be without hope in Christ and His redemption of our lives.
This series, as well as things the LORD is doing,
has been used to renew my resolve to reach our neighbors for
Christ---to show them His love and to offer them the
gift we've received in Christ Jesus.
With all the amazing things in the news, we're just
seeing the staggering numbers of stories that indicate
total chaos and "lost-ness" in our world---though many
of these things are not new, the occurrence or frequency
and "commonness" is astonishing. Sin is ugly and
the ugliness is becoming so "normal" in society.
I've been considering the 'demands' made by those who
seek their own way---demands of tolerance---yet, so
intolerant of rejection and surely of God's Word, so
intolerant of constraints to their "freedom." Such
a double standard: those who would demand laws demand to
break them. Sin knows no bounds.
February 20, 2004 Well, if Judicial tyranny
isn't bad enough, what's going on now is out and out
anarchy! The judicial system is becoming a farce!
Though people scream, their voice is not heard.
What is that phrase? O, yes: You ain't seen nuthin
yet! What's going on in San Francisco, Chicago and
New Mexico is astounding! What an affront to
God and the God ordained institution of marriage, this
denigration of His Word concerning the sanctity of
marriage. It sickens me to have to 'stand by' and
watch this revolt and the degradation of marriage.
But sin is like that---an in-your-face attack on our
holy God.
A
news brief I just received from the
Alliance Defense Fund
I cannot believe I used to live and go to school in what
is now Sodom. I used to dream of spending some
more time in my city high-on-a-hill...
where-little-cable-cars-climb-halfway-to-the-stars...my-city-by-the-bay---but
no longer. My heart's here... I certainly didn't
leave my heart in SanFrancisco. We were married in
SanFrancisco---and our marriage license was issued from
there... when marriage licenses were only issued
legally. And now, the
Mayor's a hero. And check out that Habakkuk
1.3-4 passage! Incredible. What do you
think!?!? Even so---Come LORD Jesus!
Okay... comic relief time. I don't necessarily
endorse the saying of every one of these 'funnies'
but... a little levity, dears, a little levity.
February 19, 2004 What a whirlwind of emotion
this week as friends and family come to grips with the
death of the young man, Justin. The more we hear
of his life, the family's life and recall what's
transpired in recent weeks, the more we see the Hand of
God in all of these things---though in tears, it's not
difficult to say: praise the LORD for His marvelous
works! His sister is a testimony of strength and
trust in the LORD. His family is a picture of
faith in the work and ways of the LORD. As
the young people gathered for Bible study last night,
much was shared and many tears shed as this young man
was remembered. There'll be a special service for
him next week.
Tamera
(Justin's mother) had just tearfully shared two weeks
ago in the morning service that on Christmas day, one of
their little daughters had awoken at her grandparents
house, and then not finding anyone awake yet had
wandered out into the cold from her grandparents
house--- (next door but not close in proximity bcz of
living in the country), early morning in her diapers and
a small shirt. She was found by a neighbor and brought
to Marty and Tamera’s home. Later that day (Christmas)
Tamera said she was fearful to allow her 18yo daughter
to drive to Oregon in case something were to happen to
her. She loves her family so much and is careful to be
attentive to them. Tamera shared that day in church
that she then felt challenged by God, asking if she
would continue loving Him even if He took one of her
children away. Wes and I feel as though it was a
prophetic time---that the LORD was preparing her for
what He would have for her down the road. This is a
testimony of the mercy of God! Something we may not
understand at the time, but accept in faith. Anyway,
this all has certainly been heartrending, but has
strengthened our faith and resolve to love and serve our
precious LORD. Many people are affected---besides the
family, Justin’s fiancée, Addy and many other relatives
and friends. We’re also praying for the crane operator
who obviously didn’t know Justin was there. We imagine
that his grief and sense of guilt must be overwhelming.
The LORD has blessed Tamera many many ways over the
years and one of the most profound is His continued
provision and confirmation of love in guiding her path.
She's now a
member of a special group of women who's grief is a kind
shared and known only by the other members... women
who've buried a child.
2-18-2004 - 6pm I have an apology and a
correction to make to my comments regarding "seeker
churches" in America and around the world. I am sorry
for the miscommunication regarding my thoughts on
the "institutional" church. I wished to simply say
that I am dead set opposed to churches that are offering
a counterfeit "gospel" and are soft-selling a brand of
easy-believism, avoiding the discomfort of
"old-fashioned" evangelism or gospel teaching, it's
compromised Christianity that focuses on perceived
success, caters to felt needs rather than focusing on
the Cross, the depravity of man, eternal separation from
God for those who will not know Him as LORD
and Saviour.
1Peter 4.17 "For the time is come that judgment
must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at
us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the
gospel of God?"
I
stand against what's become a paradigm for a large
number of "churches" in America: seeker sensitive,
purpose driven, paradigm shift churches.
And, though I've referenced "Open church" &
"Home-church" & "House church" sites and agree whole
heartedly with much but not all that's shared on those
sites, our family still attends a local Baptist church
in addition to a home-fellowship. I want to share
that we are not standing in judgment of all 'churches'
nor are we seeking to promote some 'brand' of
Christianity, nor use this as a venue for promotion of a
personal agenda or particular plan---save, the Word of
God. We do pray for those who hold the position of
pastor of local assemblies and pray for a
spiritual awakening---the wake-up call has surely been
given! We seek the LORD
and His Righteousness.
I
appreciated receiving mail concerning this and other
issues related to the institutional church. This
blog's a reflection of life in our home and would be
pretty boring if nothing but a weather report was
written each day. Imagine, day after day: In the
Pacific Northwest: rain today, rain tomorrow, rain for
the rest of the week giving way to occasional showers
and rare sunbreaks.
No
strong opinions here. ;-)
February 18, 2004 From time to time I read
info on a site that leaves me thinking: well, that's the
craziest thing I ever read. Here's a site that
offers
hundreds of uses for well known products from
Alberto VO5 Conditioner to Ziploc bags. One
particular use for Flexible Straws: "Prevent
tangles in fine chain jewelry. Run the chain
through a length of Glad Flexible Straw and fasten the
catch."
Another
"help save marriage" site and petition. This, "No
Gay Marriage" site has articles updates and
petitions. You know, some of us probably seem as
obnoxious as the flagrant abusers of the law---and those
who are obtaining bogus marriage "licenses." The
American
Family Association has a very thorough coverage of
these and other issues that are tearing apart the
family, posing such an arrogant attack on God and will
ultimately destroy America. (As my husband often says of
me: "No strong opinions here!") It is utterly
amazing to me that our political system has degraded to
this rebellious
judicial tyranny.
I
say, O, God, where is the church? I don't mean all
the religious institutions or tens of thousands of
"church" buildings across our land, I mean: the church,
the body of Christ. Wake up, believers! Wake
up to the stench of this sinful nation. Pray.
Walk with God---stop masquerading with a foot in the
world and a foot on the Word. I say, women: stay
home, take good care of your husband, your children and
your home, be pure, be faithful. I say, men: lead
as the Word commands you to lead, quit entertaining
yourself to death with sports and
p-rnography, be faithful, be true, quit running
after the elusive nest egg and status symbols, be
honest, quit ye like men! Today's all you've
got---tomorrow you could be dead.
I've realized another reason I am so ardently against
the "seeker" so called "churches" that are filled with
people who would have as much or more "fun" at a club,
buildings that have no crosses and no Bibles on the
chairs or pew racks. Where there's nothing
offensive, nothing hard to swallow, nothing
uncomfortable---just partial Truth. Look where
that whole misguided, unbiblical nauseating trend has
taken what should be the Church or what it's done with
the Truth---it's exchanged it for a lie and made it (the
Church) of no effect. What a grief this is.
February 17, 2004 In a television
interview with Diane Sawyer, Mel Gibson gave clear
and succinct answers to what seemed to me to be heated
and divisive questions. It's no surprise and this
was just a taste of what's to come as
The Passion of The Christ debuts on the 25th of
February.
I
just discovered this page for women---The
Christian Woman's Page and took a look at a few
articles. It seems to be a good and encouraging
site.
February 16, 2004 Tragedy. No
words. I'm struck with the tremendous stark
reality that today is all we have---no guarantees of
tomorrow---just today: it's all we have. Our
family was in the middle of prayers following our Bible
study when we received the call that Justin, the eldest
son of our friends, the Glaser's, had died as a result
of a tragic crane accident. This young man had
just celebrated his 20th birthday, had plans to marry a
young woman, had just moved into his new home and had a
loving family and many friends. Another young man
whose life *seems* to have been lost too soon---but God.
But God who is rich in mercy... saw fit to bring this
young man home, and so, sorrow has come to this home.
My
husband and I rode silently from their home this
evening... again, no words. We wondered how could
we have been so blessed. How could the LORD be so
gracious. But I know deep in my heart that grief
comes to everyone and tragedy visits every home...
sorrow skips no home---every home is visited with
sadness and no one escapes the sting of death.
My
first inclination was to call my son... I knew our other
children and grandchildren were safe here with us; but
this son was not here and I was compelled to call to
connect with him, to affirm my love for him and to
assure him of my concern for him. He's just a
couple of years older than the young man who passed away
and just a year older than Nolan---all were friends, all
had that same thread of youth that bound them and all
had their lives stretched out wide before them and now
two have gone...
February 15, 2004 You'll just be amazed at
Roger Bennett's news!
The LORD surely seems to be at work here for
giving the Bennett's such remarkable news.
Blessings this LORD's
Day!
February 14, 2004
We're
remembering Nolan today. This would
have
been his 22nd birthday.
|
As our friend Carolyn answered the door, we
wondered what to say---what is there to say
to a mother whose son was tragically killed
5 months ago, a son who was so young and had
so much going for him. Her "Valentine
baby." We stood on the porch listening
to her sweetly recounting some of the events
of the day, some tearful memories of days
gone by and as she shared, I realized how
much it meant to her to know that others
were remembering. Nolan had worked for
Costco and the employees had just sent her 2
dozen roses... and a card letting the family
know that they hadn't forgotten this young
man, their special friend and co-worker.
|
She
shared the difficult process to finally
locate a heart balloon that simply said, "I
love you." How grateful I was to be holding
a plate full of beautiful heart cookies that
Kathryn had frosted in white with "I love
you" surrounded by dots that looked like
pearls around the edge of each cookie.
As I handed her the plate, I realized we had
little to offer that would bring the comfort
she needed. We prayed for her there...
|
_____________________________________________________________
Another visit with Mom has come to an end. We sure
had a happy week with Wes's mom here with us from
Indiana. Not much time for blogging today... but
lots
in the news---if you can stand it!
Happy Valentine's Day!
There is no
greater love... John 15.13 "Greater love hath no man
than this, that a man lay down his life for his
friends." A sweet Valentine's Day
around here today. Wes liked his flowers! ;-)
I did for him what he did for me for our anniversary:
rose bushes! I'll put them by his Gravenstein
apple tree. I'm thrilled that his hyacinths and
daffodils are starting to come up! I bought him
the bulbs for his birthday and planted them a few months
ago. He particularly likes the scent of the
hyacinths---that's why I bought them!
Another great
article by Steve Atkerson of the New Testament
Restoration Foundation. Yes, I'm sort of
preoccupied with this sort of material lately as we seek
to understand what the LORD would have us to do and how
He would have us to live out our lives in faith before
Him. None of these articles or ideas are meant as
an attack on the institutional church in
America---though no amount of discussion will be
convincing, rather they cause us to take a good hard
look and make an honest assessment of what we do and
why! It'll surely offend some and probably will be
misunderstood by others---but that's not the intent of
my posting or sharing the articles/links/sites. If
a man will not, in the light of Scripture, examine what
he does or ever question what he believes and why he
believes it, he's foolish. Prove all things, hold
fast that which is good.
A
couple of our children served area Pastors and wives at
a Valentine's Banquet... they were having a bit of fun
before leaving!
February 13, 2004... back to blogging.
A
new dawn... was buying a bunch of "sippy-cups" at
the drugstore in town today and the cashier asked, or
rather stated: "O, these are for your graaaannd-children!?!"
I, for the first time, realized that I look *more* like
a grandmother than "just" a mother---instantaneously, I
felt compelled to buy a [sworn-off] box of hair dye.
This gray hair seems more like a stark announcement of
advancing age rather than a "crown of splendor" or "way
of wisdom" to me. Ahhh but for the days of youth
when I was easily thin, agile and much, much smarter
than today. Ahhhhh, youth.
Hey, what about Massachusetts?!?! Indecision... a
little purchasing of time for wrestling and hashing out
the ramifications of whichever law or amendment is
established. It may seem like
the debate dead-ends, but it's anything but dead!
Now there's time for some real slinging over the issues.
YOU
can take action on the
Federal Marraige Amendment Amendment! AND push
to STOP Judicial Tyranny. Track this issue
at
Judicial Forum ---click on the weblog for current
updates.
February 12, 2004 Too bizzy for bloggin'
today.
February 11, 2004 O... it's bad
enough all the criticism some people receive while
they're *living*, but now the flack Dr. Atkins is
getting posthumously is amazing. Physicians released
Dr. Atkins' [how'd they get access to the files?]
medical information---revealing his physical condition
at the time of his death following a fall on some ice.
A group whose interest is probably opposite the "Atkins
Approach" to eating released the information.
Another example of envy and the lengths some will go to
knock someone down---well I guess dead is as far as one
can get knocked down---but his legacy is attacked.
I don't know what might've contributed to his gross
water weight-gain and is it important to debate it?
---but I do know this: eliminating white food eliminates
overweight---O, that, and it's probably a good idea to
watch your step on ice.
Be
sure and install critical Microsoft Windows updates.
Serious security flaws will leave systems vulnerable.
"Microsoft
urged consumers to apply the repairing patch immediately
if they were using Windows NT, Windows 2000 or Windows
XP versions of its software, or its Windows NT Server,
Server 2000 and Server 2003 software commonly found in
corporations."
In the news... today's the day to keep your
eye on Massachusetts, where lawmakers debate a ban
on "gay marriage" ---which, no matter what the "law"
says, can never even be accomplished as it violates
God's Word. What was the latest
ploy of those who are seeking a redefinition of
marriage? Do I keep chanting the
mantra: now more than ever we need to make our
voice heard and our prayers fervent? There seems
to be so
much at stake here---but, again, no matter what takes place, the
fact will remain that the LORD God defined marriage from
the beginning as a union of a man and a woman. No
matter what man devises, God's Word stands, God's design
stands, and God will judge. No matter which road a
man takes, all roads will, in the end, end at the
Judgment Seat of Christ. There will be no
exceptions, no alternate feelings, no buddha, no
mohammed, no science, no knowledge or counsel against
the LORD. The Word says:
"But
as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things
which God hath prepared for them that love him."
[1Corinthians 2.9]
In the end it will just be Jesus.
Keeping
Roger Bennett in prayer... you can read his web
journal.
In
Titus2 fellowship yesterday morning we talked over the
aspects of love. It's interesting the number of
times love is involved with the decisions we make or the
reaction we have to something/someone. One of the
ladies read 1 Corinthians 13 with the specific intention
to seek how to apply the teaching in the verses to
ministering to the family by meeting the needs of the
family. I suggested special plans ought to be made
to bless the family for Valentine's Day. I
suggested a special meal, favourite treats, individual
cards or notes, and a joy-filled home. I recalled
what we'd learned from
Nancy Campbell at the Above Rubies retreat:
your children may not remember all that you did in your
home, but they'll remember how it felt there. O,
how I keep this in my thoughts each day. So...
this Valentine's Day---for everyone: go out of your way,
be bold... do something out of the ordinary to show
l-o-v-e.
More
inspiration for February... Is your walk
waning? Is your fervor dim? Need some
encouragement for your walk?
February 10, 2004
This picture was taken six months after Wes's father
went to be with the LORD.
From the left: he and his two sisters, his mother
and his brother.
We had just had prayer for mother, for her future and of
thanks for the days behind.
As she arrived for a visit, we were so moved by the
great care and blessing of
the LORD in the last four years. We can trust Him
far beyond the sunset.
I
read an article regarding habits married couples ought
to cultivate; this, from
christianity today.
As we make decisions to daily have a clean slate before
the LORD, another wise decision is to have a clean slate
between husband and wife.
Keeping short accounts safeguards marriage, strengthens
it and keeps out the weeds that choke growth and fruit.
It's going to get thicker and nastier as campaigning for
the fall election heats up and as other debates come to
pass;
read more here.
February 9, 2004 As the family goes, so goes
the nation. Opponents of same se-x marriage
held a rally yesterday and the issue is sparking heated
debates---this one's far from over. If
marriage is to last or to have a lasting impact on
future generations, then it's imperative that it be held
in highest esteem and be strengthened and nurtured.
The world is looking for answers---and ultimately, will
find none outside faith in Christ.
Had
to go back on the eating plan again... had gained a few
pounds and had not yet reached my goal. So... back
off the butter-sugar-flour foods for awhile. It's
not too challenging---but I did want to eat a bowl of
tortilla chips today as we had mexican food
today---but it was tasty even sans the tortillas and
chips... and cake. Maybe you have a struggle with
weight and so you know what I mean---well... here's a
piece I received over e-mail today.
Diets &
Dieting:
1.The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer
fewer heart attacks than the British or
Americans
2.The French eat a lot of fat and also suffer
fewer heart attacks than the British or
Americans
3.The Japanese drink very little red wine and
suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or
Americans
4.The Italians drink excessive amounts of red
wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than
the British or Americans
5.The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots
of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart
attacks than the British or Americans
Conclusion: Eat and drink what you like
but learn a new language; speaking
English is apparently what kills you.
Thought you'd like that one. My mother-in-law
arrives today! We've been so looking forward to
seeing her. It's soooo chilly in Indianapolis
where she lives! I'm praying the snow doesn't
prevent or delay her travels. The NOAA
weather site shows her temp at 28˚---with snow
flurries.
For February 8, 2004 In a little more
than two weeks, The Passion will debut in theaters
around the world. What will the reaction be?
What will believers do in response to the sure
opposition to the movie and its message? What will
you do? What will you say in response to hatred
toward God. Well, toward Jesus, really, because
the world is much more apt to accept a god---not the God
of the Bible---but a god of their own or their
religion's creation. Jesus said: "I am the Way the
Truth and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by
Me." John 14.6 We do praise and thank
the LORD for His goodness: "Behold, what manner of
love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be
called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us
not, because it knew him not."1John 3.1
So,
The Passion... it'll be interesting to
experience the days ahead. We pray the film will
be used of the LORD
to draw men and women to faith in Jesus Christ as LORD
and Saviour.
February 7, 2004
Was Bingo the FARMER or the DOG? Think about
it... it's quite a question, isn't it?!? Some of
us believe in the duality of
Bingo
being fully farmer, fully dog.
What do you think? Okay... my arm was
twisted and I typed what I was told to type---no
resistance, here.
Seven years ago today my
husband had an accident with a skilsaw. He cut up
his hand and because it took so many months to heal, he was unable to work
most of that time. He lost half of his index
finger and though his wedding ring had to be cut off, I
marvel whenever I see that ring---I imagine that it
stopped the saw from cutting that and his little finger
totally off. I was amazed at the skill of
the surgeon who repaired Wes's hand---the
reattaching and connecting and repairing the bones,
nerves, veins and tissue. But I believe one of the greatest benefits of that day was the
cementing of an already dear friendship between my husband and his
friend that made them more like brothers. I'll
always be grateful to Mike for his skill & quick
thinking and all he's done to help my husband. That accident has
been used of the LORD time and time again as the LORD
used that time to teach our family lessons about
Himself, about trust and faith in Him that we didn't have
before that time---not to the degree that's been built.
In the years that followed that accident, we would see
the LORD
bring back to our remembrance how He worked, how He
provided and how he led our family and as a consequence,
how our faith was strengthened as never before.
Throughout our marriage, the LORD's
called us to live a life of faith, to fully and utterly
depend on Him, His provision and His direction.
The most obvious way has been in the form of
self-employment in a seasonal business; couple that with
His blessed provision of eleven children and a call to
minister to others. As we recount the years, He's
never ---never--- let us down, not once. He's
always provided above and beyond what we've ever needed.
He's faithful and true, He's our high King of heaven,
our LORD.
We celebrate this day. Truly, God is the LORD.
Kathryn's doing much better and is getting
around much better each day! Now she
has the bandages that are irritating her
skin a bit, but for the most part, just a
bit of an ache later in the day---some
swelling... O, but for the joy that is set
before her... |
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My
mother-in-law is coming out for a visit! We're so
looking forward to having her here! Living in
Indiana, now, she seems as far away to us as she was
when she was a missionary in Taiwan or in Philippines.
We'll have a good time---but she'll be busy! She's got
plans for each day... lunch with friends, lunch with my
mama, and Bible study group to share with. We're
grateful for this as we've often thought that with some
health problems complicating things from time to time,
her time is likely shorter than we think! So... we
enjoy the hope of the days ahead! |
Lots more Valentine's recipes and ideas
here! [while that site doesn't seem to be
currently maintained, it's got lots of great
recipes---not just Valentine's Day ideas)---so many
yummy looking recipes... I'm thinking they're not
into Atkins!
I'm going use heart shaped cake pans and make a
sweet-heart cake---I'm thinking of making this
Oreo White Chocolate Mousse cake and
Valentine's cookies for the children and
English Cherubs for my husband. Kathryn will
be making heart cutout cookies---hearts with piped
"pearls" and glaze filling the centers.
Another book to read... interesting,
a historical fiction book. A quote from the
site: "Disenchantment with
organized religion and a thirst for more intimate
fellowship inspire them to worship in their own parlours.
Realizing that God doesn't live in structures of stone,
they jettison former rituals in their quest for a deeper
Christian life."
February 6, 2004 Today's
Ronald Reagan's 93rd birthday. Much to celebrate
in the life of this president! I missed The Sean
Hannity show today and wondered what might have been
said about former President Reagan---this, from
Hannity & Colmes on Fox. While Mr. Reagan was
not able to attend, a
celebration was held in his honour. A pictorial
tribute in
World magazine sure brings back memories today.
It amazes me how quickly the last 25 years have passed!
It's
another rather dreary morning here in the Northwest.
Such is life---so plans for the days ahead must
continue: rain or shine. Valentine's Day is
coming... a gazilliion
more ideas, too! at Peggie's Place and another sweet
Valentine's page. Mine is still sadly
lacking... but our family and our home needed the
attention more than adding to that page! Still the
best is flowers! I'm so pleased with my new
jackson and perkins roses! These that Wes
bought for me are Melody Parfumée
and Artistry (these will go in a flower bed I'm making
to honour my mother---I still need to get a tree for
it). I also buy an Evelyn rose each year for my
mother-in-law---that rose garden is looking so pretty
(well, not right now, but soon!).
A life changing book for
us and for a couple of years now we've been encouraging
others to read the book "The
Day of Small Beginnings" as an encouragement to get
out of the traditions of men and into the Word as far as
sincerely living out day to day what the New Testament
teaches. It can be read online or we can send it out as
an e-book. Many have read it and have been
encouraged to rethink the what and why of the living out
of the faith---regardless of whether one would make a
decision to leave the institutionalized "church" or
never to do so, it forever changes the way the
"institution" is viewed and the heart or thoughts toward
methods is forever transformed by the challenge to what
has become tradition and "religion." Another book
that's interesting is, "Rethinking the Wineskin" by
Frank Viola. I'm not too familiar with his
ministry/theological position and so would like to read
more about him/his work. His
book is interesting and thought provoking.
We've had good letters concerning home churches or home
fellowships---one thing believers have in common over
the world is the desire for true fellowship and the
longing to be in regular fellowship with other
like-minded believers. A question that seems to
come up frequently is the question over the function or
order of the meetings in homes. A good
article at the New Testament Restoration Foundation
addresses this question.
This blog, in addition to
being a web journal---a commentary, is also somewhat of
a personal journal in that I give glimpses of daily life
here in our home and family---these are more for my self
than anything but I share because so many are looking
for camaraderie in the Christian home/life and so... I
share what's going on in hopes that it'll encourage some
from day to day. Sometimes what I write may seem
critical or judgmental and that's not always
intentional---but I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of
Christ and so when society violates or strays from the
Truth, it's important to stand against it. I don't
have an ulterior motive in using this venue, nor the
intention to give subtle messages to others.
Just thought I'd clear up an unasked question. I
love to write, I love to share ideas and information
with others and I love that the LORD has allowed me to
be a help and encouragement to women and families.
All I'm writing lately pertaining to home-fellowships is
based on our journey to obedience in worship and
community with other believers. We're still members of a
local church and as such, are still happily
involved in the lives of believers there. Our time
with other believers in home-fellowship has become our
focus because of the collective desire to "live out" or
fully function as a body rather than observers in
others' lives. More on this someday.
February 5, 2004
Our special candlelight anniversary dinner at home
prepared by Kathryn!
salad, wholegrain rolls, steak, red
potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and tomatoes, chocolate cups
with whipped cream and strawberries, blueberry bavarian
cream filled chocolate tarts... delicious!
All the children were upstairs, while Kathryn prepared
our meal; Timothy assisted her as our waiter!
What a blessing it's been to us today... I love
new roses and peonies from Wes---not the kind of flowers
he usually buys me! These I am planting in the
ground and will delight in them for years to come!
Twenty six years later: we still say, "I do... forever."
February 4, 2004 Now, today it's a blessing to celebrate
our 26th anniversary! Today we celebrate what the
LORD has done, the
children, the grandchildren, family, friends, the innumerable blessings, the joys and
sorrows, the happiness and tears, the gains and losses
and above all: the faith the LORD's given us throughout
all these
years.
Just ten days to Valentine's day! We're looking
for fun recipes and decorations for the celebrations!
It's no surprise to me that the Massachusetts Supreme
Judicial Court would further its agenda to undermine
marriage. Read
World Net Daily for more on this---I know, who
really wants to read more on this---but it *is*
imperative to address this one; it's one of the most
divisive and far-reaching issues we're facing today!
Now, more than ever, it's easy to see why it's so
important to act now on
exposing and ending judicial tyranny in our country.
This isn't the only issue that ought to have you
concerned...
there's more, much more! Walter
Martin used to say: are you doing for the Truth what the
enemy's willing to do for a lie?
It's not enough to hope it'll all go away: This is
America, after all. It's not enough to make a call
to a senator or to pledge a couple of dollars here and
there. It's not enough to just pray it'll all go
well. We can and we must *be* in behaviour that
becomes holiness, we can and must apply what we read in
the Word. The watching world is looking for answers and
finds none unless our behaviour is above reproach and
our testimony is bright and true. The church in
America is becoming anemic and fruitless in reaching the
lost for a changed life of Faith in Christ---many are
attending services being held each Sunday---but are
lives exchanged for Christ and are men and women living
in faith and truth? We must fall to our knees,
pray for forgiveness for getting caught up in the
religiosity of programs and agendas and curricula that
promise life, fulfillment and happiness--- It's no
wonder there's confusion over the first and most basic
institution: marriage. Believers won't even obey
the Word---how could we possibly expect or even hope
those without God and with no hope in this world to
understand and uphold this most precious and sacred
institution. What an affront to the most Holy God
for His creation to desecrate His design---but how much
more, His children to stand by and watch.
How
can this be done? Well, I'm thinking it can be
done as believers walk in fellowship with one
another and as believers rethink what it is and what it
means to be a follower of Christ. Not the Sunday
bus ride for the Sunday show for all those who park at
the same Sunday Park 'n Ride. I mean: fellowship!
As we rethink what we call "church" and how we function
as a body and what we call "fellowship." We
don't need another program, another activity or another
committee meeting to discuss how we can provide for
fellowship---but genuine in your face, in your life
regular fellowship with families and singles, widows and
children, etc. The more time we spend in regular
fellowship with other believers, we see what it is to be
a New Testament church---and, sadly, we see what we've
been missing and what countless thousands are missing by
*not* being/living in genuine fellowship with other
believers. I don't mean they're not regularly
going to "church." O, we've been
*going* to "church" for decades! We've been
faithful in attendance---the more commitments the
better! But what we haven't been is faithful to being a
New Testament church *body*. Think this
sounds strange? Think it might even seem
"cultish?" Well, it won't seem strange once you
read more
about what it means to be a New Testament church.
One of my first questions and hopefully, yours would be:
what do they believe? The site (which is one
of many) has
publications to encourage and equip you as you seek
to follow Christ in practice and in Truth.
Once you read the book: Ekklesia: To The Roots
of Biblical Church Life by Steve Atkerson, you'll
see what I'm talking about... in fact, you probably
won't even have to go so far as to begin reading the
book to begin questioning what you've been doing and why.
This is just one of many good sites/links for what are
commonly called
house-churches or home-fellowship groups.
February 2, 2004 A new week is
underway---full steam ahead and yet, we sort of feel out
of steam here! Perhaps it'll all pick up in a day
or so. Too many balls in the air for this juggler!
I'm looking outside seeing the all the roses that need
pruning, the apple trees that need pruning and all the
beds that need tending---not to mention all the yard
clean-up! I'm going to muster the resolve to get
out there this week and get some things done!
I try to get the pruning done each year by Valentines
Day---so I still have a number of days to get them done.
I'd like to add another rose bush and another one for my
mother-in-law. I'd like to start another rose
garden for my mother... I just need to find another good
sunny place to do it---of course, it'll need a tree,
too. I don't think a girl can have too many roses.
Each year Costco sells
Jackson & Perkins roses and this year they've got
some new additions. I'd like to get a totally
different one---but I always tend toward the same ones!
Another thing I'm sort of enjoying: peonies---so I
think I'll add another or two of those. The
hydrangeas need shaping---they're also a favourite!
It would be something to see one of the red hydrangeas ---Michigan
Bulb is showing! We have a few varieties but
no reds! Gardening is such a blessing!
I've long thought that everyone ought to have a little
digging in their life! There are so many
lessons... parallels and life messages to be learned or
better understood by spending time digging in the
dirt... clearing away weeds... watching growth come...
watering... keeping weeds away... and: waiting.
Ahhh the waiting.
SO glad we were with our home fellowship group yesterday
and *missed* the displays of lewdness and distasteful
commercials during the Super Bowl. We'd not
have watched the game had we been home---neither we
nor our children need to see all that is "normal" to
many---normal doesn't mean right---I'm talking about the
commercials and the half-time show---not the game itself. If you saw
them, then you know first hand the crudeness of the
commercials and halftime show. The moment (totally
inappropriate displays) may not
have conformed to CBS broadcast standards, however when
MTV is producing a halftime show, one could be pretty
sure that the First Baptist choir wouldn't be taking
center stage---hearing about who the producers were, I'm
thinking: what's the surprise here?
Today's
news & emails were more than we needed regarding the
questionable or totally inappropriate presentations,
however, I would like to have seen that last winning
kick! Not referring specifically to the
Super Bowl, but life in general: with each passing
year I marvel at what seems to be the lowest of lows...
and then another year passes and the depth of depravity
and acceptance or tolerance of sin increases and
broadens.
February 1, 2004 The
first day of a new month! My favourite month of
the year! Also, today is the LORD's Day---a day of
fellowshipping with believers! The reason February
is my favourite month is each February marks another
year of marriage for us. This year it's 26!
Twenty-six years ago---not having the slightest idea or
knowing or even imagining any of the events, blessings, tragedies,
trials or triumphs that would become our history---I
said, I do, forever. And now... though there are
days I'd rather not repeat, I wouldn't trade a one of them
or miss a one of them for anything in the world---any
amount of money or any thing more or anything less.
Even the worst of days have been better than all the
best days most people ever have---and I know it's all
because the LORD's blessing has been with us. I
still do, forever.
Kathryn is so
grateful to everyone for their prayers and kind words of
support. She enjoyed some time fellowshipping with
friends and having the opportunity to share what the
LORD has allowed her. It's really quite
remarkable---to think that at this point one year ago,
we would never have believed that one year later we'd be
looking back on nearly 5 months in a wheel chair and
crutches, four surgeries, the blessing of beautiful
feet, the path of learning to walk with straight feet,
and the merciful blessing of the LORD through skilled
surgeon's hands! We'd never have thought of all
the blessings of this past year and the doors that have
been opened to Kathryn to share the LORD. O, to
gain a glimpse of the LORD's hand in this and of
Kathryn's character, I hope you'll read the poem Glenys
Hick's wrote for her. Behind
the poem
is a picture of an x-ray before and an x-ray following
Kathryn's first surgery.
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