Covenant Maiden

Joy Unspeakable

2012-01-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time.

Needless to say, December was filled with much-expected excitement and busyness. Not to mention all the preparation for Christmas and dear friends, gift-making and gift-wrapping, days of chilly weather, surprises, wishes and dreams come true, fun and frolic, laughter and loudness, peace and prosperity, the coming and going of Advent, decorating the Christmas tree, opening presents, fellowship and scrumptious foods, endless chatter and conversation, amusement, sport, entertainment, Scripture readings, family devotions, baking, learning and education, songs and hymns and spiritual songs, Christmas gaiety, Christmas carols, joyful hellos, bittersweet goodbyes, tears and happiness, and boundless amounts of delight in every way.

Just to give you a taste...

Amy and I

Grin, Ben!

Fun with the camera

All girls

Bestest of friends!

Loveliness

Now THAT is what I call a shield...

Beautiful Mama

Little Bit

Friends for a lifetime

Friends since birth =)

The "chaperone" ;)

Whee!

Joy unspeakable. Joy is much greater than earthly and whimsical happiness. While happiness is based upon emotions, and thus the fulfillment of temporal enjoyment, joy is eternal and unending. Happiness fades when troubles and trials enter the picture, but joy is ever still hopeful of the future and will remain whatever the circumstance. I want more than just happiness; I want joy.

Joy can only be found in Christ.

"Thou wilt show me the path of life:
In Thy presence is fulness of joy;
At Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
~Psalm 16:11

"For His anger endureth but a moment;
In His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night,
But joy cometh in the morning." ~Psalm 30:5

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them;
And Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:
For I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts."
~Jeremiah 15:16

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;
But righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
~Romans 14:17

I don't know why this is the case, but many times we are inclined to be sort of pessimistic. Okay, full and in fact, very pessimistic. Joy, even for Christians, is hard to attain. Perhaps it is our human nature, perhaps it is our sin which so easily besets us, or maybe we don't think God will keep His promises.

Now that one is a shocker.

It is easy to think that joy was possible for the martyrs who suffered starvation, persecution, torture, and even death for the cause of Christ, but joy, possible for mundane daily life? No way! Joy, possible for waiting and preparing? Joy, possible when things don't go our way? Joy, possible to have during moments of gloominess and despair and sin? Joy, possible to keep when our simple insignificant lives seem to be falling apart? Joy, possible in the midst of a confusing, chaotic "love life"? Joy, possible in chores and cleaning and studying and learning and tutoring and obeying? Surely not. Most emphatically not. We see joy possible in the big things, but definitely not the little things that make up our own lives.

Nevertheless, the correct answer would be YES! Most definitely yes. Joy is possible in all the little things that seem to be so big. Believe me, it is hard, but I would really love to know who ever said life was going to be easy? In fact, it is even harder for the Christian striving to be more like Christ each day, fighting against the despicable sin nature that so wants to win.

The most amazing thing is that victory is possible, though only through Christ (Phil. 4:13). Our joy can be unspeakable, and very full of glory.

Only the glory of Christ. As in everything, our joy is to bring Him glory, praise, and honor. Our chief end ought to be our life's ultimate goal: to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. New Year's resolutions usually end in laziness or lack of appeal (I'm sure you have found that out by now), but our number one aim should always be the same. Have joy, and glorify God. What else is there?

Gloria in Excelsis Deo

2011-12-13T14:13:00.000-05:00

"O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain: O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength: Lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God. Behold, the Lord God will come with power, and His arm shall rule for Him: Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall guide them with young." -Isaiah 40:9-11

"For unto us a child is born, and unto us a Son is given:And the government is upon His shoulder, and He shall call His name, Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The prince of peace. The increase of His government and peace shall have none end: He shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to stablish it with judgment, and with justice, from henceforth, even forever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." -Isaiah 9:6-7

Confessional Creed (Nicene Creed)

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

"Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living."

2011-11-29T16:05:00.001-05:00

"Many waters cannot quench love,

neither can the floods drown it:

If a man would give all the substance of his house for love,

it would utterly be contemned." ~Song of Solomon 8:7

I have always loved this verse, partly because I hope that one day when I am married this will be the description of the love between my husband and I. "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it." The flow of the music in these words are mystically romantic, at least to a girl with extreme romantic inclinations. Like me. However, in our "girlish romantic inclinations" many times we can distort the view of true biblical love. We develop a false misconception of happily ever afters, goosebumps and shivers down the spine, sentimentally romantic candlelight and flowers, irrationality, and...you know...all those things girls love. Basically the belief that when two people fall head-over-heels there is nothing but happiness and passion and bliss and eternal peace is, quite frankly, the idea that has brainwashed our minds by romantic novels and Hollywood.

But don't get me wrong, there is happiness and passion and bliss in true love. There are happily ever afters, goosebumps and shivers down the spine, sentimentally romantic candlelight and flowers, and so forth in true love and marriage, in a biblical, God-defined way. We cannot automatically dismiss the love-making as off-limits to Christians as something irreligious, and make love into some hard-core lack-of-feeling mentality. Definitely not. God delights in love and marriage. The Bible speaks many times on the aspect of love between a man and a woman, and even the romantic details that follow (Song of Solomon is an perfect example).

Nevertheless, girls are emotional. Very emotional, very dramatic, very romantically inclined, and ~~they~~ we love every aspect of those wishy-washy feelings of love. Why? We are women. When a movie ends in a very happily ever after we get a feeling of gleesome "Oh I can't wait until that happens to me!" Trust me, girls are oftentimes hard to understand, even for me being one of them, especially when it comes to our romantic tendencies. Unfortunately we would sometimes rather live in a romance fantasy than the real world.

There is a destructive force of evil conforming the minds of young people today regarding love and marriage. Not only are they encouraged to wait to get married until later in life, but when they do get "involved" there is a lot of fantasy regarding intimate relationships between young men and women, and it is initiated by Hollywood as a flirtatious and selfish type of love. However, this is totally contrary to the biblical definition of true love.

This post is not specifically targeting the differences between the world's version of love versus the Bible's, important though the subject matter may be. Instead, I see most of all a disturbing amount of longing and sighing amongst girls wishing and hoping and praying for the right man to come along, especially Christian young women. Perhaps it is because we are trying to live according to God's standards, which includes courtship and marriage, so we are often unhappy with our situation in life as we wait for "the one." We may know what true love is, and we may be waiting expectantly for it, but sometimes we are so downright discouraged that we become discontent with our lot in life.

"Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living." -Jim Elliot

I come across the above quote one day in a book and it cause me to pause and wonder. Jim Elliot was writing to his fiancee Elizabeth (who would later become his wife), and it surprised me that he would have such a surrendering attitude. At that time they were both separated by many miles, and it was rare when they were able to see each other. Yet still Jim Elliot wrote those words to her. He understood how hard it was to surrender his life completely to God in every area, especially when it was concerning his love life. More than anything he wanted to marry his beloved. Nevertheless he understood that a person's intense longings must not slay the appetite of their living, or it will waste their life.

Because girls are eccentrically romantic we tend to look to the feelings that make us feel good. In doing this we do not realize how easly we sow the seeds of discontentment. Whether we are still waiting, or whether we know who God has intended for us, we all can have the same problem. Our longings will absolutely destroy the moments we have for living a life dedicated to God—out of marriage or in marriage. If we succumb to disastrous feelings of longing that we cannot control, how will we ever be satisfied with what God has given us?

Trust me, I now that waiting and hoping is no easy task. God gave every woman an inner desire to be loved by a man, but that is not a license for not living our lives. In each of our lives—no matter our age or station—we can all invest in the families that God has placed us in, and develop the gifts He has blessed us with. All too soon we will be starting families of our own, if it is God's will. One day we will be enjoying an incredible amount of happiness as the man God has for us woos and wins us. Then our womanly desires will be completed in an even fuller sense.

But until then, we are complete in Christ. We have His love. We are His part of His bride. More than anything else, we are to be satisfied in Him.

And then one day we will be united in holy matrimony, and experience something grand and marvelous beyond our wildest dreams—biblical romance at its fullest. In my opinion, that is far better than what the world has to offer.

"Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD;
trust in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." ~Psalm 37:4-5

Thankful in Thought and Love

2011-11-22T18:58:00.001-05:00

I would have to say that I am most thankful for love.

Because love can cover just about everything. It was love that sent our Savior to the cross to pay for our sins. It is love that unites family and friends together—knit in harmony. It is love that is the greatest of all virtues (1 Cor.13). It is love that says "I love you and I'm willing to deny myself for you" (John 15:13). It is true love that is not just a feeling but a commitment. It is love that God gives everyday in His mercy, grace, and forgiveness, in giving us life and health and raiment and shelter. I'd say that love ranks tops on my list.

It is hard for me to fathom the depth of love. And when I say love, I'm not talking about this modern Grecian-version of love that happens between a guy and girl at first sight—you know, the head-over-heels type. Of course there will be romance and all that goo in courtship and marriage (c'mon, every girl likes it!), but I am referring to: A father's tender embrace. A mother's warm smile. A sister's giggle. A blossoming friendship. A brother's silly joke. A gathering of thankful hearts. Worship and praise to God. A baby's cherub dimpled grin. Commitment. Encouragement. Faithfulness. Devotion. Inspiration. Joy. And many other such blessings. The simple yet most profound things of life.

Thanksgiving is most definitely a time of praise and thanksgiving to the Creator, even though every day ought to be the same. Now is a time when we sit back and thank God for all of the blessings He has imparted to His humble subjects. Because the truth is, He has done so much for us and we barely even recognize His presence in our lives. Many times we take God for...heaven forbid...granted. How in the world could such lowly people, basically scum in God's sight because of our sin, take the Most Holy One for granted when He has done so much for us?

In fact, it is very easy. We get caught up in our own little worlds of selfishness and pride, and forget that it was God who made us, God who gives us breath each day, and God who could take away everything we hold dear in a heartbeat. Simply because He is God, completely sovereign, and He has every right to do what He deems best. Simply because He is God. And that is why I am most thankful for love because I see love in the grace of God that He would give us even a tiny morsel of bread, or a glimmer of light in darkened lives, or forgiveness amidst our sin. Or so much more that we don't even deserve.

It was love that shaped our individual lives. It is love that continues to shape our lives according to His will and plan. It is love that I hold most dear, and I believe that love sums up our entire lives. Love is salvation and sanctification all rolled into one.

May y'all have more than just a blessed Thanksgiving—may it be full of the richest and deepest love imaginable. May God shine His love upon you and your families, and rain down many blessings upon each individual. Remember that it is love that keeps us going, so I believe it is our duty to love in return. And not just an ordinary type of love either. An incredible, sacrificing, amazing, forgiving, inspirational, joyful, heroic love. And let us rejoice in the goodness of God, because of His love.

"But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice:

let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them:

let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee." -Psalm 5:11

Magical Reality

2011-11-14T19:16:00.001-05:00

Life is busy this time of year. The pecan trees are ripe in harvest, my mind and hands are busy with Christmas gifts, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, the leaves keep turning colors and enveloping the ground (and I just love Fall walks as the leaves crunch underneath my feet!), I'm reveling in continual happiness, friendship is blooming and blossoming, and I am satiated in God's goodness. Life couldn't possibly be any better from my point of view.

Liberty loving our huge pile of leaves

This past month and a half has almost been eye-opening for me. I am amazed at God's goodness each morning that I behold a new day. Although family relationships remain top priority, friendship is a beautiful thing, even outside the home. Especially that friendship which has lasted years and years, ever since childhood. It is a bittersweet and nostalgia feeling to see life-long friends that were playmates as children suddenly become men and women. Where does time go? Life suddenly seems to become confusing, exciting, unbelievable, and incredible at the same time. A friendship that remains devoted, loyal, and constant is a friendship that will press on to even greater heights. And that is a blessing from God.

I don't think I need say I am sated. It is bliss. It is magical. It is grace. It is happiness. It is wondrous.

"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart:

so doth the sweetness of a man's friend

by hearty counsel." -Proverbs 27:9

"Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend."

-Proverbs 27:17

A Poetical Song in the Midst of a Multitude of Color

2011-10-31T16:44:00.000-04:00

I'm back to blogging after a month's leave of absence, and a two-week trip back home in Indiana.

I must say, I miss all the excitement and adventure we experienced during those wonderful two weeks. I greatly miss the dear folks with whom we spent many hours laughing and talking—all the thrilling memories we now have to look back to—and I can't help thinking about how changed I am as I come back home.

Home.

Home is where the heart is, or so I've been told. Home is where loved ones gather each day. Home is where there is laughter and play and memories. Home is where Christ dwells in the midst of an institution that He created. Home is lots of babies squealing around the hearth. Home is wherever we meet in love and friendship.

Home.

I love the sound of the word home. It invokes a cheery sort of warmth in the pit of one's stomach, just like watching flames dance in a fireplace on a chilly Autumn evening with a friend. All is peace, all is quiet, but there is such depth and significance to the silence. I feel at home right now in the comfort of my own house, yet I can't help but miss the home that we left behind in the hearts of all our friends and family in Indiana. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Bliss is rather hard to describe, at least in my point of view. How does one begin to express the deep yearning of love and ecstasy and excitement and incredibility and unbelievability and joy that comes from each blessing of God? I know that I am not worthy to even attempt to describe it, except in these three words: God. Is. Sovereign.

God's sovereignty has everything to do with life. It declares that He is in control of every aspect of our lives; it proclaims His goodness and wisdom and power and might; it sings loudly of His faithfulness to those who love Him (Rom.8:28); it shouts to the north, south, east, and west that He is the Creator, Master, and Lord of the universe. It proclaims His majesty and holiness.

I feel so wonderful right now that I feel like singing. My heart is too full for words. Or is it?

At times when life seems too complicated
All I have to do is sit back and think
That the full picture is really so simple
And so much faster than the eye can blink

The colors of Autumn are a rare beauty
That only come once a year
Purple, orange, green, red, and yellow
Make God's love even more near

Love is a glorious thing
I can't even imagine its depth and height
One moment I cry in doubt
The next makes my throat swell tight

God's grace sometimes seems strange
But that is the mystery behind glory
Why some are called and others not
Is a deep and majestic story

A woman's emotions are a crazy ride
No finite man can understand
From happy to sad all day long
But even through that I can feel God's hand

True love is not just a feeling
Like Hollywood and storybooks say
True love is a biblical definition
That will last through even the roughest day

It is times like these when there's nothing to say
Yet I seem to think the most
Right now my heart is too full for words
Filled with peace from the Holy Ghost

There was a lot of happiness that happened on our trip, some of which I can't even begin to tell. The joy of seeing lifelong friends once again, and the fulfillment of spending time with family members, is practically indescribable. Even the photographer's lens is unworthy to capture such moments.

fishing ;)

friends for always

Father and Son

Sisters!

Mischievous =)

Football player in-the-making

Photographer's battle

Snickerdoodle

Best Friends!

Darling Little Bit!

Cousin Elaina~So Sweet!

Grandparents' love

Self-portraits~love my new camera!

Theater night with best friends~Courageous was fantastic!

Autumn definitely is my favorite season of the year!

My favorite Monkey!

Old-fashioned preacher

Guys and Guns

Unfortunately I couldn't post all of my pictures like I did on facebook...way too many! But from the few that I have posted you can see a wee portion of the immense fun that we had every day. We didn't want our trip to end, but as we know, all good things must come to an end. Bummer.

So for now I'll just enjoy my new COOLPIX L100 15x wide optical zoom camera and my beautiful blue chocolate cellphone. Did I mention that I was extremely happy?

Joy cometh in the morning. ~Psalm 30:5

Bite Your Tongue

2011-09-27T17:10:00.000-04:00

Something else I have to be reminded of is to hold my tongue.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue:

and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

-Proverbs 18:21

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom;

and in her tongue is the law of kindness."

-Proverbs 31:26

This is a weakness of mine, because, though I may be somewhat of a reserved person, I still tend to blurt out unnecessary things and hurtful things. Even those type of things that are irritating to the ears of another person because they reek of boredom or nonsense.

I probably should write at least one chapter in my book on the power of the tongue for good or for bad. With siblings it is especially difficult to keep a watchful eye over our tongue because we are so used to saying whatever comes to our mind, and usually it is not what is acceptable (Rom.12:1).

"A fool uttereth all his mind:

but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards."

-Proverbs 29:11

I love the book of Proverbs for all of its wisdom. Its insight of exhortation to the people of God is profound and absolutely priceless.

"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise:

and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."

-Proverbs 17:28

There is so much perspicacity on one subject alone. From the verse above we see that even a fool is wise if he has control over his tongue.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath:

but grievous words stir up anger.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:

but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."

-Proverbs 15:1-2

In all of our relationships (i.e. husband, wife, father mother, child, sibling, coworker, boss, pastor, relative, friend, etc.) there is an important key to maintaining a tongue of that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil.4:13). Oftentimes it is a troublesome task not to just blurt out as fast as out brain thinks (which can be scary in some of our cases). More often than not this is how relationships are damaged because we are habitually prone to say hurtful things to degrade others and promote self. From experience I can say that the hurtful words of our mouth injures not only others, but ourselves. We fulfill the lust of the flesh (Gal.5:16-17) when we give in to our fallen desire "to be as gods." To achieve this, and to reconcile our own mind to the fact, we first have to make sure no one else is in the god-seat. Dare we assume to take the place of God Almighty? God forbid us.

We as Christians are called to be the salt and light of the earth, but if we fail in the small things, what right have we to expect the bigger blessings from God? Too frequently we automatically expect the best things from God when we are not willing to be faithful in what we have already been given (Matt.25:14-29). And besides, our witness to the world is shattered if we are not willing to submit every area of our lives to the sovereignty of God. He will acquire our ultimate obedience anyway, for He is GOD (isn't there such power in His name alone?).

Just another thought for the day. Think about it. And bite your tongue.

A Conversation-Monopolizing Bore

2011-09-20T20:01:00.000-04:00

Or, How to [not] Become a Fanatical Conversationalist

The Story of a Cowardly Conversationalist

I laugh at myself when I think about this subject topic. I am not a good conversationalist, and I never have been. I always like to say that my speaking ability lies in the power of my pen. I used to think that I would rather write a letter to a friend or family member so that I could say exactly what I wanted to say, than to speak to them in person as I trip over words and barely cover a third of what I wanted to say in the first place. It’s a terrible weakness really. I ought to push myself and exceed the minimal limits that I have placed upon myself, but I don’t know if I am that brave yet (although reading Stonewall Jackson’s Book of Maxims is greatly encouraging me). However, I can say that I have come a long way since I was thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and maybe even sixteen. I feel a little bit more confident than I did then, but still not confident enough. Self-confidence is just not my forte.

Between my fifteenth and sixteenth year I found out how much I exceedingly enjoyed to write (that is also when I really began to write poetry on a constant basis, and consequently I now have around 120 poems). From some of my early years as a young girl I can still remember how much I loved to read, and even write short stories and poems, but it really kicked in as I grew older. Although, there is one thing that I regret about my avid reading and writing: because I found a weak spot in my conversational skills, I retreated back into myself so that I would not have to face as much embarrassment. Now I find out what a bad mistake that was. Sometimes I think I’m going insane because I have all sorts of conversations—profound ones and trivial ones—with myself in my head because of my conversational cowardice. I could give you an example to corroborate my story, but I don’t want my head psychoanalyzed.

I prefer the usage of majestic gargantuan words when I write. You cannot conjecture the arduous quantity of time I exhaust exploring the reference publication listing of alphabetically arranged definitions for dexterous and zestful phrases and expressions to exhibit my cosmopolitan yearning of sophistication. Okay, perhaps that last sentence was a bit ambiguous. I definitely cannot do that in my regular everyday speech (my siblings would think I had lost it). On the other hand, I think I tend to be more extreme when it comes to the words I use in writing because I would rather find the biggest and most delicious words in the dictionary to get my point across and not everybody know what I mean, than to use everyday proper language that I know people will understand. I am not a big word type of person in my conversation though, no matter my aspirations to be one. My writing is a different story, as you can see.

So what exactly is a conversation-monopolizing bore? Someone who dominates the tête-à-tête so that the other person can’t even get a word in edgewise? I’d say that pretty much sums it up, including someone who is so lax in their conversation skills that the lagging conversation is downright b-o-r-i-n-g (guilty). I know best what it is not, mostly because I am not the kind to greatly monopolize conversations...with strangers and friends anyway. Then again, I, well, I’m afraid that I can be a wee bit overbearing with my siblings...oops. But for the most part, I am apt to shy away into the background as a very backward, reserved, quiet little girl (I said for the most part).

I once heard the word cosmopolitan in a story a few years back and loved it. Just say it aloud and you will know what I mean: cos-mo-pol-i-tan. I love the sound of it! Then I proceeded to look up its meaning because I had never heard the word before. I found that it basically meant “from or knowing many parts of the world; sophisticated.” Definitely me, in a wishful kind of sense. Not that I am cultured or refined or traveled. I used to hope that a dashing Christian millionaire would fall for me and we would travel the world (thus earning the cosmopolitan title), but now I think I was deceiving myself (Gal.6:3). Besides, I don’t even know any dashing Christian millionaires, specifically who fit my ideal! Okay, I’m getting a little off course here.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren,
let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
-James 1:19

Real meaningful conversation that doesn’t lag and isn’t boring consists of two parts: speaking and listening. Awkward conversation is lopsided when one person does most of the talking, or when two people twiddle their thumbs not knowing what to say, but real conversation is what we want. In real conversation (and when I say real I mean meaningful) there are two people communicating responsibly and maturely, both equally listening to what the other person has to say, and both equally participating in the talking aspect.

I am sure we all know that the most important person in conversation is the other person. The way we can show this is by keeping eye contact, for as my dad says, this shows the other person that we are genuinely interested in what they have to say, and that we respect them enough to actually listen to them. Most times we are too engrossed by what we want to say (our “wisdom,” or perhaps a favorite topic we are passionate about) that we often forget about the other person as we rattle off nonsense or even a legitimate subject matter. What we don’t realize is that we damage relationships when we control conversation. Plus, people then decide we are boring and don’t want to engage us in conversation again. Look out—Rachel is coming—hide!

“Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD,
my strength and my redeemer.”
-Psalm 19:14

While being a good listener is absolutely vital, the words that we speak are also just as important, for they reflect upon our characteristics and nature in general. If all we do is prattle off whatever comes to our brain, we will likely be proven a fool. Then again, if we use the hip and trendy language of the modern youth that really doesn’t make any sense (yaknow, like using, yaknow, like, words that, like, make no sense whatever man), we will still look (and sound) a fool. The only way to exercise proper verbal communication is to think about what we are going to say before we say it. This also eliminates any hurtful words that might pop out. We are accountable to the Lord for everything we do, including the words of our mouth (Matt.12:36). The easiest way to make a fool of oneself is to insert-foot-into-mouth. How ever we do it, I can’t even comprehend, but we do it nevertheless. Even reserved people such as myself. But I have found out that the more jovial, open, and talkative one is, the easier it is to insert foot. No offense, jovial, open, and talkative people.

I have always envied those who always know what to say, whether it be something witty and humorous, or a philosophical intelligent reply. I am never anything of the kind. I’m more the type who will think of that certain witty or intelligent remark hours later while lying in bed unable to sleep. I’ll jerk straight up as if a lightning bold hit me: “Aha! I know just what too say!” But by then it is far too late. I’m afraid my intelligence comes none too quick. Bummer.

Fortunately for me I don’t tend to monopolize conversations. No, I’m more inclined to be just plain reserved and boring. How humdrum. On the contrary, I can remember being eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen even and terrible indecisive on what to say to a friend. I remember one specific friend with whom I would sit on the couch at my grandparents’ house and barely say five words to when I was eleven. How she ever put up with backward little me, I’ll never know. The good news is that I have changed a little bit—not so shy, not so backward, not such a non-conversationalist, not such a freak—but I still don’t monopolize conversations.

Who knows, I may get there yet. But I doubt it.

Just A Reminder: He Made Us

2011-09-14T18:49:00.000-04:00

O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me.

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

~Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24

I love this reminder of God's sovereignty. Here the Psalmist is telling us that God knows everything about us: when we sit down, when we rise up, our thoughts, and every word our tongue speaks—compassing every single tiny detail about us. Then in verse 14 of the same chapter David continues:

"I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

I love that. I love how God fashioned us and created us—each with different personalities, looks, and characteristics—and loves us each as something terrifically exceptional and incomparable because He made us. There is such power in those three words: He made us. If He made us, and He is God Almighty, then nothing can be wrong, absolutely nothing. And even more than that, He knows everything about us, even from our very number of hairs (Matt.10:30; Luke 12:7). That alone is astounding.amazing.powerful.awing.inspiring.extraordinary.bliss.

Doesn't that alone tell you how supremely excellent our God is?

I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded every day of just that, and I think that goes for all of us. Too often we are burdened down by the cares of this world and forget of how wonderfully crafted we are and how much mercy God bestows on us each and every day. We forget all of the extensive blessings that God has given us (i.e. breath, health, food, raiment) as we dwell on the negatives of life. Even if we are not blessed with great material wealth, while we retain breath in our body we have been given a gift. And an even greater gift we have been given is the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Even when we compare how much we don't have (material wealth) to how much we do have (eternal wealth), I'd say we have much more than we deserve.

Like I said, I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded every day of just that.

Summertime in Georgia in Pictures

2011-09-06T17:21:00.000-04:00

Playing scrabble while cookies are in the oven =)

I love the grin on my little cousin's chubby face!

Grown-up little Liberty

Mischievous

Basking in sunlight and Georgia heat

Darling!

Ecstasy

Summer figs

My amazing artistic sister

Mommy and Baby love

I just love this picture of me and my cousin Annabel...she is so cute!

Not to mention that she took the picture herself

A day just isn't a day without books...

Must I Continue?

2011-08-30T15:45:00.000-04:00

Selfishness, self-love, self-righteousness, jealousy, strife, conflict, rivalry, competition, resentment, anger, hurtful teasing, harassment, intolerance of fault in others, quarreling, backbiting, impatience, self-pride, degradation of others, sarcasm, disunity, obstinacy, narcissism, autonomy, selfish ambition, bitterness, grudges, hatred, discontentment, cruel remarks, rebellion, temper outbursts, rudeness...

Must I continue?

There are many reason why I have decided to write this book, the first and foremost being for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Secondly, I write this book for my seven siblings (nope, seven isn't lucky for me because I still have to deal with the same problems that everyone else has to deal with). They are a rather lively and unique group of kids, with many different talents and personalities and characteristics and gifts. Grace (16), Kirstie (14), Katie (12), Maggie (11), Reb (9), Clara (7), and Liberty (2) are all very intelligent and clever, but you know me: highly prejudiced when it comes to my family. I will defend them to the death...even if we aren't exactly getting along very well at the moment. I want to give them an inheritance from their oldest sister, a legacy of love that can be passed down to offer guidance, edification, and sanctification amidst a crooked and perverse generation (Phil.2:5). I want them to know what it means to struggle, yet overcome those struggles and move on toward success. This is my prayer.

I also write this book for my children in the future. Being a kid once myself [humor inserted], I know what it's like to go through sibling rivalry, and I don't want my children wasting years of their lives as bitter enemies with their [many] brothers and sisters. I want this book to be a part of the heritage that I pass on to my children in future years as a part of their mother's love to them. I'm trying to keep a multigenerational viewpoint in mind as I write as a vision of hope for my children.

This book is furthermore for other struggling siblings. I know that my siblings and I are not the only ones who struggle, for rivalry is a common problem. Why? Well, you'll just have to wait and read my book.

Must I continue?

My heart beats with intense delight. I do not know how long or when, but I do know, and I can't tell you how joyous that makes me feel. It will be a dream come true when I am finally able to hold a freshly-printed copy of my book in my hands. Then I will read it all the way through and count how many mistakes I made. Oh dear...

Maybe I won't. It may be too much of a painful project. Then you can read it all the way through and tell me how many mistakes I made.

As I continue on my journey, my quest-like answering-all-of-the-problems (well, not really; I don't have all of the answers), I have to remember that it is not all my siblings' fault that we don't get along as best friends. Ultimately, I am to blame. We each individually are to blame. If we are the oldest then we have an even greater responsibility, but no matter our sibling station—whether we are the oldest, the youngest, or one in between—we are to be accountable for our actions. We can't simply throw all the blame on our siblings' shoulders and get away with it, because that proves our selfishness, self-love, and immaturity. Do we really love ourselves so much that we can't admit when we are wrong?

I don't want to dishearten you, I want to encourage you! I have seen examples of siblings who rose above the standard "just get along and don't kill each other" mentality, and become the best of best friends. As a matter of fact, they become best friends forever. Those stories stimulate me. I want my relationship with my siblings to become just like that, and then in turn, encourage others so that they want the same outcome.

You can be an incredible help to me, with your prayers, your encouragement, and even your input. Everyone has questions that they want answered, and while I am not the best qualified, I know the best place to look (John 5:39)—a place that we all can access, thanks to the blood and sweat of martyrs and Church fathers.

Any daughter at home has great potential to advance the kingdom of Christ. I want to use the rest of my unmarried years to the fullest extent possible, doing everything I can to further my father's vision, be a help to my mother, and become the best friend of my siblings. Surprisingly, I think that I have lost my vehement desire to get married as soon as possible. Like I have any control over that anyway. I won't kid you, I still want to get married...someday, believe me. But right now I have an obligation to fulfill, and it cannot be fulfilled unless I focus on it completely, without the interruption of sighs, longings, and dreams that distract and hinder me. Dreams I will keep dreaming, but for now I am excited about being a daughter and a siblings. With the glasses that I wear, the grass looks greener here than it does on the other side.

I don't think I need continue.

With summer almost gone and school almost beginning, my days will be very busy. Plus finishing pocket college, I'll be doing more work for Daddy, HTML, lots of reading, and working with my younger-schooled siblings. I won't officially graduate so to speak until this school year ends so that we can do things right for the formal proclamation, but I'm thankful for one more chance to study hard and learn all that I can. One more year, then I will no longer be a schoolgirl. I wonder how that will feel...

Just What My Big Idea Is...

2011-08-24T17:20:00.000-04:00

Just so that there isn't anyone confused about my big idea...

My topic will be dealing with the issue of brothers and sisters. You know, why we can't get along, what the Bible has to say about sibling relationships, what the answers are to problems in the home, how we can actually like our siblings, all the trouble little brothers and sisters cause...

Oops. Okay, all the trouble that oldests can cause too.

I know that there is already a tremendous book out there on the market, but because we can't have too much material on the subject (especially from different perspectives, and I have a good one with seven siblings)—and there isn't much to choose from anyway—I have been urged and propelled forward by my parents with a "go ahead" sign. Or rather, "go ahead" words. Anyway, there you have it. My big idea. Pretty big indeed. So far things are looking good, but how can I say that when I know how critical I am of my own writings? Well, okay, going good in the aspect that at least I'm finding things to write about.

On a serious note, I have determined to make this journey (let's call it a quest) one that will transform my relationships with my siblings. I'm tired of the sub-par standard of just trying to get along. It isn't enough any more, and it hasn't satisfied through the years. As I grow older I see the damage I have caused in the lives of my siblings, and I don't want to live with the regret that I didn't fix the problem when I had a chance. What are oldest sisters for (or brothers for that matter)? So this book is a really a test of myself: do I have enough courage and fortitude to admit when I'm wrong, correct my mistakes, and press on toward making my siblings my best friends—truly? For I genuinely want to be their best friend, and they to be mine. But there are many bitter roots to weed out first. Mostly from the deeds that I have done, because, after all, I am the oldest siblings who is the example (once I hated my mom constantly telling me that I was the example to the rest of my siblings, but just as it can be used for bad, it can definitely be used for good).

Pray for me as I write. Pray for me as I attempt and resolve and conquer the obstacles before me. I want to be able to persevere at the end of this book and say with all honestly, "My siblings are my best friends." Of course, I may have many good outside friends, but I want my siblings to be my best friends. Forever and ever. Just like Anne and Diana in Anne of Green Gables. They were inseparable. They did everything together. They shared secrets, passions, pursuits, hopes, dreams, ideals, expectations and thoughts for the future, fears, likes and dislikes, and spent all of their time together, from when they were little girls until they grew up. Though they had other friends, they were the best of bosom friends. That is how I want my siblings and I to be.

Just a summary so you don't leave my blog with a perplexed look. Then again, you still might. At least I tried.

Sweet Sixteen

2011-08-23T10:30:00.000-04:00

Sweet sixteen is a new era

Another year that you can dream

Womanhood is around the corner—

A lifetime though it may seem

Sweet sixteen, you've grown up

All the smiles and laughter that you share

Grace our home like wreathes of jewels

From a girl like you so rare

Sweet sixteen is nearer still

To the woman God would have you to be
Marriage to a godly young man

Will come about one day, you'll see

Sweet sixteen do not worry
Live your life happily carefree
There's no time like today to live
For only once a girl you'll be

Sweet sixteen, dream your dreams
Smile and laugh and sing a song
Glorify God in all you do
For one life is not very long

Birthday girls

Happy Birthday, Gracie!

Happy Birthday, Snickerdoodle!

2011-08-21T16:32:00.000-04:00

Apparently relaxing while eating her birthday dinner

Two years old and comfy. Totally cute. Terribly independent. A mind of her own. The boss of the entire family. Has each person twisted around her little finger. Outgoing and shy at the same time. Loves to sing and dance. A bundle of endless energy. But the cutest little two-year-old I've ever seen.

Wouldn't you agree?

Definitely not attractive...what will she think in ten years?

Oh, I almost forgot. Can't live without candy, particularly chocolate.

A Big Idea

2011-08-16T15:23:00.003-04:00

What does one have to do to achieve a big idea, perhaps a long-awaited dream that can almost—almost—be tasted? It is hard work, lots of prayer, and a resolution to be whatever you want to be (Stonewall Jackson).

So I have resolved.

Once I resolve I don't give up. Even if it means a very long period of time. Weeks. Months. Even years. But I don't think it will be that long.

Due to a recent thrust from my supportive parents, I have begun another journey. This one also entails tears, hard work, lots of prayer, support, encouragement, but is in fact a different category.

It entails days upon days of writing. Experience. Questions. Answers. Searching. Siblings. Scripture. Stacks of books. A cluttered desk. Throbbing temples. Aching hand. Weary eyes. Hopeful heart. Excited dreams. Prayer and Thanksgiving.

But for what?

I have been greatly disturbed and saddened by an overwhelming amount of brothers and sisters who do not get along...Quite frankly, there just isn't enough material out there in the Christian, and more particularly, the Reformed worldview...That is why, with lots of prayer and support from my family, I begin this project: the quest for a happy, peaceful, flourishing, harmonizing, free-from-antagonism-but-not-completely-perfect home...more specifically, sibling friendship.

"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." -Isaiah 6:8

There is plenty of fiction out in the world—most of it being junk—but I, as a Reformed young woman wanting to advance the kingdom of Christ and glorify Him in everything I do (man's chief end), realize that there is more to life than fantasy and make-believe. Something more important. What about "real life"? What about the problems we face, particularly in our crumbling homes and families? What about leaving a legacy to my seven siblings, my own children, and other families in the years to come? Will I not want to leave behind me a vision for future generations? What about the generation here and now? Everyone wants their life to count for something, to have a purpose to everything they do. For the Christian this means to glorify God (1 Cor.10:31) and bring every thought captive to His Word (2 Cor.10:3-5).

My writing desk

Even writing a book.

Surely I've given enough hints for you to know what my big idea is by now...

Finally...I'm Back!

2011-08-02T13:22:00.003-04:00

So, after a long leave of absence on my part, I am finally back with the fabulous news that we have moved into our new house! To make a long story short, we were very blessed with very busy days of packing and packing and packing, loading the truck, more packing, more loading the truck, unloading the truck on two different occasions, and lots and lots of unpacking. I am now writing this post, very comfortably I might add, in our new home in the little town of Milner. At first is was quite different and we had to get used to living in town because of the road right at our front door and the train that goes by a few times each day, but now we sleep right through everything...most of the time anyway. Oh, we may have a tiny police department, a firetruck and an ambulance, but no Walmart, nor a gas station. We have to settle for Dollar General, unless we drive fifteen minutes to a bigger town. On the other hand, our house is situated on three acres of beautiful creation, with a wide-open meadow, huge, towering pecan trees just perfect for shade, and delicious fig trees (speaking of which, Mama made the best fig cake EVER). It is amazing how good God is, even when we don't think so.

It feels so good to have our move completed. We can relax in our old-fashioned house without having to trip over boxes full of things you-really-don't-know-where-to-put-it-all. The chaotic days of packing and unpacking are now long gone...and I am so relieved. Frankly, I hope never to move again until I get married. I've had my share to last me a lifetime. I will be adamant that my husband find just the right house so we never have to move.

That's not likely.

Hopefully now I can get back into blogging. I feel so out of touch with anything internet, so I am so glad everything has started to settle down back to "normal life." For now, be content in the fact that I will be blogging more in the coming weeks, so I leave you with a fond farewell!

Adieu!

P.S. I'll post pictures sometime soon.

Something to enjoy for good Christian humor: JostieFlicks

Seventeen and Counting...

2011-06-28T19:53:00.001-04:00

There's something about growing older that gives one nostalgic feeling. Rapidly approaching my seventeenth year, I'm finding this more and more to be true. I spent my entire little girlhood wanting to be sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, and now that I'm what I used to want to be, I sometimes find myself wishing I had taken advantage of my little girl years. Playing mommy with a baby doll just doesn't have the appeal it once did.

Three days until my seventeenth birthday. Our school year has just ended and, thank heaven, I have basically finished my formal education, the academic part anyway. Of course, the learning doesn't stop. In the TV show Little House On The Prairie Laura asked Ma how long learning would take. Ma wisely replied that all of life is learning, and it doesn't start or stop with going to or finishing school. We learn all life long and never stop if we're wise.

I have mixed feelings about turning seventeen. Given my little sister Clara's opinion, finishing school and being really close to eighteen equals marriage. Where she gets that idea, I've no idea. It's cute, though, the way she thinks once a girl hits the eighteen mark she should get married. Does that mean that Mama was "underage" when she got married at seventeen? A little girl's mind is funny sometimes. But cute. I ought to know—I was once one of them.

That's another thing about turning seventeen. Mama got married in her seventeenth year, but I don't even have any prospects! Is that a dismal outlook for a young woman or what? I'll sheepishly admit that I recently watched a video of Joshua Harris talking about...gulp...contentment and waiting on God's timing. Given the fact that I don't have any suitors lining up at my door (no, not even one suitor), I'd say I have another five or ten years at home, give or take (hopefully take). Of course, that's just a guess. I'd be more than pleasantly surprised if I'm proven wrong. I'd better dig in for a long waiting period. Or should I say preparing period?

Not that I'm in a hurry to get married. Sometimes I find myself actually not wanting to...just yet. Well, it depends on my mood. Getting on Facebook and seeing all the courtships and marriages, I'm more inclined to be a little bit capricious.

One more tactic complaint about turning seventeen. We were just told matter-of-factly that we have to move [again]. I've decided I don't like banks, even if they do keep people's money safe (personally, I believe even that is a myth). An un-renewed lease is not fun, and sixty days is not long. Please pray that God opens up a door that meets all of our needs. Thankfully this move isn't going to affect us like other times because we will be in the same general vicinity. Just in time for my birthday. Just what every seventeen-year-old girl wants. (That was said in sarcastic jest of course.)

This move is going to greatly affect my book writing mood. What I had hoped would be six months of writing may turn into twelve. Unless I can somehow fit my story's plot into packing. Which I doubt. I'll just have to put it on the back-burner for a while and trust God's timing. Besides, this book is a fallback. Priority comes first, no matter what I would rather be doing.

My posts will be few and sporadic, but I'll try to write occasionally. Feel free to browse my blog, and maybe you'll find something interesting. Okay, slim chance.

Adieu, my dear friends and blog readers! Until next time, God bless!

In My Daddy's Shadow

2011-06-19T14:02:00.000-04:00

History tells many stories
Of great and noble men
Famous historians write the tale
With their rhetoric pen

But my tale is simple
Though the man is far above plain
He's the man in whose shadow
I have always lain

My daddy's shadow stretches big
The whole world it could fill
His character makes him taller
As it submits to God's will

I always feel like such a child
As I look up into his face
I'll never outgrow my girlish wonder
At his untiring, intrepid pace

His shadow ever envelops me
Security is in his arms
His family has always had protection—
Safe from life's alarms

Any tears I have to cry
He's always willing to comfort
His love is what sustains our life
And frees us from any hurt

Daddy's shadow equals refuge
I know for a fact it always will
His wise and righteous shoes
I could never attempt to fill

In my daddy's shadow I find peace
I'll never want for bread
I needn't fear the dark
When I'm safe in bed

Daddy's shadow is always near
He'll never leave or forsake
Because of his righteous zeal
Our home the wicked can't shake

We need not fear the world
When Daddy's shadow is near
God knew we would need a man
To protect us from our fear

I may be young and insignificant
But in my daddy's shadow I feel strong
I know without a doubt
He will guide me from all wrong

Another Birthday!

2011-06-10T14:30:00.002-04:00

Another year has passed
You've been our inspiration
Your amazing gift of love
Gives me elation

On this birthday once again
I say how much I love you
Thank God for another year
Every morning your smile is new

Even in our weakest moments
You are the sunshine
You grow wiser every day
Another birthday is the sign

I love you, dearest of mamas
Though my love I can't seem to rightly express
But one thing I do know
I could never love you less

You are oh-so-special
You'll always be here for me
No matter what life may bring
A special mother you'll always be

The Impending Disaster of Chaos

2011-05-17T20:59:00.001-04:00

If people looking in on the outside scrutinized our lives, even the intimate details we try to hide, would they see a wild-haired, long-clawed woman greedy for a husband, hypocritical in public, a domineering boss at home, a bore around her family, rebellious to the core, a relationship with God only embers, secretly reading romance novels and trying to pass off as a "content" daughter at home, and secretly longing to be married (as soon as possible!)?

To read the rest of this post you can visit Covenant Devotion.

Happy Birthday, Kirstie!

2011-05-17T20:30:00.000-04:00

Roses will bloom in summer

Lilacs will bloom in spring
But the highlight of the season
Is the joy your smiles bring

Each morning they rival the sunrise
Each day their beauty I see
Remember this, O sister of mine
You're very precious to me

To see more of my beautiful sister's drawings visit her blog at Covenant Daughter. To purchase one of her magnificent drawings, visit our Etsy shop.

Life, By Me

2011-05-14T17:45:00.000-04:00

Life by me has been somewhat busy. Let me rephrase that: life has been very busy. I could ramble on about my [seemingly] countless activities, but it really wouldn't be worthwhile. Just to give you an example, I am currently reading eight books (this is not including all the books I'm planning to read):

St. Bartholomew's Eve: A Tale of the Huguenot Wars, by G.A. Henty

Under The Black Flag, by Captain Kit Dalton: Guerilla Captain of the Confederacy, Border Outlaw with Frank and Jesse James, and Texas Ranger (believe me when I say this book is very interesting—"truth stranger than fiction"—and a good look into the true story of Quantrell's raiders, Jesse James, and The Southern fight for independence. Indeed, it is on-the-edge-of-your-seat-exciting, but also sad upon viewing firsthand the tragic effects of the War.)

Sarah Morgan: Civil War Diary of a Southern Woman

Behold The Dawn, by Katherine Wieland

Where The Right Went Wrong, by Patrick Buchanan

Theonomy in Christian Ethics, by Greg Bauhnsen

The Reagan Diaries

A Woman's High Calling, by Elizabeth George

I have basically finished my "formal" education and will be beginning R.J. Rushdoony's pocketcollege lectures (which, by the way, Daddy said are much better than a "regular" college education. A+!) I'm helping teach my younger siblings in their schooling, and thereby learning that patience really is a virtue, especially if one is as impatient as I am! I'm continuing to blog, hence this post. I've been developing ideas for article topics that my dad will soon be implanting into my [somewhat] busy schedule (but because writing is such a stimulation for me, how can I complain?). I'm continuing to help my dad with typing, research, learning HTML so I can help run his website, and writing; writing poetry (I'm hoping to get a book of poems published in the near future if the opportunity ever arises, good Lord willing!); I'm practicing music every chance I get (which doesn't seem to be near enough); I'm balancing a life trying to keep up with friends and family on Facebook, blog, and email, and a life at home where my life's purpose is to serve Christ in every capacity—specifically by strengthening my relationship with my family; and finally, I reach my climax: I have just begun a hazardous journey of ups and downs, tears and laughter, frustration and bliss—ultimately, a treacherous roller-coaster ride of my life. Yes, you guessed it. I have begun to write a book.

A p.s. about my last goal...yeah, I know, I too think I'm a bit on the ridiculous/crazy side. Here I am trying to keep steady a life full of activities, and now I'm giving fame and fortune a try. Wait a minute. Did I really just say that? I'm contemplated my reasoning for wanting to write a book, and I've come up with a reason:

My little-girl-dream of "I want to be a writer!" always seems to take precedence. I can still remember the very first story I ever wrote, when I was about seven or eight.

A handsome young man was riding by a magnificent castle [you know, the one with lots of towers and waving flags], when his eye was caught by the beautiful princess [you know, the gorgeous, drop-down-dead type with perfect hair, teeth, and body]. The young men, struck with "true love" at first sight, rushes to the king: "Sir, I love your daughter because she is so beautiful! I want to marry her!" [Isn't that just every girl's dream of romance?] Of course the king gives his permission (who could refuse such an ardent suitor?) and the prince and princess lived happily ever after.

Every little girl's dream, right?

Ever since then I have tried my hand at stories: short stories, uncompleted stories (the story of my life), tragic love affairs (which I later destroyed...bummer), beginnings of novels, historical fiction, and such like. Several times I had the starry-eyed dream of actually writing a book, but I usually gave up in despair. Thus ended my unhappy career as a writer, famous or not. Or so I thought. Every now and then I'm hit with that same feeling of wanting...no, longing to use my imagination once more and just let the words fly, the pages increase, until...shzam! One blast of the imagination and I've just completed my first book! Unfortunately, it was never so simple. I guess the reason(s) I gave up was because I didn't realize the hard work and effort writing a book would entail. I didn't want to sacrifice that much, not yet anyway. All that time, energy, thought, prayer, and fortitude...no, Rachel, don't even think about it. Perhaps also I became disgusted with myself. My worst fault was throwing away story after story because I compared my work to Dickens, Austin, Tolkien, Bronte, Henty, Janette Oak, and other favorite authors. I seemed too infantile next to them. No wonder I always fell flat on my face!

I finally decided I had had enough. I wanted to write, write, write, and write, whether my story would get published or not (so many "not" loopholes in my life!). So here I am now, two chapters along in "my book" and not a care in the world. Not really anyway, only wondering how long this "experiment" will take, if it will even work out, if I'll be able to find a publisher, if I can ever fit "working for myself" into an extremely busy schedule, if I will ever succeed, if it will be all flops...
No, no major worries.

I don't feel like I'm doing anything worthwhile. Whenever I feel like praising myself (selfish vanity, heaven forbid!) I back off and take a closer look at what I am doing. "Is this really special at all?" Come to think of it, I'm not doing anything spectacular. I'm just an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life at home...or am I?

Anyone who serves the King of kings is far from ordinary. In fact, they are extraordinary. Extra-ordinary. In the movie Voyage of The Dawn Treader, Reepicheep tells Eustace: "Extraordinary things only happen to extraordinary people." Extraordinary things happen to those who follow Christ with a faithful heart, whether they are ministering in the jungles of Africa, alerting the world of the communist conspiracy, teaching little children to read, scrubbing dirty bathrooms, denying the flow of daily "average" life, or respecting one's parents.

I'm not superwoman (believe me, I would not look good in tights), nor do I want to be. I'll admit that I sometimes get swept away by the promise of a productive and satisfying life if only I would do this and that, or be this and that. Take for example my dreams of authoress-ism. It could turn into a disease. If I let it overtake my life and become my number one priority, it will not bring satisfaction or even fulfill my dream. That is why I have determined not to let it take over my life. I have more important goals to deal with (such as a load of laundry when this post is finished). This is where prioritizing comes into play. The most important things come first. If I have spare time (spare time? what's that?), then I'll deal with my own vision I would like to accomplish. But—old fashioned though it may seem—my first duty is to Christ and my family. A concept I sometimes lose sight of is that my life isn't all about me—it's all about Him and them. I could be selfish and wish that it was all about me, but what am I, who am I, to think that I could be special enough to live for? What have I done? It's not all about me—it's all about Jesus Christ and what He has done. If we are not willing to give Him that honor, we really have no right even breathing the air He has given us.

And there you have a brief critique of my life's happenings, for the most part. Short, sweet, and to the point.

The Absence of Tyranny

2011-05-13T15:15:00.001-04:00

"...unless these departments be so far connected and blended, as to give to each a constitutional control over the others, the degree of separation which the maxim requires, as essential to a free government, can never in practice be duly maintained." -James Madison, No.48, The Federalist

All men are born with a depraved sin nature inherited from Adam and his fall in the Garden of Eden. All men are desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), and their righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah64:6). All men are prone to weaknesses, whether physical or spiritual. Moreover, because all men are sinners, all men make mistakes, even as did our founding fathers when they drew up the Constitution of the United States. Because of their reassuring faith in God, and their abiding wisdom in making the thirteen colonies into thirteen independent states, we see that they were both wise and knowledgeable. We as a country have been great because of the principles our founding fathers laid forth. Still yet, they were men—sinners—who made mistakes just like everybody else. They were not exempt from sin or error, as we will soon learn. Although they realized that liberty always has danger—from within and out—they were not perfect and did not draw up a perfect Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, one of the constitutional delegates, realized this from the beginning. As he stated:

"I am apprehensive, therefore—perhaps too apprehensive—that the Government of these States may in future times end in a monarchy. But this catastrophe, I think, may be long delayed, if in our proposed system we do not sow the seeds of contention, faction, and tumult, by making our posts of honor places of profit."

Thomas Jefferson also realized that man is frail and weak. Speaking of this subject, he said, "Let no more be said of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution."

"The founders of our republics have so much merit for the wisdom which they have displayed, that no task can be less pleasing than that of pointing out the errors into which they have fallen. A respect for truth, however, obliges us to remark, that they seem never for a moment to have turned their eyes from the danger to liberty, from the overgrown and all-grasping prerogative of an hereditary magistrate, supported and fortified by an hereditary branch of the legislative authority. They seem never to have recollected the danger from legislative usurpations, which, by assembling all power in the same hands, must lead to the same tyranny as is threatened by executive usurpations." -James Madison, No.48, The Federalist

A look at history will show that in every nation that has ever been in existence, power corrupts. Even if the governmental ruler acknowledged God as Supreme Ruler over all, a lust for power in the hearts of men always destroyed what peace there might have been. Man has always desired power, and he will usually do anything to get what his heart desires. Before the founding of Jamestown in 1607, nation after nation had risen only to fall as the seeds of corruption entered in. From the beginning when the serpent tempted Eve, mankind wanted to be as gods, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:4), which, put candidly, is a desire to be as God, or better yet, above Him. The building of the tower of Babel displays this in Genesis 11. Man in his naive, finite little mind thought he could reach unto heaven and make himself a name in the earth (v.4). Psalm 14:1 says that a fool declares in his heart, "There is no God." Truly, only a fool would utter such a statement. A simple glance at creation, the work of God's hands, will set the record straight. All men in their heart of hearts do know down deep that God exists (Romans 1:18-23). Their rebellious nature stubbornly refuses to give Him glory and honor. Instead, they continue to battle God, imagining in their foolish hearts that they can win. This is the struggle in today's world. We have seen men like Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Fidel Castro, and others who are as the fool described in Psalm 14. They somehow visualize a utopian world free from chaos and greed, but without God. They see fanatical man (themselves) dominant in power as the god of the universe.

The United States was a different story. Unlike the fallible Roman Empire, unlike the bloody French government of the 17 and 1800s, our founding fathers believed in the One True God. They understood that man could never rule over the King of kings and Lord of lords; that instead He rules them. They grasped the fact that the Bible as God's Word is the law which man should live by—not man himself, not man's word, but God's, because He is the Creator of all things who has all authority and power both in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18). They limited man’s power by binding him down with the chains of the Constitution, as Thomas Jefferson precisely said. Nevertheless, mistakes occurred in spite of their careful meticulousness.

"It is agreed on all sides, that the powers properly belonging to one of the departments, ought not to be directly and completely administered by either of the other departments. It is equally evident, that neither of them ought to possess, directly or indirectly, an overruling influence over the others in the administration of their respective powers. It will not be denied, that power is of an encroaching nature, and that it ought to be effectually restrained from passing the limits assigned to it. After discriminating, therefore, in theory, the several classes of power, as they may in their nature be legislative, executive, or judiciary; the next, and most difficult task, is to provide some practical security for each, against the invasion of the others. What this security ought to be, is the great problem to be solved." -James Madison, No.48, The Federalist

There is a danger in any society where liberty is dominant, no matter how cautious the planning or specific the vigilance. God will always have enemies, man will always be weak, and Christians will always make mistakes. We cannot help these basics of life, but something can be done. We can fight (both figuratively and literally) in battle against God's enemies, we can place the most exemplary and commendable men in offices of government (1 Timothy 3:1-13), and we can, through Christ's help, make right our mistakes. Because perfectness in man will never be on earth, we must do what we can to the best of our ability through Christ (Philippians 4:13). We must be vigilant, we must be strong, but above all else, we must put our trust completely in Christ.

"In a government where numerous and extensive prerogatives are placed in the hands of a hereditary monarch, the executive department is very justly regarded as the source of danger, and watched with all the jealousy which a zeal for liberty ought to inspire. In a democracy, where a multitude of people exercise in person the legislative functions, and are continually exposed, by their incapacity for regular deliberation and concerted measures, to the ambitious intrigues of their executive magistrates, tyranny may well be apprehended, on some favourable emergency, to start up in the same quarter. But in a representative republic, where the executive magistracy is carefully limited, both in the extent and the duration of its power; and where the legislative power is exercised by an assembly, which is inspired by a supposed influence over the people, with an intrepid confidence in its own strength; which is sufficiently numerous to feel all the passions which actuate a multitude; yet not so numerous as to be incapable of pursuing the objects of its passions, by means which reason prescribes; it is against the enterprising ambition of this department, that the people ought to indulge all their jealousy, and exhaust all their precautions." -James Madison, No.48, The Federalist

Our government, as intended by the Constitution, is composed of an executive, judicial, and legislative body. They were created in such a way to complement each other as a just weight and balance of power. Power was not given to one only, nor was one given too much power above the others. Their powers, though separate and distinct, were made and given in such a way that each would be accountable to the others—like a conscience—so no one with a big head would overstep his boundaries. Unfortunately, man once again in his lust for power and control did just that by crossing the forbidden line. Not many years after the Constitution was put into effect, James Madison expressed his deep concern over what seemed flagrant defiance of the Constitution's law. As he said in The Federalist Paper, No.48, paragraphs 10-14:

"A great number of laws had been passed violating, without any apparent necessity, the rule requiring that all bills of a public nature shall be previously printed for the consideration of the people; although this is one of the precautions chiefly relied on by the constitution against improper acts of the legislature.

"The constitutional trial by jury had been violated; and powers assumed which had not been delegated by the constitution.

"Executive powers had been usurped.

"The salaries of the judges, which the constitution expressly requires to be fixed, had been occasionally varied; and cases belonging to the judiciary department, frequently drawn within legislative cognizance and determination.

"Those who wish to see the several particulars falling under each of these heads, may consult the journals of the council which are in print. Some of them, it will be found, may be imputable to peculiar circumstances connected with the war: but the greater part of them may be considered as the spontaneous shoots of an ill constituted government."

Already we see opposition to God-ordained law. It happened fast, to be sure, but so did opposition to God in the Garden of Eden. Because of man’s weakness for power, our political paradise was lost. This struggle will be one that will last until Christ's second coming. Many men will attempt to overthrow God and liberty under His law. However, Christ will be victorious in making His enemies His footstool (Psalm 110:1)

“All the powers of government, legislative, executive, and judiciary, result to the legislative body. The concentrating these in the same hands, is precisely the definition of despotic government. It will be no alleviation that these powers will be exercised by a plurality of hands, and not by a single one. One hundred and seventy-three despots would surely be as oppressive as one. Let those who doubt it, turn their eyes on the republic of Venice. As little will it avail us that they are chosen by ourselves. An elective despotism was not the government we fought for; but one which should not only be founded on free principles, but in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among several bodies of magistracy, as that no one could transcend their legal limits, without being effectually checked and restrained by the others. For this reason, that convention which passed the ordinance of government, laid its foundation on this basis, that the legislative, executive, and judiciary departments, should be separate and distinct, so that no person should exercise the powers of more than one of them at the same time. But no barrier was provided between these several powers. The judiciary and executive members were left dependent on the legislative for their subsistence in office, and some of them for their continuance in it. If, therefore, the legislature assumes executive and judiciary powers, no opposition is likely to be made; nor if made, can be effectual; because in that case, they may put their proceeding into the form of an act of assembly, which will render them obligatory on the other branches. They have accordingly, in many instances, decided rights which should have been left to judiciary controversy; and the direction of the executive, during the whole time of their session, is becoming habitual and familiar.” -Thomas Jefferson, “Notes on the state of Virginia,” (p. 195).

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." -Romans 13:1

Many times this verse is quoted by congressmen, senators, representatives, mayors, judges, and other such men in positions of power whenever a Christian opposes their leadership. Hypocritically, they throw these words back in our faces to silence, subject, and humiliate us. After all, if God said it, we as Christians are to obey it. Whoever is in power at the moment we are to obey, and no ifs, ands, or buts about it. The problem is that the rest of the chapter is not read. God ordained governmental rulers as His ministers and bearers of the sword. Many think that Christians are to blindly follow (with no opposition) whomever may be in power, even to the extent that Christians are persecuted, their heads are cut off, they are burned at the stake, fed to lions, and thousands upon thousands annihilated. Many believe that "whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation" (v.2). Many tyrannical rulers cruelly take advantage of "feeble" Christians because of a misconstrued idea about Christianity in appliance to government affairs. What these Christians do not realize is that rulers are not to be "a terror to good works, but to the evil" (v.3). While evil rulers do hold office under God's ultimate rule, they are not of God. God does not know them because there is no wicked way in Him. Those who oppose God, Christians are to oppose.

"God ordained government for our benefit and blessing. When government becomes a curse, a means of slavery, thieving and fraud, it is not in the will of God." -Pastor John Weaver, The Christian and Romans 13 Civil Government.

No king, president, governor, or any type of ruler has the right, power, or authority to go against God's law. As Romans 13 says, God delegates all power and authority which man possesses to them. Therefore, every ruler is accountable to God. There comes a time when the people have to say enough is enough and resist their rulers. We cannot go contrary to God's will, so if our ruler disobeys God, we have the right to oppose him.

"Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God." -Thomas Jefferson

"It appears that the constitution had been flagrantly violated by the legislature in a variety of important instances." -James Madison, No.48, The Federalist

To rebel against biblical authority is wrong; however, resisting tyrannical law is not rebellion. There must be a distinction between the two. There is no obligation or command in the Bible to submit to ungodly leaders. On the contrary, God demands we submit first to Him, and in accordance to His law, to biblical government. In an absence of tyranny there is freedom; but power corrupts those who are weak and greedy, those who are afraid to stand up for what is right We as observant Christians must be prepared every day, in every situation. We have had many blatant violations of the Bible and the Constitution, but that does not mean we are to let our country continue down this path of destruction. Let our words echo those of Nathan Hale who said, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." We indeed have a life to live and give for our country. The question is, will we give it?

"The conclusion which I am warranted in drawing from these observations is, that a mere demarkation on parchment of the constitutional limits of the several departments, is not a sufficient guard against those encroachments which lead to a tyrannical concentration of all the powers of government in the same hands." -James Madison, No.48, The Federalist

In the words of James Madison above, I leave you with this thought: indeed, ink on paper is not enough to control the minds and actions of men and the "encroachments which lead to tyrannical concentration of all the powers of government in the same hands." We must be responsible, we must be vigilant, and we must always fight against those who oppose God. Let us not be weak and disgraced; rather, let us take a stand for liberty and truth. No excuses or denials will save us. Only God can save us through His might and power. Sometimes power corrupts even the best of men, sometimes corrupt power seems very powerful and victorious, but we must keep fighting against evil that threatens to destroy all the good in this world. We must continue to uphold Christ's Crown and Covenant! If we have nothing worthwhile to live for, then why do we continue to live? As in the Marxist/atheistic worldview, man has nothing to live for. Conversely, according to Christian principles, Christ is everything for which we have to live. The choice is simple: liberty or death, righteousness or evil, subjection or command, God or Satan, victory or defeat. Do you want to live or die, especially concerning your eternal life? The choice is yours.

A Rebolution Against Rebellion

2011-05-11T15:27:00.000-04:00

In their book "Do Hard Things," Alex and Brett Harris give a rebolutionary—not revolutionary—call to their peers: throw off the shackles of low expectations and rise up out of subdued comfort zones. They give five specific ways teenagers can really and truly change the world—right from their own backyard—simply by living life for God's glory—man's chief end. Life isn't all about fun and games, nor are we supposed to chant "me first!" amongst our families and friends. Our cry ought to be "Christ first!" and everything to His glory. As "teenagers" we are not limited to low expectations as the cultural norm. If Christian teens would stand together for Christ, our group would be formidable and overwhelmingly victorious. With Jesus Christ as our Savior, King, and Lord, we have nothing to lose, for one day we will have everything to win. This is a rebolution of the hearts and minds of courageous teenagers who will willing die (but most especially live) if need be to bring glory to Christ.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Happy Eleventh Birthday, Maggie!

2011-05-09T14:30:00.001-04:00

Maggie Joy Brown, 11 years old

All little girls must grow up

That includes you

But unlike all other little girls

Many like you are all too few

You're like a little flower

Your beauty shines bright

Your sweet gentle smile

Makes a breathtaking sight

A Mother's Gift To The World

2011-05-08T09:07:00.005-04:00

Dedicated to the dearest mother in all the world: Mama

A story I would like to tell
Of a mother who did all things well
With her sweet, knowing smile
She bravely met each trial

Eight children were her degree
Love to all she would guarantee
No child shed a tear
Without Mother drawing near

No task was too big or small
She heeded the Master's call
Wife, Mother, the family's favorite cook
Smiles brightened because of her cheery outlook

No complaint came from her lips
She gave firm orders—hands on hips
With a twinkle in her eye
She bade her children "try, try, try!"

But what she did best above all
What made her stand out tall
Was her gift to the world
The gift she so elegantly unfurled

Eight children she diligently raised
They all rose up and her name praised
Her smile that seemed to shine light
Always made the bad times right

Not an idle day went passing by
She never heaved a regretful sigh
True and faithful she'll always remain
No matter the cost of treasure or pain

To one man she gave her heart
A faithful homemaker has been her part
Virtue has given her a crown of gold
Through little eyes she'll never grow old

Her hugs make the world seem new
Just to imagine I'll give you a clue
Think of a sunrise in splendor and glory
That, my friend, is the point of my story

Nothing on earth equals her charm
Not even death gives her alarm
Strong and able, beautiful in form
A dull, drab life is not her norm

Like a blazing fire gives warmth and heat
She radiates life to all she does meet
Nothing ever dampens her love
She was granted a full measure from God above

Just How Close Death Can Come [or] A Tale of A Tornado

2011-04-29T17:21:00.003-04:00

It was 1:00 A.M. Sweet, dreamless slumber was roughly interrupted as Daddy woke up everyone in
the house. Foggy-brained and sleepy-eyed, we kids followed him, almost blindly we groped though the lighted house. Yawns that could not be suppressed almost split our faces. Not until Daddy's pressing "Hurry, no time!" did we actually begin to understand the urgency. Earlier that day the weather forecast had warned of the late-night upcoming storms, even an issued tornado warning. Daddy had stayed up that night to keep an eye on the imminent storm while the rest of us went to bed, very unaware that we would soon be shaken abruptly awake from sleep. Nervous, hurried, and even scared, we all grabbed pillows frantically and followed Daddy and Mama to their spacious closet. There we all (excepting Daddy who was keeping a constant eye outside) huddled down together. A big possibility of a tornado heading our way was the weather forecast's message. The weather radar on Daddy's phone confirmed this. The atmosphere was tense and our apprehensive chatter did nothing to calm jittery nerves. Beside me sat Reb, and I put my hand affectionately upon his head. Clara Mae, just in front of me, had her pillow held tightly over her head. Her lips were white with fear as her seven-year-old brain mulled over one thing: tornado. Her slender little body quivered and trembled. Liberty, who's sleep had been so rudely broken up, cried, more from sleepiness than fright. The older ones, if they felt any fear, did not show it much. With my knees pulled up to my chest, I looked from one family member to another. Truth be told, I was crazy with fear inside. I did not show it because I did not know for sure whether the tornado would actually hit us. But fear nevertheless coursed through my body, making me feel cold and hot at the same time. A mattress resting outside the door lay in wait for Daddy to throw over us just in case the tornado came. Dread rose in my throat as I thought about that specific detail. What if Daddy didn't make cover trying to save us?

A terrible realization hit me. What if our house was beset by the raging tornado and we all perished? Put rather bluntly, what if we all died and did not live to see another day? The thought upset me. No one wants to die, no matter how much faith they may have in Christ or how much they may want to escape life's problems. In the bleakest moment, no one wants to die. Although death is inevitable for everyone eventually, we all will try everything in our power to delay the inevitable. I felt that I, at sixteen—almost seventeen—years old, had no right to die. My whole life was ahead of me. There was so much I wanted to do and experience in life. Or what about little Liberty, who had even more life ahead of her, only almost two years old? "It's not fair!" my heart cried as practically certain death seemed to stare me in the face. Perhaps I was a bit hysterical and imaginative, but that is what fear does to one. Someone looking at me from the outside would not have guessed my inner struggle. Perhaps from the outside I was cool, calm, and collected, but inside I was scared, shaking, and stiffened with fear. But what am I to judge who should and should not die? Only God has that authority.

Then the thought hit me. I had not spoken one prayer to the Master of the [seemingly] uncontrollable storm. As a matter of fact, He had every bit of control over it. I wanted to cry. My first thought should have been a prayer to the Lord, but instead I had been assailed by doubts and fears. As I looked from face to worried face, the only thought that flowed through my brain was "God, save us. Lord, protect us. God, save us." As much as my flesh didn't want to admit it, God held our lives in His hand, as well as the direction of the storm. I had no real reason to be frightened, for He would do everything according to His will, whether our lives would be surrendered for His glory or not. We may not know what tomorrow brings, but we can know that it is always completely in His hands.

The Aftermath

To sum up a long and descriptive story, the tornado did not come within a mile of our house. However, as the next day came, we learned that it had reached the outskirts of Barnesville, a small town about five miles from us. That sobered me. Just how close can death come and just barely miss the target? My record experience is five miles. And it was all by the grace of God that my family and I escaped. I was sobered beyond anything that I had ever experienced.

A tornado's wrath is extreme and horrific. When I awoke at 10:00 A.M. the next morning after a long and eventful night, I cannot begin to describe how thrilled and excited I was to see the blazing spring sun shining brightly through the window. As I basked in the sunlight for a moment I stopped to give God thanks for His mercy, grace, and the blessing of a new day. I'll admit that usually I take my life for granted—all the busyness and daily routines—even my time with my family. But the night of April 27 was sort of an epoch in my life, making me realize that life is fleeting, truly fleeting in the sense that we do not have much time on earth. Every day God gives us is an immeasurable blessing, one we should not throw away lightly.

We also learned later in the day of April 28 that a couple was killed in the storm's path right outside of Barnesville. Other tragedies have occurred throughout the entire South. Those who have lost loved ones need our heartfelt prayers to the Almighty. May we all have the courage to say, "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away: blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Tales of Tragedy here and here.

You can listen to Covenant Commission's radio broadcast the Just and Unjust Alike.

An Ode of Tears

2011-04-18T16:45:00.000-04:00

In loving memory of my great-grandfather who passed away Saturday, April 16, 2011. This poem is dedicated to James Brown Sr., son to the dearly departed, my daddy's dad, and my grandfather.

One last time to say goodbye
Kiss my cheek before I die
Do not let me see your tears
We've been through much through many years

Keep memories fresh in your beating heart
My son, I wish we could not part
Though I leave you soon to die
I'll still comfort your pain as you cry

I'm still your father wherever I go
My love to you you'll always know
Thank God for the years that we've had
The tears you've cried still make me sad

I'll still encourage you day by day
Remember my hands that I clasped to pray
Live your life to the fullest extent
Remember the time that together we spent

God as our King knows what is best
In His arms I go to rest
Remember the happiest times of life
Forget all the days of wrong, sin, and strife

Forgive me for what I might have done
I've always loved you, my dear, dear son
Think no more of past wrong—but right
Always follow the God of true light

I love you, my son—I can't say goodbye
Hold me close before death draws nigh
But thank God there's hope amongst my sin
Thank God I'm surrounded by kith and kin

My son, ne'er forget my love
God sees your sorrow even from above
Just one time let loose your tears
I'll comfort you once more as I did through the years

Goodbye, my son, for now I leave you
My broken body begins to feel new
I give you my blessing—I hope you live well
May God bless you wherever you dwell

I love you, my son
Goodbye

O Church of God

2011-04-15T16:36:00.000-04:00

O Church of God, take rise
The world in trouble does sink
Though Christians some believe the lies
We shouldn't turn our heads and blink

O Church of God, be still
God on high will hear our call
Glory shines o'er the next hill
In Christ's arms we will fall

But wait, listen now
To God we first must turn
One day when every knee shall bow
Our punishment or reward we will learn

If we continue to shield sin
If we will not take our ground
America will let Satan in
And we will no longer hear God's sound

O Church of God, stand up tall
The battle is not yet done
Watch where we step or else we fall
The race is not yet run

O Church of God, shield your eyes
Immorality reeks through the street
Do not believe the devil's lies
Do not fall amidst the heat

O Church of God, let Christ in
Repent and confess His name
He is the only one to heal our sin
He is always forever the same

O Church of God, take heed
The battle will wage for many a year
Will we follow or will we lead
If only God's message we would hear!

Sin is knocking at the door
Do not open, God's one Church!
We have become a desperate whore
If only truth we would search

O Church of God, listen to God's voice
His anger is stirred anew
Right or wrong—we have the choice
Will we be many or all too few?

O Church of God, take heed
Throw away our sin
Take up arms and follow God's lead
Under Christ's banner we will win!

Scrumptious Spring Days!

2011-04-11T19:34:00.000-04:00

The past couple of weeks have been splendid and full of sunshine! Life seems so grand during these fleeting months! God is so good to bless us His humble and lowly children with such wonderful gifts! Praise to His name!

Adieu until next time, my beloved readers!

Happy 9th Birthday, Reb!

2011-04-09T18:58:00.000-04:00

Little brother of mine
On this day of yours so fine
I wish you all happiness and joy
The family's one and only boy!

Ever since the day of your birth
You graced our home with laughter and mirth
Not one day comes around
Without you making a joyful sound

Brother of mine—only one
We thank God for what He has done
I wish to express my deepest love
You are a blessing from above

One day you will be a man
Change the world I know you can
You'll be a man after God's own heart
From His word you will never part

I wish you happiest returns of the day
Fill your heart with laughter and play
Too soon you'll grown up and these years will be lost
But, dear brother, life is worth the cost

The Glory of a King

2011-04-07T14:00:00.001-04:00

The wind whispers praise
The ocean's waves raise
The birds sing their song
—Spring comes along

The reason for each flower
For each tree and bower
'Tis the glory of a King
In majesty does ring

Each time you see a sunset
With every spider's net
A kingly face you see
—The man who made you and me

His glory outshines the sun
His hand the world does run
Despite much evil in this world
One day His banner shall be unfurled

Every newborn baby
Is not a miracle just maybe
Every day is fresh and bright
Because of the King's glorious light

The glory of a King
Makes every nation ring
When supreme is His word
Every whisper of His is heard

The fragrance that you smell
Can make the whole world well
Just bow your knee to the King
His voice makes us want to sing

A Day Like This

2011-03-31T14:25:00.000-04:00

The sun on my face
The breeze on my hair
My quick walking pace—
Precious moments are so rare

The birds and their song
The bees and their buzz
Summer days are so long
With dandelion fuzz

The grass is so green
The sky is so blue
More beautiful I've never seen
A rainbow's gorgeous color hue

My footprints in the dirt
Of Georgia's hard red clay
A day like this brings no hurt
I bask in a golden ray

The sun at its highest peak
The lazy clouds lagging by
A more beautiful treasure I could not seek
A day like this ends with a sigh

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2011-03-08T12:24:00.001-05:00

In a wilderness of greed and sin
Above the roaring of worldly din
On a grassy-knolled hill
Stands a strong man with a will

A well-worn Bible is in his left hand
He preaches its message across the land
His piercing, bold voice rings so true
The old-time religion he does not misconstrue

His right hand another weapon does hold
This power is what makes the weakest bold
He believes in man's unalienable right
Destroy the darkness; defend the light!

Honesty shines in his clear blue eyes
He takes aim to demolish Satan's lies
Christ's banner is his refuge and his post
He would willingly fight the mightiest host!

Intrepidly he stands on faith's sure Rock
Every fiery missile is stopped by God's block
Gun and Bible in both sturdy hands
Nothing can break these iron-clad bands

A man after God's own heart
From the Word of God he will never part
Discouraging evil, defending life
He will always love his children and wife

As God's courageous right-hand man
In fear he has never ran
Knowing his duty he fights the good fight
His life-long goal is the Kingdom of Light

Such a man is hard to find
His caliber is one in a million kind
Despite life's trials and endless fight
You will always find God's man defending the right

All Things Lovely

2011-03-07T20:59:00.000-05:00

Like a jewel in the dust
Like true beauty that does not rust
Is a woman with all things lovely

Her zeal is infinitely strong
She scorns the slightest wrong
'Tis the woman with all things lovely

Her heart is discreet and pure
Upon Christ's standard she is sure
Stands the woman with all things lovely

Her voice so soft whispers love
Her gentleness was given from above
Yes, 'tis the woman with all things lovely

Daily she walks in prayerful thought
Her sinful price Christ has bought
'Tis the woman with all things lovely

Demure and kind since birth
Though somber, she has mirth
'Tis the woman with all things lovely

Her beauty comes from inside out
She does her duty without a pout
'Tis the woman with all things lovely

Many words could speak her praise
But she wishes our hands to raise
To the God who makes all things lovely

Hosted on All Things Lovely.

Check It Out!

2011-03-05T14:48:00.000-05:00

Recently I was introduced to a new blog site that has just begun—All Things Lovely—a place for young women to interact and share testimonies together—a place of encouragement and praise to our heavenly Father. So go check it out!

Springtime Once Again...

2011-03-03T17:06:00.002-05:00

Spring came early this year for peachy Georgia. February and now March have turned out to be full of sunshine and rain—perfect springtime! Yesterday and today were exceptionally gorgeous days, so I took the outstretched opportunity to take invigorating walks, snap a couple of pictures (we have flowers blooming!), watch the lazy clouds float by, sniff the sweet fragrance of fresh flowers, listen to the gay-glad songs of spring birds, and see the grass beginning to turn green once again. Life seems almost ideal once spring comes around. Bliss, happiness, and perfectness don't seem like the right words. Maybe I'd better let my pictures say the right words for me. How does that saying go...a picture is worth a thousand words...?

A sure sign that spring is here to stay!

A little bouquet of flowers my sweet sisters made for me

I have been enjoying these past few weeks immensely...yes, even through the sniffles. When the wind blows in a sing-song type of voice I feel practically perfectly happy! Praise God for His amazing grace that gives such bliss to poor sinners such as we! Thankfully we have a Creator who always has our good in mind; therefore we needn't worry or fret or doubt. We must simply trust and have faith, whether our day is joyful and glorious, or a little on the gloomy, rainy side (in which we need to put forth a harder effort in love, patience, meekness, and kindness.) Life will really be much smoother and happier if only we would trust God with each and every step, no matter what.

"Dry Humor"

2011-03-01T13:10:00.000-05:00

It's ironic how much we daily take for granted. For example: a slight cold. When all is well we are gay and carefree, but as soon as that dreaded bug bites, we then realize how much we do take for granted. Simple things like a runny nose, terrible ache in the bones, and swallowing seem like a big deal (do be glad one can't catch a virus through the internet). Instead of pitying myself for something not-so-important, I've decided to poke fun at myself (believe me, you won't see this often).

Have you ever wondered why on earth you sound like a locomotive when the sniffles attack? Or maybe I'm the only one. Yeah, I've had complaints from my nearest neighbors (read: sisters) about when I blow my nose. Perhaps I do sometimes do it at the most inopportune times (if I'm going to explode, why does it have to be at the dinner table?!)....and mayhap I am a little loud (who isn't? I say). What I don't understand is why can't I be dainty and feminine even when I have a cold? I must admit, even I get irritated at myself. Excuse me. There I go again.

My most beautiful moments that never get captured on camera decidedly are when I'm sick. Don't make me laugh; I'm being serious. I just might make my future husband spend a few days with me before we're married just to make sure he truly loves me. Yep, my frazzled nerves, red, runny nose, watery eyes, untidy hair, and aching back will either be a test of his true love or send him packing. Well...if it has to be the latter I'll take comfort in the fact that he really wasn't the one fore me...

Please dear folks, be glad that you are spending March 1st happy and free from self-pity...I mean sickness. Keep grinning while you can until you end up like me.

Cheerio until next time!

What Does the World see When it Looks at Me?

2011-02-26T15:50:00.000-05:00

What do you see when you look at me?
Am I a flower in beauty that you see?

What does the world see when it looks at me?
If they accept me should I laugh in glee?

If I wear the right clothes will they nod and smile?
If I say the right words will they go with me a mile?

I wear my makeup perfect; I insert rebelliousness into my life
But if I succumb to the world's evil will I be following the piper's fife?

When they see my Bible will they laugh and scoff?
Will I lose this glamor that now rides off?

A choice before me lingers near
Will I choose Christ or lose what’s dear?

No matter what this world may see
Christ is the sacrifice that paid my fee

Because He has shown what true love implies
I'll give Him my life and destroy the lies

I do not care what the world may think
I rise above the waves because I no longer sink

I'll be happy, I will sing,
I will praise God as my King

And The Winner Is....

2011-02-23T14:49:00.001-05:00

It has been a busy couple of days, so I'm afraid I forgot about the giveaway's deadline for Monday. Better late than never! Now, for the drawing...

And the winner is Mama Archer! Congratulations! If you will send me an email with your address, I'll send out the book as soon as possible! Thanks to the participants who entered. God bless!

Giveaway!

2011-02-15T14:02:00.000-05:00

My wonderful, fabulous, amazing, and spectacular readers/fans (thought I'd sweeten y'all up),

I'm hosting a giveaway!

Okay, there is only one entry so everything will be simple and easy, just how I like things to be. =) Follow my blog, comment below to tell me you've done so, and you qualify! Just a little note to those who are already following my blog: comment below and you are eligible! Go for it y'all.

Oh yeah, what am I giving away? Well, for all you book lovers out there, a brand-new copy of Do Hard Things, by Alex and Brett Harris. This is an inspirational, amazing book that just might change your life.

The winner will be announced next Monday, February 21st.

My Valentine

2011-02-14T18:06:00.000-05:00

Though sweetheart I have none
Though good works I've not done
I still have your enduring love
I thank our God from up above

I profit nothing without love
Of nothing I am of
I flounder where others swim
I hang upon a broken limb

But you, my dear, are faithful and true
Life's troubles do not make you blue
You suffer long and all things bear
You rejoice in truth and Christ's love share

Your love endures hardship and woe
You raise your head and face the foe
I'm always worthy in your sight
Despite the times when I do fight

Your hope is what keeps me strong
When I waver I am wrong
But you take my hand and clasp me tight
I needn't fear the dark cold night

My tears that fall repent of sin
I bow the knee and let Christ win
He's given you to me as a guide
Now I need not run and hide

If the earth crumbles to pieces
If the good in the world decreases
Your love will always be steadfast
Your faithfulness will forever last

When I am sad you cheer me
When I am gloomy you are the key
Your gentle spirit provokes no anger
Your patient chastisement refutes my languor

I, your child, am weak and frail
My mistakes are horrid and stale
Though others laugh and sneer with glee
You, my valentine, will always love me.

My tears you wipe away
Your tender eyes hold me stay
My little hands you clasp in your own
True love your life to me has shown

I'll treasure always your tender embrace
You've never given up despite the chase
Though I fall and cannot rise
You take my hand and disprove the lies

Your care in my childhood will one day show fruit
When I think of indifference the pain is acute
One day I'll mature and understand real love
May I grow wise and fly like a dove

When I was child I though as a child
My imagination was continually riled
But in your love I grew strong
Because of your love I was cleansed from my wrong

Thank you, dear valentine, for faithful years gone by
I shall ever remember your love with a tender sigh
May I one day be just like you
And display true love that sparkles like dew

One day I too shall have little children
I cannot see now but God knows when
By His grace may I be patient and strong
And teach them, like you've done, to stay from all wrong

My valentine, my dear, my heaven-sent jewel
You've done your duty as God's magnificent tool
No flowery speech can sum the words
But this you must know: my love for you will never be blurred.

Joe Morecraft: Another Georgia Pastor Supports H.B.54

2011-02-03T17:56:00.002-05:00

"It's A Free Country!"

2011-01-31T15:23:00.004-05:00

Unfortunately, it's not...at least not anymore.

Do we have freedom to carry our guns to church? Do we have freedom to share the gospel openly in public schools? Do we have freedom to drive down the road without being "checked" by the local police? Do we have freedom to preach on the streets without being arrested? Do we have freedom to peacefully protest without a "go-ahead" from authority? Do we have freedom of speech? Of religion? Do we have freedom from "unreasonable searches and seizures", free in our "persons, houses, papers, and effects"? Do we have the freedom to handle State affairs without the federal government "butting in"? Do we have freedom from attack - not from other countries - but from those in the White House? Do we have freedom from immigrant invasion? Do we have freedom of the press? Of the media? Of perversion from Hollywood? Do we have freedom from communists who have snuck in behind the scenes and are now the ones at the very top of government power? Do we have freedom of property without unjust taxes? The freedoms we don't have anymore are astonishing. Every freedom that I just listed, plus many more, openly contradict our Constitution. You see, we are no longer ruled by constitutional and biblical law; rather by the whim of whoever stands in office. The correct terms to use would be totalitarianism and dictatorship. In other words, tyranny.

No, this is not a free country. Some may call it a New World Order. We aren't a nation anymore. Instead there are communists who are working to make all nations of the world one. Considering the diverse population of the United States, I'd say we are a conglomeration of nationalities, fooling ourselves we are still a nation. As Barak Obama said, we are no longer just a Christian nation, but a Muslim nation, a Jewish nation, a Hindu nation, etc. I would also add, "a communist nation and a socialist nation."

Theodore Roosevelt once said, "The one absolutely certain way of bringing this nation to ruin, of preventing all possibility of its continuing to be a nation at all, would be to permit it to become a tangle of squabbling nationalities..."

He spoke prophetically as if he knew what America would be like in 2011.

We are no longer a nation.

Bearing in mind the fact that there are people who would like a new Constitution, or even a revision of the present one, I'd say we won't have biblical constitutional standards for long, if we continue to let the wrong people lead us. The Left is adamant that every Christian law and principle be smashed into the dust. Including gun rights. Especially gun rights. They want the people to be left defenseless in the face of the enemy (themselves). They understand that the right to bear arms is a biblical demand; otherwise they wouldn't be so obdurately against it. As Luke 11:21-22 says:

"When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils."

A bill, H.B. 54 that has been presented here in Georgia, has that biblical principle in mind. This is what Bobby Franklin realizes, as does Georgia Gun Owners: a people cannot be truly free unless they have the right to bear arms. Citizens of Georgia, this ought to be a call to bring us to our feet. Surely we can see the hidden danger in a society that doesn't have the right to carry their guns to church. We are then left open to attack, defenseless in the face of the enemy. However, we are to be prepared at all times.

Another thing we ought to realize is that crime rates plummet downward when God-fearing, responsible citizens have the right to carry guns, and defend life against murderous marauders and molesters. If the law forbids us to carry our guns to church, eventually the law (or actually the people behind it) will take away our right to carry guns anywhere. Once that happens, we will be attacked more aggressively from every side. Our children will grow up in an exposed and vulnerable society where thugs parade the streets and no one is safe. Are we going to allow ourselves to be backed into a corner with no maneuvering room?

The right to bear arms goes back to the founding of the New World (1600s) when colonial settlers carried their guns to church for the protection of their families (Listen here to find out more information). People in history have always understood that it is a duty, a God-given right, to protect, families. It should never be just a consideration or a choice - it is a command. Americans today deem the usage of weapons as less essential compared to those in past history who considered it necessary. In this day and age, so many places prohibit guns. In view of all the crime that rampages our fair country, we never know when we might be attacked, which is why we must always be ready (1 Peter 3:15).

Because there are men out in the world who would like to destroy our families and churches, it is even more vital that citizens who are accountable have the right to carry their guns wherever they go, including church buildings. If not, crime and corruption will burst out bolder than ever.

Will you join us in supporting gun rights? Will you take a stand for liberty? Sometimes we complain that there isn't anything we can do! Here is your first step. Uncle Sam doesn't want you; instead God wants you to join His army, one that stands for liberty and justice for all. Our Constitution is being trampled upon. Our lives are being surrendered to a Utopian, socialistic dream. Our very country is at stake. Don't we want to live in a "free country" once again?

(Another "checking" device of our so-called justices of the peace. Can we really believe this is security?)

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” -George Washington

“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light.” -George Washington

“If we are not governed by God, then we will be ruled by tyrants.” -William Penn

“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” -General Douglas MacArthur

“Two choices are set before a nation. Either God is the ultimate authority or man is.” -Gary DeMAr

“No man can escape the problem of authority. Every man will consciously or unconsciously appeal to some authority as basic and ultimate to life. Most authorities revered by men today are human authorities: the individual, the people, the elite thinkers and planners, science, reason, or the state. These are all humanistic authorities.” -R.J. Rushdoony

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke

“I charge you, citizens of the United States, afloat on your wild sea of politics, there is another king, one Jesus: the safety of the state can be secured only in the way of humble and wholehearted loyalty to His person and of obedience to His law.” -A.A. Hodge.

“When a man is secure in the possession of his property, he has an area of liberty and dominion which is beyond the reach of other men. If no man and no state can reach in to tax and confiscate his property, man can enjoy true liberty and great security, whether he be prosperous or poor. Every attack on private property [and guns] is, therefore, an attack on man’s liberty. Man’s freedom and security in the possession of his property is not only basic to man’s independence, but it is also basic to his power. A man has power if he can act independently of other men and the state, if he can make his stand in the confidence of liberty. Every attack on private property therefore is also an attack on the powers of free men as well as their liberty.” -R.J. Rushdoony

A video James Brown of Covenant Commission (pastor of Covenant Baptist Church) speaks on H.B.54

The Right to Bear Arms "shall not be infringed."

2011-01-26T15:48:00.001-05:00

I took the liberty of copying and pasting an issue of my dad's covenant e-newsletter he sent out last night, for my readers' benefit. Just recently this has came to my attention, considering the fact that my mom, sisters, and I helped Daddy shoot video yesterday. Below you will find out the important information needed to understand the reason for this post. People, the right to carry firearms is not something to be afraid of, unless, of course, when guns are in the hands of lunatics (the same thing could be said of driving, drinking, serving in positions of leadership, etc.) The Second Amendment to the Constitution gives us that right - a right already ordained by God (protecting life). How is a man to protect his family if he can't carry his gun to church? "The law makes no sense." The right to bear arms "shall not be infringed" (2nd Amendment to the Constitution), including places of worship.

January 26, 2011

Dear Brethren,

On a number of occasions over the years, I’ve awakened to the news that a violent, gun-wielding thug has burst into a place of worship and taken the lives of peaceful worshippers. Attacks upon defenseless crowds are becoming more common. Criminals and madmen look for easy targets.

I’m rather troubled by the thought of such an occurrence at places of worship in Georgia.

Unfortunately, if something like this were to occur in Georgia, worshippers would be sitting ducks—defenseless in the face of the assault.

Why? Because the government of the State of Georgia says we are criminals if we carry to defend ourselves and our families in our places of worship. Why can we protect ourselves when we go down to the local grocer but not in our worship facility?

The law makes no sense. We are left open to attack by those who would wish to do us harm. We are considered criminals and this is wrong.

The good news is that we can fix this. Recently, I was made aware of a bill, H.B. 54, which was introduced in the Georgia General Assembly by Rep. Bobby Franklin.

If passed, individuals in Georgia would be able to carry at their preferred place of worship.

I’m supporting this bill and I hope will too. If you are a pastor or minister, please get behind this bill as well. We need the support of pastors to get this legislation passed. Our state representatives must know that pastors and well as their parishioners want this legislation.

What you can do is get on the phone right now and call the legislature. Call your elected officials and demand that they call for a public, roll-call vote on H.B. 54. Ask them to publicly support the bill and to vote for it when it comes to the floor.

The first week in February (next week), we are trying to get some pastors and other concerned Georgians to go with us to the State legislature and speak with members directly. We are attempting to show support for this legislation and influence them to stand firm this time around. We cannot let them get out of acting on this important bill. Our public support is the only way to ensure the bill comes to a vote.

If you are interested in going with us to the State legislature please respond to this email as quick as possible so we can get the date and time coordinated. It will be well worth your time and greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much and God Bless.

For Christ and liberty,

Pastor James Brown Jr.

Covenant Baptist Church

covenant@covenantcommission.org

What Our Future Courtships Will Look Like...

2011-01-25T19:14:00.000-05:00

No close proximity

Casual conversation

Girl: *blushes*

How boring this is. "Daddy, I tire of this! I never want to get married!"

This may be a cute picture of courtship, but it is a serious step, one that should not be taken lightly, and only under God's guidance. May God raise us up to be His pure children who glorify Him in everything, even relationships. Marriage is a covenant of two people together, which begins with a beautiful courtship. May Psalm 144:12 describe us as sons and daughters:

"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace."

Living The Impossible

2011-01-19T19:57:00.000-05:00

2010 has closed its door; 2011 has opened another. This means God has not forsaken us, but has given us another chance at life, and another chance to live wholly for His glory. Let's look at "living for God's glory" a moment. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." We may smile and nod our heads in righteous piety, but do we take this verse at its fullest context? "I pray before I eat," we may say triumphantly. Apparently we forgot to read the remainder of the verse. You've heard that the Bible applies to every area of life? This verse could sum it up. Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever, exactly what this verse is reminding us. "Whatsoever ye do" doesn't mean whatever we feel like doing or whatever we want to do - it is everything. That means how we treat our siblings, honor our parents, the music we listen to, the movies we watch, the books we read, the words we say, our attitudes, our thoughts, even the simplest chores around the house. We want to do something big, however. Some of us may be willing to face the jungles of Africa or the communist hostility in China, but no one wants to wield a toilet scrubber and face a dirty bathroom. Or, we may want to work in a big company for fame, recognition, money, or even just to make a difference, but who wants to help their father in his vision and business, especially if it is small and unnoticed? We would gloriously die on the mission field, but we don't want to live contentedly at home. We take Paul's words in Philippians 1:21 a little too far. Sure, to die is gain for Christ.

Daughters at home can get a little discouraged sometimes. Okay, maybe very discouraged (more than sometimes). This is dangerous- very dangerous - because the world begins to look inviting. We must not fall into that trap! Daily routine becomes monotonous. Because of our restlessness and discontentment, we are grumpy, moody, and liable to be snappish. The truth of the matter is that we are not happy with our position, and we don't want to glorify God in everything.

I'm not one for making New Year's resolutions. I never have been. Anything I might have "promised" myself in the past always ended in disaster, such as waking up every morning with a smile on my lips and a song in my heart. It's always the impossible with me. I might want to be completely loving, always honoring my parents, never quarreling [much] with my siblings, always having the right attitude in every situation, being a servant, daily displaying the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23), and on and on and on the list goes. Call me crazy, but I'm a perfectionist.

Mark 10:27 and Luke 1:37; 18: 27 say the same thing: with God nothing is impossible. So we think that, while glorifying God in the home, everything should be practically unproblematic. We want the easy life. Yet, if everything was easy and breezy, where would satisfaction come in? Our character would never be strengthened, our patience would never be tried, and we would never receive a "well done" from our Master. Life wouldn't be life without difficulty. There would be no triumph over trials and no ultimate glory in the end. We would be lazy good-for-nothings.

Again we take a verse out of context (many times we do this to fit our preferences, ironically). We as infallible human beings cannot be perfect! Everything is impossible with us because we cannot do good. (Romans 3:10; 3:23; 7:15; Isaiah 64:6) Therefore we shouldn't expect a miracle every morning (especially at 7:00 a.m.). However, this also doesn't mean we have the right to be a snappy grump. Titus 2:3-5 exhorts women of all ages to be holy, temperate, loving, discreet, good, and obedient - showing us a pattern of good works. I know from experience how hard it is to be kind and patient. But that doesn't give us the license to be mean, cross, and irritable. To develop a good relationship with family and friends we have to be considerate, helpful, understanding, and attentive. If not, bitterness and strife will cause pain because of rejection. Again, speaking from experience, people will want to completely ignore you if you haven't the right attitude. Everyone finds irksome people a chore to get along with. True love will find a way, however, even amongst faults. (1 Corinthians 13)

With a whole new year ahead of us, just waiting for us to taste the delicious delights pending over the horizon, we shouldn't expect the impossible. Instead, cultivate joy and contentment even in the smallest of things. People will be happier, and the atmosphere so much more pleasant. Because God in His mercy and grace has given us another chance, we ought to look forward with bright eyes and a rapidly beating heart. Only God knows what lies ahead, but we can be sure it will be something grand as long as we walk in His footsteps.

Living the impossible...
For the Crown Rights of Jesus Christ
Soli Deo Gloria!
For Christ's Crown and Covenant

A Lot of Catching Up To Do...

2011-01-04T20:42:00.001-05:00

I'm back!...with lots to post. Daddy and Mama's 18th anniversary came first, Christmas flew by, and finally the New Year showed its face. It's surreal the way so many things have came and went! Even more astonishing is that today we are living in 2011. Just where did all the time go? The holidays season was a joyous time of family, friends, and fellowship, unforgettable memories, and best of all: laughter and love, especially the love of God. We have had so much to be thankful for. There were more goodies to bake, plenty of beautiful home-made gifts to wrap and open, annual Christmas movies to watch, lighting advent candles, the Christmas Story reading, etc. And now today, January 4th, little Clara Mae's 7th birthday. My, how times flies...

18 years of a blessed and happy marriage

Twue wuv!

Ready to distribute...

Goodies, of course

Wide-eyed and innocent....if you don't notice that wee bit of chocolate around the mouth...

Little candy bags

Liberty really enjoyed opening presents

A sweet little mommy!

Wrong way, mommy!

Finally, a sword with which to protect his weak "little" sisters.

My lil sister growing up...

Happy Birthday, Clara Mae!

Now that the busiest time of the year has passed, hopefully I can get back on schedule. I never really realize how much I miss blogging until I've gone weeks without a post. I pray everyone had a splendid holiday season, but are now ready to plunge back into "normal" life with all its ups and downs, chaos and happiness. Farewell, my readers, until next time...

Maybe then I'll have something more interesting to post...

A Journey of Hope

2011-01-03T16:09:00.001-05:00

With an inspirational message, "Blind Hope" is the story of a bitter young woman and the blind dog which was thrust into her life. From the time of their first meeting, both woman and dog begin an amazing journey as they experience love, trust, and peace. They are transformed by God's unfailing love and grace. From this story we can learn that although we are imperfect, even when we feel unloved, God is always near to comfort us and cheer us - even in the roughest parts of our lives.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Christmas Baking With Mama

2010-12-14T16:34:00.000-05:00

Remember when I said how much I love all the scrumptious goodies of Christmastime? Today we began rolling!

Liberty wanted to help too!

Oh-oh...

*glee*

Butter Balls/Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies

With cinnamon

Tasty treats!

My quaint little snowman. Yeah, I plan on becoming a famous artist in sculpture.

(Lots of sarcasm)

Mischievous Liberty at it again!

Clara wanted to take a picture of her snowman. Trying to show me up. *pouts*

"LIBERTY! Get out of the trashcan!"

Not again!

In her mother's shoes

Baking with Mama is so much fun!

TSA Travel Terror: Totalitarian Dictatorship

2010-12-13T17:45:00.007-05:00

The late great General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur said this: "I am concerned for the security of our great nation, not so much because of any potential threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within which, opposed to all of our great traditions, have gravely weakened the structure and tone of our American way of life."

What has happened to Americans to allow this? America has really lost her once-liberty-loving soul. No one seems to care much anymore except a handful of people. I'll give it to you bluntly, folks: America ~~is headed~~ has already reached a crisis point. We are socialists and communists living underneath a totalitarian government. Don't believe me? How do you account for this and this? America, you've got a lot of explaining to do.

Perhaps this news surprises you, or even puts fear in your heart like it does mine. What right have we to complain about life's very simple problems when this country has far bigger ones? Christians, it is time to rise up out of our comfort zone, dig our buried heads out of the sand, and fight the fight of faith! (Ephesians 6) This is a rallying battle cry to every American: man or woman, boy or girl. We all can make a difference.

To join in a reformation that is seeking Christ's crown and covenant, visit Covenant Commission. We are dedicated to reforming the home, church, and civil government. Yes, this is the holiday season and no one wants to be bogged down in gloom, so don't! This reformation can be exciting, if we will put our hand to the plow and never look back. Give Christmas an even greater meaning this year. Christ came to bring us life; therefore make the most of it. Make a difference.

Also see Covenant Baptist Church.

"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!"

2010-12-11T14:58:00.000-05:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is now focusing-on-Christmas-time! Sorry folks, I'm afraid that my blog posts will be few and in-between until the holidays are over. I'll post whenever I can, but I cannot promise articles or even poetry. Maybe pictures and a few words every now and then, for my time is numbered. I should be knitting right now...

One thing I really enjoy about the holiday season is all the goodies. Yeah, call me addictive, but everything is just always so good! My mama has a knack for making the best stuff each year. Her peanut butter fudge is to die for! Honestly, I'm not kidding.

Our Christmas tree was put up the day after Thanksgiving, and we had a blast decorating it. Isn't it wonderful that we can have a symbol of eternal life right in front of us, all shimmering and beautiful?

Liberty loves the tree so much that she has the temptation to touch it constantly...even when she isn't supposed to. "Be a good girl, Liberty!"

The weather has actually been cold enough to snow! (Wishing...hoping...praying...) Some days have been colder than up north in Indiana. Hopefully a sign? Yeah, my siblings and I are (secretly) hoping that it snows again this year (probably a record for Georgia). Georgians just don't know what they are missing without snow: SNOWballs, SNOW fights, SNOWmen, hot chocolate, SNOWflakes, SNOW-laden trees, icicles, SLEDDING, etc.etc. They are really missing out. Christmas just doesn't seem like Christmas without snow.

So, it may not be looking like Christmas right now, but it sure does feel like it! I get to use hats and gloves and scarves and coats and sweatshirts and socks and pants all at the same time. Now that the cold weather is here, I find I can bear it so much better than the summer's heat. This is also the perfect weather for crocheting and knitting. I've been so busy preparing for Christmas, but hallelujah I'm almost done! Just in time too, for it is two weeks away! I'll post some pictures of my finished creations soon.

To complete this post, Grace and I always have so much fun together (okay, most of the time anyway), so we took a few pictures yesterday. The last one is pretty crazy; she knocked my hat off. I know, we sure are oddballs.

Latest Debute by Covenant Commission

2010-12-09T14:34:00.000-05:00

Covenant Baptist Church

Destination Destruction. Video by Covenant Commission

2010-12-09T14:28:00.001-05:00

"Life Without Limits"

2010-12-07T18:42:00.002-05:00

Just recently I began using Multnomah's Blogging for Books program. All I have to do is read a book, write a small review, and then I'll get to keep the book! Plus, I can do the same thing over and over again! (Bonus!) Free books? I'm in! (Book lover!) My first choice was Nick Vujicic's book Life Without Limits.

Most people would view a limbless man inadequate to face life's challenges. There could be no hope or triumph for such a person. On the contrary, Nick Vujicic has proven people like that wrong. This is a true story of a man born without either arms or legs, yet his life shows more fulfillment than a wholly formed "normal" person. What is the secret? His book, Life Without Limits shows how even a life like his can be full of hope, peace, joy, and love - no strings attached. Our outlook on life will determine if we are happy or discouraged, hopeless or hopeful. Struggles, challenges, and fears will still be obstacles, but with the right outlook on life we can experience life in the deepest sense of the word. Even still yet, a life without Christ will always be hopeless. From Christ is where Nick Vujicic draws his ultimate strength. We can do nothing without Christ, yet with Him we can do anything! This is the promise in Mr. Vujicic's life. His daily life is a reminder that with God nothing is impossible.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Remembering Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T18:54:00.002-05:00

It has finally happened.

The jolly Christmas season is here again! I don't know about you, but my heart leaps at those words! Christmastime. I actually get goosebumps just thinking about everything that word entails. The most important aspect is the most joyous of all. To think that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would come down to earth to be born of a depraved human woman, live a life here on earth, and eventually die for the elect's sins, is totally incomprehensible. That much love is surreal. Yet it really did happen. It is breathtaking.

Of course, there is so much more I could add. Christmastime is filled the the loveliest memories of snow, hot chocolate, laughter, opening presents, Christmas trees that symbolize eternal life, decorating the Christmas tree, hats and gloves and scarves and coats and sweatshirts and socks and pants, snuggling up under the covers on a cold morning, leaves that turn colors, of course taking lots of pictures, listening to the cold wind howl, crocheting and knitting, listening to Christmas music once out of the year (one of my all-time favorites), shopping, baking-and-then-eating-what-we-just-baked, family visits, friends coming over, etc. etc. etc. There is so much it is impossible to list everything. The holidays are always the best times of the year, especially Christmas.

But something comes before Christmastime. I sincerely hope everyone hasn't forgotten about it. Thanksgiving. Many people imagine Thanksgiving is the time once out of the year to thank God for our blessings and then be done with it. Thanksgiving is past so we forget our blessings. Oops. That's not the way it's supposed to be. Every day ought to be a thanksgiving to our Creator God for all the many wonderful blessings He has blessed us with. I mentioned some of them in the joys of Christmas above. Even in a socialistic and communistic nation, the righteous are still blessed. God only knows what will happen in the future, but for now we ought to praise and thank Him every day. There isn't only one day out of 365 that we do this. Every day is supposed to be a celebration unto the King of kings.

The holidays are always fun
We enjoy many things
Family, food, and friends surround us
During Christmastime gaiety sings

A small period of time we will miss
If we are caught unaware
For all of these blessings we must be thankful
And show our families how much we care

Do not let Thanksgiving by
All blessings come sweetly from above
A grateful heart God will bless
Let us thank Him with our love

A thankful heart will cherish time
It will capture every moment's grace
Sun, moon, flower, and child
All are confined in blessing's vase

Softly now, listen
Thanksgiving is creeping close
Remember to thank God for each day
Love is given in many a dose

Too soon Thanksgiving will be gone
So much we shall miss!
Thanksgiving should remain a treasure
Like purity's life kiss

Be glad about the oncoming Christmas season! I certainly am. But we mustn't forget that God grants each new day; therefore praise Him for every breath of life. Don't let Thanksgiving by. That includes every day, for each day is to be a thanksgiving to our God.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Introducing...

2010-11-18T16:00:00.001-05:00

We have just begun an etsy shop! (You can view here.) So far we have scarves, dishcloths, and a hat on the market, perfect for cold and blustery winter days (various luminous colors will be added to our collection). More items will be coming sometime soon (hopefully). We have decided to put our talents to the test, so to speak. From now until Thanksgiving everything will be on sale. Take this chance! Any interest is most appreciated!

Here is the Reformation Day post I promised. Unfortunately I couldn't upload all of my pictures (too many), but these should suffice. It was a day to be remembered.

My gorgeous mother in her new shawl

Liberty's sill new grin

Pioneer girls

Little Martin Luther

Pumpkin bars with chocolate chips = happiness

Reformed Preacher ready preach!

My beautiful aunt

All the kids

Mommy & Baby

Going for the baby doll look

Sweet little Maggie

Sisters

Messy face

Scottish Covenanter ready for battle!

Straight from Jane Austin

A date that will never be forgotten...

And so ended a perfectly wondrous day.

Video from Covenant Commission

2010-11-12T14:16:00.002-05:00

Can we feel safe anymore with America's system of "security"? Check out James Brown Jr's latest video to see how far America has degraded herself.

"Thy Will Be Done"

2010-11-11T11:35:00.000-05:00

I've decided not to get married.

At least not yet.

My charming little sister Clara once told me, "I'm glad you're not married. I hope you never get married...at least not yet." Boy did I feel loved! As much as a young woman cannot wait to get married, right then and there I didn't want to. I often long for the day when I will have a home of my own to care for, children to nurture, and a husband to love. But if I miss the golden years at home, what will I gain in the future marriage years? If I take these years for granted, who is to say I won't do the same later on?

Let's just say it's not easy accepting someone else's will other than our own. We're selfish, and usually we will admit it in a not-so-subtle way. We want what we want, and sometimes we will do anything to get our way. We are kind of like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum because he wants something. He will scream and kick his little legs, and do just about anything to get his way. If his mother is too soft and lenient, she will eventually give in to his whims, instead of administering the whipping he really deserves. We are that way with God many times. We'll fight back because we want our way. Why is it so hard to say "Thy will be done"?

“A great many Christians actually seem to think that all their Father in heaven wants is a chance to make them miserable, and to take away all their blessings, and they imagine, poor souls, that if they hold on to things in their own will, they can hinder Him from doing this. I am shamed to write the words, and yet we must face a fact, which is making wretched hundreds of lives.

"A Christian lady who had this feeling, was once expressing to a friend how impossible she found it to say, 'Thy will be done,' and how afraid she should be to do it. She was the mother of one little boy, who was the heir to a great fortune, and the idol of her heart.

"After she had stated her difficulties fully, her friend said, 'Suppose your little Charley should come running to you tomorrow and say, 'Mother, I have made up my mind to let you have your own way with me from this time forward. I am always going to obey you, and I want you to do just whatever you think best with me. I know you love me, and I am going to trust myself to your love.' How would you feel toward him? Would you say to yourself, 'Ah, now I shall take away all his pleasures, and fill his life with every hard and disagreeable thing I can find. I will compel him to do just the things that are the most difficult for him to do and will give him all sorts of impossible commands.' 'Oh, no, no, no!' exclaimed the indignant mother. 'You know I would not. You know I would hug him to my heart and cover him with kisses, and would hasten to fill his life with all that was sweetest and best.' 'And are you more tender and more loving than God?' asked her friend. 'Ah, no,' was the reply, 'I see my mistake, and I will not be afraid of saying 'Thy will be done, to my Heavenly Father, any more than I would want my Charley to be afraid of saying it to me.'" (Excerpted from The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith)

There's not just one aspect of life we are afraid of committing wholly to God. We are scared over the smallest things. We want a good and happy life, but we also want the things we want. What we don't realize is that we will have the best life when we submit to God's will. Most people have a false conception of God's will. God is angry at wickedness, but He is loving and just toward those who follow and serve Him in obedience. He isn't out to get us, or to take away every earthly and spiritual blessing. Amazingly enough, He only wants what is best for us. (1 Peter 5:7; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:9) We miss out on the best years of our lives by worrying about unnecessary things. If we would only trust God, how much happier and blessed we would be!

We can't just submit one area of our life to God; we have to give him everything, including our hopes, dreams, and expectations for the future. It's not an unachievable feat. Just think of how much more peace we could have. All those worry wrinkles would disappear.

Look at submission this way. We find it hard to submit to our parents. As we get older, we want more responsibility and freedom from authority. (That's our human rebelliousness working.) If we are unwilling to accept God's will, we will most assuredly be unwilling to accept human authority. If a young woman in the home will not accept her father's authority, she will not accept her husband's later on in life. She may think that a different life would be better, but if we are not faithful in small things, we certainly will not be faithful in the bigger ones. If we antagonize our siblings, we'll antagonize our children. If we disrespect our parents, how could we be ready for a faithful commitment to marriage with a partner we are to respect "till death" do us part? We would blow it, just like we did in our teenage years.

If we find it hard to accept human authority, how much more harder it is to accept God's will! But why? Why do we have such a problem? All we are doing is making each situation difficult. It does not have to be that way. When we realize that man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, and that God wants only what is best for us (because everything is to bring Him glory -Revelation 4:11), then we can begin to say without hesitance "Thy will be done."

Yes, I plan on getting married someday (if it is the Lord's will.) However, for now I'll accept God's plan for commitment in the home and accept whatever He brings my way. We have a cheerful heart only when we submit to God's will. I'll be content in the home.

Autumn's Beauty

2010-11-09T16:32:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year. The crisp wind and the colorful leaves = perfect Autumn beauty. God is an awesome Creator. Who can deny it with all this loveliness surrounding us?

These past few weeks have been busy ones for the Brown family. First we had some beloved family members visit from Indiana, up came Reformation Day (sneak peak here until I get my post up), then there was a prayer rally in Barnesville at which my dad spoke (and outshone them all!), and lastly we were able to make some delightful new friends last weekend! Life really is lovely.

Thanksgiving is coming up already [Insert major shock here]. Although we are supposed to count our blessings every day, this time of year we seem to focus more upon them than any other time. I have a lot to be thankful for, even if life seems difficult at times. We may not be rich in worldly goods, I may not be upon the brink of marriage (I can see my dad wiping his brow here), and life may not always be exciting and thrilling. Yet, it is the simple things that warm the heart. I'm just thankful to be alive and well in 2010. I have a family and home, food, clothes, and a bed to sleep in, friends - old and new, plus my Saviour's love. For a 16 year-old young woman, I'd say that is more than enough. In the business of life, stop for a moment to think of how really blessed we are. If we are alive in Christ, we are rich in every way.

Glorious Grace

2010-11-03T16:10:00.000-04:00

All men deserve God's wrath,
The Lord owes us naught;
How can the Most Holy
Love what sin has wrought?

God would be perfectly just
To give us up to death;
Because His is omnipotent
He could take our last breath.

To call the Lord unjust
Is worse than incorrect;
Only He has all power,
In holiness He is decked.

However, there's a gift,
God grants to some life;
Because of His mercy,
Not all need live in strife.

Some men are given grace,
They'll inherit eternal love;
Praise God for His mercy!
It falls like rain from above.

Not all are hopeless and lost,
For Christ's blood was shed;
Calvary's lamb was spotless and pure,
He took our sins so cold and dead.

This grace is gloriously given,
No, none may call God unjust;
In all His power and glory
He might have let us rust.

Before the world's foundation,
Before sin entered the world;
God predestined His chosen,
His grace He quietly unfurled.

The elect are blessed indeed,
For they hold God's love in their hand;
Though God owed man nothing,
He's given His grace to many a land.

Preacher's Kid

2010-10-29T19:35:00.000-04:00

There is a lot of pressure on preacher’s kids. (Face it—we're oddballs.) We are supposed to act different, talk different, think different, watch different movies, listen to different music, wear different clothes, have different friends and families, read different books, and so on. It all comes down to behavior. Sometimes we may be referred to as weird. On the other hand, if we don't live up to our expectations, we're scoffed at even more for not being a representative of Christ. Suddenly, we're ironic. Perhaps there isn't any truth to this Christian business after all. Isn't that a truce broken in our Salt and Light mandate? (Matthew 5:13-16)

Being any kind of Christian in a humanistic world is hard. I'm not talking about wishy-washy hypocritical Christians who proclaim good works in the streets and practice sin in their homes. They may write a bestseller book with a big cheesy smile on the cover, but it doesn't mean they are right, honest, or Christ-like (Matthew 7:15, 21-23). Recognition by the secular world does not mean they accept Christianity. In fact, Jesus said that we would be persecuted and reviled for His sake. (Matthew 5:11; 10:22) If the world didn't accept its Saviour when He came, why should it accept His disciples?

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." ~Matthew 10:16

Yes, I'm a preacher's kid. In addition, I am also a young woman living in a secular world. I feel the pressure hitting me like a ton of bricks. But I'm no different from y'all. There's only one thing that makes me different from the world's young people. Yep, you guessed it. I'm a preacher's kid.

No, I'm not ashamed of my heritage. My father is a pastor, my grandpa is a pastor, and one of my great-great-great-grandfathers was a pastor. There are even more scattered throughout our ancestors. The point is this: my life has been intertwined with God in the midst of it. I'm a preacher's kid of a preacher's kid. Where's the shame in that? I'm proud of it.

The only thing I regret is my poor ability for handling certain situations. I've stuck my foot in my mouth, I've stood back and followed the crowd, I've not been a leader, and I've spurted some pretty crazy ideas. (Just ask my mom.) Right now I wish I had charged full ahead into my insecurities...but I didn't. There have been many times I've wished to go back and redo my life. Of course, we always wish for the impossible.

Although I may not be where I wish to be, I'd say I've come a long way in some areas. Two years ago I never would have imagined this blog, my writing, our traipse through Georgia, the beginning of Covenant Baptist Church and Covenant Commission, the birth of Liberty (my baby sister), my 16th birthday (two years ago it seemed like forever), the crazy ups and downs of life...hey, even my photography! Life is peculiar sometimes, isn't it?

However, I could really better myself. I may be swept up into the pressure of being a preacher's kid sometimes, but I don't have to be. What I am can be a good thing.

Every aspect of this world has tribulation. We may be hit with tragedy, trial, sorrow, or pain, but Christ foretold that these things would happen.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33

Isn't that comforting?

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" ~Romans 8:31

The world’s opinion should not matter to us. Why should we care about the opinions of those who reject our Saviour and faith?

While we are to be God's witnesses for the gospel, the world just hardens their hearts against us. From history, we can learn that tribulation worketh patience (Romans 5:3). From the lives of the martyrs we see glory and fortitude and everlasting life. They received their crown with the words "well done, thou good and faithful servant" for their service in the kingdom. What is our persecution compared to theirs? True, mental stress can be just as horrible as physical pain, but have we ever suffered starvation in a cold, damp dungeon, or felt the flames rise higher and higher around our legs? Nor have we been tortured for Christ's sake in a country wholly hostile to Jesus. Think again when all seems lost. We live freely (for the most part anyway), breathe the clean air every day, walk wherever we please unconstrained, and worship God wherever we will. How long our freedoms will last, God only knows. For now we ought to be profoundly thankful that we live, and move, and have our being, for it is all through Jesus Christ.
Anyway, Paul's words should give us comfort:

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." ~Romans 8:18

That is saying a lot, considering all that Paul went through - beatings, a stoning, being left for dead, thrown into prison, and eventually beheaded—all for Christ's sake. Surely we can bear our burdens easier when we really give it some thought.

So, I may be a preacher's kid with all its peculiar pressures, but I've found out that life is much better when I have a positive outlook.   Who cares if I'm a little bizarre? I'm a preacher's kid, what do you expect?

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every place." ~2Corinthians 2:14

There is nothing sweeter than Scripture for a troubled heart. God really is good. But He is also just. He destroys the wicked and cannot tolerate sin, yet He is faithful to those who love Him. His words to us are sweeter than honey. (Psalm 19:7-11) I believe He would rather see a smile on our faces and joyfully praising Him than to have a "woe is me" mentality.

I'm sure preachers kids can relate. It's awfully hard to live up to high expectations when our nature is sinful. Sometimes we are given bad names because of what we are. The bad names really come from preachers kids who don't fulfill their God-given duty. I may fail many times, but I don't like being categorized in that lot.   Sometimes it seems like we have to endure more than we can handle. However, Jesus said we will not be tempted with more than we are able. Hallelujah! Through Christ, we will conquer over all!

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither heath, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate s from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~Romans 8:35

TeaTime

2010-10-26T20:33:00.000-04:00

"TeaTime" ticks the clock
The little birdie tweets a tune
The linen is pressed, the dishes washed
Oh look! There's one dirty spoon

Dirty faces are washed
Little grubby hands are clean
TeaTime is here, so don't delay
Company has not yet been seen

The tea in the pot is simmering
The little cakes are newly made
The chinaware shines like gold
The napkins have been laid

A smile shines on our faces
To greet our friends so dear
Oh look, I see their carriage!
Now they're finally here

We all laugh and talk and sing
And sip our golden tea
These gay times we have- oh what fun!
I bounce the baby on my knee

Too soon they all must go
TeaTime has come to an end
We wave goodbye until next time
Thank God for the time we spend

The clock keeps on ticking
But TeaTime has gone
Dad will be home soon
Tomorrow's a new dawn

TeaTime, though past
Is a highlight of our day
Thank You, God, for life and love
Its beauty we'll always pay

Let Me Hold Your Hand, Daddy

2010-10-19T16:14:00.000-04:00

Let me hold Your hand, Daddy,
The road is long and hard;
My feet are sore, my hands are cold,
These feet can't go another yard.

My little-girl-legs are tired,
I can't go on much more;
Daddy, Your hand is stronger than mine,
I wish there was an easier door!

Daddy, I'm scared of the dark,
I need Your light to see my path;
There are ravening wolves out to eat me,
Save me from their wrath!

Daddy, I need Your unfailing love,
I want to hear Your tender voice;
But Satan tempts me with a lie,
Oh help me make the right choice!

Tribulation works patience,
But mine is very thin;
This ice is cracking steadily,
I do not want death to win.

Let me hold Your hand, Daddy,
I see a bend in the road;
Whatever lies ahead of me,
I need You to ease my load.

Let me hold Your hand, Daddy,
The light finally draws near;
Your hand- so strong and warm
Makes me feel I"m dear.

Let me hold Your hand, Daddy,
You're the Rock I lean upon;
Though life may sometimes be difficult,
Your strength I must don.

Daddy, in Your hands I"m safe,
I need not fear a lie;
You'll watch over me always,
No more tears will I cry.

God's Infinite Omniscience

2010-10-15T19:06:00.000-04:00

It seems like every Sunday I express the same thought.

I wish everybody could have heard Daddy's sermon.

No, I'm not being judgmental. I need biblical advice more than anyone. Trust me. But, the message was just so good that I wanted to share it. Unfortunately, we have a very small congregation right now. I'm not dissing small congregations...well, maybe you understand. I'm thankful Covenant Baptist Church has grown a little bit in the past year, but I still can't help wishing more people could hear Daddy preach. Yeah, he's that good.

I'm not saying he is perfect. However, I'm prejudiced. After all, he is my father. I'm proud of him, if you don't know.

I could naively say every Sunday is an exception. He outdid himself again. Being young and inexperienced (even for 16); there are many things I don't comprehend. I know many people say the gospel is easy to understand. Didn't Jesus say that we are to have faith as a little child? In Matthew 18:3 He also said, "Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." On the other hand, there are many who would claim the incomprehensibleness of the gospel. There are always two sides in every matter. (Matthew 12:30) However, the harder to understand concepts can be a little confusing to a naive young woman such as I am. Take for example, the differences between postmillennialism, pre-millennialism, and amillennialism; all the different worldview "isms": Calvinism, Judaism, communism, fascism, Marxism, socialism, etc. etc. I may be a preacher's kid (another article topic coming up, folks!), but most times I feel dumber than a box of rocks. (My dad's metaphor.) I think I need a Dummies Guide to Life. Ha. Ha. Is it all the pressure? I read many books, but sometimes they set me to wondering if I really have what it takes. If I don't understand something, I'm automatically d-u-m-b. It's just the way I roll and the way my brain works. Self-consciousness maybe? Don't I believe everyone has a limit in knowledge? (My limit must be pretty small. Shh!)

The text was taken from Romans 8:28-30. A Reformed Christian believer would know this passage contains God's grace and foreknowledge of the elect.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified."

As my dad said, there isn't any way anyone can walk away from Romans 8 & 9 and deny God's grace and foreknowledge of His elect. Even before the world began, God chose us from the very foundation of the earth. He settled our lives beforehand. He knew Adam would bring sin into the world, but He also knew the second Adam would bring life. He knew our thoughts before we lived, and He even knows the very number of hairs on our head. (Matthew 10:30; Luke 12:7)

Before the world began. That's a long time span in our finite understanding. Somewhere around 6,000 years ago, when God first created the universe, He knew us - what we would be and become - even our very actions and thoughts this day! Isn't His omniscience grand! To know that He knew us before the world began is amazing! I could stop here and let y'all falsely misconstrue my meaning. However, let's look at the meaning of this word "know."

There are several different meanings of the word "know." To know someone intimately is to be familiar with their ways. Brothers and sisters know each other. Friends know and love each other closely. Husbands and wives know each other. All of these are the same word “know” yet have somewhat different meanings.

Then there is an acquaintance relationship. To meet someone for the first time is to get to know them, although not yet personally. To know your friend is more than you know an acquaintance. To know your family is more than you do your friend. God is the One with ultimate knowledge. My dad used this example: God knew who Hitler was, yet He didn't know him in a personal relationship. God already knew what Hitler would do before he did it, but God didn't reign in Hitler's heart. Adolf Hitler reigned there instead.

On the other hand, God knows His children intimately. He speaks to them through His word and listens when they pray. His elect have a relationship with Christ that the rest of the world does not. God knows the thoughts and intents in every man's heart, but each relationship is different. To know is to know, but how much do we exactly know? There is a big part of us that we don't want anyone to really know about. Oh sure, we're all sinners, but we wouldn't dare display that particular part about us. We can't know any heart other than our own. God, however, knows everything. He preordained the whole world for His glory.

"In whom we also have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will." ~Ephesians 1:11

Who can say that man can will/do whatever he pleases? Can a finite mind overpower the infinite?

My advice is this: don't trust in what just anybody says. Even what I say, don't take for granted. The Bible gives the best advice on what to do. "Search the scriptures." (John 5:39) Only the Bible can give the correct answer. My reasoning has to be corroborated with Scripture, and so does everything else. The Bible warns us against false philosophy.

"Beware lest any man spoil you though philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." ~Colossians 2:8

The truth will set us free. But what is truth? Pilate couldn't find the answer. However, Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Because Jesus Christ is truth (for He cannot lie), so is His word. Sola Scriptura ultimately means Scripture Alone. Scripture alone can show us truth, for Jesus said His word is truth.

Because God knows His children, He also cares for them. When we believe in His love and mercy, we can rest assured in His unfailing grace that gives us life.

(Paraphrased from September 26's sermon by James Brown Jr.)