Thoughts to ponder
April 22, 2009 at 6:02 pm | In Bible Verses, K's Posts | 5 CommentsThe Ten Commandments are Laws we are all familiar with. They are words of Scripture we usually learn at an early age that strike a healthy fear of God within us. But, I wonder if we take them seriously enough. I know that there is one commandment in particular I didn’t take enough heed to.
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
When I used to read and think about this verse, I thought I had it under control. I never said ”Oh my G-o-d” and other phrases that obviously take the Lord’s name in vain. Of course we aren’t supposed to say that. Well, it wasn’t until recently that the Lord convicted me of other phrases which, not so obviously, dishonor His name and are otherwise unwholesome language.
To start, I began looking up each phrase I commonly used in the dictionary. Wow, was I shocked to find out what I had truly been saying! As I learned the origins of my commonly used phrases and crossed them off my mental list, I realized just how little I would be left with saying in good conscience. Whatever would I say the next time I was shocked or alarmed? Then it occurred to me that this problem is just what Matthew 5:37 is talking about… “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Is trying to get as close to the line as possible without crossing it true obedience? Rather, I should try to get as far away from the line as possible and strive for God’s high standards. May He make Psalm 39:1 true in my heart, “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle.”
The Bright Side
April 16, 2009 at 5:26 pm | In Bible Verses, Family, K's Posts | 2 CommentsOne blessing of this season of our Grandma being in the hospital is that it has allowed us to spend extra time with our extended family members. Between hanging out in the hospital cafeteria, ICU waiting room, Grandma’s room, or here at our house, we’ve grown closer to this wonderful family God has blessed us with. We are treasuring these moments because they are not frequent during the normal, busy seasons of life.
A game of chess
Our little second cousin Juli being cute 
A game of checkers
Cherry wants some of that hair
Little cuties
Stephanie introducing Juli to "Elements of Style"
Our uncle (Grandma’s brother, pictured above) came down from North Carolina and we’ve greatly enjoyed eating ice cream, conversing on subjects like home remodeling and literature, and watching our cousin’s volleyball practice with him. In fact, tonight he’s taking Stephanie, Allison, and I out to dinner. Despite the difficulties of this time in our lives, we’re being careful to praise the Lord for the blessings He has bestowed on us.
“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:3)
Prayer Request Update
April 13, 2009 at 10:50 am | In Family, K's Posts, Photos | 7 Comments
Our grandma, Joyce, with Cherry on her first birthday
Thank you to all who have been praying for our grandma. I thought I’d give a quick update. On Friday, she had her colon removed because the doctors couldn’t find the source of the bleeding. This was, of course, major surgery, and her body is now trying to recover from it. She is “out of it,” meaning she looks like she is sleeping most of the time and doesn’t talk. If you rub her arm or forehead, she will open her eyes and let out a grunt, nod, and occasionally a word like “Hi” or “Amen” when we pray. However, she is still in a lot of pain due to the surgery and the scoliosis in her back which is aggravated because she’s been lying in bed for two weeks. It is difficult seeing her like this…
She is currently in the ICU and the doctors put her on a ventilator last night because she was having trouble breathing and she has fluid in her lungs. Please pray that this will go away and that her pain would subside. Please also keep our family (especially our mom) in your prayers as this has been difficult on all of us.
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.” (2 Cor. 1:3)
How Deep the Father’s Love
April 10, 2009 at 3:52 pm | In Music, S's Posts | 2 CommentsWe love this song by Stuart Townend. It paints the picture of Christ’s sacrifice for us so beautifully.
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How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that helf Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
image from allposters.com
February and March in Books
April 7, 2009 at 4:55 pm | In A's Posts, Books, K's Posts, S's Posts | 2 Comments
Kayla:
Christmas with Grandma Elsie (#14) by Martha Finley – Another delightful book in the Elsie series by Ms. Martha Finley. I always enjoy these books because of the strong family relationships and the kindness they show toward one another. The high standards of the Dinsmore, Travilla, and Raymond families never cease to challenge me.
God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew – A friend from church let us borrow this book, and I was captivated by it! The testimonies of a missionary to the countries behind the Iron Curtain throroughly encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. Hearing about all the amazing things the Lord did in answer to prayer increased my faith and compelled me to bring everything, no matter how big or small, before my God (that very same God) in prayer.
Stephanie:
Mrs. Darcy’s Dilemma by Diana Birchall — This is a sequel to Pride and Prejudice that gives us a peek into the life of the now middle-aged Darcys. I thought it was okay. The author’s style is very similar to Austen’s.
Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott — This is more of a children’s book, but I liked it. It follows the escapades of two little sisters and their friend, a runaway from the circus.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott — I loved reading of the adventures of the March girls! I was amused by how the four sisters’ personalities are so different from one anothers’.
God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew — I, too, really enjoyed reading this book! I loved how the power of God was shown through every chapter and the missionary gave glory to Him for everything.
Allison:
Mrs. Darcy’s Dilemma by Diana Birchall – I, too, read this book. It was alright. I’ll probably look for other sequels by other authors.
Kathleens Unforgettable Winter, Kathleens Abiding Hope, and Kathleens Enduring Faith (books 2, 3, and 4) by Tracy Leininger Craven – These are the last three books in the Kathleen McKenzie series. Kathleen and her family move to her grandparents farm to save money during the Depression. I really enjoyed this series.
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