Monday, December 21, 2009

Governed or Ruled?

If we will not be governed by God, then we will be ruled by tyrants - William Penn

The solution to our present crisis hour will not be found with politicias making a contract with America, but rather in Americans making a contract with Heaven! - What Hath God Wrought! p. 22

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Monday, November 16, 2009

Memorials

The other day Darren told me that we needed to hold some "Memorials". I didn't quite know what he was talking about until he expounded....
We'll get "on track" as far as being organized goes, or when it comes to our goals and raising our children. But as the days pass and life deals its circumstances, we begin to veer "off track". His "memorials" are a way of getting back "on track". So, now we have several "memorial days" each month to keep us "on track". (These "" are wearying me...I'm gonna stop :) )
Last night as I lay down in bed, I prayed for God to help me get on track with Him. I've been feeling WAAAY off track. (Ever been there?) Usually I'll know right away, but for some reason this time I felt the distance, but couldn't seem to put my finger on it.
As I awoke this morning, It was as if God was waiting for me. (Isn't He soooo loving and patient and GOOD to work in our lives? :) ) He gave me a memorial service. :) He reminded me that I've not had the servant's heart I once longed to have. It's not like He'd not been trying to tell me. But, you see, I refused to repent. I'd been doing bunches of confession, but in my heart, I had no desire to repent. As I woke this morning, my heart longed for sweet fellowship with Him and He once again reminded me....for some reason, this morning He had my attention.
I've been getting irritated when I've been the only one up working (that irritation should have moved me to a training mindset with my children, instead of self pity). When Darren asked me to do something for him, I did it in body, but was irritated to no end in my heart. Totally NOT a servant, as the Lord showed me years ago a servant should be.
So, I stand resolved (yet again) to commit this work to the Lord. I've been sweetly, lovingly reminded. Today was a memorial day for me. It was a good day!
Lord, lift me up and let me stand by faith on heaven's table land - a higher plain that I have found. Lord plant my feet on higher ground!
Lord, Increase my faith. (Luke 17:5.....)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

God is Good!

Cold is the absence of heat. Darkness is the absence of light. And evil is the absence of God.

I read this somewhere on line. It is such awesome logic...I love it!

We recently learned a new song and have been singing it every opportunity we have had. It is entitled "I Have Been Blessed". We first heard it from the Raub family...it brought tears to my eyes. Then the following week, my sister told me she had a song she wanted me to hear...wanna take a guess what it was? :) I was sooo happy, because now we had the words and could sing it as a family. It has been such a blessing to the Saints, and we are wearing it out! :)

But it got me to thinking along a path of thoughts that has often occupied my mind now for several years. Let's see if I can get you to follow:

About 8 years ago, my son, Timothy started having seizures. That has been the most horrible time of my life so far. He would have them when his brain went to sleep (nap or evening). We started saying, when he would wake up from NO seizures, "There's my little man! No seizures this time! God is soo good!"

Then one day, after we started saying that, he HAD a seizure. And God confronted me with a question, "Am I still good?" This thought about floored me. You've got to imagine with me...my little two year old baby laying limp in my arms, on the way to the ER...not breathing and turning colors... and God asks me THIS question.

How many Christian Mommies and Daddies have been through this very thing?...only they've held the lifeless form of their dearest ones...no more breaths for the beautiful, precious bodies...no more hugs, and no more kisses, no more boo boos to kiss away...And those around them have heard them say, "Yes, God!...You are SOOO good!...You alone know ALL things and I will trust in you and proclaim your goodness no matter what!"

So, when I'm singing the song, "God Has Been Good", in my heart, I'm saying, "God, you are good if I become paralyzed and never can feel my loved ones touch again...God, you are good if, like Job, I lose ALL my beautiful children...God, you are good EVEN if I get cast into prison for being a Christian and get tortured for the rest of my life...YOU ARE GOOD!"

Come what may...GOD IS GOOD....All the time!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Trickling Down from the Past...

The following is General George Washington's first official order, issued after taking official command of the Continental Army (July 4, 1775):

The General most earnestly requires and expects a due observance of those articles of war established for the government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and drunkenness. And in like manner he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.

Five days later, the Commander in Chief fired off another "religious" directive:

The honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a chaplain to each regiment, with the pay of thirty-three and one-third dollars per month, the colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure chaplains - accordingly persons of good character and exemplary lives - to see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect, and attend carefully upon religious exercises. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary, butespecially is it in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor so to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.

(Exerpt from What Hath God Wrought, William Grady)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

This season...

No doubt you are familiar with the term "seasons in life"? Well...It's taking me a bit to get used to this new season in my life. What season? I don't know what you'd call it....maybe someone could suggest a name for it. I'll attempt to describe it...


Let me prelude with this: I LOVE being around my family (hello?...and what momma doesn't?...a crazy one!). And I LOVE homeschooling my kiddos! They're awsome! We have so much fun. I've been homeschooling now for near fourteen years. And most of our mornings were spent centered around God's Word..you know,...Bible story, character lesson, scripture memorization, singing...you get the picture, eh?


Ahhhhh, I have fond memories around that time..for instance, it was during one of these hours that Timothy (my now 9 year old) let out his first belly laugh. We all caught it, he kept on belting it out, we were laughing, watching him, revelling in him, actually...it was grand...we carried on in singing, him laughing, us following, making crazy gutteral sounds, acting like a bunch of intoxicated fools! And all this over a fat little bald headed feller who decided he wanted to interrupt our Bible time with his first laughs! :)...sure wish I could see that from the outside! What a joy that was. And I could bore you with many other times such as that...probably you have your own googly baby story that's come to mind, and you know exactly what kind of moment I'm talking about?


So...ANYWAYS...(I'm smiling)...these times are precious! You mommas know what I'm talking about, eh? And now......MY KIDS ARE GROWING UP!!! and I don't like it!


Ok, ok...I can just hear some of you "righteous" ladies right now..., "WELL, if SHE had the right kind of relationship with her HUSBAND... then she wouldn't be carryin' on so about her children growing UP!" Oh, phooey!


Darren and I...well, we're now on our second honeymoon! And let me tell you, it's BETTER than the first! (that's for a later post) so, I'll just continue on about my kiddos!...


What I'm trying to say is that...?...I'm just flat out not liking this season. I want things to stay the same...and they're not! I love the dirty, snotty little faces,...the wild child hair-doo,...the silly tickling, wrestling romps,...the nursing---oh, I miss the nursing!,...the laughs,...the late night talks with the older guys,...the goofy boy and silly, giggly girl time...I LOVE IT! and dread the time when it's all gone, and only a memory. (you'd think I'm an old granny right now by the way I'm writing...but it's coming soon!...truly cherish the moments!) I know that one day, we'll all gather around the holiday table and laugh and carry on as we reminisce, that'll be fun, too...Darren and I fatter (ugh) and grayer...grandkids all around....Aren't God's gifts the best????


What season? The name I don't know...but it's the season when the older kiddos are beginning to grow up, get jobs...when it's a bit more challenging to get the whole family at the dinner table at the same time (btw, it may be a challenge, but we still make it a priority to eat together at the table once a day...it may be breakfast or lunch instead of supper, but we still do it..yay!)
But, I can't do anything about the inevitable change, so hopefully this will be one of the few posts where I complain...


Pray for me...



Tina's done :)..'bout time, eh? :)

New Here

...yes, I've finally stepped out into "blog world"!...feel a bit intimidated, but I love writing and that's what I'm gonna do :)...