August 2003

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August 

To close out the month I wanted to just post some verses about God’s commands, the keeping of those commands and the consequences for not doing so.  One of the things for which I am most grateful is God’s righteousness.  He cannot lie, He cannot sin, He cannot fail.  He is utterly trustworthy, for He is trust.  He is utterly faithful, for He is faith.  He is utterly gracious, for He is grace. He is all glory, all power, all dominion, all mercy, all justice.
He was, He is, He is to come.
May He be with you, upholding you with His righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 8.11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
Deuteronomy 8.19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.
Job 8.13 So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish:
Psalms 9.17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Psalms 10.12  Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.
Psalms 50.22  Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
Psalms 78.7  That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
Hosea 4.6  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Hebrews 6.10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Hebrews 13.16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

more bloggin’ in September!

August 27, 2003 
I sure appreciate what’s developed from this blog———you know, one of the main reasons for blogging (to me) is that others are helped or inspired by the things that have helped us or are encouraged by the blessings or things that have been an encouragement to us.  Some sisters have written to share that they look forward to reading because it puts them in touch with someone who’s going through similar things or who’s encouraging them to strive for obedience and godliness as wives, sisters, mothers… and to press on in motherhood, with the diet, or with taking care of the home or walking with the LORD, learning more of Him and His Word—some who don’t have likeminded fellowship and are seeking to find it.  So… there you go… that’s why I blog and that’s why I pray it’s a blessing to you each day.

IN THE NEWS:  The Ten Commandments Monument has been removed.  While I’m sure there are many who are mocking this… many who refuse to acknowledge God see this as a victory, many are grieving the ‘in-your-face’ assault on the real issue regarding the foundation of our country, our dependence on God our Father and Creator, and on the moral estate of our nation.  Alan Keyes shares an angle. I’m saddened that yet another blow has been dealt to the foundation of this country.  It’ll be very interesting to hear what the mockers say and do and what’s next on the docket. 

I received the most encouraging email from a woman who’s written before on another topic, but this time it was regarding yesterday’s blog about coccyx or ‘tailbone’ pain.  It was such a blessing to read her story and to follow some links.  She confirmed that I’d been viewing the best site for help with coccyx pain:  Coccyx.org—it’s what I suggested yesterday.  She gave helpful ideas for dealing with the pain—things I am trying to implement now.

  Its interesting if not sickening sometimes to watch what’s going on in the rest of the US and world.  I read or listen with concern because of the consequences or the importance of legal decisions being made.  And so it is with the state of California—read Col-eee-fornia.   Boy, it’s no wonder many are up in arms over Mr. Davis.  Each time I read of decisions he’s made or bills he’s signed, I’m amazed at the gross ignorance,  immorality and deliberate degradation of moral values.  The agenda of sodomites—yes this is critical—is repulsive.  The laws being passed have far-reaching effects.  Pray for those in authority. Pray for those standing to protect the family as God ordained it to be.  Pray for His will to be done—and His people to be wise, gracious and bold.  Some say as California goes, so goes the nation.

Neat new website set up for info and updates on President George W Bush’s re-election campaign.  It’s filled with photos and transcripts of speeches.

My daughters found such a beautiful site for Wedding dresses.  I’ve told you of the one who loves to draw gowns and dreams of lovely weddings… well, she sure loved seeing all the “Beautifully Modest”  bridal gowns yesterday.  So many times we see bridal and attendant’s gowns that are so immodest that we feel embarrassed for the bride, for the wedding party(!) and for the assembly of guests.  It’s sad that such a sacred event is cheapened by immodest apparel—seems like so many weddings are such a show—ignorant of the rich meaning, the reverence, the solemnity of the vows exchanged.  I recall several weddings where the bride’s gown (or the bridesmaid’s attire) was such a focal point or topic of conversation—and the chatter was whether the dress was going to slip down or not… or how was it held up or such statements became all that was remembered of the event.  I share this here as I shared with my daughters teaching them that their clothing must be carefully chosen and the importance of propriety or modesty.  We all need to exercise a bit of discipline to make certain that our clothing portrays an accurate representation of our LORD, of the great gift of salvation, to not mislead or defraud others by our appearance or behaviour, and to not draw undue or inappropriate attention to our appearance.  The wedding ceremony is surely no exception—in fact, perhaps even more attention should be given to the ceremony of presenting a pure bride to be joined to her husband in holy matrimony. No strong feelings or opinions here, eh?

August 26, 2003 

I fell last week and so am still dealing with coccyx or ‘tailbone’ pain.  I was hoping to find some suggestions for dealing with coccyx pain and ohmy, I sure did find lots of folks suffering with severe pain and lots of suggestions or solutions for the pain.  The site has too many links to look through right now, but I bookmarked it so that I can take a look later.  If you’ve ever dealt with bottom pain, OR are dealing with it now, then you know it’s really quite something!  These last few days I sure don’t want to tell everyone what I’m experiencing or how it happened!  I can’t imagine the sight it must’ve been: I was holding a branch back and somehow another one swung back and hit me in the nose and yes, okay, so it was bloody but I didn’t know it yet as I was falling backwards in the dirt and branches—on my bottom, feet in the air.  I was struck instantly that my backside was sure sore—but then noticed the workers were nearby on the backhoe and all I could think was how to get out of there!  It was then that I realized I had a bloody nose and had to run to get some tissue… but first: I had to get UP!  Ahhhh.  It is funny to me now… but laughing doesn’t make the pain go away! 

Focus on the Family broadcast
The battle for the Ten Commandments Panel

August 25, 2003 

 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11.28-30

One of the things about weight loss or losing weight over time is that people want to see results or to know how to get results.  Great results.  It’s interesting… we’re all pretty much alike in that when we look at a weight loss program, book or website, we immediately want to see the results!  It’s a “show me da money!” sort of deal.   We want to SEE results, and for most of us, we won’t believe it till we see it and even then, we still might not believe it.  Take “low-carb”  eating or “dieting” for example, you may not think it’s a wise way to go—you may think it’ll never be something you’d agree with—I know this, because this is the way I’ve thought, too!  I’ve thought that low-carbing is NOT natural OR healthy.  Even seeing great results may not persuade us.  Now, I STILL don’t totally follow the Atkins diet or the Zone diet but what I DO is similar or parallel to those diets.  It’s very easy:  BSF foods are very easy to spot and easy to avoid.  I haven’t avoided them *altogether* BUT, for the most part, I don’t eat Butter-Sugar-Flour foods.  If you’re interested, there are so many helps available!  Low-carb Websites are set up for the purpose of helping others lose weight the ‘low-carb’ way!  You don’t know how to go about this?  Don’t want to get involved with a d-i-e-t regimen?  Very simple: just start out avoiding BSF foods.  The results will amaze you!  If you’re used to easting ‘fast foods’ then go to McDonald’s and get their dietary facts… what you see about the nutrition/calorie content will shock you!   If you’re tired of being tired of being over weight, try ONE WEEK of eliminating BSF foods!  Then, if at the end of ONE WEEK, you’re STILL tired of being tired of being over weight then stay away from BSF foods the next week!  Do this till you’re NO LONGER over weight.  This may take you 2 weeks, it may take you 2  months, it may take you 2 years—but if you’re tired of being tired of being over weight then start today.  Don’t wait till tomorrow.  That tomorrow may never come.

Overweight no more, that’s my goal.  No more out of control eating, no more out of control living.  I pray, if this is you, too, then give the LORD your health, give Him your hopes, give Him your weight, give Him your poor habits, give Him your cravings, give Him your hurts, give Him your disappointments, give Him your gluttony, give Him your guilt, give Him your past, give Him your future, and put them all in His hands.

Go to the LORD—all you that labour and are heavy laden, and He will give you rest.

 August 23, 2003  These have been challenging days as we’ve been doing the last of the cleaning out of the shop and the property that belonged to my husband’s parents.  When Dad died a few years ago, I remember thinking it was so strange that he was gone and for quite some time I had the feeling or the hope that he’d come back—something I knew would never be but still couldn’t fully reconcile—and don’t, yet today. The land has been sold.  What was a home on a hill surrounded by an orchard, pasture and farmland will soon be a housing development.  Yesterday while we worked, in the background we heard the relentless din of the heavy equipment… dozers and dumptrucks and the constant moving and spreading of freshly churned earth.  Years of memories were flooding our minds as we sifted through what was left behind in the shop.  Yesterday I enjoyed the most delicious apples from Dad’s trees… today the trees are gone.  We dug up an old rose bush by the old barn… and none too soon: the barn is gone today.  The huge willow tree that provided yesterdays shade is gone today…

  

August 22, 2003 

If you haven’t yet signed the petition that will be submitted to Congress and the President in support of the Federal Marriage Amendment—you can do so today!!  . An amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress and a majority vote of three-fourths of the state legislatures (38 states) with no governors’ signatures required.  The proposed Amendment states: Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union between a man and a woman. Neither this constitution or the constitution of any state, nor state or federal law, shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.  You can sign the petition here! 

I regularly receive a product recall & safety alert by email. (You can receive it, too!)  Most days I don’t even recognize the products referenced, but sometimes I do and have made a note of the serial or stock number of the recall to check against the item/product we have to see if there’s a match.  Fortunately, only one time have we had a recalled item—Firestone tires!  Ah, yes, we should have gone to Les Schwab! 😉

The latest Dover sampler  has lots of books including wedding books.  We all love to read about weddings and one of my daughters enjoys collecting wedding ideas and drawing wedding and bridal gowns so bride books all look great to her!

My mom sent me another Martha link and it’s just in time, for our focus has been on *organizing* our home.  Now… the thing with Martha is that everything works out perfectly, fits precisely and is never cluttered.  That’s the ideal she presents—for me it’s the ideas—not the ideals.  Some would say Ideal would be no mess, no clutter, no loud noises and no superfluous stuff.  But you know what that ideal is *missing*?  Children—busy, happy, creative children.  So, for me to incorporate children into the ideals is to hook up with the ideas and concentrate on making ideas work with children in mind!  Children like order, they like stability, they like peacefulness—that’s what organization provides!  That’s what soothes Mama.

Oh… the Justice Moore case gets more interesting.  Here’s the latest on Foxnews I also read an interview on Foxnews done with Hannity and Colmes. 

O, ignorance and revisionist history.  All the demands by those who would forget God demonstrate such ignorance of what risks were taken and what faith the founders and defenders of this country possessed.  Isn’t it totally ironic that the US Supreme Court  refused to block the removal of the Ten Commandments—and yet the very same and more is present there in and on their building!?!??!  Incredible.   Just incredible.  The money in their pockets acknowledges God, the Flag [pledge] inherently acknowledges God.  The Declaration of Independence acknowledges God.  Our Constitution acknowledges God.   No matter what others say, think or do… the heavens declare the glory of God!  (read Psalms 19!)


Proverbs 14.34

August 21, 2003   In pondering the grievous direction of our society, it’s incredibly evident that God is longsuffering, patient, and gracious.   I often wonder: how long?   How long will the LORD tarry—for we know that He will not always tarry.  There will come a day of judgement.  That great and terrible day.  I’m reminded of a verse in Habakkuk… though it tarry, wait for it, for it will surely come and will not delay.  We may  grow complacent as we wait for that great and terrible day—but we mustn’t!  We must obey while we still have today—the LORD requires of us obedience—He showed by example this obedience, this doing not our own will, but the will of the Father.  “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” 1John 3.1     The world is at enmity with God—and therefore with us because we follow Christ.  One sure thing… if you’re not experiencing opposition in your life… ask, who’s on the throne of your heart? You or the LORD?  Who’s in the driver’s seat?  Who’s working the controls?  No heat means nothing’s cooking!

Marriage… what a blessing marriage is and what a veritable foundation of society it is.  Not to mention what God says of marriage in the Word.   The Word says marriage is a mystery—this mystery is how it is a living picture of Christ and the Church–His bride.  You may shrug and wonder if your marriage is such a picture or if you know of ANY marriage that is.  That’s one of the beauties and blessings of the Word and more, one of the hopes of any believer is that God lays out all that is needed for our good, for godliness, for peace and for joy—in our lives, in our homes, in our marriages.   No, this isn’t a come to Jesus, He’ll save your marriage, you’ll be happy and have lots of money type deals.  This is real—He is fully the answer to everything we need—“According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” -2Peter 1.3  It’s His doing… He’s done all the giving, all the providing through faith in Him.  What more glorious and virtuous than a man & woman married with Christ as the center of their marriage giving honour to Him as a picture of Christ and the church.  Sometime ago I wrote Someday and Heirloom Marriage and other messages in an attempt to plant seeds of encouragement to sisters.

More on marriage in the news

I’ve no idea the spiritual position of our neighbor… but one thing I’m thankful for last evening was his passing by and then stopping by the sunroom window to listen to one of our children play the piano… I’m grateful to God for the gift of music and that this one was playing “The Old Rugged Cross” to the delight of our neighbor.  Piano music is a marvel to me and the fact that our friend has given of herself to teach our children all of these years is a blessing and a gift  I’ll never be able to adequately thank her or the LORD for giving us all.  To worship the LORD in song is probably my favourite way to spend any moment. 

August 20, 2003 Interesting things going on in the news again this week!  There should actually be some more ‘monumental’ decisions in the days ahead.  The first being the case in the courts regarding Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and the 5,300 pound granite monument depicting the Ten Commandments which opponents say violates the Constitution’s ban on government promotion of religion.  There was a prayer vigil taking place in front of the Courthouse and apparently arrests have been made of those supporters who had knelt or stood at the monument inside the building rotunda and refused to leave.  Want another reason to NOT send your children to government schools?  Revisionist History.  This’ll end up there just like all the other references to God, to His providential care, provision, direction and foundation of this country.

O, should God lift one finger from this nation…

August 19, 2003
We received a call last night from our friends (our son is traveling with) that they’ve made it to Missoula, Montana.   That was after two lengthy visits with friends… missionary friends in Eastern Washington and an old friend who now lives in Idaho.  They’re having the best time!  I’m thinking that guys would think riding along in a camper would be about the greatest thing—and they do!  It’s prolonging the good-bye at the end of the trip, however, and that’s gotta be on their minds.


part of the gang… after one last volley ball game…

Waffles, Waffles, Waffles!  Our family really likes waffles but it’s a challenge to put out the number we need in a timely manner!  I found a neat waffle site and the waffle maker I’ve been looking for is sold there.  I did recently buy a couple (Belgian waffle makers) at a thrift store and was thrilled that they’re in great shape and make nice Belgian waffles.  But… perhaps in the future I’ll buy a couple of waffle makers from that site or at a kitchen outlet-store.  There are some great ideas and I’m glad they have recipes for Belgian as well as other waffles!

someday a groom. 
amy & timothy’s wedding

at the meadow wedding in spokane,
ooops, dad’s behind the camera… missing from the pics again!

August 18, 2003   So.. busy these last couple of days. A beautiful wedding in Spokane (across the state from us here), a special day celebrating our grandson’s 2nd birthday, a tearful farewell for a friend leaving for Bible school, a send off for a long road trip for one of our son’s and serving in the Soup Kitchen this afternoon.  These are the kind of days where timing is everything… and we do praise the LORD for His timing, His provision and His protection.  He is ever merciful.

I was giving some more thought to what I’d written on Friday regarding the verses in Romans and our reasonable service… according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.   Consider the word reasonable; it is reasonable that we be not conformed to this world.  It is sensible, it is realistic, it is practical, it is logical that we NOT be conformed to this world.  We are saved—we’re bought with a price—why would we NOT desire the renewal of our minds that we would be faithful representatives—proving Him to the watching world?!?!?  Interestingly, our pastor was talking about this passage yesterday—he was talking of our worship, saying that God is magnified when we cherish Him—thirsty and hungering after God above all things having our hearts fixed on Christ.

I’ve been mulling over this passage for a number of days because of some decisions I’ve been needing wisdom to make.  What is my reasonable service?  Seeing  that I am compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses… I must lay aside every weight and besetting sin and run with patience the race that is set before me. I’ve been attempting to write some Welcome Home messages and I’ve got a decision to make regarding our Titus2 meetings.  I’ve allowed past difficulties to govern my thoughts—something I always encourage other sisters to lay aside (that past baggage, those dead weights) —I’ve been gripped with negative thoughts and inadequacies.  But God.  But God who is rich in mercy, for the great love wherewith He loves us… me… you…   The chastening of the LORD is bittersweet.  Bitter for a time and sweet for the fellowship and the fruit.   So our reasonable service -it’s sensible, practical, logical, solid, genuine and according to Titus2.5 it is so that the Word of God be not blasphemed.  As Christians, our walk, our talk, the thoughts and intents of our hearts must be such that the Word of God be not blasphemed.  God can surely take care of His Word, His reputation, etc., we must not be deceived, God is not mocked.  Our profession of faith is cheapened when we attempt harmony with the world and display affinity for the ways, the things, the appearance and methods under which it operates.   With our attention, attitude, attire, achievements, amusements, all of these and more, we either exalt or deny our Saviour—we either magnify His name or blaspheme His Word.

August 17, 2003 

21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23 This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

                                                                                                Psalms 118.21-24

August 16, 2003  

I was thinking that to close the week with more links to more articles on behaviour, modesty, marriage, family, etc., wouldn’t be necessarily wise; the better part of wisdom would be to go to the Word as it is our alpha and omega of every matter.  All the things going on in the world, in the church, in homes, in education and in relationships all boil down to this:

1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3   For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  Romans 12.1-3

Our reasonable service… according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.   We are commanded to NOT be conformed to this world—that through the grace of God we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  O, the work and ruin that is wrought in the mind, yes?  But we are to be transformed—with a renewed mind that we may prove—give evidence of—verify—validate—show authenticity of:  that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  How do we do this?  Faith.  Every thing we do is measured by faith.  Our works prove this and all of our works are by grace through faith—they are not of ourselves—just as our salvation is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, lest any man should boast.  How can we possibly thank God for so great a salvation—we cannot—but through faith we can present our bodies, ourselves, as living sacrifices… this is our r-e-a-s-o-n-a-b-l-e   service!  O, how I needed this fresh bread today after spending time with friends last evening… talking over difficulties and ministry opportunities.  I know the answer for which I have been praying… I know it now and I knew it then… but the mind… O, the mind—it must be tamed as the tongue must be tamed and God is ever merciful to effectively transform both. 


I received this funny email from my mom…

the caption to this pic… Finally a mouse suitable for women!


August 15, 2003   Finally the day is near for us to attend the wedding of the daughter of precious friends.  O, the ways the LORD has worked through the years, blessing and directing this girl–this woman.  Our friends have been such an encouragement to us over the years and now to join them in this celebration is something we’re so looking forward to doing!  What a blessing when young people are walking after the LORD, all through their life… obeying and following in His ways.

  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3John 1.4

Here in America, Colorado Rep. Marilyn Musgrave’s Federal Marriage Amendment is rapidly gaining support. At this point the amendment has gained 76 co-sponsors—and that’s including six Democrats [maybe those guys aren’t all bad].  And tens of thousands of people have already signed the Petition of Support for the Federal Marriage Amendment.  You can make your vote count!   I know, I know, seems we’re all over da map this week… riding around on a lotta bandwagons, making a lot of noise:  Education!  Government schools!  Homosexuality!  Modesty! Marriage!  Interesting isn’t it… they’re all linked—they all matter and they’re ALL out of balance and there’s only One answer.

Our family had a wonderful time of getting reacquainting with different families we’ve met over the years out at Camp Gilead for family camp.  Amazingly, time seems irrelevant and in many ways it seemed like yesterday we talked over coffee with different ones there.  I had a time with a couple of dear friends—you know, friends you can count on, friends who matter, friends who have no agenda and the common denominator is Jesus — even though the phase of life for each isn’t necessarily equal.  God is good—merciful.  We didn’t/couldn’t do family camp this year, but felt like we really did want to at least visit the family friends one evening.  What a blessing to be there in time to hear the evening message, to be challenged with the Word and then enjoy the sweet fellowship.

August 14, 2003   My mom sent me a link this morning from Coldwater Creek and the specials their having.  Now, I must confess, that my purchases of Coldwater Creek dresses have been made at the thrift store and *not* at CC outlet or retail stores.  But, what I like to do is get ideas from their catalog which helps me decide what to sew sometimes or then sometimes I recognize the skirts/dresses at the thrift store.  One of my favourite retailers is Christopher & Banks where I have purchased a few dresses.  I sure didn’t like the selections at their website, but at their store (here—in the Northwest) there are beautiful dresses at great prices.

Looking through my mom’s Ikea catalog here at home… then went to
Ikea online.  One of my daughters has been having quite a time with the kitchen planning tool (a simple download enables one to select components for a ‘dream kitchen’ or a total kitchen make-over using scaled measurements and their cabinets, etc.   I’d sure like to re-do some things in here… but where to start?  Worse, where would I be comfortable with it ending?  Better to just be content with such things as we have, changing the things we truly can and overlooking those things we cannot change, yes?

Walmart seems to have the best price on the Atkins Advantage bars.  I am finding that one in the morning with coffee or tea really sets the tone of the day for me… I can seemingly be totally content with that for a number of hours.  I am nearer to the goal now… with 10 or 15 left to lose.  I imagine when I hit the right weight I’ll know and then determine a ‘maintenance’ plan.  Weight loss used to be so easy for me bcz I didn’t used to gain much with babies and lost it easily.  But in the last ten years this has *not* been the case!!  Over 35 seems to bring on a new set of deals… new things to deal with.  One of them is a change in metabolism, which I am finally now deciding to learn to adjust to!!  [yep, better late than never]  Everyday I continue to teach myself… saying… what will you decide to eat?  I tell myself: Do not eat what you haven’t decided on purpose—in advance to eat.  I don’t follow the Atkins or the Zone regimen very well as I cannot [yet] seem to work it out and prepare foods for our whole family.  So… that’s why I share I am doing a modified Atkins— maybe closer to Zone program.  I have set things I have each day… I do still have that can of diet DP (Dr. Pepper) each noon!  I probably will have to leave off with the DP when the winter months come… they’re not a necessity ( well, not r-e-a-l-l-y ) and during the cold season… there are few pools to do so grocery shopping is done much more carefully then than now… my husband doesn’t mind this a bit… and so there you go—that’s the “diet update.”  If you’re dieting: Press on.  You will lose weight—walk, eat less, drink more water, STAY BUSY, you WILL lose it!!

 Interesting bits in the news… There seems to be more than just a little bit of support swelling up for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Judge Roy Moore not to mention, the Foundation for Moral Law‘s gotten involved!  It’ll be interesting to see what happens with this case.  O, the moral decline… the decay of our society—so grievous.  The world is never going to be at peace with God.  This nation seems to be on the fast track spiraling into the black abyss.

I’m really into cutting up watermelon lately!  There’s
nothing to it and it’s so pretty when you serve the fruits!
(no, that big strawberry didn’t grow in our garden!!
Only the small ones and the raspberries!!  The rest of the fruits: melons,
grapes, cherries, pineapple, nectarines grew at the grocery store in town!)

August 13, 2003  Wonder if you have the worm?  MSBlast, also known as Lovsan, an Internet worm that exploits a known vulnerability in Windows 2000, NT, and XP.  Are you infected? Right click on the ‘task bar’ and select ‘Task Manager’. Click on the ‘Processes’ tab. If you can find a process called msblast.exe, then your system is infected.  You need the patch. First patch and then can get it removed.  If you have an online anti-virus, virus-scan system (Norton, McAfee, etc.) go there and follow their recommended steps, or, here’s one of the places you can go…  http://insight.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,39020463,39115651,00.htm  for a solution.

Now, you might think by the two topics on which I continue to focus that this is “Anti-Public Schools” and “Anti-immodest Dress” week! Uhh… I wouldn’t say …week.

The other evening in church one of our missionaries was talking of the mission field, their customs and behaviours and the need for missionaries to be sensitive to their culture and not be offensive (sounds like our… (It’s a very hot/humid climate) it cut me right to the heart when he said that his wife would have to be very careful what she wore… that she’d not be able to wear shorts or revealing clothing, that they were much more conservative and modest there than “we are here.”  Gulp.  Isn’t that sad!!  Sad that we (read: american Christian women are not considered/expected to be conservative or modest.)  Sad that this missionary would change personal behaviour because of THEIR customs not because of personal conviction of propriety and modesty.  So… here are yet more reasons why we ought to be very thoughtful when it comes to our behaviour/dress.  Does our faith give us freedom? Yes.  Freedom to be holy.  Freedom to be obedient.  Freedom to be filled with joy. Freedom to be careful.  Freedom to be representatives of Christ.  Not freedom to be lewd.  Not freedom to defraud.  Not freedom to entice. Not freedom to entice… to lure brothers into lust.  I ran across a couple more articles that really ‘speak well!’ to this matter of dress and behaviour of Christian women.  The first, Bare … Legs In Church  by Michael Fortner, and another on modesty by Dannah Gresh (yes, ironically the same author as was mentioned a couple of days ago).
On to school…  This is an older
article relating the agenda of government or public schools.  Okay… so, you need more reasons why you should *not* send your child(ren) to public or government schools? Here’s a site  with a plethora of articles that’ll expose the epidemic of mind and behaviour control of the public school system.  And here’s another Apologetics site listing lots of things going on in the ‘world.’   There were several articles I read yesterday concerning the astounding homosexual teachings I cannot/will not link you here.

The practices being shared/taught IN SCHOOLS is so vulgar I could not read past the descriptions—and these descriptions were written up in public newspapers in Massachusetts and other states in the country.  Unbelievable!  You don’t think that it all could be going on in your neck of the woods? Ha… call up your school and ask their position on teaching—their stand on homosexual, heterosexual relations, behaviours, etc. And watch for buzz phrases and words like: totally inclusive, or inclusive, tolerant, kind and safe.  Inclusive? Safe?  O, not in my house and I pray not in yours.   O… that’s just *that* agenda… add that to considering the others… New Age meditations, Harry Potter (Scholastic’s bonus ‘rights acquisition’ —touting themselves as “the number 1 source” for classroom tools and resources) add those to Humanism and Evolution, anti-life… just to name some of the biggies.

hannah and ami


August 12, 2003  Happy day to you!  I trust that the LORD is continuing to bless, instruct and encourage you in the Word and in prayer.  Hope you day’s going well.  If it’s not, take some time alone in the Word and in prayer… then sing.  Sing praises.  There truly is joy in the valleys.

Circulating in email is a recent exposé on the great rip-off of generic drugs and the pharmacies’ huge mark-up on generics.  Astoundingly, as much as 3,000 percent—yes, that’s no typo—3,000 % mark-up on generics!  Wow.  Now, we don’t go to the doc much and consequently, it’s extremely rare for us to take anything other than over-the-counter meds so for now, these high prices haven’t been a specific dilemma for us.  But, it’ll sure make me think twice in the future when looking for the best price should we find ourselves in that position.  Interestingly, Costco reportedly sells the generics at just above their cost.  That’s some good news. This is just an FYI… beware… high prices.

It doesn’t take much reading of the paper or listening to the news to confirm our reasons for *not* sending our children to government schools.  The agenda of NEA is getting more blatant than ever in regards to homosexuality, anti-Christian bias and religious tolerance.  There’s great power in the subtle and not-so-subtle messages that are being projected to and/or indoctrinated in the minds of all young people in the government schools.  I would go so far as to take the stand that Christian parents should not be sending their children off to school—O, enemy is ruthless; “Your adversary, the devil,  as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1Peter 5.8   Don’t think it’s so serious what’s going on in the schools today?   Doug Wilson wrote a powerful letter to Dr. Dobson (clearly one of the most influential men in Christian media) and just a slice of what’s going on in schools.  Can’t imagine it?  Make an education search… talk about shock and awe… you’ll be amazed! 

By the way, Credenda has a lot more interesting articles and regular columns that’ll really be a blessing.
August 11, 2003  —Fall is right around the corner and that means planting for Spring!  My mom sent me the Dutch Garden link for some beautiful daffodils.  They’re some of my most favourite flowers that hold many significant memories for me!  I want to order some to plant in clusters in our flower beds.  We have lots that ring our old weeping willow tree and some clusters near other trees, but I’d like to plant some in other places as well.  It sure seems early to be thinking about the winter garden when we’re still picking flowers, peas and beans and raspberries!

I read an interesting article on modesty this morning after browsing through our CBD [Christian Book Distributors] catalog, noticing a new book they’re offering: Secret Keeper – the Delicate Power of Modesty by Dannah Gresh (She also wrote: And the Bride Wore White).  I’ve not ordered/read her book but I’d like to do so.  O, what a challenge it is to get the message to sisters in the Faith that dress (or lack thereof) sends a bold message: temptation or edification—a message we MUST instill in our daughters!  So, in light of that, I’m thankful that more books are being written, sharing the real truth about modesty.   When I’ve shared on this in the past, I’ve occasionally been told that man looks on the outward, but God looks on the heart—as if the outward is exempt.  Yes, it IS true—God DOES look on the heart—but the outward is [only] what man sees!  Is what men are seeing in/on/about Christian women appropriate for them to be seeing?  Shouldn’t what man sees be a reflection of what God is doing/has done in the heart of each woman??   It’s grievous that the world so deeply influences women of faith that there’s often no distinction in appearance.  More grievous is the manner of dress of some *in* church—dress you’d expect to see anywhere *but* the church.  More on that another day.

I received a letter this morning with an updated link to the Vessels of Mercy site (we recommend on our modesty page).  They offer modest clothing for women and girls, plus you can read articles of interest to women in the church.  You can also read about the Pilgrims Pathway Newsletter—very helpful for Christians on the path of life.

We’ve continued studying in Acts (we’re in 16 now!) and we were impressed this morning by the attitude of Paul and Silas—praising God in the midst of persecution.  Beaten and then bound in chains, they sang praises to God.  I was immediately convicted of the many times I’ve thought this or that situation was too difficult to bear or too tedious or hurtful or whatever… then to think: beaten for proclaiming the Gospel.  Would I take stripes for the sake of Christ?  Would I sing praises to Him afterward?  I pray, O God, please help even my feeble attempts to serve You.

August 9, 2003   It’s another special day here in our family—another birthday.  O, the birthdays we’ve celebrated.  It’s such a blessing to review the years, to rehearse the events of each little life… to praise the LORD for His works and ways in each life.   A couple of days ago when asked how old he’d be on his birthday, Andrew replied,  “Five or six…  ask mama, she knows!!”  Ahhh.

 

Website Note: Over the years I’ve received lots of requests by others to include a link to their site or to share their home biz or information on assorted topics of interest to women—families.  Much of the time, though, the links on our site are placed because of the great value we’ve seen in them for not only our family but for our readers’ families as well.  I’m sometimes reluctant to endorse a site and sometimes cannot endorse one because of what the *rest of the site* offers/displays or because of the “religious” affiliations of the site-owners.  While there is no way for us to know all the in’s and out’s of each site owner’s spiritual/doctrinal  position  (especially when these groups morph into something other than their original position), links on our site are placed with sincere care and with earnest desire to endorse sites that are like-minded (I note secular sites and advise caution regarding them and national news links) additionally, it’s intentional when specific and/or prominent groups/organizations are *not*  posted on our site.  There are national pastors, churches, organizations we do not endorse/support and the omission of comments, links, praise or support is intended.  Whatever the case, always be careful browsing the net and clicking on links.  Sometimes the initial site/article link is just fine but some of *their links* are not.

All that said, the links I share are meant for edification and blessing—when/if we find they’re otherwise, I remove them.  I’m a great fan of home ventures and free enterprise and when families work to provide instructional/godly family devotional or home-schooling materials we are pleased to share the links with you.  Similarly, when we hear of businesses offering modest clothing, we definitely want to pass those sites along to our readers!  Given the limited selection of modest and age-appropriate clothing, it’s a blessing to see the market expanding by way of family enterprise.  A family wrote the other day sharing their home-based business which I’d like to share with you.  She has a nice selection of modest dresses she sews for young girls.  The site is filled with nice dresses for little girls.

Too busy for bloggin’ these days…


August 7, 2003  My mom suggested this site to us this morning.  Rebecca Cole shows lots of interesting things, neat ways to be hospitable and create special ways & places around your home.  For me, the ideas spark creativity to use what we have in new ways—for that’s the sum of creativity… being content with such things as ye have!

I remember at each closing of the Bible Answerman’s program he’d say something like:  Are you willing to do for the Truth what the enemy is doing for a lie?  O, on every front Christianity, families, the church, marriage and the Bible are under attack.  One of the greatest hurdles we face is the hurdle if “fear of man.”  If I take this stand or that stand, what will my neighbors think?  If I reject the lies of society and refuse to conform to societal norms, I’ll not be too popular with them.  If I stand on the side of Truth, they might think I am rejecting *them* instead of rejecting the lies.  No man can serve two masters.    Galatians 6.7 says “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”  Are we willing to do for the Truth what the enemy is doing for a lie?

Job 28.28 “…Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

Proverbs 29.25  “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”

Ecclesiastes 12.13  “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

It you’re into the news you just might be thinking these days: how much worse is it going to get?  How much worse can it get?!?  Ugly.  Sin is ugly and the devil is sly—sly and slimy—apart from Jesus—obedience to and faith in Jesus and the finished work of the cross—apart from that there is no hope.  But God.  But God who is rich in mercy…

Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, R-Colo., has introduced the Federal Marriage Amendment (H.J. Res. 56) as a proposed constitutional amendment, which will remove the definition of marriage from the reach of all legislatures and courts permanently.
This amendment simply states:

“Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union between a man a woman. Neither this constitution or the constitution of any state, nor state or federal law, shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups”

Please join Dr. Jerry Falwell, me and one million Americans in the
Petition of Support for the Federal Marriage Amendment
.
Click on this link to join in this national effort:
http://onemanonewoman.com

So, the news… it’s seemingly unreal—but it’s real.  The depravity deepens and the chasm is widening between the world and the Word.  I’m not thinking that the chasm is widening between some/much of the church and the world, though, because the church has this preoccupation with building itself and making itself palatable to the world.  It will never be.  Jesus said He will build His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 18.16) 

But the enemy is fierce. “Your adversary, the devil,  as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1Peter 5.8  Just take a look at what’s going on in the world… amazing. These things are anything but gay—these abominations… they’re grievous at least.  And then judges display such lack of wisdom ignorance of the constitution, of law.

So, now… we have a monumental case in our nation’s history.  A pivotal case in regard to freedom, religious freedom and the intent of the Founding Fathers and the basis of the foundation of this country.
August 6, 2003  I’ve been drinking more flavoured teas lately… the one I tend to like the most lately is Celestial Seasonings’ Apple Cinnamon—and my friend Kelli brought me teas when she visited and among them was a box of “Perfectly Pear” White Tea! Yum!  Now, I saw on their site a flavour I’ll try soon: peach apricot honeybush.  I think peaches and apricots are my favourite fruits—along with raspberries and blueberries.  I’m thinking of trying this blueberry recipe from the Washington Times for my husband whose favourite is blueberry-anything!  BTW, my favourite was this line in the recipe: You should have 4 biscuits left over. Wrap and freeze for another brunch.”   😐  We *n-e-v-e-r* have to wrap and freeze anything for another brunch—and I’m thinking I’m pretty sure we’ve never had left over biscuits.

O, in the news… pray the LORD‘s will be done—– grievous decisions being made in the “church” which just further demonstrate the depravity of man and careless and carnally blind handling of the Word.  2Timothy 3.17 “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” As we seek to know, follow and obey the Word of God, we can clearly see the violations and ignorance of the Word—it’s directives, commands and teaching.  I grieve today over the misguided leadership in that church and in churches around the world.  God help them—God help us all.   Ephesians 4.30 “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”  Some will say we are critical—even judgmental—nay, not judgmental: zealous of the Word, faith, of the Gospel and of good works.
Hebrews 13.6 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”  I will continue to use the platforms the LORD gives me to declare and as a defender the faith.


August 5, 2003 

I needed a ‘pick-me-up’ for gardening because this time of year there are more weeds than flowers and more weed seeds taking root than vegetables coming up.  This gardener’s site gives some ideas—actually lots of ideas and lots more ways to spend money which I’m trying to avoid doing more of right now!

Many of our friends are preparing to send sons or daughters out from their homes… some newlyweds and some to school this month… my heart and prayers go out to/for them because of the bittersweet of change… life… maturity.  And that’s the way it should be—that’s what we’re working for.  We don’t raise ’em up to *keep* them; we raise ’em up to *send* them out.  O, the years and years spent running and running… pouring life and energy into everyday with those children… then: it’s over.  What a challenge it was to me five years ago when our two oldest left our home to begin their own homes/lives. What a blast to my consciousness and what an assault to my heart—my boys… I so loved my boys—it’s a different kind of loving now.  O, the prayers… our second boy sure taught us to pray… We then began a “new normal” with our family here in our home. Ohmy, it’s so over when it’s over—not to be morbid, but it’s sort of like death: it’s so over when it’s over.  No more chances to do things this or that way… no more late-night talks beside the bed; no more opportunities to sit at the breakfast or dinner table and plan the day or have devotions or order school materials or fold laundry for that one because it’s a neeeeew day… a neeeeew way.  it’s so over when it’s over. 

We really enjoy doing crafts or projects around the kitchen table… the dilemma is coming up with neat ideas we can afford or that will not be just another item for the wastebasket in a few days.  So, I’ve been looking around at craft ideas and have found some neat ones!  You’ll probably like some of them too… maybe there are some others you’ll enjoy.
Something caught my eye while browsing… my step-dad sure likes butterscotch cookies and so I’m thinking of making this
gift-in-a-jar for him sometime.  We have other gifts in a jar recipes  and speaking of gifts… I’ve got pages of gifts that’ll give a bunch of ideas and some more ideas for gifts to give (updated!)

August 4, 2003 
Special guests at our church yesterday were the “Voices of Victory” from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College.   What a blessing they were both in the service and during our pot-bless lunch afterward.  We’re continuing to meet for lunch each Sunday while the ASL class is in session.  We’re using the Bravo ASL curriculum from Sign Enhancers.  Our teacher is such a dear, she’s deaf and attends the Emmanuel Deaf Fellowship that’s a part of our church.  She is married to a hearing man and so he helps encourage us as we learn as he, himself, is still learning the deaf culture.  We’re learning so much about communication, about foolish misconceptions and other things about the deaf culture.  Something that’s helping is that we’re seeing Naomi (our daughter who is deaf in her left ear) really take to this and it’s opening up a whole new world of communication.  One of the biggest advantages I’m seeing is the replacement of our poor home-signing with proper ASL signing.  It’s sort of like slang… when proper English (or whatever language) is introduced and understood and vocabulary is broadened, then slang is seen for how limiting it really is when compared to intelligent or proper speech/language.


So far, this is how much swimming I’m doing!


My mom receives catalogs for gardeners and woodworkers that are just packed with useful items for both!  I like looking through them and checked out their site —
Lee Valley— and what great ideas they have!  Now, I found their site to be sort of difficult to navigate—might’ve been clicking too quickly—but I’ll try again later—anyway, there sure are some great tools for gardening that I’m thinking of ordering.  We need help clearing weeds as they seem to grow so much better and faster than the flowers and vegetables!!

August 3, 2003   We returned from a wedding Saturday evening.  We were reminded of the wedding at Cana… the place of the beginning of the miracles of Christ our LORD.  I thought on the sovereignty of God, the bringing together of souls that would become one flesh that together they would be better—more effective than were they to remain single.  I thought of ways my husband’s life is more effective because of me and mine because of him… and then I ask the LORD… LORD, are there ways in which I am hindering the effectiveness of my husband or oneness with him?  The stark reality is that I am created as a help meet for my husband—a help fitted to him—a help, not a hindrance.  As I think on these things, I mull over in my mind ways in which I might improve in order that I’m living in obedience to Christ—to the Word… because anything less brings dishonour to both.

August 2, 2003 

Home from the doctor… pleased with the results of the surgery and so grateful to God for the things He has done.   Kathryn now has the task of slowly trying to bear full weight on her feet—learning to walk with straight feet.   What a blessing it was to see the x-rays this morning.  X-rays tell the story.  The smile and the beautiful music tells the story of a heart yielded to the LORD.  There’s really nothing more to add today… my heart is overflowing with gratitude to our gracious LORD.

     
              
“…How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace,
and bring glad tidings of good things.”  Romans 10.15

August 1, 2003

—–Late 8-01-03 —–  As I type this, a pair of crutches leans against the wall at the foot of the stairs—a very familiar sight this year as Kathryn has spent two eight-week time periods using crutches to get around.  In the morning we’ll go to her doctor who’ll remove her cast… x-rays will reveal the results of the surgery and eight weeks of no weight bearing on that foot.  The familiar clicking of the crutches, the crawling up the stairs and all the other inconveniences will be things of the past.  These surgeries have been incredible answers to prayer… surgeries that have corrected her feet and will hopefully enable her to walk long distances or stand lengths of time without pain; to buy shoes in various styles—not limited to few and certain types.  Tomorrow she’ll wear ‘flip-flop’ sandals… something she’s doing for the first time in her life.  While not ashamed of the appearance of her feet previously, she has had numerous ‘most embarrassing moments’ when questioned about their appearance.  Even now, some will ask if her feet will ever be any better.  O, the poise she’s developed, the gracious attitude she has in answering the questions—I marvel at her maturity, it’s far beyond her years. 

A bright August day…   Joey – 8 years old

The first of August already!!  Considering this is the last full month of summer, and “vacation” time, we’re going to be spending the month reviewing and preparing for the upcoming “school-year” here at home.  I have been receiving catalogs from different Homeschool organizations and companies.  We’ve begun mapping our plan for the months ahead… seeing where each child needs to grow based on where they are now, etc.

One neat thing I received from my sister-on-law this morning: Growth of a Nation a ten minute presentation illustrating the growth of the United States from the original 13 colonies to the present—or rather, to 1950.  Thankfully, the decline of morality is not documented here.  We’ll be able to use this as a refresher and as a springboard to our studies in History for the year.  Two years ago we began a study of the United States… but didn’t do too many last year, so we’ll resume the study this year.  We made mini-books (a “book-package” for each state with interesting flaps and slots and pull-down features to highlight different aspects of each state’s history, geography and resources) based on The Book of Books by Dinah Zike.  I even joined the e-group list for a while that first year which was somewhat helpful for that time.

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