Friday, May 27, 2011

A Beautiful Handmaiden of the LORD God

Yesterday a beautiful woman went to be with the LORD.  She was in a former post of mine as Lady A on 10/25/09 and the first time on 2/27/09.

She was a beautiful handmaiden to the LORD.  It was an honor to love her and watch her live for Him, even as she went through such tough times.  I have been so blessed to know her before glory, and I look forward to that day that we can rejoice with Him together!

Sweet, precious Betty was 90 years young in March.

"Strength and dignity are her clothing and she smiles at the future."
Proverbs 31:25

Just as her family does~~~I rise up and bless her name and glorify God.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Waiting on the LORD

Glorifying God.  This is our job description. 

Waiting on God.  This is how we learn to trust Him.

When we wait on His timing and trust Him no matter what happens, we glorify Him.

Peanuts
by Charles Schultz

Live your life fully for the LORD

While culling old material, I came across a Focus on the Family Citizen magazine with a small article concerning Charles Schulz which is posted below.

As God's children we do not have to be famous or even the best at what we do in life, but we can live our lives fully in faith for the LORD and glorify Him.

So Long, Charlie Brown

Comic Pages in newspapers across the country will pay homage on May 27 [2000] to the late Charles A. Schulz, the creator of “Peanuts,” who died on Feb. 12 [2000] --one day before his last original strip ran in Sunday comics sections.

Since Schulz’s death from colon cancer, Americans have expressed their affection for the most unlikely of cultural icons:  a shy, Midwestern man of faith.  When Schulz fell ill, he was besieged with get-well cards and prayers; when he passed on, his fans gobbled up “Peanuts” memorabilia--lunch boxes, piggy banks, figurines--any souvenir of a boy, his dog, and a world where no one ever grew old.

Christians could learn from America’s love affair with Schulz’s work.  “Peanuts” served as a daily reminder that it was possible to take an honest look at the human condition without descending into either vulgarity or cynicism.  Schulz didn’t believe that it was necessary to offend his readers to make them think clearly.  And, even though Charlie Brown never did kick that football, he never stopped trying--Schulz’s reminder of the power of that most Christian of virtues: hope.

C. S. Lewis said the world doesn’t need “Christian writers” (or cartoonists), but good writers who are Christians.  Schulz was a great cartoonist whose work reflected his beliefs.  There’s no better model for shaping a culture.  For all these reasons and for being the most decent and gentle of men, he’ll be missed.

Written by Roberto Rivera, May 2000, Focus on the Family’s Citizen, page 31.

..."Rejoicing in Hope"....
Romans 12

Friday, May 20, 2011

The Beauty of Home Education

A beautiful home education quote from A Field Lily:

The beauty of homeschooling is that nothing has to be wasted. It reminds me of being a Christian in that Christ intends and desires to teach us through all of our experiences.

"The earth is the Lords, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it."
Psalm 24:1

Thursday, May 19, 2011

What Beautiful Feet

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”  Listen!  Your watchmen lift up their voices, they shout joyfully together; for they will see with their own eyes when the LORD restores Zion.
Isaiah 52:7-8

Today we were at the dental surgeon for minor surgery.  It was stressful and so I marveled at how the LORD works in and through my Beloved in any situation.  He always has a book with him to read in case there is empty time, but not just any book; it will be theological, historical, educational, and usually without trying, culturally offensive.

Sometimes, being a softy, I am concerned about what impressions will be made by some of the titles.  Today’s new book was Darwin Day in America by John West (the subtitle being, How our politics and culture have been dehumanized in the name of science).  Like many times, it is the main title which could be read across the room and misunderstood in any way these days.  Although I did not say anything, I did wonder what commotion could begin from someone who misunderstood it.

Thankfully, the LORD showed me gently again that I need to continually let go of my fears and concerns.  He has used my Beloved more times than I could ever remember with a book in his hand.  Conversations begin and God’s truth is spoken.  Usually more than the one person will hear the exchange and we can only imagine what glory the LORD will receive because my Beloved was open and willing to talk.

Today it was the surgeon who inquired when she saw the title.  She is a Christian who has always been in a quandary over evolution.  They spoke of this subject for a while and then she shared her concern over her college aged son who is choosing to believe the lies he is being taught in school.  I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norm Geisler and Frank Turek is now waiting to give to her at next week's recheck so she will be able to understand where her son's thinking has gone and now be able to reason with him.

A bonus: on the way home we stopped for gas where an employee was painting right at our pump. Even with a numb mouth, my Beloved began a normal conversation that led right up to theology with this young man.  Even though the conversation ended because the tank was full, this man was treated respectfully and had a real conversation to think on after we left.

Praise the LORD for my Beloved’s beautiful feet!

How will they preach unless they are sent?  Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
Romans 10:15

No matter what it looks like out there---run to the LORD


































Peanuts by Charles Schultz





"Life" can really be so real sometimes.  We must run to the LORD for our comfort, safety,  and strength.  We must do this no matter what it looks like out there.

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower;  The righteous runs into it and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10

Although the world can be an evil place, those of us who love the LORD God with all our hearts can find great peace in Him.

“As for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
and I will wait on Your name, for it is good,
in the presence of Your godly ones.”
Psalm 52:8-9

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

His Truth Shall Be Thy Shield

While checking out On the Write Narrow Path you will find an excellent story, Daddy, Will You Please Cover Me?  which will definitely chalenge each of you to think.  As godly women, we must remember that this world is not our home, but we can easily become very involved and wrapped up into its wrong thinking.  May this post encourage you.

“He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
 Psalm 91:4

More than Legalism 101

Musings from a Theo-Geek's post on March 27, 2011,   Legalism is Rooted in Insecurity is more than Legalism 101.

How to become a Legalist
1)  Make rules outside the Bible.
2)  Push yourself to try and keep your rules.
3)  Castigate yourself when you don't keep your rules.
4)  Become proud when you do keep your rules.
5)  Appoint yourself as judge over other people.
6)  Get angry with people who break your rules or have different rules.
7)  "Beat" the losers.

Sadly, I have one more rule to add to the list from my personal experience:

8) Now that You are a legalistic, manipulative leader and You can easily control the others who follow you, You no longer have to follow your own rules! plus You can make up new rules to control the others at your whim---control and manipulation being the thing.

Legalism comes in many forms.  Each form is a burden to people.  Read the Word and be set free in His truth.

" ...a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but through faith in Christ Jesus."
Galations 2:16

Romans 14 discusses disputable matters - personal issues to which you are not to hold others legally bound.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

For I am not ashamed of the gospel

Peanuts by Charles Schultz

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith;  as it is written, But the righteous man shall live by faith."
Romans 1:16-17

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Pollyanna Revisited

Back on March 8 this year I posted concerning the book, and the 1960 movie, Pollyanna.  Now check out Eternity Matters concerning the movie and be encouraged again.

The term “Pollyanna” is typically used to describe someone with an irrational optimism, but I thought the behavior of the character (an orphan of missionaries) was biblically grounded. She seemed to live out the meaning of turning the other cheek and of Philippians 4:12-13.

Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Truth without love is too hard; love without truth is too soft.

How we speak with others is important, especially when we are teaching God's truth.  You may not know this, but when you are defending God’s word - His truth - you are using apologetics.  Humbleness is an excellent choice when speaking with others.

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.  Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." 
Colossians 4:5-6

You can find great encouragement from The Watchman's Bagpipes on Friday, May 6, 2011, Apologetics Decorum or how we are to speak to others.

Let’s all remember that we are supposed to be representing Christ whether we are apologists or those who are upset at the apologists. We should use proper courtesy and respect and do what we do in love.  Love for the lost, love for those burdened with false teachings, and love for the false teachers; in this way we can perhaps affect them so that they will come to salvation, leave the legalistic or otherwise burdensome false teachings, or become a teacher who leaves his false ideas behind.

Truth without love is too hard; love without truth is too soft.
A quote from James R. Spencer

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

All the Way My Savior Leads Me

All the way my Savior leads me;  What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, who thro’ life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me, cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living bread.
Tho’ my weary steps may falter, and my soul a-thirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me;  O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed, immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song thro’ endless ages: “Jesus led me all the way.”
This my song thro’ endless ages: “Jesus led me all the way.”

Fanny J. Crosby

Monday, May 9, 2011

Let them praise His name with dancing

Peanuts by Charles Schultz


"Let them praise His name with dancing; 
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre. 
For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; 
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation."
Psalm 149:3-4

with loving thanks to Rebecca and Rachel.

Let me remind you: Do not be blinded or short-sighted!

“Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you."
2 Peter 1:12

Jesus has granted us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and virtue.  He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises.

And for this reason we can:

Apply all diligence in our faith--

Apply moral virtue--

And in our moral virtue apply knowledge--

And in our knowledge apply self-control--

And in our self-control apply perseverance--

And in perseverance apply godliness--

And in our godliness apply brotherly kindness--

And in our brotherly kindness apply love.

How beautiful it is to see how each quality builds on the others until we are able, through Him, to express kindness and then love.

In this world it is easy enough to be kind and loving to the lovely, but so very difficult, if not impossible, to express kindness and love to the hardened unlovely.  If we begin at the top of this 2 Peter list and follow through, then we are able to express true kindness and true love to a broken world.

Precious women, let us not be blind or short-sighted, forgetting our purification from our sins, but let us be diligent!  Let these qualities be always increasing in us so that we will be useful and fruitful in the wonderful true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From 2 Peter 1:1-12

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day

Each of you are special to the LORD.  May His word bless you:

“…you are more valuable than many sparrows…”
Matthew 10:29-31

“…she smiles at the future…”
Proverbs 31:10-31

“…rejoicing in hope…”
Romans 12

If you love Him, you are His handmaiden and all you do can be for Him.  Oh, how this glorifies the LORD!  Even the angels marvel in wonder at how we love Him.

“Life” does not always turn out the way we wanted.  It can be disappointing all the way to sheer agony.  Run to Him, dear sister!  His arms are wide to cradle you and give you comfort for whatever has transpired in your life, and then you can rest in Him knowing that He has all of these things in His mighty hands.

Wherever you are in your life, no matter your circumstances, gentle handmaiden---may this day bring you joy--His joy!

Mutts by Patrick McDonnall

Friday, May 6, 2011

Bird Watching

The Confessions of a Nuthatch Avoider
by Ogden Nash

Bird watchers top my honors list.
I aimed to be one, but I missed.
Since I’m both myopic and astigmatic,
My aim turned out to be erratic.
And I, bespectacled and binocular,
Exposed myself to comment jocular.
We don’t need too much birdlore, do we,
To tell a flamingo from a towhee;
Yet I cannot, and never will,
Unless the silly birds stand still.
And there’s no enlightenment so obscure
As ornithological literature.
Is yon strange creature a common chickadee,
Or a migrant alouette from Picardy?
You rush to consult your nature guide
And inspect the gallery inside.
But a bird in the open never looks
Like its picture in the birdie books--
Or if it once did, it has changed its plumage,
And plunges you back into ignorant gloomage.
That is why I sit here growing old by inches,
Watching the clock instead of finches,
But I sometimes visualize in my gin
The Audobon I audubin.

White Crowned sparrows showed up this week at our home.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Plan "A" or Plan "B"

Sherman's Lagoon by Jim Toomey

"Comit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established."
Proverbs 16:3

"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yoursleves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 24:15

The God of the Bible is true.
God is plan "A" and there is no plan "B".

Monday, May 2, 2011

Good Work Ethics


My favorite restaurant is Colonial Café & Ice Cream in St. Charles, Illinois.  Mostly it is my favorite because of sentimental memories. We are not able to eat there very often since we live far away now, but it is great when we can go.
I just finished reading their 50th anniversary book about the history of the company from 1901 to 2001 which was begun by Simon Anderson as a dairy and eventually into the cafés they are now. (There are more cafés than just my favorite one on North Ave in St. Charles.)
It was an interesting history for me, but the one thing I wanted to share are the rules for milk delivery employees.  As Christians a good work ethic is very important.  We should be a shining light over our culture which seems to only think of themselves. This text appears on the back of a route book carried in 1917 by the Route One driver for Anderson Pure Milk company.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED
1. ACCIDENTS: Report at once to office. Get names of witnesses and if with a Street Car No. of Car, etc.
2. Drivers after accepting routes, will be held responsible for same and will have to make good on mistakes make by their own carelessness. If drivers give attention to business and have an understanding at all times with customers, they cannot dispute their accounts. Any man can deliver milk and a good man makes his collections and keeps his books and accounts straight.
3. Smoking is positively prohibited while on the wagon or in dairy and men who cannot keep away from Saloons while on duty except when delivery mild, are not wanted in the employ of this Company.
4. Men should be neat in their appearance. They should keep their lanterns clean, and the glass and the inside of wagons clean.
5. It is as important to collect empty bottles, as it is to leave milk. They cost money.
6. Be a gentleman at all times. Don’t waste time with one customer and neglect the others and be on hand when the customer promises to pay. Don’t try to make up waste (sic) time with the horse. Remember the horse can’t complain.
7. Receipt for all money received, save trouble and your own reputation and remember the old motto: “An honest man is the noblest work of God.”
8. No money to be paid a driver for the time spent in learning a route unless he remains 60 days.

9. Commissions will be held 14 days after driver quits or is discharged to allow us time to check up the route.

10. All lines and lanterns must be put in barns every night to avoid being stolen~otherwise driver will have to pay for loss. 

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the LORD rather than for men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive  the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."      Colossians 3:23-24