My Times are in Your Hands

Looking out our back door last January

Today is December 1st. We woke-up to find a candy coating of snow on everything outside and, even now, it is snowing. It's pretty to watch snow as it slowly falls from the sky and changes the landscape. I knew it would arrive sometime...snow. I'll admit that I'm glad it has held off until now. With Christmas just around the corner, snow seems more appropriate some how. It didn't snow here in November. That's not normal for our neck of the woods. But then again, things haven't been normal around here for quite some time.

Mr. Wonderful has been without a paycheck for quite some time. He found himself receiving an unemployment check this past June for the very first time in his life. Like so many other small business owners, the family business that has employed most of his family and many others for the past twenty-five years has come to an end. It has been heartbreaking to watch the slow death of this once vibrant and growing company. I would liken it to the death of a close family member as you helplessly watch them suffer and slowly die. It's been horrible. And it's been extremely difficult knowing there's absolutely nothing anyone can do to stop it. So, a set of parents, their five sons and their families, along with almost a hundred other employees and their families have all had to say goodbye. Even as I write this, I still cannot believe it.

It has been so hard watching my husband spend 8 to 10 hours a day, just looking for work. In today's world, everything is done on-line. Resumes are submitted on-line. Extensive applications are entered on-line. Hour and a half long tests, countless times, are taken on-line. Interviews are given on-line. Psychological tests are given on-line. And my favorite, writing poetry in order to even enter into the on-line application process. I kid you not. Once when he tried to contact a company by phone, he was told that if they allowed applicants to call in to ask questions, they would have to hire two full-time people just to answer the phones. Brutal is an understatement. The reasons for what seemed like endless rejections were even harder to comprehend.

And so yesterday morning our family gathered around the kitchen table to pray. And once again, in thankfulness, we called upon the Lord to hear our prayers and answer them according to His will. He alone knows our future. Surely the Lord sees what we cannot. We have continually prayed we would "consider it all joy" and learn the many lessons He has for us. We prayed we would be found faithful and not falter through these difficult times. I am ashamed to admit that I have stumbled many times.

Yesterday we found ourselves, like so many others, receiving our last unemployment check. Twenty-six weeks goes by quickly when you're not working. It's not much, but it was enough for us to help keep our nose above water. When you read the statistics that most families are two paychecks away from homelessness, we recognized God's provisions for our family. While we have exhausted much of our resources over the past 18 months, we are thankful we had resources to draw from.

Have you ever heard that saying, God is NEVER late but seldom early? Last night Mr. Wonderful received an e-mail which contained the first of its kind. A job offer...a job offer that exceeded any expectations. And they wanted to know if he could start on Monday.

How do you respond to that? Is "thank you" really enough? We gathered again as a family and through many tears thanked God for His mercy. We prayed our memories would not be found on the short side, like the Israelites' when they left Egypt, but that we would remember this time, for all time.

I found myself early this morning pondering what had transpired over the past 24 hours. I want so much to remember that moment in time when we discovered God's hand in our lives. It felt like the last possible moment to us. I know it didn't seem that way to Him. He knows all things and sees all things. His timing is perfect.

From Babbie Mason's Trust His Heart...

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When don't see his plan
When you can't trace his hand
Trust His Heart

In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. ...I trust in you, LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:1-2, 14-15

With a thankful heart and overwhelming joy,

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

This no longer looks as appetizing as it did a few days ago...

A plate filled with food on Thanksgiving Day

Starting at noon on the plate above:

Old World Stuffing (my very own creation which includes Tuscany bread, bacon, walnuts and apples)
A tiny dollop of cranberry sauce
Yes, that is the very famous Carrot Souffle
Awesome Broccoli Cheese Casserole with both Ritz Crackers and French Fried Onions on top
Sweet Potato Casserole with roasted pecans in butter and brown sugar
A slice of ham and turkey
Your basic frozen shoe peg corn microwaved before serving...
and in the middle, roasted garlic mashed potatoes with turkey gravy (the gravy was from a jar this year and, well, it worked for me since no one else here likes gravy).

Rachel made four fabulous pies: two pumpkin, one peanut butter, and one coconut cream. Dear goodness, this girl can cook!

And, no, we did not eat four whole pies! We took them to a get together with family later in the day. Thank you, very much!

I've hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our home for the past thirteen years. In all those years, I've never taken a photo of a plate filled with food. I suppose it was because there was between 20 and 25 hungry people milling about as I finished mashing the potatoes (always the last thing I do before dinner is served) and as my dear aunts helped make the gravy and slice the turkey or rib roast or ham. I was always too busy to take pictures and by the time things had settled down, I wanted to sit down with everyone else.

This year was different. It was just us. Four people. We decided to do things quite differently. Rachel set a formal table using our wedding China, silver, and crystal. We decided against the white linen table cloth although we splurged and used the white linen napkins. She insisted on lighting long white taper candles. And so we ate our Thanksgiving dinner with the lights off and the candles flickering. It was a lovely atmosphere and I am thankful for the memory. This was the first year I slept in. And this was the first year I took a nap in the afternoon. I must say, I liked it!

Now, rewind to four days before Thanksgiving.

We went to church and came home knowing we had a short break before we had to leave for Rachel's piano recital. The moment I walked in the door from church, I knew something was wrong. The house was cold. I peeked at the thermostat and sure enough it was cold as it read 65 degrees (we keep the house at 68 during the day). Mr. Wonderful went downstairs and discovered that, once again, the ignitor on the furnace had died. I think this is the third or fourth time this has happened in 15 years. He called the heating and cooling company (remember, it's Sunday) and within a few minutes received a call from the repairman telling him he would arrive at 1 o'clock...exactly the same time we need to be at Rachel's recital. He explained our predicament to the guy, but realized heat in the house was more important than a recital. And so it was decided that Mr. Wonderful would stay home while the kids and I headed for the recital. Within about three minutes, the phone rang again. It was the repairman. He had received a repair call just a few minutes before ours. He called them, told them our situation, and asked if they would switch appointments. Amazingly, they agreed to switch. Even more, he was pulling into our driveway as he spoke!

And so what did Yours Truly do? Why she stood in the kitchen and started sobbing. Because she was thankful? No. Because she was not thankful. She was having a big fat pity party for herself. She could not find a moment of thankfulness in that situation even though it appeared to be a small miracle...a repairman at your house within five minutes, a problem fixed in an hour, and everyone able to go to the recital without delay. No, I wasn't thankful. I was angry.

A dear friend reminded me later that day of the song that ends with these words:

"You give and take away,
You give and take away,
my heart will choose to say,
Lord, blessed be your name."

Well, it's been feeling like a lot of take away for quite some time now and on this particular Sunday, I am sorry to say that I didn't respond with, "Lord, blessed be your name."

Fast forward to the morning after Thanksgiving.

We had made it a very late night on Thanksgiving after visiting with family until midnight. We came home and decided to watch a movie together and so we didn't crawl into bed until after 2:30 a.m. I can't even remember the last time we stayed up that late, or that early, I should say. Anyway, I was the first one up. Jesse puppy was eagerly waiting for me since it was past her regular breakfast time. As I walked into the kitchen and around the island, I stepped into puddle of water. Is it water? Hmmm. Yep, it's water. Actually, it's a huge puddle of water right in front of the refrigerator. So, I open the refrigerator and quickly discover that it had died. And it had been dead for a while because everything in the refrigerator door and freezer door was warm. A few things in the front of the freezer were also thawed, but for the most part, everything was still frozen since the items were stacked closely together.

What a difference five days can make. And knowing dear friends are praying for you. Thank you, dear friends! Instead of standing there and sobbing into the big puddle of water on the floor as I held a bag of warm soggy strawberries, I thanked God the refrigerator didn't die on the morning of Thanksgiving. It could have, but it didn't. It died after Thanksgiving. And, thankfully, we have a smaller refrigerator in the basement where we carried the frozen food and the food that could be salvaged from the refrigerator. I am so thankful!

Oh, that God would find me faithful to be thankful no matter the circumstances. He gives and takes away. He gives and takes away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Autumn Only Lasts So Long

My Little Missy

Oh, today has been such a nice day. For a number of different reasons I suppose. I don't know. I woke-up extra early and decided to sneak downstairs and linger over a cup of coffee while reading from The Valley of Vision. Do you have this little book in your library? If not, you really should. This devotional contains prayers from the largely forgotten deposit of Puritan spiritual exercises, meditations and aspirations. The beauty of the language stirs my heart and helps me see through eyes which are not my own. I could never speak so eloquently, but my heart feels each word as if it originated there.

GOD ALL-SUFFICIENT

O Lord of Grace,

The world is before me this day,
and I am weak and fearful,
but I look to thee for strength;
If I venture forth alone I stumble and fall,
but on the Beloved's arms I am firm
as the eternal hills;
If left to the treachery of my heart
I shall shame thy Name,
but if enlightened, guided, upheld by thy Spirit,
I shall bring thee glory.
Be though my arm to support,
my strength to stand,
my light to see,
my feet to run,
my shield to protect,
my sword to repel,
my sun to warm.
To enrich me will not diminish thy fullness;
All thy lovingkindness is in thy Son,
I bring him to thee in the arms of faith,
I urge his saving Name as the One who died for me.
I plead his blood to pay my debts of wrong.
Accept his worthiness for my unworthiness,
his sinlessness for my transgressions,
his purity for my uncleanness,
his sincerity for my guile,
his truth for my deceits,
his meekness for my pride,
his constancy for my backslidings,
his love for my enmity,
his fullness for my emptiness,
his faithfulness for my treachery,
his obedience for my lawlessness,
his glory for my shame,
his devotedness for my waywardness,
his holy life for my unchaste ways,
his righteousness for my dead works,
his death for my life.

Some of those lines--I just have to pause and really think about them. Amazing love! How can it be, that thou my God shouldst die for me?

This afternoon I am home alone with my sweet little missy. It's unusual that we're home on a Wednesday afternoon. So, do you know what we did? We decided to get a little brave and pull out ... drum roll please ... our sewing projects! Rachel is finishing an embroidery project she started earlier this summer. And me, well, do you remember this post? How about this post? I must confess that since cutting out all the squares for my quilt back in July, everything has been tucked away. I guess with the weather changing, it seems like the perfect time to pull it all back out again.

But I'm scared!

Rachel and I took everything upstairs and used the bed to create a grid so that all the pieces were correctly placed (the finished quilt will be 6' x 5'). Then she carefully wrote labels for each square (column 1, row 1, etc.) and I pinned them in place. I don't know if that's what you're suppose to do, but I feel like I need to know exactly what is what and to know where what goes! Then we carefully stacked up each row and placed them into plastic bags in order to keep them from getting mixed-up.

Rachel asked, "So, are you going to sew now?"
"Uh, no. I'm too scared!"

So, we're headed in the right direction, but have much to consider. This is my first big quilt (big for me!) and I really want to do a good job.

I'll keep you posted!

By the way, I hope you like the new blog background and colors. I'll probably still make some little adjustments here and there. I must say it was quite fun choosing something new and my little missy was right there helping every step of the way. Since autumn only lasts so long, I'll be able to do it all again in another couple of months!

Happy Wednesday!

Learning and Growing and Serving

It's kinda hard to believe I took this photo of the big white dry erase board at the end of the school year minutes before Rachel erased it. Rules for negative numbers. Yikes! And here we are once again, school is just around the corner.

We have a tradition of heading outside to a maple tree in the front yard where the kids stand in front of it and have their first day of school pictures taken. It's been amazing to see how the kids have grown and how the tree has grown since 2000!

We usually start school the day after Labor Day, but this year we'll be starting on the following Monday instead. I thought it might be nice to extend summer just a little bit longer! Besides, that's the same week our homeschool co-op begins. This is the first time we'll be attending a co-op. It's almost an hour and a half away from home, but when we sat in on the classes at the end of the year, the kids absolutely loved it. They will be taking classes for apologetics, speech, debate, and art.

This year we'll tackle Omnibus II by Veritas Press, Apologia Physical Science, Teaching Textbooks Algebra, French II, Wordly Wise 8, and IEW's writing program.

We always start our school day by gathering at the kitchen table and praying together and reading scripture. And I am absolutely convinced this is why the past nine years of homeschooling have been absolutely wonderful.

I cannot believe we are about to begin our 10th year of homeschooling! Oh God, that you would go before us once again and bless our time of learning and growing and serving.

Closing with those famous words of the old preacher man I loved dearly, Bob Cook, "Walk with the King today, and be a blessing!"

Unexpected Blessings

Last week held a few wonderful little surprises for me. One of them was a last minute get together with my sister-in-love, Julie, and her two younglings, Evan and Allison (aka Ally-Bug). We all witnessed with our very own eyes little Ally-Bug crawl for the first time. And if that wasn't enough, this little six-month old mozied on over to the step which goes from our great room to the kitchen. She had her eyes on Jesse puppy who was asleep under the kitchen table. That little stinker went from crawling to climbing in a matter of minutes! Of course we couldn't help ourselves and cheered her on, giving her a wild round of applause. I'm afraid for you, my dear sister-in-love!

After spending the afternoon together, we hopped into our cars and headed over to a nearby DQ for a cold treat on such a hot and humid day. So imagine my surprise when we arrived home to hear Caleb say, "Mama, have you been in the bathroom?" Drawing out my answer in a very concerned way, I say, "Noooooo." "Well, I think you need to go into the bathroom." My mind is imagining something terrible like an overflowing toilet or a creepy creature of some sort. But he quickly added, "Don't worry, everything's OK." So picture this--the entire family walks together and slowly enters the bathroom. And this is what we find...


Do you see it?


Oh, look! It's a present for Yours Truly! My sister-in-love, as sweet as anyone could ever be, left behind this beautiful card and precious angel. Honestly, it made my day. No, it made my week.

So, my friends, here's a wonderful idea for you to encourage someone special. Be sure to leave your little blessing in an unexpected place.

Last Monday night I called my dear friend, Mrs. Nagy, and invited her to join Rachel and me for an impromptu trip to Amish Country. Tuesday morning we headed out with something very specific in mind. I was on a quest, you know. I think I might have mentioned it a few posts back. I want to make a quilt just for me.

Here's what I came home with...


Beautiful, don't you think? Yes, I know it will be a very long time before this quilt is finished, but I just couldn't wait to show off the gorgeous fabric we found. It was so much fun shopping for fabric. Who knew? The colors will look beautiful with the furniture in our great room. Oh, I cannot wait! Can you even believe it? I can't.

And here's one last little tidbit, completely unrelated except by the title of this post, I thought I'd share with you. I was reminded of it last night while we were at church. I heard this many, many years ago and included it in a Bible study Rachel and I went through together. Post it on your refrigerator. Teach it to your children. Have them memorize it.

Sow a thought, reap an act.

Sow an act, reap a habit.

Sow a habit, reap a character.

Sow a character, reap a destiny.

We were reminded once again last evening that following Jesus is very serious business. Watch your life and your doctrine carefully.

Your friend,

Standing Still Before the Thorns

Photo courtesy of Martin LaBar

I'm working on a little project which I am not at liberty to share at the moment. It requires much research on my part and I must say, I'm enjoying my time. I often come across things that may not help the project per se, but they help me. The other day, I got so sidetracked I forgot what I was suppose to be doing and ended up doing, well, I guess what I was really suppose to be doing. Funny how that works sometimes.

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From Streams in the Desert ... August 16

In waiting, I waited for the Lord (Psalm 40:1, margin)

Waiting is much more difficult than walking. Waiting requires patience, and patience is a rare virtue. It is fine to know that God builds hedges around His people--when the hedge is looked at from the viewpoint of protection. But when the hedge is kept around one until it grows so high that he cannot see over the top, and wonders whether he is ever to get out of the little sphere of influence and service in which he is pent up, it is hard for him sometimes to understand why he may not have a larger environment--hard for him to "brighten the corner" where he is.

But God has a purpose in all HIS holdups. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." reads Psalm 37:23.

On the margin of his Bible at this verse George Mueller had a notation, "And the stops also." It is a sad mistake for men to break through God's hedges. It is a vital principle of guidance for a Christian never to move out of the place in which he is sure God has placed him, until the Pillar of Cloud moves. FROM SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES

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I was reminded of a book I read to my children in our early years of homeschooling. We had a little tradition that if a big snow storm (aka blizzard) caught us by surprise, we would cancel school and spend the day together snuggled on the sofa reading a Lamplighter book from cover to cover. Yes, it took a couple of hours or so, but these books are quite difficult to put down. We'd finish a chapter and the kids would say, "Oh, read one more!" and we'd read another chapter and it would happen again and again until the entire book was read. Oh, those were wonderful times and memories I'll treasure forever.

One of our earliest Lamplighter books was called The Hedge of Thorns, written in 1819. This book made such an impact on my children that I am certain, to this day, they have never forgotten the story. This true story is written in such a way that the reader and listeners are captivated and drawn into this story about a boy who learns the hard way that choices we make can harm those we love most.

In some ways my life has been on hold for many months now. From time to time I have found great difficulty in dealing with the waiting. I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to take control and just do something. Anything but wait.

Have I ever mentioned what an impatient person Yours Truly can be sometimes? I'm sorry to say it's so true. They aint kiddin' when they say patience is a rare virtue.

I am so thankful the Lord is patient with me while I struggle and attempt to approach the hedge He has built in my life. Sometimes the circumstances are such that I don't always think it's there for my protection. I just think it's in my way. My way. I suppose that's why I am so thankful that when I feel the sting of the thorns, I move back. Unfortunately, sometimes as I wait, I so easily forget what it feels like to get stuck and find myself moving closer time and time again. I can hear Jesus saying to his disciples, "Are you still so dull?" [Matthew 15:16 ]

Lord, I am so dull. Sometimes it takes me a long time to get it. And stay put.

Please forgive my lack of trust and faith. My disobedience.

Please give me strength to wait upon you.

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When we learn to wait for our Lord's lead in everything, we shall know the strength that finds its climax in an even, steady walk. Many of us are lacking in the strength we so covet. But God gives full power for every task He appoints. Waiting, holding oneself true to His lead--this is the secret of strength. And anything that falls out of the line of obedience is a waste of time and strength. Watch for His leading. S. D. GORDON

Must life be a failure for one compelled to stand still in enforced inaction and see the great throbbing tides of life go by? No; victory is then to be gotten by standing still, by quiet waiting. It is a thousand times harder to do this than it was in the active days to rush on in the columns of stirring life. It requires a grander heroism to stand and wait and not lose heart and not lose hope, to submit to the will of God, to give up work and honors to others, to be quiet, confident and rejoicing, while the happy, busy multitude go on and away. It is the grandest life "having done all, to stand." J.R. MILLER

Praying for patience and the Lord's leading,


P.S. Remember it is not a sin to enjoy the fragrance of the rose, but he who grasps after its beauty carelessly will reap the pain and suffering of its hidden barbs. Excerpt from Hedge of Thorns

Salvation's Song

This morning as Rachel was practicing piano, I kept hearing a few joined notes that sounded so familiar to me. I actually stopped her and asked her to play the notes again. And she did. It wasn't the song I thought it was, but it got me to thinking, singing, longing, and remembering. I just couldn't get it off my mind. Caleb and Rachel joined the adult choir for Easter this year and this was one of the songs they had sung. I don't think I can quite grasp what worship will sound like when Believers are gathered at the Throne someday, but it certainly gave me a tiny glimpse. I will never forget that moment nor this song.

I went to YouTube to see if, by chance, the song was there. Sure enough, there it was. And sung by none other than Stuart Townend himself. If you are at all familiar with modern-day hymn writers, Keith and Kristyn Getty, then you know Stuart Townend. They write many of their songs together.

If you haven't heard this song before, read through the words and then play the video. The prelude is about a minute long on the video but, trust me, it's so worth your time.

Salvation's Song

Loved before the dawn of time.
Chosen by my Maker,
hidden in my Saviour,
I am His and He is mine;
cherished for eternity.

When I'm stained with guilt and sin,
He is there to lift me,
heal me and forgive me.
Gives me strength to stand again;
stronger than I was before.

So with every breath that I am given
I will sing Salvation's song;
and I'll join the chorus of creation,
giving praise to Christ alone.

All the chains of Satan's curse
lifted through His off'ring
satisfied through suff'ring
All the blessings He deserves,
poured on my unworthy soul.

So with every breath that I am given
I will sing Salvation's song;
and I'll join the chorus of creation,
giving praise to Christ alone.

Singing glory, honour, wisdom, power
to the Lamb upon the Throne.
Hallelujah, I will lift Him high.

Singing glory, honour, wisdom, power
to the Lamb upon the Throne.
Hallelujah, I will sing with every breath that I am given
I will sing Salvation's song;
and I'll join the chorus of creation,
giving praise to Christ alone.

Stars will fade and mountains fall,
Christ will shine forever,
Love's unfading splendour.
Earth and heav'n will bow in awe,
joining in Salvation's song.

Stuart Townend and Andrew Small
Arrangement: Paul Campbell

Stars will fade and mountains fall...Christ will shine forever,

Grace and Peace

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8

When we arrive for worship each Sunday morning, our favorite usher greets us with a smile and places in our hands the Weekly Bulletin. The bulletin contains the kinds of things that might immediately come to mind, but there's a special little section I usually go to right away. It's called Preparing for Worship.

This is what was recorded there yesterday...

"If you believe that God ought to bless you and help you because you have worked so hard to obey him and be a good person, then Jesus may be your helper, your example, even your inspiration, but he is not your Savior. You are serving as your own Savior."

Timothy Keller
Excerpt from the book "The Prodigal God"

I don't know about you, but I had to read that through a couple of times to take it all in. Are you serving as your own Savior? I remember many years ago thinking there was something I had to do. I didn't know what it was, but I just figured there was something. I was wrong.

Here's one way I knew for sure...

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

Rachel has been cutting out and saving these Preparing for Worship quotes for quite some time. I asked her to bring me a few and she ended up bringing me a stack! So, here are a couple of quotes that touched my heart. I hope they touch your heart too.

"But I am a great sinner, sayest thou.
'I will in no wise cast out,' says Christ.
But I am an old sinner, sayest thou.
'I will in no wise cast out,' says Christ.
But I am a hard-hearted sinner, sayest thou.
'I will in no wise cast out,' says Christ.
But I have served Satan all my days, sayest thou.
'I will in no wise cast out,' says Christ.
But I have no good thing to bring with me, sayest thou.
'I will in no wise cast out,' says Christ.
Thus I might go on to the end of things, and show you that still this promise was provided to answer all objects."

John Bunyan (1628-1688)
Excerpt from the book, Fearless Pilgrim

"Jesus has forced open a door that had been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because he has done so."

C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)
Author

"Could any privilege be greater than that fallen and sinful creatures should be pardoned by the great God and brought into eternal fellowship with Himself in Christ? This is the privilege and honor that the Eternal has given to all who are in Christ."

Maurice Roberts
Pastor and Author

Scribbles in my Bible...

Grace--what God gives us that we don't deserve

Mercy--what God does not give us yet what we do deserve (punishment and death)

Grace and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,

Man Day Event 2009

Caleb at the beginning of the ceremony

Opening his gift

The look on Caleb's face is utter disbelief

Caleb's shield is carved out of solid black walnut

The four quadrants say:

Servant King .. Provider (King's Crown)
Tender Warrior .. Protector (Crossed Swords)
Wise-Mentor .. Teacher (Holy Bible)
Faithful Friend .. Uniter (Two Hands)

The Men

A Collection of Stones

During the ceremony, I presented these stones to Caleb. In the ancient days, stones were used to serve as a sign; when your children ask, "What do these stones mean?" tell them they are to be a memorial...forever. Joshua 4:6-7


Each stone represents a significant event in Caleb's life

13 stones were presented as markers to significant events in Caleb's life: Protected, Life, Dedicated to God, New Life, Service, Independence, etc. Each man then signed their name on a stone as a marker signifying this event in Caleb's life. A journal has been kept on the specific details of each stone. Two additional stones have been added since last year...


Two very proud parents with their son


Best Friends


Man Day Event July 2009

Tomorrow is Caleb's 14th birthday. It's hard to believe that one year ago we were celebrating his first step into manhood. I thought some reminiscing was in order. I wrote the note below just after the celebration took place.

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Jerry has had this event on his heart for many years. In a way, it's hard to believe it has already come and gone. Jerry might word things differently than I am here, but the end result is the same. This event is to serve as a marker in Caleb's life to remind him to look back to where he came from (heritage), consider where he is now, and look to the future realizing that God's hand is on his life and directing his steps.

Caleb was presented with a new Bible, one whose cover is thick leather, hoping it will last his life time. It was signed by his pastor, Alistair Begg, as well as by his father, mother, and sister. Each gave an admonition: Keep On!, Walk with the Lord, Stand Firm!, and Belong to the Truth.

Taken from the book by Stu Weber, The Four Pillars of a Man, here's an excerpt:

What kind of man builds a civilization, a small civilization, that out-lasts himself? What kind of man has shoulders broad enough to build upon? A four-pillared man:

--A man of vision and character...a King.
--A man of strength and power...a Warrior.
--A man of faith and wisdom...a Mentor.
--A man of heart and love...a Friend.

It is upon these pillars, the four pillars of manhood, that the small civilization we call "home" will either stand or fall. You can't support a roof, keep out the elements, and shield against things that go bump in the night with one or two pillars. Three pillars might hold up a roof for a while--but the structure is out of balance and always in danger of collapse. It takes four pillars to hold up a building, a temple, or a home. And it takes four pillars to make a man. A man who will bear the weight, stand against the elements, and hold one small civilization intact in a world that would like nothing better than to tear it down.

And so the book begins...

After the day's events (breakfast with the grandfathers, skeet shooting, bowling and golf), dinner was served and the ceremony began by Jerry going back in time over Caleb's heritage. Most of you know that Caleb was a twin and is the only child to survive similar circumstances. He was then reminded that he was created in the image of God for God's purposes. We were given Caleb as a gift, but realized we needed to hand him right back to God for His safe keeping. While we have made many mistakes as parents (and will in the future), we have done our best to direct our children in the ways of the Lord and to stand firm on the foundation of God's Word.

Each man wrote a letter with his thoughts for life and presented it to Caleb. He will have these to look back on and remember and reflect upon this first step into the journey of manhood. As God would have it, both Carl and Tim chose scripture from the book of John about being fruitful...live out what you believe...impact lives for Christ.

The gifts were then presented. The ceremony ended by the men gathering in a circle around Caleb and praying over his life, commissioning him to the Lord.

This was not the end of the ceremony...it was just beginning!

And so one year later, I find myself looking at my son who has grown physically and spiritually. Somewhere between then and now his voice even changed.

I end with a letter Caleb received from a mentor-friend who was not able to join him for the day of celebration.

Caleb,

Congratulations on your 13th birthday! I wanted to encourage you, now that you are officially a "teen", to stick true to God's Word. Our culture seems to think that an official and unavoidable part of being a teenager is a "stage" of rebellion, and many Christians have bought into it as well. It is all too easy to go with the crowd, and our sinful nature makes doing what is right all the harder.

The Psalmist gives some excellent advice in Psalm 119. Why was he blessed by God? How did he obey when everyone else rebelled? By "sticking" to God's Word (vs. 31), loving God's Word (vs. 97) and having the right friends (vs. 63, 74, 79, 115).

As you enter your teenage years, keep in mind that it doesn't have to be miserable, rough, or difficult. Keep yourself immersed in God's Word, and you will find that you will appreciate it more, understand it more, and love it more! Love God's Word to the point that it grieves you when others disregard it (vs. 53, 136, 139). The Psalmist lists numerous blessings from loving God's Word and obeying it in verses 97-104. These blessings come because of the three things he did in verses 59-60 (this is not original to me, but I thought it was excellent): He assessed his ways, adjusted his life, and advanced in doing right.

If I can leave one last thought with you from Psalm 119, it is this: your spiritual life and walk with God should affect--and will be affected by--your friends. You will become like the people you hang around with. If they follow God and are obedient to their authorities, it will be easy for you to do the same. If they are crude or rebellious, it will be hard for you to stay pure and obey. The Psalmist describes who he spent time with (and who he avoided) in verses 63, 74, 79 and 115. Haggai 2:11-14 puts it in a very clear picture.

Caleb, it has been a pleasure getting to know you. You are remarkably mature for a 13-year-old, and I thank God for you when I think about you. Keep it up!

In Christ,

Alex

Hebrews 4:15-16

What more is there to say? That's what I thought too.

Happy Birthday America!

Old Glory waving freely


The Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!


And if you haven't seen this video...please take a couple minutes and listen to the last verse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9_bP219ehQ

May God forgive the sins of America and may those citizens who inhabit its lands once again say, "In God is our trust."

God Bless America!

Presents in the Morning

Sometimes God has a way of giving me a gift that only He knows brings such joy to my heart. I love His wonderful creation. Everything about it. From intricate leaves on trees and soft flower petals to finding unusual bugs and spiders to the more breath-taking creatures (at least in these parts) like a coyote or a fox. And don't even get me started on birds!

Ever since we moved into our home 13 years ago, we have had a herd of deer that come through every morning and every evening. They travel along the same path on the woods edge. They rarely come up to the house (although a couple of years ago a big buck was standing just outside my office window nibbling on a hemlock branch...I pounded on the window and scared him away!). It doesn't matter if we see the deer every morning, the next morning they are just as wonderful.

That first June in our home I saw for the very first time in my life, a mama and her newborn fawn. They were standing together in the front yard. It was as if she was presenting her baby to the world--it was an incredibly poignant moment. Then several years ago there was the time a huge thunderstorm cropped up in the afternoon scaring a newborn fawn out into the open of the backyard. It's mother was no where to be found and I, umbrella in hand, went out to save the poor thing. Yes, this was before I knew mothers often leave their babies hidden in the underbrush while they go off to feed for several hours at a time. I never caught that baby (thank goodness), but the Lord was kind enough to reassure us he was OK. I was convinced at the time the mother had been hit by a car leaving the poor baby all to himself. A couple of days later, his mother presented her baby to us by walking him right through the front yard.

And so yesterday morning Rachel spotted movement in the back woods. I had seen a doe lingering there a couple of times over the past week or so. This is unusual especially during the day, so I couldn't help but wonder if she had given birth somewhere close by. Sure enough, it was a mama and her youngling! Rachel and I watched as the fawn nursed and its mother cleaned her baby from head to toe. We were glued to the window! I grabbed my camera and was able to take a couple pictures along with a couple of videos.

This little guy came out of the woods in the backyard and slowly made his way to the front. His mama stayed about 15 feet behind him, letting him have a little space. We watched until they both disappeared into the kids' hideout...a perfect place for deer to hide. Just ask Rachel. She went in there to play a couple of years ago and got the shock of her life to find a deer standing there staring at her!

I don't know about you, but I'd be happy to spend a little time like this every morning. I felt like I had received a wonderful present! It is such a great reminder to me that just as this mama deer cares for her young one, God cares for His children so much more.

P.S. I have tried everything to directly upload a video to my blog. It hasn't worked yet, but I'm bound and determined to figure it out!

Paid in Full

Have you ever heard the saying, “You owe me a thousand dollars for every tooth in your head!”? I suppose it’s old school talk. Kinda goes along with, “You know, when I was your age, I walked four miles to school every day, and it was uphill coming and going.” I was brought up with the “$1000 tooth” mantra. In the long run, it didn’t go over very well with me.

I’m going to get ahead of myself on this one, but this story came to mind a couple of days ago and I just figured I might as well insert it here. I realize this would probably be a good story to tell after I share the story when I started my own company. But, no, I’m going to tell it now. I’ll fill in the “started my own company” blanks another time.

Once upon a time there was a young woman (that would be Yours Truly) who, having started her own business, found herself one day with the dilemma of having to decide whether to pay the mortgage or buy food. She had quit her job only eight months after buying her first home. She took a step of faith when she started her business and she believed God would provide for her every need. She had been brought up being very responsible and had never even considered paying a bill late. Not a day late, not an hour late, not a second late. And so, you can guess when it came time to choose between the house payment and food, the house payment was made without a thought.

It just so happens this young woman was involved with a cooking club which consisted of a number of young professionals. They met monthly and everyone brought a recipe item which would be included in the making of the meal. The host of this particular cooking club get together was a doctor and she lived in a beautiful home. The doctor called the young woman and asked if she would bring the main ingredient…chicken breasts. The doctor asked many questions about her purchasing habits and made it clear that these particular chicken breasts needed to be purchased at a particular store. A store that was well-known in the doctor's part of town. A store that probably never had the words “Sale this Week!” anywhere on the premises. The young woman hung-up the phone and was angry, upset, and embarrassed. Why on earth would the wealthy doctor ask this poor young woman to bring the most expensive item to the cooking club?

A great excuse was thought-up (which is not remembered) and the young woman, at some point in time, called the doctor back and told her she wouldn’t be able to join this month’s club activity. This brought on a phone call from another club member who was wondering if anything was wrong. Well, the young woman poured her little heart out and without thinking blurted, “I can’t even afford to buy food and she asked me to bring the most expensive item!” Whah! The young woman felt so much better just being able to tell someone and hung-up the phone. End of story.

Or so she thought. A few days later the young woman hears a knock. There, standing at her door, was a very handsome young man telling her that someone must really care for her and proceeded to point to the back of his car which was filled with bag after bag after bag of groceries.

Yes, of course, the young woman’s mouth dropped open. Yes, her heart started pounding. Yes, she was astonished to the point of tears. Yes, she was embarrassed. And yes, most certainly yes, she was humbled. HUMBLED. After all, how on earth did anyone even know about her foodless situation? She had long forgotten about her blurted out words.

To this day, the young woman remembers opening each bag (not the little plastic bags, but the big brown paper bags) and seeing how each item had been carefully selected just for her. She received food she would have never even considered buying for herself. That food lasted a very long time. There was a lot of it. I don’t think she ever ate a bite of that food without thinking of her unknown angel friend.

Now, back to the $1000 mantra. You see, growing-up and hearing over and over and over again the words “You owe me a thousand dollars for every tooth in your head!” had embittered her heart. It felt as if there was always a heavy weight of debt hanging around her neck. It probably was not meant to be taken that way, but that was how it settled in her heart. She had decided at some point in time (a number of years before this foodless situation), that she would never, never, ever ask anyone for anything. Ever. She would just as soon starve to death than to ask for help.

Obviously her God knew she had a major heart problem. Her heart was very full of pride and self-reliance. He knew she needed to be humbled. He knew she would never humble herself on her own, you know, in a little subtle and quiet way. Oh, no! It would take a car load of food.

This was the dropping off point, for sure. Her heart was pierced and she was changed. But pride has a way of settling in deep and it likes to raise its ugly head from time to time. It took many years before the young woman could ask for help and not feel a heaviness. Mr. Wonderful was the first one to come into her life and help her realize it’s all right to ask for help. It’s all right to receive help. It’s good to let others help when there’s a time of need. And it doesn’t have to involve being foodless.

And so our story ends with the young woman, who hasn’t been a young woman for quite some time, knowing her loving Heavenly Father always has the perfect way to reveal those hidden things of the heart. One way. Or another.

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,

and he will reward him for what he has done.

Proverbs 19:17

My debt has been paid in full, how about yours?

P.S. If you want to know if it was Mr. Wonderful that delivered the food, the answer is no. We hadn't even met at this point in time. My baby brother was the handsome delivery man. And yes, over time I think I figured out who God had used for His purpose. Matthew 6:1-4 (Go on, look it up right now!)

Random Beauty

One of seven vases filled to overflowing


I wish you could smell the fragrance

It seems my mind has been unable to join more than a couple of sentences together of late. Too much going on, I suppose. Here's a few rambling thoughts that have been stirring around in my brain...

Is it possible that all of my peonies have bloomed, been picked, arranged in seven vases, and placed in rooms throughout the house. The beautiful fragrance of peonies has been everywhere. After almost two weeks, sad as it made my heart, they were gathered together and thrown away. But not until my face was buried in the depths of the soft pillowy petals and I took one last very long and deep breath as a way to remember their fragrance until next year.

Isaac Shaw, a pastor from North India, spoke at our church a few weeks ago. I have not been able to shake from my mind his words that day. I hope to write about it soon (although you can hear it here... www.parksidechurch.com/learn/sermons, May 16, 2010, archive). If they had failed in Chapter 1, they would have failed in Chapter 3. A compromised lifestyle eliminates the possibility of standing for Jesus. Referring to Daniel Chapter 1 and Daniel Chapter 3.

This is one of the first hymns I taught my children many years ago. This verse in particular has been on my heart.

This is my Father's world.
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.

Maltbie D. Babcock
1858-1901

Every year I plant annuals. A lot of annuals...7 to 10 flats worth. I used to plant them in the ground. Then I moved to pots and in the ground. Last year was the first time I planted all the flowers in pots, all 20 pots worth. I found pots were a little more difficult for the chipmunks to destroy the flowers when they burrowed under them. That is, until this year. My biggest pot, filled with beautiful impatiens, has been destroyed. One. flower. at. a. time. I have no idea how (it's not slugs), but every flower has been clipped off at the base. So far, none of the other pots have been attacked. Just this one. The really big pot. The one with a zillion flowers. One. flower. at. a. time. I guess this is payback for not planting any in the ground. Nice.

I was reminded last night as I stood at my counter making a coconut cream pie (to take to my dear friend, Teri's, this afternoon) that it wasn't too long ago that the thought of making a pie made me sweat. Honestly, I would never have even given it a thought...making a pie. As I stood there rolling out the pie crust, I found myself so thankful for the opportunity to make something and give it to someone else. It's always good to give. A smile. A hug. A tissue. A pie. Time.

The sun is shining. The sky is blue. The grass is green. The roses are red. The lavender is purple. The day lillies are yellow. The hydrangeas are just starting to bloom and they are blue and pink. It's a rainbow of random beauty just for today.

Expect Trouble

Charles Haddon Spurgeon 1834-1892

Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon is one of my favorite devotionals. I came upon this entry a number of years ago and realized it just happened to fall on my birthday. I was struck by this coincidence since tribulation and I seem to know one another on a first-name basis. I found these beautifully written words so helpful and encouraging that I decided to frame the morning devotional and then hung it in our guest bathroom where it can be read often. I know I certainly need to read these words often, much more than once a year. The look within part always grips my heart. It's no wonder I'm so well acquainted with tribulation.

IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION.
JOHN 16:33

Are you asking why this should be, believer? Look upward to your heavenly Father, and behold Him pure and holy. Do you know that you are one day to be like Him? Will you easily be conformed to His image? Will you not require much refining in the furnace of affliction to purify you? Will it be an easy thing to get rid of your corruptions and make you perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect? Next, Christian, turn your eye downward. Do you know what foes you have beneath your feet? You were once a servant of Satan, and no king will willingly lose his subjects. Do you think that Satan will leave you alone? No, he will always be at you, for he “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”¹ Expect trouble, then, Christian, when you look beneath you. Then look around you. Where are you? You are in enemy country, a stranger and an alien. The world is not your friend. If it is, then you are not God’s friend, for whoever is the friend of the world is the enemy of God. Be certain that you will find enemies everywhere. When you sleep, remember that you are resting on the battlefield; when you travel, suspect an ambush in every hedge. As mosquitoes are said to bite strangers more than natives, so the trials of earth will be sharpest to you. Lastly, look within you, into your own heart, and observe what is there. Sin and self are still within. If you had no devil to tempt you, no enemies to fight you, and no world to ensnare you, you would still find in yourself enough evil to be a sore trial to you, for “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.”² Expect trouble then, but do not despair on account of it, for God is with you to help and to strengthen you. He has said, “call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”³

¹1 Peter 5:8 ²Jeremiah 17:9 ³Psalm 50:15

Morning and Evening Morning--May 3
Charles H. Spurgeon

But do you see how this devotional ends? Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. I will deliver you. There's no "maybe" nor "I might". God says I will.

Resting in His promises today,

Tuesday Morning

The view from my chair this morning


Snow Mound Spirea...I love this beautiful flower that looks like thousands of stars


White Rhododendrons with a gorgeous hint of yellow and fuchsia

I thought I'd share with you how my day started early this morning. I suspected it might be this way last night and warned Mr. Wonderful to be ready first thing.

Well, this morning we shared our first cups of coffee together outside on the patio. It's been too long in coming, that's for sure. But the weather just hasn't cooperated until now. So we found ourselves lingering over our cups of coffee, listening to all the birds greet the morning. A beautiful Baltimore Oriole was checking out a basket of flowers I have hanging near the woods (and he's been back several times since this morning). You can't see it, but there's a water feature made out of big river rocks just left of the stairs. The trickling water makes everything so peaceful.

Oh, it's such a great way to start the morning. I wish it could be this way every day. I love the quietness we get to share together as we sit in our chairs, rocking and sipping, and talking, and rocking and sipping. The sun finally peeks through the canopy of the tall shaggy bark hickory trees mingled between maple and beech trees. It's all so beautiful. I found myself wanting to stay in that spot forever.

Alas, the laundry was calling to be collected and I still had a flat of flowers to finish planting sometime later in the day. Even still, we enjoyed the beauty of a new morning together.

Psalm 5
For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David.

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.

2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.

5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.

6 You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.

7 But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make straight your way before me.

9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.

10 Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.


Hoping Wednesday will be another Tuesday morning,

God's Magnifying Glass

Raindrops are...


...God's Magnifying Glass

We are busy getting ready for Rachel's birthday party tomorrow. We usually have her party later in May with hopes of warm weather. It has warmed-up and the sun finally came out yesterday. It's still shining today and we are all very happy about that.

I took these pictures yesterday before the sun came out. Isn't it amazing how each individual raindrop holds on to its assigned position? Each one disappears in due time. It made me think of this saying by Longfellow:

Be still sad heart and cease repining;
Behind the clouds the sun is shining,
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life a little rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.

And then I couldn't help but notice how those raindrops magnify the veins on the leaves and the peony bud. Aren't they just beautiful?

God sometimes uses raindrops in our own lives to magnify Himself.

Pondering,

A Cup of Tea

Michelle and Rachel at the Ladies Spring Tea


This gorgeous May pole greeted everyone upon arrival


Is there anything better than strawberries dipped in chocolate?


Beautifully presented tea sandwiches


Scones and assorted pastries

Rachel and I invited Mrs. Nagy to join us at the Ladies Spring Tea hosted by our church this past weekend. When I walked into the room and saw the May pole with all the pastel satin ribbons reaching to the far ends of the room, it took my breath away. It was simply stunning! Needless to say, the food was incredible and the presentation of every little detail was quite amazing. I heard someone talking in the Ladies Room that it took over five hours just to assemble the tea sandwiches. What a labor of love!

The theme of this year's tea was Legacy of Love. The scripture that brought everything together was:

One generation will commend your works to another;

they will tell of your mighty acts.

Psalm 145:4

A panel of women comprised of grandmothers, mothers, and daughters answered questions about how they were living out their faith as a family and what Psalm 145:4 meant to them. I realized I was sitting with a woman whose great faith had been given to her at her mother's knee while they lived in a concentration camp. Mrs. Nagy passed on her faith to all three of her children and now, they are passing their faith onto their children. God's faithfulness down through the generations is an amazing thing to me.

I have come to realize that a person's background doesn't matter. No matter how deep the pit, no matter how dreadful the mud and mire, His arm is long enough to reach you. There is no one, no one that is beyond the reach of God's love. I know. I am a living testimony to His grace and mercy. Listen...the first generation of commending works to another may very well start with you.

Who knows--leaving a legacy of love may very well involve conversations over a cup of tea.

Giving thanks to my Jesus today,