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,

Marriage Matters

Mr. Wonderful and I attended a Marriage Matters workshop at our church last Saturday. The workshop was based upon the book Lasting Love, How to Avoid Marital Failure by our pastor, Alistair Begg. I believe this book should be read by anyone thinking about marriage, is already married, or knows someone who is married!

Since these free resources have just been made available, here's the link to watch the videos or listen to the audio of the seminar we attended.

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!

Walls of Wisdom

This post is to respond to a recent request from a fellow blogging friend, Lady Rose, to see the quotes and Bible verses displayed in my guest powder room.

The space is rather large for a powder room, but when we built our home 14 years ago we decided to cut way back on a hallway closet and expand the bathroom floor space in order to accommodate my brother, Derek's, wheelchair. We were happy to have the opportunity to help him in this small way.

Long ago, I thought an angel motif might be nice for this little room. This print is actually fairly large (about 3' x 2.5') and the dried flower arrangement on top is over 20 years old. Rachel had fun taking a blow dryer to it a few months ago. The accumulation of dust and cob webs were just a little bit much. You know me...I hate dusting. Anyway, give me a break. Unless you looked-up in there, you really didn't notice!

Just in case you're curious about the walls, they were first painted with flat paint and then sponged with the same exact color of paint except in high gloss. It creates a beautiful pattern. This was the first room I painted shortly after we moved into our home. Caleb was about six months old at the time. I distinctly remember enjoying that little bit of creative time all to myself!



These frames contain various quotes and are directly across from the throne. Please keep in mind that I made all of these using a regular ink jet printer, scrapbooking adhesive, and inexpensive frames I purchased at Marshall's. The exceptions are the stone plaque and the little frame with the oval mat (this contains the Corrie Ten Boom quote). Starting at the lower left frame and moving up and over to the right, this is what they say:



Keep moving forward... Walt Disney

This certainly applies to Christian living, my friends.

~Unsaid~

If all that we say in a single day,
With never a word left out,
Were painted each night in clear black and white,
It would prove queer reading, no doubt.

And then just suppose 'ere our eyes would close,
We must read the whole record through,
Then wouldn't we sigh, and wouldn't we try,
A good deal less talking to do.

And I more than half think that many a kink
Would be smoother in life's tangled thread,
If half that we say in a single day
Were forever left unsaid.

Author Unknown

Our pastor, Alistair Begg, quoted this during a sermon. It had no title, however, I decided to give it one (i.e., Unsaid) because I thought it would look better in the frame.

Love of God

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure--
The saints' and angels' song.

Frederick M. Lehman, 1917

These words are part of a much loved hymn from days of old. It was the second frame I created and hung upon the wall. The first was the quote below by Corrie Ten Boom.

Every experience God gives us,
every person he puts in our lives,
is the perfect preparation for the future
that only He can see.

Corrie Ten Boom

The last frame contains the May 3 devotional (morning) from Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening. This devotional just happens to fall on my birthday and so the words have been a solemn reminder to me.

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

The three frames below are on the wall next to the door, beside the pedestal sink. Starting at the top left and moving right and then down, here's what they say:



If we work on marble, it will perish; if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and imbue them with principles, with the just fear of God and the love of our fellowmen, we engrave on those tablets something that will brighten to all eternity. Daniel Webster 1852


These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4

And lastly, over the throne, a quote from Lord of the Rings:



I can't do this Sam.

I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo…the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding onto something.

What are we holding onto Sam?

That there's some good in this world,
Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for.

The Lord of the Rings
The Two Towers

And so, there you have it. Walls of wisdom in a little powder room. I sometimes forget about the walls being covered with so many words and would wonder why some guests hung out in there for so long. Then I would remember...they're reading the walls!

The Majesty of God

Psalm 8
Devine Majesty

O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?

Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honour.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!


My heart is here today,

Perfect Preparation

Corrie Ten Boom (1892-1983)

I have a number of ornate frames in my guest powder room. Each frame contains words that have deep meaning to me. Some frames contain Bible verses, some contain lines from favorite books, some contain words of favorite hymns, and some contain words spoken by people from different times and walks of life.

These words are contained in the first frame I hung in my powder room.

"Every experience God gives us,

every person He puts in our lives,

is the perfect preparation for the future

that only He can see."

Corrie Ten Boom

I thank my God every time I remember you,

Still

Safe ...


Still, My Soul Be Still (<---click here to listen to audio)

Words and Music by Keith & Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend

Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows

Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming

Still in Him today,

Carved in Stone

We went to Huntington Beach over the weekend just to try and enjoy one of the last days of warm weather. It was a beautiful afternoon to walk in the sand while listening to the waves come ashore.

It's a good thing I don't live near a beach. I'd never get anything done. Well, at least that's what I think at the moment. I suppose if I lived near the beach, I'd get used to knowing it was always there. I'd be one of those people you'd see walking along the water's edge every single day.

We happened upon some huge stones that were used to make a breaker wall. I couldn't believe how many people had taken a considerable amount of time making their mark. You can tell by the dates that some of these took years and years to complete. See if you can find your favorite.

I don't know about you, but I'd have to really, really, really love a radio station in order to spend the time and effort to carve its call letters into a stone. Yikes.

And then there's poor Jimmy. By the time he got done carving his girlfriend's name, she (or he) was long gone. Only the J was finished. I suppose some other future Jimmy and Carrie will find the rock, complete it, and stake their claim.

One last note from Yours Truly, Jack Roberts was one very diligent carver. He has two carvings! One of them is my favorite. Can you guess which one?

All these carvings in stone got me to thinking about something. I have this little quote hanging in our guest powder room:

If we work on marble, it will perish; if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and imbue them with principles, with the just fear of God and the love of our fellowmen, we engrave on those tablets something that will brighten to all eternity. Daniel Webster 1852

In time, winds and waves will erase the names and dates, even those deeply carved. Those names, however, that are written in the Lamb's book of life, will endure for all eternity.

Is your name written in the Lamb's book of life? If you're unsure, you might find this helpful.

Bookmark in a Book

The Christian Martyrs' Last Prayer by Jean-Léon Gérôme 1883

This painting is on the cover of a book the kids and I are currently reading for literature, history and theology. The book is entitled Eusebius The Church History by Paul L. Maier. Whereby Herodatus is considered the father of history, Eusebius of Caesarea (c. A.D. 260-339) is considered the father of church history. We're only three chapters in, but I must say it is an amazing piece of literature which traces the rise of Christianity during its crucial first three centuries from Christ to Constantine. I will have a quote from it tomorrow, Lord willing.

This post is not to talk about the book necessarily, but to tell a story I was reminded of when I noticed the bookmark being used within its pages. There's nothing fancy about the bookmark itself. It's a thin piece of paper which appears to be hand-laminated. Adorned with a monarch butterfly perched on what looks like Queen Ann's Lace, here are the words on the front of the bookmark:

Keep thy heart

with all

diligence;

for out of it

are the issues

of life.

Proverbs 4:23

And on the back, these words:

Feel glum?

Keep mum.

Don't grumble.

Be humble.

Trials cling?

Just sing.

Can't sing?

Just cling.

Don't fear.

God's near.

Money goes.

He knows.

Honor left.

Not bereft.

Don't rust.

Work! Trust!

Several years ago we decided as a family to head out to a very fancy restaurant for dinner. The local Wendy's. Not wanting to eat on the run, we decided to go inside so we could enjoy dinner together. Providence perhaps?

At least you've got an image in your mind's eye, right?

Just across from us were seated an old man and an old woman. If memory serves me correctly, they came into the restaurant just after us. After they sat down with their bag of fast food, they bowed their heads and prayed.

I don't think we were lingering on purpose, but they finished their meal before we did. Then we saw them start walking around together from table to table talking to people and handing them something. When they came to our table, the old man's face beamed with joy and he gave a word of blessing (I don't remember the words exactly, but it was something like, "God loves you and cares for you!"), and handed us the bookmark. We started talking with one another and eventually walked out together. They were driving an old car, weighed down with a clothes rack across the back seat and filled with papers and boxes. They were on their way somewhere.

I had forgotten this act of kindness until I pulled out the bookmark this afternoon--then the story came right back into my memory. An act of kindness from a couple in the late evening hours of their lives, still reaching out to share the love of Christ.

Perhaps we will meet again someday. Perhaps!

You know, I needed my heart to hear these words today. They have proven to be a wonderful reminder to me to sing and cling and work and trust!

Standing on the promises of God,

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,

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.

--------------------

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.

The Little Things

Some memories are stored in my mind's eye like a movie. I can see everything around me. I can remember all of the subtle details, even details that have no importance. For some reason, this is one of those memories.

When I was a business owner, it always seemed like it was pay day. Of course it wasn't always pay day, but it was one of those tasks that required my attention in many different ways. The most important thing I needed to know was if there was enough money in the payroll account. Some months were smoother than others. I don't remember any of those. It was the times when things were running a little too tight for my comfort level that I remember best. But as the old saying goes...

God is never late, but seldom early.

Waiting often causes me to cling to Him all the more. And I have found Him to be faithful to me in those times, even if it seemed I was down to the last possible moment.

Anyway, this particular incident happened while I was away from the office for the afternoon. I knew today was the last day a check could arrive in time in order to meet payroll. But long before today, I had been bringing my need before the Lord.

Listen, this was before cell phones, or iPads or texting, my friends.

I happened to be close to my father's house and decided I'd stop there to use the phone to call my office to see if the mail had arrived. To find out if the check was there. I explained the situation to my father as I stood by the breakfast bar with the phone in my hand. And I told him I had been praying about my situation. I just remember him telling me that God didn't care about stuff like that. I was wasting my time. I immediately responded with a somewhat hurt but confident, "Oh, yes He does!" I made the phone call and found out the mail had arrived. And the check was in the mail. Of course, I was so encouraged, and so very thankful. No, I don't think that made my father change his mind about wasting my time nor God's for that matter.

When my children were little I would pray a little prayer as I would head out grocery shopping or to run errands and ask the Lord to provide a close parking spot. It was hard sometimes having a very independent two-year old and a very dependent baby. I cannot even tell you how many times I would find a parking spot right in front of the front door. "Thank you, Lord!" I guess I never learned there were some things you just didn't pray for.

Imagine the smile that came upon my face and the flood of joy that filled my heart when I read these words once again:

Childlike confidence makes us pray as none else can. It causes a man to pray for great things that he would never have asked for if he had not learned this confidence. It also causes him to pray for little things that many people are afraid to ask for, because they have not yet felt toward God the confidence of children. I have often felt that it requires more confidence in God to pray to Him about a little thing than about great things. We imagine that our great things are somehow worthy of God's attention, though in truth they are little enough to Him. And then we think that our little things must be so insignificant that it is an insult to bring them before Him. We need to realize that what is very important to a child may be very small to his parent, and yet the parent measures the thing not from his own point of view but from the child's. You heard your little boy the other day crying bitterly. The cause of the pain was a splinter in his finger. While you did not call in three surgeons to extract it, the splinter was a great thing to that little sufferer. Standing there with eyes all wet through tears of anguish, it never occurred to that boy that his pain was too small a thing for you to care about. What were mothers and fathers made for but to look after the small concerns of little children? And God our Father is a good father who pities us as fathers pity their children. He counts the stars and calls them all by name, yet He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds.

The Power of Prayer in a Believer's Life
by Charles Spurgeon

1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Remember to pray for the little things too...