Cradled In His Mercy

2010-05-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

Check out the amazing giveway at Dear Lille.

So sorry about not having posted for awhile. We've been pretty busy between school, traveling, and dealing with flooding. I hope to be back soon.

For now, here are a couple of pictures of what it looks like in our area

Love Lustres At Calvary

2010-04-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

My Father,
Enlarge my heart, warm my affections, open my lips,
supply words that proclaim 'Love lustres at Calvary.'
There grace removes my burdens and heaps them on Thy Son,
    made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me;
There the sword of Thy justice smote the man,
   Thy fellow;
There Thy infinite attributes were magnified,
and infinite atonement was made;
There infinite punishment was due,
and infinite punishment was endured.
Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,
cast off that I might be brought in,
   trodden down as an enemy that I might be welcomed as a friend,
surrendered to hell's worst that I might attain heaven's best,
stripped that I might be clothed,
wounded that I might be healed,
athirst that I might drink,
tormented that I might be comforted,
made a shame that I might inherit glory,
entered darkness that I might have eternal light.
My Saviour wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,
groaned that I might have endless song,
endured all pain that I might have unfading health,
   bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem,
   bowed His head that I might uplift mine,
   experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,
   closed His eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness,
   expired that I might for ever live.
O Father, who spared not Thine only Son that Thou mightest spare me,
All this transfer Thy love designed and accomplished;
Help me to adore thee by lips and life.
O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise,
my every step bouyant with delight, as I see my enemies crushed,
   Satan baffled, defeated, destroyed,
sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood,
hell's gates closed, heaven's portal open.
Go forth, O conquering God, and show me
    the cross, might to subdue, comfort, and save."

from The Valley of Vision

The Precious Blood

2010-04-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

"Blessed Lord Jesus,
     Before Thy cross I kneel and see
     the heinousness of my sin,
     my iniquity that caused Thee to be 'made a curse',
     the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath.
Show me the enormity of my guilt by the
    crown of thorns,
    the pierced hands and feet,
    the bruised body,
   the dying cries.
Thy blood is the blood of incarnate God,
its worth infinite, its value beyond all thought.
Infinite must be the evil and guilt that demands such a price.
Sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper,
   born in my birth,
   alive in my life,
   strong in my character,
   dominating my faculties,
   following me as a shadow,
   intermingling with my every thought,
   my chain that holds me captive in the empire of my soul.
Sinner that I am, why should the sun give me light,
   the air supply breath,
   the earth bear my tread,
   its fruits nourish me,
   its creatures subserve my ends?
Yet Thy compassions yearn over me,
      Thy heart hastens to my rescue,
      Thy love endured my curse,
      Thy mercy bore my deserved stripes,
      Let me walk humbly in the lowest depths of humiliaton,
           bathed in Thy blood,
           tender of conscience,
           triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation."

from The Valley of Vision

Tagged!

2010-03-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

     Anna from Damsel in Distress has just given me a blog reward. Thanks Anna!
        Here are the rules:
           1.List 8 stories or books you would like to live in
          2.List 8 other bloggers who deserve this award

Wow this is a really tough one! As an avid reader, there are so many books that I would love to live in. Here are some of my favorites off the top of my head:
     1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
     2. Pride and Prejudice         by Jane Austen
     3. Pollyanna and Pollyanna Grows Up by Eleanor H. Porter
     4. In Freedom's Cause        by G.A. Henty
     5. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
     6. Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery
     7. North and South      by Elizabeth Gaskell
     8.To Have and to Hold by Mary Johnston

And now, instead of awarding 8 people specifically, I invite anyone who wants to do this tag to join in!

An Amazing Giveaway!!

2010-03-09T05:25:00.000-08:00

Attention all Homemakers! Miss Antoinette has just alerted me to this amazing giveway at this blog. Here's the trick: just leave a commment on her blog telling her that I sent you (you could probably mention Antoinette's name as well.)

So enter in on the action! What can you lose?

Twenty Years Ago Today

2010-03-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2010-02-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

Well the time has come: My first book recommendation!!!!

I chose this book for the obvious reason that today is Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Previously, I have fallen in the category of most Americans by hailing Lincoln as a noble and heroic individual that fought against slavery, etc. I had been taught this my whole life from public school, to christian school, and even throughout the first couple years of homeschooling. But this year was entirely different. This year I was able to study the truth of what happened during the Civil War. This was largely due to my excellent curriculum. But then a lot of it also had to do with this amazing book. The Real Lincoln was a real eye-opener for me. It is not written by some crazy southern fanatic with absolutely no historical evidence. This book is full of quotation after quotation ranging from Lincoln himself to southern people, to the British, and even to some radical abolitionists who realized that Lincoln's agenda was not entirely honorable. I think one of my favorite (and most disturbing) part of the book is when Dilorenzo elaborates on the suppression of rights and the violation of the Constitution under Lincoln and his administration. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is interested in learning new things. Let me warn you though, this book is not popular since it reveals the lies of the historical revisionists. This is certainly not something that you will hear today, even in much of the South. I would encourage anyone who is studying the civil war to at least this book before you jump to any herioc notions of the man whose birthday we celebrate today.

For more information on Lincoln, check out these blog posts:

The Myth of Racial Equality, by Samuel Turley

The Great Emancipator, by Jasmine Baucham

My Regency Dress

2010-01-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

Last fall, I was able to sew my first regency dress with the help of my dear friend Jessica. I have always liked this dress that Caroline Bingley wears in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice and with her help I was able to accomplish it. Thank you Jessica!
Here are a couple of pictures of the dress. The pictures were also taken by Jessica. Isn't she talented?!

Look How Far We've Come

2010-01-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I came across these quotes from Alexis de Toqueville. It was amazing to me the difference a little over 150 years can make.
"Religion in America...must be regarded as the foremost of the political institutions of that country; for if it does not impart a taste for freedom, it facilitates the use of it. Indeed, it is in this same point of view that the inhabitants of the United States themselves look upon religious belief. I do not know whether all Americans have a sincere faith in their religion--for who can judge the human heart? But I am certain that they hold it to be indispensable to the maintenance of republican institutions."

"In the united States the sovereign authority is religious...America is still the place where the Christian religion has kept the greatest real power over mens' souls; and nothing better demonstrated how useful and natural it is to man, since the country where it now has the widest sway is both the most enlightened and the freest.....Religion..does direct, mores, and by regulating domestic life it helps to regulate the state."

"In the United States the influence of religion is not confined to the manners, but it extends to the intelligence of the people....Christianity, therefore reigns without obstacle, by universal content; the consequence is, as I have before observed, that every principle of the moral world is fixed and determinate..."

"The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other."

"I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of American in her harbors...in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power."

Now compare this to what our current president recently said:
"Whatever we once were, we're no longer a Christian nation. At least no just. We are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, and a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation and a nation of non-believers"

All I can say is: Look how far we've come. I pray that we would be moved to repentance.

"America is great because America is good and if America ever ceases to be good, American will cease to be great." Alexis de Toqueville

"If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. "
2 Chronicles 7:14

"Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him." Psalm 2:10-12

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

2009-12-24T09:35:00.000-08:00

"Now in putting everything in subjection to Him, He left nothing outside His control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to Him. But we see Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
For it is fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers........
....Since therefore the cildren share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

I know what you're thinking: "This doesn't sound a lot like Christmas to me." However, I would beg to differ. In these passages of Scripture, we find the very reason why He came: He came to die. Too often we focus on the joys of Christmas (and Christmas certainly is joyful), but we often neglect to look at the dark side of Christmas. Even when Jesus was laying in the manger, His purpose was clear: He came "to save His people from their sins" and "to give His life as a ransom for many."
C.J Mahaney calls it the "disturbing side of Christmas." He said,

"During this time of year, it may be easy to forget that the bigger purpose behind Bethlehem was Calvary. But the purpose of the manger was realized in the horrors of the cross. The purpose of his birth was his death.

Or to put it more personally: Christmas is necessary because I am a sinner. The incarnation reminds us of our desperate condition before a holy God."

I hope that you will experience great joy this Christmas season, yet I also hope that you (or I ) will not forget the true purpose behind our Savior's birth.

I would also encourage you to read these two articles. These two men can explain it better than I ever could:
Born to die for Freedom by John Piper
Disturbing Christmas by C.J. Mahaney
Also, here is a great song that speaks about the mystery of God sending His son to earth to die. The words are absolutely beautiful.

Compromise

2009-12-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, over 2,600 Christians gathered in Cincinnati, Ohio to learn more about the Sufficiency of Scripture and how it applies to every aspect of life. On that same day, the USA Today released an article describing the growing syncretism in our world today.

"Elements of Eastern faiths and New Age thinking have been widely adopted by 65% of U.S. adults, including many who call themselves Protestants and Catholics, according to a survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life released Wednesday."

" 'Mixing and matching practices and beliefs is as much the norm as it is the exception,' Pew's Alan Cooperman says. 'Are they grazing, sampling, just curious? We really don't know.' "

"Despite Americans' overwhelming allegiance to someone they call God (92%), in Pew's 2008 U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, 70% said 'many religions can lead to eternal life,' and 68% said 'there's more than one true way to interpret the teachings of my religion.' "

During the course of the article, the writer consulted Dr. Albert Mohler. This is what he had to say:
"This is a failure of the pulpit as much as of the pew to be clear about what is and is not compatible with Christianity and belief in salvation only through Christ."

I couldn't agree more with what Dr. Mohler had to say. The blame lies on we who claim to be Christians. We do not believe that Scripture is either inerrant or sufficient. As a result of this, not only is our world in confusion, but the church has doubts as well. This is not surprising at all. When we deviate even just a little from the authority of God's Word, we open the door to more and more compromise. Don't believe me? Here is what Charles Spurgeon had to say on the subject:

"If we doubt God's Word about one thing, we shall have small confidence in it upon another thing. Sincere faith in God must treat all God's Word alike; for the faith which accepts one Word of God and rejects another is evidently not faith in God...., but faith in our own judgment, faith in our own taste."

And this is what we learned last weekend! We looked at the effects even a little bit of compromise results in. We also attempted to look at what Scripture had to say in all aspects of life. It was truly a time of encourage and edification. For those of you who were not able to make it, I would encourage you to buy the sermons when they come out. But more importantly, I strongly urge you to go back to Scripture in all things!
Remember,

" All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17

I would also encourage you to read the rest of the article from USA Today. You can find it here.

Christianity and Culture

2009-12-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

I spent most of the day yesterday listening to Handel's Messiah. As I listened, I couldn't help but be amazed. Not only is the music exquisite, but the words are amazing as well. In fact, if you were to look at the text, you would find that the majority of it is Scripture. As I listened, I was challenged as well as encouraged. Here was a man who not only knew his Bible thoroughly, but who spent his whole life cultivating and using his gifts to glorify God. And he is not the only one. Other musicians such as Bach and Haydn also come to mind.

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. If heed is not paid to this, it is not true music but a diabolical bawling and twanging."
Johann Sebastian Bach

"When I think of my God, my heart dances within me for joy, and then my music has to dance, too."
Franz Joseph Haydn

All three of these men were a product of the ideas and doctrine of the Reformation. It was their faith that formed the basis for their music. Jane Stuart Smith and Betty Carlson, authors of The Gift of Music wrote,

" It can be said that if there had not been a Luther, there would not have been a Bach. The focus of Bach's Spiritual life was in Christianity and in the service of religion through music. It is easy to pass over the previous statement and not realize the truth of the fact that Bach's Christian faith and his music are inseparably united."
The Gift of Music pg. 32

The cultural changes birthed out of the Reformation were not limited to music only. Art, literature, and politics were just some of the areas affected by it. Men such as John Milton, John Bunyan, William Shakespeare, Rembrant, George Washington and Samuel Rutherford represent a few of the men whose Christianity permeated their works.
In consideration of this, I think we modern day Christians need to seriously rethink the way we look at the world. Too often it seems, we tend to separate our religion from the rest of life. We need to be reminded that "Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, do all to the glory of God."

Giveaway at Ribbons of Light

2009-12-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

Elise at Ribbons of Light is hosting a giveaway for Emma at her blog. To enter click here

The Secret to Thanksgiving........And Everything Else!!!

2009-11-30T14:11:00.000-08:00

   In our family devotions we have started reading about Job. In the first chapter, the Lord gives Satan permission to strike all that Job has. His cattle, oxen, donkeys, camels, servants, and children were all destroyed. Here was a man that in our eyes would have nothing to be thankful for. Yet what did he say?

"Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshipped. And he said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed by the name of the Lord.' In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong." (Job 1:20-22, emphasis added)

Yesterday at church, Dad preached out of Phillipians. When Paul was writing this book he was in prison, chained between two guards. We already know what he has suffered for the sake of Christ:

"Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from the Gentiles, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and in hardship, through many sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. ( 2 Corinthians 11:24-27)

   After having experienced all of this, was Paul bitter? In the language of Paul: By no means! On the contray, Phillipians is full of Paul's rejoicings:

"Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:17-18)

"Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I will say, Rejoice......do not be anxious about anything but in everything in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
(Philippians 4:4,6)

"...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)

What was it that caused these two men to glorify and praise God even when severe adversity struck them? I believe it is because they understood and rested in the nature of God and His perfect soverignty. They knew and understood that everything that happens (whether good or bad), happens because it fulfills God's wonderful plan to glorify Himself:

"Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.....With God are wisdom and might; He has counsel and understanding. If He tears down, none can rebuild; if He shuts a man in, none can open. If He witholds the waters, they dry up; if He sends them out, they overwhelm the land. With Him are strength and sound wisdom; the decieved and the deciever are His. He leads counselors away stripped, and judges He makes fools. He looses the bonds of kings and binds a waistcloth on their hips. He leads priests away stripped and overthrows the mighty.....He makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations, and leads them away. (Job 12:9-10, 13-19, 23)

"In Him we have obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will...... ( Ephesians 1:11)

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forevermore. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

I believe that when we embrace this doctrine, it reduces us to nothing and causes us to glorify God more; not to become arrogant (contrary to popular belief.)

" How can a man be in the right before God? If one wished to contend with Him, one could not answer Him once in a thousand times. He is wise in heart and mighty in strength--who has hardened himself against Him and succeeded? (Job 9:2-4)

"I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see you; therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:2-6)

"Who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?' Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show His wrath and to make known His power has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make know the riches of His glory for vessels of mercy which He has prepared beforehand for glory---even us whom He has called..." (Romans 9:20-24a)

This doctine gives us such a security and hope in Him that we can say:
"Though He slay me, I will hope in Him." (Job 10:14)

With all this in mind, it bothers me when some say that this doctrine is not important or practical. On the contrary, it is the foundation upon which everything else is placed. It is the glasses through which we view every aspect of life, the armour with which we face every challenge, and the hope to which all else clings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T06:29:00.000-08:00

"Remember, O My Soul,
It is thy duty and priviledge to rejoice in God:
He requires it of thee for all His favours of grace.
Rejoice then in the Giver and His goodness,
Be happy in Him, O my heart, and in nothing but God,
for whatever a man trusts in,
from that he expects happiness"

from "A Colloquy on Rejoicing" The Valley of Vision

"Thou Great and Only Potentate,
Thou hast made summer and winter, day and night;
each of these revolutions serves our welfare
and is full of Thy care and kindness.
Thy bounty is seen in the relations that train us,
The laws that defend us,
the homes that shelter us,
the food that builds us,
the raiment that comforts us,
the continuance of our health, members, senses, understading, memory, affection, will.
But as stars fade before the rising sun,
Thou hast eclipsed all these benefits
in the wisdom and grace that purposed
redemption by Jesus Thy Son.
Blessed be Thy mercy that laid help on
    one that si mighty and willing,
   one that is able to save to the uttermost.
Make us deeply sensible of our need of His saving grace,
          of the blood that cleanses,
          of the rest He has promised."

from "Bounty" Valley of Vision

Ten Favorite Scripture Passages

2009-11-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

As part of the tag/award, I am supposed to share ten of my favorite scripture passages. I did not realize how hard this would be. I have so many favorites that it is difficult to narrow it down. I will try and do my best though. Here they are (simply in chronological order)

"I will sprinkle dlean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Ezekiel 36:25-27

" The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul:
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and drippins of the honeycomg. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptible in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:7-14

"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it----the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness because in His divinge forbearance He had passed over former sins. It was to show His righteousness at the present time that He might be both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21-26

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of Life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh could not do. By sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteouss requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died---more than that, who was raised---who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
'For Your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.'
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neighter death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:31-39

"I have been crucifed with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galatians 2:20

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth."
Ephesians 1:3-10

" And you were dead in trepasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience---among whom we all once conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh , carring out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath , like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved----and raised un up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works. so that no one may boast."
Ephesians 2:1-9

"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ......And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righeousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
Phillipians 1:6, 9-11

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneratioin and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Titus 3:3-7

I've Been Awarded!!!

2009-11-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

My friend Jessica has just awarded me the Favorite Blog Award!!!!!

This award includes a tag as well:

1. Do a post about the person who awarded you, and their blog.

2. Give an award to 5 of your favorite blogs, give a reason, and leave a comment telling them why they have been rewarded

3.Give us ten scripture verses/passages that are expecially dear to you

4. Have fun!

Jessica: Where do I begin? Jessica and her sister Rebekah are two of the closest friends I have. Jessica is such a godly young lady, full of creativity and fun. She is always ready to assist me in whatever sewing endeavor I hurl myself into! Thanks for everything you do Jess! I love you.

Jessica, Me, and Rebekah

Actually, I think it would be pretty pointless to describe Jessica's blog since most of you who read my blog have found me through her. But for those of you who don't know, Why don't you check it our for yourself?

Now to pass this on, I would like to award the following people:

Rebekah at Bekah's Musings

Rebekah is such a dear friend to me. I love spending time with her and Jessica. I hope that this award will spur her on to blog more often :)

Brittany at Garland of Grace in Wisdom

I do not know Brittany as well as I would like, but I do know that she is a very godly young woman. Her blog has been an encouragement to me and to others young ladies as well!

Meredith at Striving to Serve at Home

I love going over to Meredith's blog! Her posts are always interesting, as well as being uplifting and edifying

Elise at Ribbons of Light

This is truly one of my favorite blogs to visit. I love her posts about costume dramas literature (particularly because it seems that our tastes are a lot alike:)

Amanda Beth at AmandaBeth Online

I never tire of going to Amanda Beth's blog and looking at what's in fashion these days. I also especially enjoy reading about fashion in the old days as well!

Since this post is getting rather long, I think I'll save the Scripture part for another post!

A Giveway

2009-11-12T09:28:00.001-08:00

Taylor, at Proverbs 3....In Training is having a giveaway on her blog. Go Check it Out!

"Jesus My Glory"

2009-11-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

"O Lord God,
Thou hast commanded me to believe in Jesus;
and I would flee to no other refuge,
            wash in no other fountain,
            build on no other foundation,
            receive from no other fulness,
            rest in no other relief.
His waterand blood were not severed in their flow at the cross,
   may they never be separated in my creed and experiences;
May I be equally convinced of the guilt and pollution of sin,
            feel my need of a prince and savior,
            implore of Him repentence as well as forgiveness,
            love holiness, and be pure in heart,
            have the mind of Jesus, and tread in His steps.
Let me not be at my own disposal,
but rejoice that I am under the care of One who is too wise to err,
            too kind to injure,
            too tender to crush.
May I scandalized none by my temper and conduct, but
   recommend and endear Christ to all around,
   bestow good on every one as circumstances permit,
and decline no opportunity of usefulness.
Grant that I may value my substance,
not as the medium of pride and luxury,
but as the means of my support and stewardship.
Help me to guide my affections with discretion,
to owe no man anything,
       to be able to give to him that needeth,
       to feel it my duty and pleasure to be merciful and forgiving,
        to show to the world the likeness of Jesus."

Valley of Vision

Feelin' Feminine Day Six

2009-11-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

I don't think I have much to say so I guess I'll just post the pictures :)

Once again, it was necessary to layer so I put on a little jacket:

What I'm Wearing:

Turquoise Blue sweater,

Tan Skirt

Tan Blazer

Multicolor Scarf to match

Cranberry shoes

Matching Earrings

Here is how my mom did my hair:

I absolutely love it!!!!

Feelin' Feminine Day Five

2009-11-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

Today, I decided to go slightly more casual:

What I'm Wearing:

White 3/4 sleeve shirt

Blue Jean Skirt

Pink and White Scarf

White Jewelry

White Flat Shoes

Feelin' Feminine Day Four

2009-11-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

Today we planned to play volleyball with our dear friends the Courters. So I needed something that was feminine, yet also easy to move in. Here is a picture of us girls:

What I'm Wearing:

Brown Plain Shirt

Multicolor Skirt (too many colors to list :)

Brown Flats

Chunky Long Necklace

Hair: Down with sides up

Feelin' Feminine Day 3

2009-11-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I had a hard time deciding today what to wear. Here is what I finally decided on:

What I'm wearing:

Purple shirt from Kohls

Brown linen skirt

Multicolor scarf to match

Xhilaration burgundy flats

My Mom did my hair (I'm not exactly for sure what to call it:)

Feelin Feminine Day Two

2009-11-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

It is such a warm and beautiful Sunday that I needed to find something that was appropriate for fall and yet still cool. Here is what I came up with:

What I'm Wearing:

Amy Byer Tan Sweater

Express Tan and black plaid skirt

A black headband (a.k.a ribbon)

Croft and Barrow black shoes

Feelin' Feminine Day 1

2009-10-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season for several reasons:

1. It finally starts to get cool again!

2. The trees in the country are absolutely gorgeous!

3. The clothes that I get to wear!

What I'm Wearing:

An olive green sweater,

brick red scarf (or at least that was the closest crayola color I could find to match!)

multicolor scarf to (green, orange, pink, brown)

Brown ballet flats (sorry you can't see them)

Modesty and Femininity

2009-10-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

"Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor."
Noah Webste's 1828 Dictionary

Starting tomorrow, I will be participating in the "Feelin' Feminine Challenge hosted by my dear friend Jessica. I encourage you to check it out and hope that you will decide to take the challenge as well.
Since I have started this blog, I have wanted to do a post on this topic and this seems like the perfect occasion for it, so here goes:

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

As in all things, whenever when we are choosing clothes to wear we should be primariliy concerned with promoting God's glory. But what exactly does that look like? If you're like me, you like things spelled out to you. But the beauty of God's Word is that it does not do that. Rather, it chooses to focus primarily on the issue of the heart.

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

"....Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness---with good works." 1 Timothy 2:9

"Do not let your adorning be external----the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing--but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imiperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." 1 Peter 3:4

The first requirement in the area of modesty is that our heart should be in the right place. We should not be concerned primarily with the external and forget about the importance of  a gentle and quiet spirit. It does not matter how "modest" your apparel is if your attitude is rebellious.
  However, I personally do not believe that these verses mean that you have to be plain or frumpy in order  to be considered modest in God's eyes. On the contrary, the Proverbs 31 woman, the model for all godly women, was dressed beautifully:

" She is not afraid for snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple." Proverbs 31:21-22

Another example for us is the Bride of Christ, of whom (I hope) we all are a part:

"Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.."
Revelation 19:7-8

I believe that God wants us to dress modestly. But I also believe that it is important to be feminine as well.

" A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 22:7

God has created us women to be beautiful and lovely. Yes, we are supposed to dress modestly. But I do not believe it follows we are supposed to sacrifice feminity for the sake of modesty. I think they are both important in the sight of God. And when they are both present, there is nothing more beautiful.

"Stength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come." Proverbs 31:25

I do not know exactly how it is supposed to look like for everyone. For me, skirts are what makes me feel both modest and feminine. But I would never say anyone who does not wear skirts is sinning. To be honest, I have met some people who are more modest in pants then they are in skirts. Once again, the issue comes back to the heart.
    I hope that, at the very least, this will remind you of the importance of modesty and feminity and cause to re-examine your motive behind the way you dress. Rember Webster's words: it is the richest gem in the diadem of our honor!

A Song to Ponder

2009-10-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Glory of the Cross

"What wisdom once devised the plan

Where all our sin and pride

Was placed upon the perfect Lamb

Who suffered bled and died?

The wisdom of a Sovereign God

Whose greatness will be shown

When those who crucified Your Son

Rejoice around Your throne

And, oh, the glory of the cross

That You would send Your Son for us

I gladly count my life as loss

That I might come to know

The glory of, the glory of the cross

What righteousness was there revealed

That sets the guilty free

That justifies ungodly men

And calls the filthy clean?

A righteousness that proved to all

Your justice had been met

And holy wrath is satisfied

Through one atoning death.

(Chorus)

What mercy now has been proclaimed

For those who would believe

A love incomprehensibile

Our minds cannot conceive?

A mercy that forgives my sin

Then makes me like Your Son

And now I'm loved forevermore

Because of what You've done

Written by: Bob Kauflin

Isn't that just beautiful? I could spend a very long time just thinking about the truths of that song.

Here are several Scripure verses that coincide with this song:

"Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and how inscrutable His ways!" Romans 11:33

"But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6

"......the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glroy of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a proptiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. It was to show His righteousness at the present time that He might be both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Romans 3:22-26

"For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ....." Philipians 3:7-8

In Christ

Friends

2009-10-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we went with several families to a corn maze. Here are some pictures of us with the Courters before the corn maze.
Note: The sun was in our eyes so please excuse the squinting

Rebekah, Me, Esther, Jessica

The boys being boys

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Elijah, Isaac, Lincoln, Caleb, Josiah, Joshua, Eric, Daniel, Brett, and Aaron

The whole clan

2009-10-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

As I was reading I came across this passage in Zephaniah:
"Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgements against you;
He has cleared away your enemies.
The Kind of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall never again fear evil.
On that day it shall be said to Jesusalmem:
"Fear not, O Zion;
Let not your hands grow weak.
The Lord Your God is in your midst,
a mighty One who will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness:
He will quiet you by His love;
He will exult over you with loud singing."
Zephaniah 3:14-17
Is this not a beautiful passage? It is filled so many beautiful truths from Scripture. Even if you believe that this passage is intended specifically for the nation of Israel, I believe it's principles can be found in the rest of Scripture:

"The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; He has cleared away your enemies"

"Since therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved from the wrath of God." Romans 5:9

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of Life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

"You shall never again fear evil"

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me" Psalm 23:4

" 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3

"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." Romans 6:14

And my favorite:
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died --- more than that, who wa raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty One who will save."
"Who is this King of Glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." Psalm 24:8

"She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25

"He will quiet you by His love...."
"He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." Sg. of Solomon 2:4

"I have loved you with an everlasting love..." Jerimiah 31:3

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4

At this moment, I am in awe of God's great mercy to me. Even though I deserved judgement, because of His great mercy He has taken away those judgements. Not only that, He has also poured out His love upon me and even "exults over me with loud singing!" "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord." I hope you were blessed even half as much as I was.

In Christ

A Delicious Recipe for Fall

2009-10-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

As Fall is in full swing now, I thought it would be appropriate to share a delicious recipe I found:

Pumpin Pecan Muffins

2-1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanialla extract

1/2 cup chopped pecans

TOPPING:

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup finely chopped pecans

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cold butter

In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in pecans. Pour in greased or paper lined muffin cups three-fourths full.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, and flour; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkled over batter.

Bake a 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out cles. Cool for 5 minutes before removing pan to wire rack. Serve warm.

Giveaway at Growing in Grace

2009-10-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

Growing in Grace is having a giveaway for these curly cloths. I would encourage you to check it out. You can learn more about Curly Cloths here.

Hymns

2009-10-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:16-17

Studying hymns is something I really love to do. There are so many treasures found in them. Unlike most (not all) of the contemporary hymns today, many hymns are so rich in true theology. I love it when I find a hymn that is rarely ever sung anymore but is such a rare gem. Here is a list of some of my favorites (in no particular order):

"Be Thou My Vision"

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"

"And Can it Be?"

"O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing"

"Hallelujah, What a Savior"

"Show Pity, Lord"

"How Sweet and Awesome"

"Arise, my Soul Arise"*

"My Song is Love Unknown"

"My Lord, I did not Choose You"

"Crown Him with Many Crowns"

"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"

"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"

All of these songs can be found at http://www.hymnary.org. This is a great site for anyone who loves hymns. I would love to hear some of your favorites!

*There is one line in the second verse that I do not agree with. I usually just skip that one.

Welcome!

2009-10-12T16:45:00.001-07:00

Welcome readers! This is my first attempt at blogging so please bear with me.I hope to be able to cover a wide range of topics (theology, books, music, movies, as well as what is going on in my life. ) and that it will all be glorifying to God.

Thanks for stopping by!

In Christ Alone