Catching Up

It has been a busy week around here. We begin our first week of homeschooling next week. I have worked on a “schedule” but it is a rather ‘loose’ one. I have found that life with 2 preschoolers and 1 toddler doesn’t always allow for a strict schedule – basically we’re more of a ‘routine’ family. That way I don’t feel as guilty when the schedule doesn’t work. I have our curriculum ready, our routine sketched out and we are looking forward to this adventure.

Also, check out this post by Leslie. I too want to be saturated with God’s Word. I want my children to see that love for the Scriptures and desire that for their own lives. I had been working on memorizing Romans 8 (mainly because I am competing with my husband – hey, God can use anything right?) but I had fallen behind on it. I am encouraged to continue it now, and for the right reasons.

In my continuing study of Romans, I read Mark Dever’s chapter on Romans in his book The Message of the New Testament. I was reminded this morning that having a justified faith results in a life that is changed! “It yields a life that hates sin and fights against it.” After a saving encounter with the Holy God, we should be different – different than the world. So many ‘Christian’s’ today are not different than the world – begging the question ‘is the converse of this statement also true?’ If there is no change, if there is no fruit, has one been truly justified?

I find that it is easy to hate sin – well, it’s easier to hate the sin of others while trying to excuse my own. Many times I try to justify my own sin. Well, I said that because you … Well, I’m sorry if you misunderstood me … But there is no excuse for my sin and I am thankful that my sin is covered by the blood of Christ. Living a life of justified faith means that I am to be different – that I am to reflect Christ and not the world. I am thankful that salvation is through faith alone by Christ alone, therefore it is all for His glory. But I pray that my spirit will detest the sin my own life and that I will be quick to fight against it!

A Life of Grace

Every now and then I check in on a blog of a Westminster Theological Seminary seminary professor who has melanoma cancer. (I can't remember how I came across this blog - you know how that goes!) I think the cancer has spread to his lungs and his brain. I read a post last week from his teenaged daughter and was moved to tears - almost the ugly cry. Her strength and faith in God's sovereignty is amazing. I copied her post here:

Hello all. I don’t know how other people are handling this situation with my dad, but I know that God has really blessed me with faith during this time, and I would love to share this faith with you.

Many people see death as an awful thing, and outside of Christ, it is the worst thing imaginable. However, my dad knows Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior. Frequently, people have come up to me and voiced their anger and frustration that “all of this” should be happening to “a good family like yours.” As much as I appreciate the reference to my loving family, I would like to strongly state: DON’T BE ANGRY WITH GOD ON OUR BEHALF. I think I speak for my whole family when I say that I know that God has a perfect plan, and that He is accomplishing His will with my dad’s cancer. And for my part, I feel like God is giving me a glimpse at that plan.

Throughout my dad’s cancer, so many people have been blessed by his faith through suffering, (myself included in that count). Jesus calls us all to serve Him with all our hearts, he just calls us each to serve Him in different ways. I believe that God is calling my dad to serve Him in the last part of his life by worshiping Him in the midst of suffering. God is using His dutiful servant to then bless everyone else. What greater calling is there than to serve the Lord your God in everything you do? And what greater honor is there than to die for your Lord in a way that will bless His flock?

I am deeply moved by everyone’s prayers for all of us during this trial. I appreciate the prayers for healing, but I would also encourage people to pray that God will complete His purpose with my dad, understanding that He is capable of healing, but that He may have something entirely different in store for my dad. The last thing I would want to see (or that I’m sure my dad would want to see) would be for people to be so caught in praying for healing, that if Jesus chooses to take my dad Home, that people will be bitter and angry with God. I feel that being angry with God on my dad’s behalf would be a disservice and dishonor to my dad, and his willingness to do his Lord’s bidding.

So take heart! Don’t fear death! As Christians, death is really the best gift you could ever receive! My dad will get to go Home to worship His maker, and my dad will feel no pain for all of eternity. He won’t be weighed down by the burdens and sins of this world and longer! Because Jesus died on the cross, death truly has lost its sting. So instead of being sad, please rejoice with me in our loving Father who is perfect, and who has a perfect plan for my earthly father.

With much love and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, your sister Eowyn

Here is some scripture that I’ve found very helpful during this time. It deals mostly with suffering, especially death, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

James 1:2-8

John 17:3

Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8

Psalm 84:1-4, 10-12

Isaiah 40

Romans 5:1-3 (esp. 3)

Romans 8:1-2

Romans 12:1-3 (esp. 3)

1 COR 15:50-58

Matthew 6:19-21 (I found this one to be special in that I think my dad really grasps and lives the concept of storing up his treasures in heaven.)

I hope that God might speak to some of your hearts through some of these verses as well, bringing comfort, peace, and hope.


You can check out the updates on his site here. Pray for this family and for people to continue to see God through this trial!

A Birth Story

I read a blog a while ago that shared the birth story of their child on their birthday. So I decided to share the story of Emmie’s birth in honor of her birthday which was Saturday! About this time 4 years ago, I was pregnant with our second child, Emmie. During my first delivery, Coleman’s shoulder got stuck but they were able to help him out without any damage to his shoulder. He was a couple of weeks early and only weighed 6 lbs 12 oz. So the second time around my doctor was worried that the birth canal was a bit narrow and there was a chance that Emmie may get stuck as well. I was trying to decide if we should try it again or go for a C-section. But I didn’t have a chance to finish my research since Emmie decided to come even earlier than Coleman. On August 26, 2002, (at 36 weeks and 6 days), I woke up and had red urine (is that too graphic? Well, it is a birth story …) Thinking I was having another kidney stone (I seem to have kidney stones with every pregnancy but that is a different blog post), I called the Doctor and they told me to come in.

So, I loaded up 16-month old Coleman and Daddy met us at the hospital. They decided to monitor the baby while I was there. The nurse asked me if I could feel the contractions. I was like, contractions? What contractions? I was already at 3 cm and didn’t know. I was a little nervous since I hadn’t decided about what type of delivery to try that we went ahead and scheduled the C-section. Brian and I took Coleman home to stay with Granny and then we headed back up to the hospital. They prepped me for surgery and at 3:23 pm, little Emmie joined us in person! (I won’t go into graphic details about the C-section, because, frankly, I can’t stomach it! Ha! Seriously, I’m not good with those kind of things, I couldn’t even look at the incision for the longest time.) Little Emmie weighed only 6 lb 5 oz. so I probably could have delivered her the other way. (Later, I had a VBAC with the 3rd who weighed the same as Emmie and all went fine). But oh well. You live and learn. At least she was here safe and sound.

Coleman was thrilled with his new little sister, Emmie. And we are thrilled with her still. I can’t believe she is 4 years old already. She brings so much joy to our family – and questions – LOTS of questions. She is full of life and continually makes us laugh. She loves to play “Mommy” to her baby dolls and swing on her swing set. I pray for many more years together with her. Most of all, I pray for her heart to be tender towards God. I pray He will draw her to Himself and that we will be faithful to continually expose her to His Word! We love you Emmie-lou!

Happy Birthday

Another cake. Sorry I'm not writing much, but my hand is cramped from squeezing out all that icing! But at least it was fun to lick the bowl!

A new ride!

Princess Emmie

She loves to be a Mommy!

We're off to rest a little and then go enjoy the local county fair! Ya'll have a good weekend!

Ooops!

Well, it's barely 11:30 and we're already on our 3rd outfit for Calvin, our 2 year old. We went outside this morning and he loves to play in the mud ... so we cleaned him up. And you need this back-story to understand the next part of the story. Lately I have been working with my older 2 (4 and 5 years) about not leaving their cups on the table so Calvin won't climb up there and dump them out. Let's just say they have had to clean up several messes lately. Well, a few minutes ago I heard, "Mommy, Calvin is at the table and he dumped out the water." Mommy says, "well, whose cup was it? They need to go get a towel." Coleman, the oldest, said, "Mommy, it was yours!." Ohhh! Ooops! In my defense ... well, I guess there really isn't a defense!

Here Is Love

This is one of my 'new' favorite 'old' hymns that we sang at church this past Sunday. The only link I could find where you can hear it is at The Cyber Hymnal. It sounds even better with the guitar (although I'm probably a little biased because I am married to an incredible guitar player). Matt Redman sings a version of it on the Passion: Hymns Ancient and Modern CD. Read the words and let them penetrate your heart!

Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

Let me all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see.
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.

In Thy truth Thou dost direct me
By Thy Spirit through Thy Word;
And Thy grace my need is meeting,
As I trust in Thee, my Lord.
Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring
Thy great love and power on me,
Without measure, full and boundless,
Drawing out my heart to Thee.

You Won't Hear This on Dr. Phil!

I have been studying Romans 9 the past few weeks. This week I have been listening and reading John Piper's sermons on Romans 9. I read this in one of his sermons this morning,

“Probably the deepest corruption that we have all inherited from the Fall – and it is especially and blatantly prevalent in the last 50 years – is that we believe and feel that happiness and health come from being praised, rather than from praising God. We think that psychological health comes from being made much of, rather than from being freed from that need to enjoy making much of God forever. That is why we were made, and that is where the greatest and deepest and longest joys are found – not in being made much of, but in forgetting ourselves in the joy of making much of God’s glory,…” (Read the entire sermon here.)

Of course, the world teaches the opposite - that happiness is making much of me. Now, don't get me wrong. Of course I like to be made much of - who doesn't? But that is not where true joy is. Isn't that why so many people are still searching for joy? Because they aren't finding it in relationships, money or success. As Christians, we can't rely on the "so-called wisdom" of the world. We have to go straight to the Scriptures for guidance and direction. Today I was challenged to forget about myself and to make much of God!

EASY Cola Chicken Recipe

What's with all the recipes? I don't know. Really - I'm not "all that" in the kitchen, I promise. But here is an easy recipe that can cook all by itself. I'm all for that.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup catsup
12 oz can diet soda

Put chicken in non-stick skillet or pan. Pour catsup and diet soda over top. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and cook for 45 minutes. Uncover, turn up heat and continue to cook 'til sauce thickens & adheres to the chicken!

Oreo Ball Recipe

Here is a yummy dessert. Healthy? Ummm ... no. But good ... YES!

1 lb Oreo Cookies (3 sleeves)
8 oz cream cheese
1 lb milk chocolate
1/2 lb white chocolate

Using a food processor, grind cookies to a fine powder. With a mixer, blend cookie powder and cream cheese until thoroughly mixed (there should be no white traces of cream cheese). Roll into small balls and place on wax-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for 45 minutes.

Line 2 cookie sheets with wax paper. In double boiler, melt milk chocolate. Dip balls and coat thoroughly. Place on wax-paper lined cookie sheet. In other boiler, melt white chocolate. Using fork, drizzle white chocolate over balls (you don't have to do the white chocolate part). Let cool in refrigerator. Store in airtight container, in refrigerator. Makes around 36 balls!

Unmet Expectations

Sometimes I have problems with my expectations. For instance, I expect that we are going to have a quick, uneventful WalMart run. (I know, shouldn’t I have learned by now?) But that never seems to happen. Or I expect my husband to be perfect (like me, right?) but he’s not. You get the picture. In life, one has to learn how to deal with unmet expectations. As a Christian, there is a deeper issue to consider. What do I set my hopes on? Do I set them on “things” of this world? Like the fence I would love to have in my back yard? Or financial security? Or another baby? Or being the perfect wife and mother?

Today I was reading Mark Devers The New Testament: Promises Kept. He says, “Many of our problems come from attaching our hopes to things that were not made to bear them … as the one who made us, [God] knows how we work best. He knows what we should hope for, and he has set those very things in the Bible so that we can fix our hopes upon them.”

I pray as I read this book and study the New Testament that I will hope for the things that God desires me to hope for. It’s not easy to put aside what I want, what I expect and what I desire. But isn’t that what the Christian life is about, daily dying to self? May I find new hopes in Him and His Word – hopes that will be met because the Bible is full of “Promises Made and Promises Kept.”

Friends

I originally started this blog mainly to keep out-of-town family and friends informed about the daily happenings of our lives. In the past few months, I have "met" some special new friends in this blog world - from places like Canada, California, and good ole Alabama! (Roll Tide! I went to college in Alabama.) I have also been able to catch up with some good friends from college and seminary days (see Kelly's blog added to my sidebar). And now, I have a local friend, Kim, who has also joined the blogworld. Welcome, Kim. I know I have learned a great deal about being a godly wife and mother from others all around the country (and some in the UK as well). I am thankful for my new "friends" and the insight I have gained from a peek into their lives!

Mother of the Year?

Calvin, our 2 year old, just hasn’t felt good the past few days. Wednesday night his eye started running a little. I thought it was probably a cold or pink eye. I’m not one to run to the Dr first thing and yesterday it looked like it was clearing up, so I just kept him home. But by bedtime last night, both eyes were running and was very whiny. I called the nurse and she said I could give him a couple of things to help him feel better but to bring him in the next day to check his ears. After benadryl and motrin and cuddling, he had a pretty peaceful nights sleep – that means Mommy did too! So I decided to go ahead and taken him in to the Dr first thing this morning … and he has an ear infection! Poor baby. I felt so bad that I didn’t take him in yesterday. Guess I won’t win “Mother of the Year” yet. He’s so laid back, I had no idea. He hadn’t pulled on his ears or anything. So, now he’s on antibiotics and some eye drops. Eye drops for a 2 year old? They said to just wrap him in a sheet to put them in – yeah right – that won’t make him fight me. Actually, he’s my best patient and he did pretty well except for the fact that it took me about 5 drops to get 1 drop in – I hope that pharmacist put some extra drops in there!

Romans 9

Our Pastor has been preaching through the book of Romans since October of last year. It has been an incredible study – very refreshing to hear the Word preached boldly. When the Bible is preached expositionally, verse-by-verse, you can’t skip over the hard parts. We have been in Romans 9 the past few weeks. I missed church 2 weeks ago because I was out of town and this past Sunday I was taking care of the babies in the nursery. So I just caught up on what I missed the past 2 Sundays. Wow! Awesome stuff. Election. Predestination. Controversial topics that many pastors just avoid. But you can’t deny that election is in the Bible – in fact, it’s all throughout the Scriptures. For a long period in my life, I held to the belief that man chose God. There was “free will” to choose or reject God. How prideful – to think that salvation was dependent upon my choosing God! But isn’t that the root of all sin? Trying to put myself in God’s place? I am thankful that God has “reformed” my beliefs on this issue (as well as many others). God’s Word has clearly and consistently revealed that it is God who chooses and God who saves. Therefore, I have nothing to boast about and ALL the glory goes to Him for His saving work in my life. If you’re interested in some good sermons from the book of Romans, click here.

Busy and Tired

Sorry posting has been a little sporadic. I'm trying to get back in the groove from being out of town. I have also been reorganizing a few closets, getting ready to start homeschooling in a few weeks. And the past couple of nights, the youngest member of our family has had some trouble sleeping. I'm not sure if it's a tooth (ain't putting my finger in there again) or a cold. Last night I didn't know whether to give him some benadryl or tylenol so I opted for the benadryl so we could all get some sleep. I am one of those people who really needs sleep - act Christlike on less than 7 hours sleep? I don't think so. Anyway, we're getting it all back together and I hope to post something of substance in the next day or so!

Computer Issues

I seem to have a knack for having computer issues. My internet explorer often "freezes" up and I have to control, alt, delete to end the task. I'm not sure if it's the filter on my computer or if it's maybe something with blogger. I think it started sometime around when I entered the blogworld. Anyone have any suggestions?

Back In The Groove

We made it back safely from Georgia. I was worried it was going to be miserably hot down there but it was 'cooler' there than here in Richmond. Richmond was in the 100's while we were gone. Whew! It was a long and quick trip but it was great to visit with our cousins from Texas. We don't get to visit with them often and I love to see the children play together. I hate that we live so far apart so we try to get together whenever possible.

I added a couple of links to my sidebar. Amy and Leslie are some of my new 'blogfriends.' Check out their sites and be challenged by what God is teaching them.