Happy New Year 2013

 

 We are nearing the end of another year. In just two days, we'll welcome in the New Year, 2013.

As I pray and thank the LORD for all of His mercies, I am particularly mindful of the way He tenderly, and mercifully lead us through a difficult year. 

 

I pray God's mercies bring you a New Year that is filled w/a sweet knowledge and fellowship with HIM, come what may!   

Shine, Jesus, Shine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted.
For you are the glory of their strength;

by your favor our horn is exalted.
For our shield belongs to the Lord,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Psalm 89:15-18 

 

The lights on our tree draw me in to the LIGHT who came to save me from the darkness.

I pray our hearts will be illuminated by HIS presence in our home. 

I pray for the hearts of those who have somehow missed the LIGHT, who are satisfied to linger in the darkness because they do not recognize HIM for the LIGHT of Salvation HE is. 

 

For the families in Newtown CT, I am praying HE will lift their sorrow, and shine in the deep, dark crevices of their broken hearts and minds.  Their sorrow is not trivial. 

May they have just enough faith, however desperate, to seek HIS face and lift up his name in the midst of the evil they are consumed by. 

"Lord, the light of Your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining;
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth You now bring us;
Shine, Jesus, Shine..."
Words, Graham Kendrick, 1987

The Purry Gates

She was a feral kitten in our neighborhood that found my routine treat for the neighbor's cat her feast.
At first, she only came at dusk. Eventually, we began to see her peek her little nose above the neighbor's border grass at dawn, so I put food out for her then too.
In time, and w/much TLC, we adopted this little rebel rouser into our family. She hated to be confined in any manner. The first time we brought her into the house, she went ballistic! She literally climbed the door to get out, thinking the daylight she saw behind the lace panel curtain was the way to her escape. I wonder if the person that drove by at that moment saw her caught between the window and the lace. She was a tough kitty to break, but she eventually accepted our love, and realized she was home.

Somehow, and quickly, Matt endeared himself to her. She loved him w/the most tender kitty affection. 

When he left home, she awaited his return, often at the foot of his bed.
When he showered in the mornings, she sat outside the bathroom door waiting for him to return to her. If he took too long, she'd claw at the door as if she really thought she needed to get in there to save him. It wasn't unusual for him to open the door to let her in to the bathroom, so she'd be at peace w/where he was.

A quiet mew is unusual for a Siamese, even for a mixed breed. Tink'r Bell's mew made us laugh.
She communicated soooo sweetly. We'll miss her soft, unassuming presence.

Tonight she left us quickly. There was no warning...
If I understood, I'd feel better.
Needless to say, this is another hurt and another difficult loss for me.
I am solaced to consider the LORD loved her too.

The Purry Gates~
It seems that I've reached Heaven,
or it's doorstep at any rate,
and been winding round St. Peter's ankles
by the Pearly Gates,
I've plucked the angels' harp strings
and made a merry sound,
But it's plucking at my heartstrings
that you are not around.
So I think I'll sit and wait here,
just outside the door,
And as the souls come floating in,
I'll tap them with my paw,
And when you seek admittance,
they'll rename this place -
It will become Purradise,
and these the Purry Gates!
Author Unknown

More to be Thankful for!

"If the LORD had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
When I thought, “My foot slips,”
your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul."
...

(Psalm 94:17-19 ESV)

My Mother Dear completed her chemo treatments this past Monday.
My heart is tender to consider how the LORD will use this treatment to fulfill HIS purpose for Mom, and all of us, for HIS glory.
I tremble to selfishly desire my will, and not His.
My heart is stilled; I truly desire to know and trust Him through the rest of this journey.

Mom will meet w/a radiologist/oncologist in January to discuss whether she'll need radiation treatment. Meanwhile, we covet your prayers for her health and recovery from cancer.  

Thank you! 

Happy Thanksliving- Day 22

I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that He has granted them according to His compassion, according to the abundance of His steadfast love.
Isaiah 63:7

Day 22-  Today, we held hands, bowed heads, and Recounted HIS MERCY, and our gratitude multiplied...!!

Happy Thanksliving!

Happy Thanksliving- Day 21

"I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you."  Isaiah 44:22

Day 21- Thankful for my Redeemer!  I am Redeemed! 

"I don't have to be the old man inside of me
Cause his day is long dead and gone
I've got a new name, and new life I'm not the same
And a hope that will carry me home."
(Songwriters:  Benji Cowart and Michael Weaver)

Happy Thanksgiving- Day 20

"...Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Day 20- I am thankful for the LORD's provision of physical therapy for me the next few weeks. It's amazing how quickly the body forgets what it is supposed to do when weakness/sickness occurs, and bad habits are formed. Without Godly disciplines and encouragement in every area of our lives, we are sure to slowly self destruct!

I am also grateful for the godly influence and encouragement my family receives through the leaders and friends they've met through Yesha Ministries TKD program.

Happy Thanksliving- Day 19

 

"Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith. But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us... ". Galations 3:11-13a

Day 19- I look forward to our family gathering on Thursday. We'll congregate w/Mark's family. I am so very thankful for them, and I love them dearly! Can't wait to be w/y'all! : )

 

Special memories will be made...

 

"Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb Could
rescue the souls of men"

Words: Eric Wyse & Dawn Rodgers
And there will be lots of love to share!! 

Happy Thanksliving- Day 18

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Day 18- I am very thankful for the LORD's Body who came along side us and encouraged us through a difficult year. Thinking back now on how paralyzed and discouraged we felt from some of our emotional circumstances, there were the timely blessings of those who literally built a wall of defense around us with their spoken, encouraging words and, Praise the Lord!, through the  teaching ministry of God's Word. I have been strengthened and encouraged!!

"And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the Word of God, which is at work in you believers."
I Thessalonians 2:13

Happy Thanksliving- Day 17

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be ...

made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:4-8

Day 17- Have waited a long time for this...I love the changes! I am grateful!!

Hoppy Thanksliving- Day 16

The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made.  All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you.  Psalm 145:9-10

Day 16-  I'm thankful tonight the LORD granted me my desire to hold Cotton during her last moments of life.  She was a wonderful first pet for Katherine.  When she came to live w/us in 2006, my family began calling me "Grannie Rabbit" just as my grandmother was affectionately named many years ago for housing rabbits. 
We will bury Cotton in the morning.

 

Happy Thanksliving- Day 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name."
I Chronicles 29:10-13

Day 15- I will never forget the afternoon two men came to our home and attempted to steal the rocking chairs off our front porch. I was mad, of course. How dare those lying hoodlums try to steal MY chairs!...I wanted to quickly lock all four chairs away in the garage so those guys wouldn't return to find them still there, free for the taking!
Mark quickly asked me, "What good are those four rocking chairs to us...

if they are locked up in the garage? God gave us those chairs to enjoy. They're His! You need to trust He'll take care of them right where they are."

Eighteen years later, God's chairs are still on the front porch.
I am thankful the LORD has taken care of His chairs, His house, His property, His family, His... everything!! He is RULER over all things, even the matters of my selfish heart!

Happy Thanksliving- Day 14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance" James 1:2-4, JB Phillips...

Day 14- Thankful today for the LORD's perfect provision for help in our times of need. Mom and Dad returned home two weeks ago from chemo therapy to find a new 'friend', named 'Flood', had moved into their house. CCI Restoration Services and Darley Plumbing were quickly there to rescue. Their house restoration work continues, and will soon be complete.
Mom's newest 'friend', 'Blood Clot', has now set up residence in her right leg. Her spirits remain high, along w/her leg and foot.
I'm wondering these days if Mom set out to run/win a marathon, but forgot to tell us.  Her endurance is remarkable!! 

Happy Thanksliving- Day 13

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
I Thessalonians 5:18

Day 13-I am thankful for this Truth, my grandmother's lasting spiritual counsel in my life. 

 Also, I've had this song on my heart today...

 Are you humbly grateful, or grumbly hateful?
What’s your attitude?
Do you grumble and groan?
Or let it be known you’re grateful for all God’s done for you?
(Words: Kathie Hill)

Happy Thanksliving- Day 12

"Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain." Psalm 127:1a

Day 12- I do believe it's for real this time...the kitchen ceiling came down today! Tomorrow the can lighting goes up and unpacking the cabinets continues... : )) Mark will be home another day! Sooooo thankful! I love watching him work!! : )
What a sweet reminder of the LORD's continued renovation of me!

Happy Thanksliving- Day 11

 

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:14, 16

Day 11- Very thankful God sent the express image of Himself, Jesus, to live here on earth that man would know the fullness he might receive.
Thankful to know my Matt has a father who loves the LORD, and desires to encourage him in his faith and walk w/HIM.
Happy Birthday Mark and Matt.  I love you both verrry much! 

Happy Thanksliving- Day 10

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:23-25

Day 10- I'm thankful that it is God's idea for His Church to meet together as oft as possible to pray, read, teach, and sing the WORD together. I look forward to worshipping the LORD tomorrow.

(Note: This is a photo of a pretty church we passed along a winding road in North Carolina, I believe, as we were on our way to Ridgecrest last year for the NCFIC Marriage Conference.  This church represents The Church, the gathering of The Body of Believers that unite to worship the LORD and edify one another in their faith.  The Church is not the building.  Buildings are made w/hands, but The Church is built by God, and it's Chief Cornerstone is JESUS!  He bought her with His blood!)

Happy Thanksliving- Day 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace."
(John Newton)

Day 9- I have great gratitude in my heart today for Mark's parents and their faith. What an awesome privilege I have to be their daughter in law (their youngest son's wife), to have borne them four grandchildren. The enduring mercy of the LORD began w/the testimonies and laws spoken by a father to his children, "that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;" (Psalm 78:6-7).
God did not intend for Pawpaw to never get sick, nor to never take his last breath. God did desire that Pawpaw live his life faithful to the end, proclaiming His Word and ways, and that he did well! Blessed be the name of the LORD!

 

Happy Thanksliving- Day 8

"Crown Him the Son of God
Before the worlds began,
And ye who tread where He hath trod,
Crown Him the Son of man;
Who every greif hath known
that wrings the human breast,

And takes and bears them for His own,
that all in Him may rest."
(Matthew Bridges)

Day 8-I am deeply grateful the LORD blessed me w/parents who have faithfully endured the diagnosis of Mom's cancer this year, the subsequent surgery, and now treatments while taking every additional step by faith in HIM. They continue to teach me, and all of their children, that hardships and trials are the very means by which we are able to say, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Happy Thanksliving- Day 7

"Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD." Psalm 128:1-4

Day 7- Sooooo very thankful today for God's blessing of children in our marraige. They have truly been a blessing to us! I am anxious to see how the LORD will multiply and bless them. For the babies we could not hold, we are thankful to know they are with Jesus, and that we'll meet them one day! What a precious reunion that will be!

(Note: Don't believe I've ever shared this photo before.  It's one of my all time favorite Christmas photos of the children.  The quality is not soo good because I copied it w/my phone.  One of these days, I hope to get a scanner so I don't have to borrow one. : D ). 

Happy Thanksliving- Day 6

"So God created man in His own image,
in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him. ...Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:18, 24

Day 6- Soooo very, very thankful that our union was God's idea; all we are and are yet to be is because of HIM!
"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." Psalm 37:37

Happy Thanksliving- Day 4

"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. ..." Genesis 1:26.

Day 5- Thankful to know The Triune God, Creator of the universe created me in His likeness ...mind, body, and spirit/soul. I am not the result of an accident, but the purposeful desire of God to bring Him pleasure.

Happy Thanksliving -Day 3

"In the beginning, God created ... ." Genesis 1:1

"For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16, ESV

Day 3- I am thankful today that HE is The CREATOR of everything, even my faith to believe HE is who HE says HE is!

Happy Thanksliving-Day 2

Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church, Lulaton, GA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." Psalm 90:2

Day 2: I am thankful that GOD is timeless,...EVERLASTING. HE is the God of my fathers. HE has kept His promise to show "...steadfast love to thousands [generations] of those who love [HIM] and keep [HIS] commandments. (Exodus 20:6)".

 

Special note of interest:

My father shared: This is the old Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church at Lulaton, Georgia and is typical of old independent churches of the early 1900's. My mother remembers, going to this church in a "mule-drawn wagon," and occasionally taking "off-her-shoes" and running on the "snow-white-sand roads" until they reached the church. Then, they would "hop-back-on the wagon," and replace their shoes so the boys wouldn't see their feet (early 1900's). If you look closely to the "right-hand corner of the building" you might slight resemblance of her white granite grave stone.

 

I remember when we took our children to see this church, we all found it amusing (dare i say?) that on the men's side of the church, there were benches and holes in the floor so the men could chew and spit. On the other side, for women and children, there were no holes in the floor, only benches.

Happy Thanksliving- Day 1

Happy Thanksliving!!
Today, this first day of November, I purpose to thank the LORD for who HE is in my life!
Romans 1:21 says, "For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." (Romans 1:21, ESV).

Day 1- I am thankful for my Bible, the written WORD, the greatest, most precious gift I've ever received, by which I have come to realize my greatest need... HIM!! 
 

It's a Beeeauuutiful Day in our Bunnyhood...

 

Mrs. Hadden moved to Heaven

 

February 4, 1934 - October 16, 2012

 My Dear Backdoor Neighbor and 'Big Sis', Mrs. Hadden, is with Jesus.  All I know to say is that I am purposed to trust the LORD with the deep loss I feel for her absence.  He is Faithful!!   

Betty Joan Cottle Hadden, 78, died in her home on October 16, 2012, following a brief battle with acute leukemia. Betty was born in Jacksonville to Ebbie B. and Sophia R. Cottle (later, Carpenter), and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, and Jacksonville University. She was a teacher at Justina Rd Elementary School, St. Andrews Episcopal Day School, and Arlington Country Day School, before entering a second career in administration at Jacksonville University. In addition to working in the College of Fine Arts and in Financial Aid, she was the long-time executive assistant to former J.U. President Dr. Frances B. Kinne, and worked in a private capacity for Dr. Kinne for many years after Dr. Kinne's retirement from J.U. Betty was an active member of Parkwood Baptist Church for more than 50 years, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and worked in the nursery. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Louis E. Hadden. She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Holland (Bryan), of Hixson, TN; and 2 sons, Richard Hadden (Christine) of Jacksonville, and Michael Hadden (Julie), of Macon, GA; brother, Jon Cottle (Fran); 7 grandchildren, Christie David (Jim), Leyna Murphey, Cory Bazzle (James), and Lindsay, Alec, Noah, and Jaxon Hadden; and one grandchild on the way, Emma Kate Hadden; 5 great-grandchildren, Leyna Anne, Catherine, and Abigail Sharp, and Joy and Hope David; nephew, Ross Cottle (Kathy), niece, Chinene Brady (Pat), and many dear friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 19 at 11:00am at Parkwood Baptist Church, 7900 Lone Star Road in Jacksonville, with Rev. William M. "Manny" Keyser officiating. A visitation will be held at Arlington Park Funeral home, 6920 Lone Star Rd, from 6-8pm on Thursday, Oct 18. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Parkwood Baptist Church, 7900 Lone Star Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32211.

Have we met yet?

Bun-one and Foo-two

We are now fostering a sweet, bonded pair of black bunnies.

Yes, you're likely thinking, "She is crazy", and yes, that's likely so, but I prefer to consider myself tender towards animals that have been put out, or abandoned.

Last Friday, Mark's mother found a little bunny hopping around in her yard.  This seemed a timely blessing to us, because we imagined the LORD was giving Mawmaw something to help her get thru the days ahead.  The following day, Mawmaw's sister would leave to head back to Charlotte and Mawmaw would be alone to grieve the loss of Pawpaw. 

At first the bunny surprise was a delight.  The bunny would come and go, eat the food we took to her to feed it, and there was no mess to clean up!! 

Then Monday, lo and behold, Mark and MS discovered another bunny....TWO bunnies. 

They are very close in size and color, so we truly believe someone put them out to fend for themselves.  I looked for a 'LOST Bunny' ad, but found none in our area, sadly. 

 

Yesterday, Mawmaw expressed concern that the bunnies would not survive roaming free in her neighborhood. Just the other night she feared barking dogs were getting to the first one.  Now there's two to be concerned about.

 Mark and Matt packed up our kitty carriers and w/in minutes of arriving at Mawmaw's house, found the bunnies hopping around in her yard.  They are now safe in the haven of our hutch in the backyard. Our bunnies are now having to giveup  a little space, half in fact, to host a pair of bunnies they're not so sure they like. It wasn't long ago when Cotton and Bruce were learning to get along. Now they love, love, love each other! : ))

If you know of anyone who would like to re-home a bonded pair of black bunnies, pls let me know. I'm willing to consider passing them along, but this needs to happen sooner than later, for I tend to get attached much too quickly.

Yes, Mark loves me, but he tolerates my love for animals!!

Remembering Pawpaw

 

K.D. Gray

A faithful, loving, hard-working man who impacted a multitude with his life, leaves a godly legacy with cherished memories. Klondike Gray, Jr., born October 8, 1927 in Charlotte, N.C., is an example of biblical marriage by faithful devotion to his wife of sixty-two years. K.D. Gray is a WWII veteran, serving in the U.S. Army in Japan. After a valiant showing against cancer, gracefully went home to spend eternity with his sweet Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, September 27, 2012.

K.D. is survived by his wife Betty Gray, his brother Parks Gray (Mitzi), sisters-in-law Beatrice Gray and Johanne Smith; his children Gary Gray (Maria), Patricia Grooms (Wilbur), and Mark Gray (Karen); his grand-children Gary Gray, Jr. (Dianne), Crystal Allgood (Justin), Amy Howell (Andrew), Elizabeth, and Emily Grooms, Mark, Jr., Matthew, Katherine, and John Gray; and his great-grand children Katie, Mallory, Lucy, and Gray Howell, Carter, Catherine, and Colin Gray.

Services are 1:00 PM, October 3^rd at First Baptist Church, Hobson Auditorium.

Pawpaw is with JESUS!

One of the last captured smiles of Pawpaw...after his haircut
09-02-2012

While I post this with tears, I am awed by God's mercy and grace!

Mark's father passed away last night around 10:35 p.m. 

Every twist  and turn of our journey these last 17 weeks leading up to my father in law's translation to heaven have been difficult to express in words, but maybe in time, I will be able to post some of it.  If not all, then hopefully some of which causes me to worship my LORD this morning.
HIS mercies are truly new every morning, and HIS peace is beyond our understanding! 

A whirl of words are passing through my little brain at the moment, some of which are songs...
"IT IS WELL..." and "I CAN ONLY IMAGINE...", but really, I cannot imagine what Pawpaw must be experiencing this morning, his first morning in Glory with JESUS!! 

Thank you for praying for our family while we grieve the loss of Pawpaw's presence with us here on earth!


Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
I Corinthians 15:51-58

"All the saints should not die, but all would be changed. In the gospel, many truths, before hidden in mystery, are made known. Death never shall appear in the regions to which our Lord will bear his risen saints. Therefore let us seek the full assurance of faith and hope, that in the midst of pain, and in the prospect of death, we may think calmly on the horrors of the tomb; assured that our bodies will there sleep, and in the mean time our souls will be present with the Redeemer. Sin gives death all its hurtful power. The sting of death is sin; but Christ, by dying, has taken out this sting; he has made atonement for sin, he has obtained remission of it. The strength of sin is the law. None can answer its demands, endure its curse, or do away his own transgressions. Hence terror and anguish. And hence death is terrible to the unbelieving and the impenitent. Death may seize a believer, but it cannot hold him in its power. How many springs of joy to the saints, and of thanksgiving to God, are opened by the death and resurrection, the sufferings and conquests of the Redeemer! In verse 58, we have an exhortation, that believers should be stedfast, firm in the faith of that gospel which the apostle preached, and they received. Also, to be unmovable in their hope and expectation of this great privilege, of being raised incorruptible and immortal. And to abound in the work of the Lord, always doing the Lord's service, and obeying the Lord's commands. May Christ give us faith, and increase our faith, that we may not only be safe, but joyful and triumphant." 
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

"Praise Be to God!"

The Need of the Hour

What does the country need? Not armies standing
with sabers gleaming ready for the fight;
Not increased navies, skillful and commanding,
to bound the waters with an iron might;
Not haughty men with glutted purses trying
to purchase souls, and keep the power of place;
Not jeweled dolls with one another vying
for palms of beauty, elegance, and grace.

But we want women, strong of soul, yet lowly
With that rare meekness, born of gentleness;
Women whose lives are pure and clean and holy,
The women whom all little children bless;
Brave, earnest women, helpful to each other,
With finest scorn for all things low and mean;
Women who hold the names of wife and mother
Far nobler than the title of a queen.

Oh! These are they who mold the men of story,
These mothers, ofttime shorn of grace and youth,
Who, worn and weary, ask no greater glory
thank making some young soul the home of truth;
Who sow in hearts all fallow for the sowing
The seeds of virtue and of scorn for sin,
And, patient, watch the beauteous harvest growing
And weed out tares which crafty hands cast in.

Women who do not hold the gift of beauty
As some rare treasure to be bought and sold,
But guard it as a precious aid to duty
The outer framing of the inner gold;
Women who, low above their cradles bending,
Let flattery's voice go by, and give no heed,
While their pure prayers like incense are ascending
These are our country's pride, our country's need.

Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

We received the wonderful news first thing last Saturday morning that our DEAR Friends, Isaac and Lydiana, are now the parents of another son..."Praise be to God"...

Benjamin Isaac was born Friday, September 21, 2012 at 9:20 p.m.
He weighed 7 lbs and 11 oz, and measured 20 1/2" long.  
He made a very fast entrance into this world in less than 4 hours of labor, from start to finish. 
How does a mother look so beautiful after laboring four hours to birth a baby?

Wade, Ben's big brother, is not so sure of what to think of him, being only 1 year and 7 days older than this new baby, but we're all so very sure, they will be BEST Brothers in the days to come. 

We are so very happy for you Isaac and Lydiana!!  It is a great JOY to know you are experiencing the fruit of your love muliplied!! 
Enjoy these precious days with your children...they pass much too quickly!! 
We love and miss you!!   

 

The Gospel Song.wmv

This song has ministered peace to my spirit in recent weeks.
So thankful for friends, old and new, who have welcomed and encouraged us through this season of change. 
I pray this song blesses you as it has blessed me...

Holy God, in love, became
Perfect man to bear my blame
On the cross He took my sin
By His death I live again. 

Written by:  Drew Jones and Bob Kauflin
copyright 2002 Sovereign Grace Worship

Calvin Crewless

Ode To A Cat

I think that I shall never see
A cat that sheds as much as thee
Thy fur that sticks is all around
On chairs, on mats in little mounds
I sweep the floor, you shed some more
I wash the rug and you just shrug
You should give thanks I tolerate that
Or you would be a crew cut cat.
Author: Marea Needle

Optimim Stability

I remember having a four legged stool at the kitchen table in my parents’ kitchen.  I remember Dad sawing the legs to make the stool more kid size.  I also remember rocking back and forth on that four legged stool.  It illustrates the point that the supports work in harmony to be stable.

We also have a unicycle in our garage.  No one in our household has yet mastered that machine!

Do you see where this is going?  A single support cannot offer very much in stability.  Two legs are little better.  But three is the optimum number. 

The three pillars of civilization are the family, the church, and the civil government.  Each institution has its own jurisdiction and responsibilities.  Each one is responsible to protect and strengthen all three.

These three pillars don’t seem to be equally strong these days, or even understood. 

The family has relinquished many of its responsibilities to the church and to the civil government.

The church has relinquished many of its responsibilities to the civil government.

The result is weak churches, weaker families, a unicycle civil government, and a wobbly society.

“If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

What can the righteous do?  Start where you are.

We all have influence over ourselves.  You may have influence over an entire family.  Everyone has influence somewhere.

Begin to reform the things we control by ordering our lives and homes to align with biblical principles. 

Start in your family.  Strong families can help restore strong churches. 

Strong churches will build families that understand the times.

Strong families and churches make strong communities.

From this will spring local civil governments that understand the synergistic relationship between all three jurisdictional pillars.

Some say things will get worse.  I’m convinced things miraculously improve with a return to the original design!

It’s a simple plan.  Get started.

MG