Back to School- Our Way

We started back to school this week.  In fact, on the very first day of our new school year, we took a 'field trip' to see the doctor!  It's been a good week, considering how sick my children have been.  Some might question John's ability to gain any benefit in this type of learning environment, but I assure you, he was very relaxed and attentive, and answered almost 100% of his review questions correctly! 
(Note: This post previously had a short video of John's feet, but for some reason, it no longer plays, so until I'm able to upload it correctly, this photo will have to suffice.)

A Mammoth Idea

Beautiful Sunflower arrangement given to us to enjoy by our friends:
Karen, Esther, and Joanna Eddy. 
Believe it or not, there are sunflowers named "Mammoth"

 

I learned a new word last night... 

"Magnus" (Latin) means vast or great! 

How many times have I fretted and feared the unknown, and thought all depended on me and/or my efforts to manage or manipulate circumstances to suit me better?  

We live in a society of self-made, self-seeking, self-centered, self-gratified people.  Ed Welch describes this attitude  best in the title of a book..."Where people are big—they are magnus—and God is small—he is the segment."  I've been around long enough to know this type of mindset will cause a person to self-destruct!!  Trusting myself, someone, or something else more than I trust God means I have a very small, dotted-(meaning limited) idea of who God is.  I know myself well enough to understand when I think of myself more highly than I ought, pride takes root, and more times than not, anger and other destructive forms of self-worship surface!!

When the opposite idea is nurtured, the focus of a GREAT God, Creator of the universe, there is a magnitude of peace that surpasses an understanding of circumstances, even those that threaten to envelope! The GREAT GOD of the universe is mindful of me.  Because he can order the universe, I can trust Him to order this little dot named me  (Psalm 8:3-4).

Parvis is another Latin word and it  means (the opposite of magnus) small, little, cheap.  When He created me, He knew I would need Him, so  He ordained a remedy for the sin that would steal away my focus and affections, occupy and put to death my soul.  He created a place within every man's heart that could only be filled and satisfied by Him!! He made a GREAT sacrifice to redeem my sinful heart through the atoning blood of Jesus, his Son, the God-man.  This was not a small (cheap) price Jesus paid on the cross.  The idea alone is too VAST to fathom, yet MAGNIFICENT in nature, as HE is, and necessary for my freedom and redemption!! 

So, this morning I end this brief and shallow note encouraged to consider The One that embodies the word MAGNUS, and the privilege I enjoy of calling Him by name!!

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ...".  Luke 1:47, ESV

"Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!" Psalm 34:3, ESV

Source of encouragement:

http://5minutesinchurchhistory.com/confessions-yesterday-today-tomorrow-augustines-big-word/

Do Not Disturb

 

I Will Glory in My Redeemer

Today, on this my 37th spiritual birthday (smile), we witnessed the beautiful 10 year anniversary celebration of our new church family, Sovereign Grace Baptist Church.
I haven't expounded on the events which led our family to Sovereign Grace, but until I do, I am long past due in saying, we are extremely blessed and thankful to be there.  If the LORD leads, I'll share more about this in another post.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church began on the first Sunday of August 2003.  Pastor Shane Waters has faithfully pastored and discipled this congregation since that time.  The LORD has indeed blessed this fellowship, and we are extremely grateful we can call Sovereign Grace Baptist Church our home.   Every Sunday morning service is the highlight of my week.  Pastor Shane's teaching is theologically filling, giving us much to ruminate on throughout the week (www.sgbcjax.blogspot.com).  The worshipful and doctrinally sound music lifts me to the heights of His presence, and when I walk away, I leave with songs on my heart that carry me through another week.  Thank you, Scott Brown. 

I always pray the songs I share here will lift and encourage you as they do me. 
Praising Him tonight with this song...

I will glory in My Redeemer
Words and Music by Steve and Vikki Cook

I will glory in my Redeemer
Whose priceless blood has ransomed me
Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails
And hung Him on that judgment tree
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who crushed the power of sin and death
My only Savior before the Holy Judge
The Lamb Who is my righteousness
The Lamb Who is my righteousness.
 
I will glory in my Redeemer
My life He bought, my love He owns
I have no longings for another
I’m satisfied in Him alone
I will glory in my Redeemer
His faithfulness my standing place
Though foes are mighty and rush upon me
My feet are firm, held by His grace
My feet are firm, held by His grace.

I will glory in my Redeemer
Who carries me on eagle’s wings
He crowns my life with loving-kindness
His triumph song I’ll ever sing
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who waits for me at gates of gold
And when He calls me it will be paradise
His face forever to behold
His face forever to behold
His face forever to behold
CCLI Song # 3337435,   © 2001 Sovereign Grace Worship (Admin. by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music)

Kat Chat with Calvin