Winters Haven

New Years Eve

2012-02-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

We made it:)

Invitation to the High Places

2012-02-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

A thrill of joy went through her from head to

foot. It seemed too wonderful to be believed, but
the Shepherd himself was making the promise, and
of one thing she was quite sure. He could not lie.
“Please plant Love in my heart now,” she said faintly.

Poor little soul, she was still Much-Afraid even when
promised the greatest thing in the world.
The Shepherd put his hand in his bosom, drew
something forth, and laid it in the palm of his hand.
Then he held his hand out toward Much-Afraid.
“Here is the seed of Love,” he said.
She bent forward to look, then gave a startled
little cry and drew back. There was indeed a seed lying
in the palm of his hand, but it was shaped exactly
like a long, sharply-pointed thorn. Much-Afraid had
often noticed that the Shepherd’s hands were scarred
and wounded, but now she saw that the scar in the
palm of the hand held out to her was the exact shape
and size of the seed of Love lying beside it.

“The seed looks very sharp,” she said shrinkingly.
“Won’t it hurt if you put it into my heart?”
He answered gently, “It is so sharp that it slips
in very quickly. But, Much-Afraid, I have already
warned you that Love and Pain go together, for a
time at least. If you would know Love, you must
know pain too.”

Much-Afraid looked at the thorn and shrank
from it. Then she looked at the Shepherd’s face and
repeated his words to herself. “When the seed of
Love in your heart is ready to bloom, you will be
loved in return,” and a strange new courage entered
into her. She suddenly stepped forward, bared
her heart, and said, “Please plant the seed here in
my heart.”

His face lit up with a glad smile and he said
with a note of joy in his voice, “Now you will be
able to go with me to the High Places and be a citizen
in the Kingdom of my Father.”
Then he pressed the thorn into her heart. It
was true, just as he had said, it did cause a piercing
pain, but it slipped in quickly and then, suddenly, a
sweetness she had never felt or imagined before tingled
through her.

It was bittersweet, but the sweetness
was the stronger. She thought of the Shepherd’s
words, “It is so happy to love,” and her pale, sallow
cheeks suddenly glowed pink and her eyes shone.
For a moment Much-Afraid did not look afraid at
all. The twisted mouth had relaxed into a happy
curve, and the shining eyes and pink cheeks made
her almost beautiful.

“Thank you, thank you,” she cried, and knelt at
the Shepherd’s feet. “How good you are. How patient
you are. There is no one in the whole world as good
and kind as you. I will go with you to the mountains.
I will trust you to make my feet like hinds’ feet, and
to set me, even me, upon the High Places.”
~Hinds Feet In High Places~

If This Does Not Make You Cry. . .

2012-02-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8_EfDqF7YI

I don't know what would!

Make sure you watch it all the way through.

Makes you realize everything you have to be thankful for no matter you're plight!

Is This You?

2012-01-30T07:09:00.000-08:00

I have been on the verge of being an angel all my life, but it's never happened yet.
- Mark Twain's Autobiography

Now isn't that the truth? Twain always makes me laugh because his statements are so true!
However, we can assured that. . .

Philippians 1:6

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.

Essentially Christ will conform us to the image of his son if we seek him with all our heart and all our soul.

One of the most important things in the world is that whatever we do we manifest Christ-likeness so that through us, people might come to know the one and only God.

TableTalk

2012-01-20T07:51:00.001-08:00

The First Gospel

Genesis 3:14-15 "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel" ( v. 15).

Since the early days of the church, scholars and theologians have found in Genesis the first announcement of the coming Messiah. Today's passage gives us what is called theprotevangelium - the "first gospel."

The context of this passage is well-known to most of us. Having thumbed their noses at God by eating the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve find themselves alienated from their Creator (Gen. 3:1-13 ). Before He pronounces His righteous judgment upon them, however, the Lord curses the tempter. The serpent will crawl upon the ground and lick the dust. He will bruise the heel of the woman's offspring or, in other translations, "her seed," and her seed will bruise the serpent's head (vv. 14-15).

This pronouncement has cosmic significance. The serpent in this passage is no ordinary reptile, he is Satan, the adversary of God and His people (Rom. 16:20; Rev. 12:9). The Lord pledges to put enmity between the serpent and the woman's seed (Gen. 3:15). This conflict is God-initiated and perpetuated. It has a visible reminder in snakes who lick the dust of defeat, but the one whose head will be bruised - the one who will suffer a crushing blow - is the Devil himself.

It is the identity of the woman's seed that tells us this passage is messianic. Grammatically, "seed" is a collective singular and can refer to a whole group of people. The woman's seed cannot be every child of Eve because Scripture calls God's human enemies "the children of the Devil" (John 8:39-47 ), thereby identifying some people as the serpent's seed. If the Lord's enemies are the seed of the serpent, then His friends among mankind must be the victorious woman's seed. These will suffer bruising from the evil one before bruising his head. God's people will suffer, but they will win in the end (for example, Ex. 1, 14).

However, even the friends of the Almighty cannot defeat Satan themselves. They need a representative to fight on their behalf. We have seen that this One is King Jesus, who as the Son of David defeated Satan on the cross for our sake. He is the seed of the woman par excellence who suffered the worst bruising of all so that He might crush the Devil (Col. 2:13-15).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Proverbs 21:31 tells us that "the victory belongs to the L ord." Jesus defeated death, sin, and the evil one on the cross and now shares with us the benefits of His conquest. No problem of ours is too formidable for the Lord. There is no sin that we cannot overcome if we are in Him. There is no enemy of ours that can finally defeat us. Be encouraged today that our Savior has won a great victory, and, therefore, we who are in Him need not worry about tomorrow.

For further study:

Deut. 20:1-4

The Bible in a year:

Exodus 11-12

For the weekend:

Exodus 13-16

TableTalk Devotional

2012-01-19T03:58:00.000-08:00

In the Fullness of Time

Galatians 4:4-5 "When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law" (v. 4).

Our study this month has dealt mainly with the miraculous birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. This Messiah, we have seen, comes in fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. In the interest of looking at the biblical prophecies about Jesus more closely, we will take a short break from Matthew and follow Dr. R.C. Sproul's teaching series Coming of the Messiah as our guide.

Across the United States this day, many college students are sitting under professors hostile to the New Testament. Parallels are often drawn between Greek myths of dying and rising gods and the biblical account as proof that the Scriptures are just another work of mythology. Unfortunately, young people are too often unprepared for this onslaught and begin to doubt the Christian faith.

However, as those familiar with ancient literature well know, these similarities are superficial. The Greeks made no real attempt to defend their myths as historical while the Bible grounds itself in real space and time. Luke 2, for example, locates the birth of Jesus during the reign of Caesar Augustus and the governorship of Quirinius, both of whom were real people. The evangelist assumes that we will take his account at face value - that Jesus was a real person who lived in space and time. Scripture is also clear that God became incarnate in the person of Christ Jesus (John 1:14 ). Ancient Greeks abhorred this idea because they believed the physical body to be corrupt, unlike the spiritual realm. Many other such differences between the Bible and pagan thought could be cited.

We must not miss the emphasis Scripture places on history. God's Word is clear that the events it describes actually occurred, and even tells us our faith is in vain if events like the resurrection of Jesus never happened (1 Cor. 15:14 ). Yet, Scripture does not give us every detail concerning what happened between the time of Adam and the apostles; it often omits pedantic figures and details (as was common in those days) in order to relay God's plan of redemption (2 Kings 20:20-21). When time was "full," when all things were perfectly ready, the most significant event of all took place - Jesus was born (Gal. 4:4-5 ). Tomorrow we will begin to study what the Old Testament says about this fullness of time.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

College students are not the only ones who face attacks on the historicity of Scripture. Hollywood, the Internet, apologists for other religions, and so on bombard us with assaults on Scripture's integrity. The Bible is the most vilified book on the planet, and yet its stories are regularly found to be historically reliable. Take time to find some resources on the historicity of Scripture so that you may be able to answer its critics ( 1 Peter 3:15-16).

For further study:

Exodus 20:16

The Bible in a year:

Exodus 7-10

R.C. Sproul - TableTalk

2012-01-17T04:52:00.000-08:00

BibleGateway.com http://www.biblegateway.com/, offers a free email devotional from R.C. Sproul. The devotionals have been excellent thus far.

With Spirit and Fire

Matthew 3:11-12 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I.... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire" ( v. 11)

John Calvin looked to John the Baptist's condemnation of the Pharisees and Sadducees as an example of how the church should deal with those especially hard in heart. He comments on Matthew 3:7-10 that "those whose habits of uttering falsehood to God, and of deceiving themselves, lead them to hold out hypocrisy and pretension, instead of the reality, ought to be urged, with greater sharpness than other men, to true repentance." At times only strong confrontation will rescue the soul of a professing believer who has grown complacent and presumed upon the Lord's grace (18:15-20; James 5:19-20).

Matthew 3:7-10 is clear that the Sadducees and Pharisees needed such upbraiding. These Jewish leaders during the Lord's earthly ministry were often at odds because of their conflicting theological opinions. The party of the Sadducees was a kind of priestly aristocracy not against conforming to Roman customs and law. They also denied the bodily resurrection of God's people, but the idea that they accepted only the five books of Moses as Scripture is probably mistaken. Like the Pharisees, they submitted to the entire Old Testament. On the other hand, the Pharisees added the oral law - traditions that people followed as a guide to the Torah, that is, the Scriptures. The Pharisees were not priests but scholars who affirmed the resurrection and were popular with the people. Despite their disagreements, both groups united against John and later, Jesus. After all, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." Both groups had seats on the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews, and many of them apparently felt that Abrahamic descent guaranteed them a place in the kingdom (v. 9).

It is one thing to reject John the Baptist, but quite another to deny the One whom he precedes. John promises in today's passage that the Messiah will baptize not just with water but with the Spirit and fire ( v. 11), an image with double meaning. The long awaited flame of the Holy Spirit will purify the soul and eventually remove all corruption from those who submit to the Son of David (Isa. 1:24-26). But those who continue in their rejection of this king will find only a fiery destruction (Isa. 66:15-16; Matt. 3:12).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

The purifying work of the Holy Spirit commences in the believer when he first turns to Christ. Sometimes the Spirit works on us in the fire of adversity, through which the Lord promises to take us for His good purposes (Isa. 43:1-7 ). When we face trials in our lives we have an opportunity to prove our faith and reliance on God. If you face trouble this day, consider how the Lord may be using it to purify your soul.

For further study:

Deut. 4:32-40

The Bible in a year:

Exodus 2-4

INTO the WORD daily Bible studies from TableTalk Magazine, Matthew Studies. Copyright © 2008 by Ligonier Ministries.

Happy Late Christmas and New Years!

2012-01-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

Yes we have neglected to blog lately- much to our shame.
But, we have excellent excuses. School and work, plus activities of daily living that we endeavor to stay on top of (cleaning, laundry, neatness, cooking, eating and grocery shopping somewhat).
We had an enjoyable time with our family over the holidays and perhaps I'll be able to steal some picures from Joy's computer so you can see for yourself. Meanwhile, just remember if this blog is quiet, it is for a good purpose:)
We did miss the boys though because they were working on Christmas. Enjoy this verse to welcome in the new year.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
I Peter 1:3.

Auf Wiederhören!

Christmas Gift

2011-12-20T08:48:00.001-08:00

Our new niece Heidi. We are so thankful and blessed!

In Honor of Veterans Day (Armistice Day)

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

There are somethings that were written within a certain time, and place, for a specific event. Some things that are written are eternal. They contain an overarching principle that applies to all ages. This song is one of them.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

-Lt. John McCrae-

Hind's Feet

2011-11-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

The phrase 'hinds' feet' is used in the Bible to denote an ability to overcome difficult challenges successfully, as in Verse 33 from Psalm 18 which reads 'He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.' A hind, which is a female red deer, is able to move quickly and easily across the rocks of a mountain, leaping from one rock to another without ever losing its footing. Thus the biblical verse means that God has inspired his believers and empowered them to overcome the obstacles which confront them, doing things that would otherwise be difficult or impossible without divine aid.

Deuteronomy 33:29 "Blessed are you, O Israel; Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, Who is the shield of your help And the sword of your majesty! So your enemies will cringe before you, And you will tread upon their high places."

2 Samuel 22:34 "He makes my feet like hinds' feet, And sets me on my high places.

Psalm 18:32-33 The God who girds me with strength And makes my way blameless?

makes my feet like hinds' feet, And sets me upon my high places.

Psalm 27:1 LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

Isaiah 45:24 "They will say of Me, 'Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him will be put to shame.

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:19

The Great Change

2011-11-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today while I was out running I suddenly became overwhelmed by emotion. So much so, that I has to stop running and walk. It was about halfway into my run I was feeling great, then all of the sudden, emotion. I began to think of God. Where I have been, what He has taught me, where he has brought me. I know He is writing a story, a poem, of my life, if I will but let him lead the way. This past weekend I attended a camp and ran into an old friend of the family who does quite a bit of missionary work. He began talking to my brother and I about knowing the Lord's will. The key he said is to be willing. To go where He wants you to go, to be what He wants you to be. God convicted my heart there and then that I needed to be willing. I sort of knew this before, but now it was made really clear to me. If you want to be used of God you must be willing to go where he sends. It does NOT mean you stand still and do nothing, It does mean that you are watching for His guidance in what you may think are the mundane things of life.

There was a special speaker at the camp. He talked about salvation. What it means to disciple your sons as younger brothers. Also, what it means to be a "standard bearer" and what it means to be and "image bearer". Standard bearers do what they do so that others may see how well they match the required standard (or what is perceived as the required standard). Image bearers, on the other hand, bear in themselves the image of God.

Another thing the speaker spoke of was how to know if you or your son has experienced salvation. He called it the "great change". It is marked by brokenness over sin. Not just a mental assent to the truth of Christ as Savior, but a broken heart over the blackness of your sin compared to the beauty and character of God. He told of his own salvation, how he prayed the sinner’s prayer, and went up for renewal many times, but it was not until he was 29 that he experienced the "great change".

I first prayed the sinner’s prayer at age 6. I also re-committed multiple times, but it was not until age 14 that I experienced the "great change". All the sudden my hidden sin(s) hit me square in my face; I knew that I deserved the wrath of a righteous, holy God. It was a very painful time for me, as my sister and parents can attest, I honestly never want to repeat it again. But, up until that time, I was self-righteous; believing I could keep my little sins and still be a Christian (after all I could repent of them and be forgiven, right?). God wanted to free me from the bondage I was in. Christ never left me during that time, even though half the time I felt as if I would never find Him.

The speaker ended with "we serve a God who is living today, and who still works." He is the one who works in people to save them.

I hope that this post is a blessing to someone out there. God is living and alive and willing (quite willing) to save.

The Children's Bible in a Nutshell

2011-10-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

(This essay was in an email I was sent by a friend).

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one' but I think He must be a lot older than that.

Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.

Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.....Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.

Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David.. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.

There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New Testament.. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans.

Jesus also had twelve opossums.The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.

But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

Order of the Orange and the Battle of the Diamond

2011-10-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

The Battle of the Diamond birthed the Orange Order in Ireland that still exists to this day. The story of the battle has always been near and dear for two reasons. 1) Because one of the main players, Dan Winter, is one of our direct ancestors, and 2) because it is a true story of heroism and of men willing to take a stand for right, and defend that right when attacked with no cause. Dan Winter and his sons were working on their farm in Ireland, when they and the other Protestants in the area were warned that a band of the Defenders were on their way with weapons to attack the Protestant families that lived in Armagh. (Now you must remember that Ireland was split between Catholic and Protestant). The Defenders were of the Roman Catholic persuasion and determined to drive the Protestants out of the country. Dan Winter's property was right in the middle of the battleground he and his sons holed up in it until it was lit on fire and they had to retreat to Diamond Hill. The Protestants lost no lives; the Defenders (I find it ironic that they have the name "Defender" when they were the attackers) lost thirty. From this battle was birthed the Order of the Orange (The Irish flag has both green and orange signifying Protestant and Catholic). One of my dreams is to go to Ireland and see Dan Winter's cottage. If you would like more information about the Battle of the Diamond and the Order of the Orange go to: http://www.orangenet.org/winter/battle.html

The Battle of the Diamond

(21 September, 1795)

It was not in faction, it was not in hate,  That we men of the North assembled;  It was that our own and our children's fate,  In the balance no longer trembled.

For there came - 'twas at night, a lawless band,  Their ranks like a torrent swelling, With the weapon of slaughter in each man's hand, Where we in our homes, were dwelling.

Darkly they came, in the dead of night,  They gave no word of warning,  And they laughed at the blaze their brands should light,  And the smoke that should greet the morning.

They paus'd--did they fear the storm they'd woke?  That they faltered as forth we sallied?  For we saw when the light of the morning broke,  On the Diamond Hill they'd rallied.

What though they were many, and we but few, Yet each to the conflict hasted,  And the shot was sharp, and the aim was true,  While that fearful struggle lasted.

Yes, last it did - aye, many a day!  But the shield of our God was o'er us;  Till at last, like a quarry long held at bay, We drove them like chaff before us.

Then blame us not, when all was o'er,  And we looked on the dead around us, If then, and for ever, an oath we swore, To be found as that day had found us.

Stern and steadfast, and linked as one,  On God and ourselves relying;  Seeking quarrel or feud with none,  But all on our hearths defying.

Traverse who will that wretched land,  Now rife with revolt and riot;  And where'er ye shall hear of our loyal band  There alone shall ye find it quiet.

Yes! cold suspicion, and scoff, and scorn,  And caiumny, have assailed us;  Aye! hard though it was - all these we've borne,  Not once have our true hearts failed us.

We have bided our time - it is well nigh come!  It will find us stern and steady;  It will need not to rouse us with trumpet or drum,  For our hearts and our arms are ready.

The Mariner's Song

2011-08-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is the last part of a long song that Grandpa recites to us grandkids. I have named it "The Mariner's Song" but you could equally substitute "hymn" for song. Grandpa told us kids that during his navy days they didn't have TV or Internet on shipboard so they had to make up their own entertainment. This song was taught to him by old British sailors who had become naturalized American citizens. It is their contemplation of the sea, nature and God. I told Grandpa I was surprised how much philosophy and wisdom was contained in the stanzas. Enjoy!

The seas, like time, take everything down

they retain what they claim and return what is found

their mysteries are kept in eternities vault

they make no mistakes and are never at fault

no favors to buy, no patience to try

its motives are pure; the judgements are sure

there is no deceit to be laid at its feet-

There is only one Power they've been known to obey,

The One that saved Peter when he looked away.

My Inbox

2011-08-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

I once got this email from a friend that said that God has three answers:

1. Yes.

2. Not yet.

3. I have something better planned.

All too often we forget that we are his children, and he loves us and wants only the best for us.

I found this encouraging and I hope you do too.

Chapter III

2011-08-20T15:06:00.001-07:00

Joy's Photography

Where were we?
On the road:)
This is a short excerpt taken from Dicken's "A Tale Of Two Cities." It has always fascinated me how he captured exactly what you thought but never put into words.

The Night Shadows
A Wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other. A solemn consideration, when I enter a great city by night, that every one of those darkly clustered houses encloses its own secret; that every room in every one of them encloses its own secret; that every beating heart in the hundreds of thousands of breasts there, is, in some of its imaginings, a secret to the heart nearest it! Something of the awfulness, even of Death itself, is referable to this. No more can I turn the leaves of this dear book that I loved, and vainly hope in time to read it all. No more can I look into the depths of this unfathomable water, wherein, as momentary lights glanced into it, I have had glimpses of buried treasure and other things submerged. It was appointed that the book should shut with a a spring, for ever and for ever, when I had read but a page. It was appointed that the water should be locked in an eternal frost, when the light was playing on its surface, and I stood in ignorance on the shore. My friend is dead, my neighbour is dead, my love, the darling of my soul, is dead; it is the inexorable consolidation and perpetuation of the secret that was always in that individuality, and which I shall carry in mine to my life's end. In any of the burial-places of this city through which I pass, is there a sleeper more inscrutable than its busy inhabitants are, in their innermost personality, to me, or than I am to them?

July is The Month . . .

2011-08-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

of Winters birthdays.
It seems that there are more birthdays in that month than any other month or maybe the people who have a birthday in that month are more significant? just kidding:) Not really. Grandpa Fred Douglas has a birthday on July the second and his first great-grandson-son Jedidiah Arial (my nephew) was born on the same day. Pretty amazing huh?

Yes we noticed the cake is upside down!

Out of Business

2011-08-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Look at that handsome brown face.

when Sadie Baby was less than a year old.

Bunny ears by which aunt???

Borders is going all out and we have gotten a few good books for a great price.
Cacey loves Robert W. Service and was able to find a book with some of his stuff. Maybe when I can get a hold of it I will put some of the writings on here.

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.

~Albert Einstein

However, we must always remember. . .

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3

Safari Girl Birthday

2011-08-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

Cacey's birthday was July 21st which we celebrated. However, in honor of her special day I thought I would post one of her notes more commonly known as her "musings".

I cannot sleep. I am thinking. I am noticing a trend. A common thread through some persons personality and charisma of what defines them as an “artist.” An artist is a selfless person. It sees others and other things that others do not see or notice. They are a detailed person and yet see the entire canvas finished and completed before it is started and begun.

Their well is deep and water plenty. Their cup is never full long. It is emptied and refilled over and again. Layered changes and old ways. Blank untouched spaces and filled palettes. Their water becomes colored and streaked by life, experiences, thoughts and wants so they are constantly purifying and thinning. Stripping and basing. Eliminating and replenishing. The water in their cup is never still. It is constantly quivering from hands that dip and bring the water up to their lips to sate their drained thirst that can only be sustained from these artists defined strength that are never dry.

An artist has a different perspective from those around them. Is this not what defines a Christian? Or should define a Christian? Christ is the Master Artist. He already knows the outcome, the canvas, and yet He is still painting it right now. Painting the deepness and lightness. He is everywhere. His technique is gentle and light. Very few artists actually live among you.

Artists have learned, through life, not to be become conditioned to the circumstances around them. But they are fully aware of their surroundings. They are a sojourner. A pilgrim. Their home is not here. Their land elsewhere.

There are those artists who are always in the clouds above the clouds even. The sky, the stars, the moon, the sunrise, the secret inner chamber of an opening flower. The Holy of Holies. They are close to beauty. Near to God. Their heart is pure. Their vital body is down here with you, caught in time, but their spirit and soul is a clear crystal star up there. They see and love in terms of feelings that questions rationality in whether they are, or not, capable of feeling such volumes and vastness of love and joy in the world around them. They express this in gentle, giving, works of art that beautify the world but does not really change the circumstances in front of them but they cannot see it, even if you do, because they see what you cannot.

These artists are relaxing to be around. Warm and real. They are on the surface. They hide nothing. They give freely. They are never to busy to be kind. Beauty is everywhere for them even in the grotesque. They are consummated. Full and overflowing. They never reach the goals that people set for them. But, in their hearts they are content and they reach the goal many times in one day and to God this is all He ask from these artists. They look forward to the day can really be up there with Him and see beauty as it was meant to be and He looks forward to the day when He can walk more closely with them in His realm as it is meant to be.

There are those artists who soar like an eagle but nest like a falcon. They feel deep, they change, they waver, they wonder, they ask, they despair. They deviate between staying down with the cynical and soaring up to the clouds and drugging themselves into a false idea of reality and beauty that does not exist for them because they see all so very clearly and yet at the same time they see the monstrous right next to it. Where there is good for sure evil is not far away.

In their traumatization they reveal the scarred up protrusions around them and then paint the most exquisite works of humanity that one cannot feel that God touched their painting with His brush to help elevate the pain that they were feeling while trying to express their red coaled alive vision as they see it before it hits the bucket of ice cold reality in need and want. These artists love deep. They are true. They are sincere. They dream. They give sparingly but willingly and never turn anyone away. They know what it means to be a stranger in a strange land.

God loves these artists. They know all to well their failures and inability to achieve what the epitome of beauty is. But, this is all God ask of them. They know and He knows. He knows their trying. They try and because of that when they come to Him He says to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” They have earned their crown of gold and He clothes them in pureness of form that they could never achieve on their own because they would never believe it until He did it.

There are those artists who are on ground level. They see what is wrong. They see what is right. They see how to go about salving and balming the wounds of this world. Even if they do not see it right away they will find out. They have a face that I cannot describe here but only see and know about. They have shoulders wide enough, a back of boned strength, arms bendable and long enough, wrists, ankles, elbows and knees flexible enough, hands large enough, hips immovable enough, thighs and calves strong enough and feet flat and firm enough that one knows these artists can handle more than the average person and they will not fall.

They are Hercules. They are the powerful controlled silverback gorilla in the jungle, the mighty commanding and heavy maned lion of the endless plains, the faithful loving swan of the calm lake, the protective and all seeing free eagle in the sky. Because of their knowledge, their strength and their abilities much is required of them. The standard is higher. The standard is high for everyone. No one gets away from a standard that is universal. But these artists, they have come to the ground from the top they must strive harder, go farther, give more, expect less of those around them and ask more than expected. They belong - pride - but sometimes they wander nomadically.

They know and have experienced much more than average and have moved beyond their pain. Because of this God requires these artists to shepherd and help those who are still descending to ascend again when the time comes. These are the ones that nothing fazes them. They understand what love is. They understand that the line between love and hate is so very small in this world. Their well is always full of vital life giving water and ready, with a dipper, for anyone who needs revivement. They receive their strength not of themselves but of God. They understand that it is not numbers and statistics but calculations, thought and strategy. Action, work and sweat. They see the long term goal. The consequences and impacts. They get results.

These artists mere presence is comforting and assuring. That the world had more men like this. These artists have come from above and stay under to help others. Between them and God is a mutual, close, sharp, loving relationship. They know Him and He knows them. They know what is at the end of this path-light called life and God has more reward for them then they can know. He cannot wait for them to come home and be with Him when the time is ready. But, until then, they have a duty to perform and they know it well.

Artists try very hard, all of them, to varnish and highlight to others the beauty as they see it without marring your perception of things around you whether good or bad. They, most of the time, do not understand they are the stepping stones. The living stones. The stones that support others weaker than them. Just as Christ is the Chief Corner stone that supports them they are the base stones that help the less strong around them. It seems almost that they have difficulty letting go. Letting go of their perceptions and fears and just allowing God's encouragement to open them up so He can direct them as needed that others might get such encouragement from them.

God uses you, an artist, if you allow Him to use you. Sometimes it is a step from oneself to what God requires of you. A step that is hopefully just one step of faith not hundred to the top of the stairs or the other side of the bridge. But life is a series of bridges and stairs, storms and thirst, questions and resolutions. A retake of steps. Backwards and forward. Onward. Narrow and defined. Steps of faith. Faith of things hoped for but not seen. If you cannot see the top that is normal. I do not believe anyone can. Maybe. I don't know sometimes I think I can see the top or the other side. I know I am sounding confusing now. I cannot remember what I was thinking earlier. It was something very specific. Maybe I will remember and add it later.

Today: I never remembered.

What Is An Artist?© Cacey Ariana

Friends and Family

2011-07-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

I once saw this saying in a frame that said, "The best things in life are not things."

Been Reading . . .

2011-07-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

"A daughter of the Huguenots" About the French Protestants during the Renessaince of the late seventeenth century. I am loving it. Each chapter starts with a little piece of poetry or prose and I am going to post one on here for you today.

Well first then of Duke Ercole; a man

Cold in his manners, and reserved and silent,

And yet magnificent in all his ways;

Not hospitable unto new ideas,

But from state policy and certain reasons

Concerning the investiture of the duchy,

A partisan of Rome, and consequently

Intolerant of all the new opinions . . .

How could the daughter of a King of France

Wed such a duke?

-Longfellow, "Michael Angelo."

Currently listening to Masquerade. Love that song:)

How about a picture to finish this post off nicely?

(Jill wth a sweet little kitten).

Celebrating the 4th and July Birthdays

2011-07-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18.

Nutty Coconut, Jamoca and Simple Kindness

2011-07-06T16:54:00.001-07:00

Jill and I spent today working with Mom and Clark then Mom dropped Jill and I off at Sears so Jill could redeem a gift card she had from there. After shopping and gathering our purchases we decided to run over to Baskin Robbins and split an ice cream before Mom and Clark got back. It was going to be our special treat and we were going to destroy all evidence before they returned (that was the plan) I had just over $5 dollars in my checking account and I figured that was enough to cover one cone. We walked across the mall parking lot and ran across the road. Almost 7pm and the sun was shiny and it was hot and humid outside. Baskins is a tiny little store right across from the mall.

We looked at all the flavors and finally settled on what we wanted. I handed my card over to the girl at the counter and my gut silently told me I did not have enough to cover the cost of the cone and I should recalculate and get some cash. No, I thought, there is enough in its going to be fine. The girl who helped us had waited on us before and she was always cheerful and helpful no matter how long we took deciding on what we wanted. So she took my card and swiped, once, twice, and then a third time. Finally I leaned over the counter and told her that I would run over to an ATM and get cash if that was ok (she had already given us the cone) She smiled and said "yeah that is fine, don't worry I trust you guys." Then as I turned to go out the door the card went through and she called me back and handed me my receipt.

As soon as we were out I turned to Jill and said I think that I could have over drafted my account and usually the fees are huge even for just a couple of cents. Jill looked at me and said, I had extra money and I could have given some to you. I knew that but I had wanted to buy it for her. I told her we were not going to worry about it we were going finish our ice cream and relax. Quickly though we prayed and asked God that there would be no overdraft and if there was there would be no fee.

As soon as I got home I checked my account and found out that I was not over drafted, but as I went to compare the cost of the cone with what was in there it did not match. The girl who had waited on us must have added in a few cents for us from her tip jar and that is what caused the card to go through and cancelled any overdraft.

I wrote this story because Jill and I at the end of it concluded we were very stupid and careless in not adding accurately and we were always going to remember this adventure and always make sure we had enough before we charged a card. Also, we were both reminded of God's care and provision for us even when we don't deserve it. He does expects us to be good stewards of what he gives to us.

We also discovered that Baskin's "Nutty Coconut" and "Jamoca" are delicious when they are combined. We are going to go back in about a month order a cone each and leave a huge tip. Maybe we will take the others along too. :-)

All Four Stanzas

2011-07-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

I think that all of us are inspired by the courage of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. We would like to associate ourselves with them. And indeed, it is our heritage. But I do not believe we fully understand the sacrifices that was required of these men and their families. We pray that our praise for these men is not merely words.
Happy Independence Day!
National Anthem
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

"You cannot run away. . .

2011-07-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

"You cannot runaway from a weakness; you must some time fight it out or perish; and if that be so, why not now, and where you stand?"

~ Robert Louis Stevenson~

All of you have heard of Treasure Island, Kidnapped, The Black Arrow (If you haven't you have really missed out and you need to go remedy that immediately.) If you have sons or daughters, brothers or sisters, these are great books to read to them when they are first becoming serious readers. I loved reading the Black Arrow to my brother when he was about 7 years of age. He read the rest of them on his own and went back and read everything that was read to him. Now he is working on Homer and the Greek historians.

Do you have a weakness you struggle with? Self-pity, depression, pride ("And the Devil did grin, for his darling sin is pride that apes humility." -Coleridge). All of these are weaknesses (sin) even though they are not often talked about. I found the quote by Robert Stevenson encouraging, Like the maxim, "your sin will find you out" face it now and fight it out with Christ's help it can be overcome.

"He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper."

-Edmund Burke-

"My strength is made perfect in weakness."

II Corinthians 12:9

Thirty Days hath September. . .

2011-06-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

April, June and November!

That means we have two more days. . . Until July.

Summer is passing. . .

But we are enjoying it!

Hope you are all having a great summery day.

By Raggio

2011-06-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Although the LORD sentenced His people to seventy years in Babylon, He promised they would
return home. God would send Medo-Persians to overthrow Babylon, and Israel would again seek the LORD.

Jeremiah 50:4 - "In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten."

~Sunny Home~

2011-06-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

Long Live My Father

2011-06-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

If you had not mentioned fathers day, I would not have given a thought to it or whether or not anyone contacted me.

Such conjured-up days give opportunities for trouble, hard feelings, depression, raking up of old oversites, and self degeneration.

Holiday is the old word for holy day.

Holy days are for remembering God not men.

That is why they are (were) called holy.

Further, when holy days were first called holy days the word holy carried the idea of making somebody whole, that is, giving back to (in this case) to God that which was taken from him.

Further, as to men, "wholesome" means health. To be made whole is to be restored to health. The latin is salutory, meaning wholesome or health. Thus when the Paul says "salute the brethern," he means to wish them health.

But here is father's day nonetheless; we should wish our father's good health. Long live my father.

-Brent Allan Winters

A Statement of Faith

2011-06-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Charles Carleton Coffin, Author
Journalist, (Civil War Correspondent), Popular Lecturer, (1823-1896)

I accept the Bible because it contains, immeasurably beyond all other books, moral precepts which are the rules of all right conduct; because it is the foundation of all just government; because it tells the truth about men; because its spiritual teachings satisfy the longings of my heart, giving me joy, peace, comfort, rest, and hope of a better and larger life beyond the present.
I regard Jesus Christ as God in human form; as revealing the character of God to the human race. All my conceptions of justice, righteousness, goodness, truth, love, compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, all moral qualities and holy affections are found in Him. Through Him my fellow men become my brothers, and we all may come into sweet and holy relations with the Father, and enjoy ineffable spiritual blessedness.
I believe in Jesus Christ as my Saviour, Redeemer, Brother, and best Friend. All history centers around Him. He is the life and light of the world-the One absolutely perfect human being of all time-stainless and immaculate in everything. His teachings, if followed, will settle all disputes between man and man- between indvidual and nations alike; will banish misery and woe, and make the world a paradise of happiness. I accept Him for what He claimed to be -- the Son of God and the Son of Man.

(This statement of faith is printed in "The Boys of '76 A History of the Battles of the Revolution. It is on the page facing "A Note From the Publisher."

Random Quotes

2011-05-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

When I am tired and need a break from studying I have found Great Quotations That Shaped the Western World a relaxing read. Below are some random quotes that I came across last night.

Ardant Du Picq

(French Colonel who wrote Battle Studies (1880))
"Discipline cannot be secured or created in a day. It is an institution, a tradition."

Blaise Pascal

(French, philosopher and mathematician, who discovered probability theory)
"Cleopatra's nose, had it been shorter, the whole face of the world would have been changed."

"The heart has reason's which reason knows nothing of."

"The best function of reason is to recognize that there is an infinity of things which surpass it."

Sir Winston Churchill

(English, prime minister)
"I think "No comment" is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again. I got it from Summer Wells."

"The Germans combine in the most deadly manner the qualities of the warrior and slave."

I asked my Grandma what was so interesting about Churchill. Her response, "Now that would be an interesting study. He was what the Bible would call a double -minded man, you know, who is unstable in all his ways. Sometimes he made the most brilliant of decisions, others, the most stupid. He seemed to be proud of his own mind." I found her take amusing and interesting as she was a contemporary of Churchill and watched the same world events occur (albeit from a distance).

My take on Churchill is this, He was a man out to make a name for himself (In Genesis we are told that the people who were building the tower of Babel were out to make a name for themselves) perhaps because he feared oblivion. He had a passion to advance the British Empire and he saw that the underlying foundation of Christian beliefs were the bedrock that made England great. In any case I do believe he is an interesting study.

Richard Rumbold

(Scottish, Puritan Solder. These were his last words on the scaffold)
"I never would believe that Providence had sent a few men into the world, ready booted and spurred to ride, and millions ready saddled and bridled to be ridden"

Christy's Birthday

2011-05-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Christy had a birthday May 16th. She is twenty-years-old! Happy birthday Christy:)

Christy is a nursing student, and a CNA.

She can play the upright base and is an accomplished pianist.

She loves to clean and make jewelry. And she (along with Joy) can tell the funniest stories.

We love you Christy!

Time for study (but I am blogging instead)

2011-05-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

"I have made this letter longer than usual because I lack the time to make it it short"

- Blaise Pascal

I have a huge amount of studying to accomplish and am going to run six miles tonight, but I can't relax so I decided to post here first. I was re-reading some of Lewis Carroll's, "Through the Looking Glass." When I was little we had an illustrated copy of "Through the Looking Glass." The pictures in it were so graphic that as a child I used to pour over them again and again. The personalities were so perplexing to me. (the Walrus and the Carpenter). There was one particular section that always horrified my sister and I-- it was the part where the Walrus and the Carpenter were crying for the oysters they were going to eat. Here is the part:

" I weep for you, "the Walrus said:

"I deeply sympathise."

With sobs and tears he sorted out Those of the largest size,

Holding his pocket-handkerchief

Before his streaming eyes.

Then here is Alice's response.

"I like the Walrus best, "said Alice:

"because he was a little worried for the poor oysters."

"He ate more than the Carpenter,

though," said Tweedledee. . .

"That was mean!" Alice said indignantly.

"Then I like the Carpenter best -- if he didn't eat as many as the Walrus."

But he ate as many as he could get,"

said Tweedledum.

There was also a picture toward the end of the book of a winged dragonish monster that was perpetually weeping and sad. I hated it. He was always crying. It is fun to go back over them. I am a sucker for children's books especially classics. :)

PS: I am currently studying the Law Code of Hammurabi and of ancient near eastern civilizations. Interesting fact. We have never found a law code for Egypt.

Random: Spring 2011

2011-05-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Written Record

2011-05-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

Last night I was laying in bed thinking about this passage.

On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

-Esther 6:1-3-

“It is not deeds or acts that last: it is the written record of those deeds and acts”

-Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)-

Verse one, when I was little, always surprised me. It still does somewhat. I was like, "the king had to keep a special book of good things, that happened to him, because he could not remember?" And the words! "Book of Records" "Chronicles." It sounded special. It had a place. But it is true. Especially if you are in a position of prominence, authority, however small, you have too much on your mind. Things to accomplish and complete. Deadlines and appointments. Commitments. Goals. You cannot possibly remember everything. You are expected too and you should.

"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

-Luke 12:48-

Sometimes writing things and thoughts down creates the permanent mental note but not always. Some people are really good at just mental notes. But, no one is really perfect at this. Only God can keep perfect complete order and mental memory of everything.

Everyone writes different things down. We write personal dictations to ourselves to not forget certain things. We write lists and memos. Ideas and thoughts. Assessments and conclusions. Memories and expressions. Observations and deductions. Our wants. Desires. Needs. Longings. All these things are about us. Self. It is not bad but it is one-tracked and than we can become blinded to important happenings about and around us that involve us.

Have you ever recorded your blessings? Things that others have done for you? Written down the answers to prayers you have prayed?

I have to write things down, I do not want to forget certain things, and I want to ask Him about different thoughts I have. If I do not I can become bogged down with things that are important but I do not need to be dwelling on them that much.

Many, O LORD my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

-Psalm 40:5-

He knows your thoughts and needs before you even think them and ask Him. (Psalm 139:1-18, Matthew 6:32).

How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them.

-Psalm 139:17-

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

-Jeremiah 29:11-

God has thoughts of us all the time. We are unaware of it. We do not think about it because we are not thinking about Him.

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

-Proverbs 16:3-

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither.

-Psalm 1:1-3-

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

-Psalm 119:9-

God's revealing of His thoughts and testament toward us is His recorded Scripture.

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever."

-Isaiah 40:8-

Every Word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

-Proverbs 30:5-

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.

-I Corinthians 2:9-

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

-Matthew 7:24-27-

(This was written by one of the sisters who loves to write her thoughts in organized collections of musings).

Love This Version and Song

2011-05-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

Take a few moments to listen. It is uplifiting.
http://youtu.be/0cAvqByM1Fk

Across the Blog Heading . . .

2011-05-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I am the cool guy who took that awesome picture.

Summery Times

2011-05-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

These are from 2010. It is still Springy and chilly outside.

Looking at these pictures warms me up!

Mom's Birthday

2011-05-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Our radiant mother had a birthday May the third.

(Mom and all her daughters Easter 2011)

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

~Matthew 6

Remember

2011-05-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

Saint Patrick's Day 2011.

Did you know: The protestants wore orange and the Catholics wore green. The colors of the Irish flag are orange, green and white.

Saint Patrick converted Ireland to Christianity. The Protestants do not approve of celebrating Saint Days because the Saints are associated with the Catholic Church. In reality the Roman Catholic Church has stolen all of the great Evangalists and made them Saints so that people will give credit to the Roman Catholic Church.

God of my Salvation

2011-05-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

~Habakkuk 3~

Katie Girl Birthday

2011-05-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Our lovely little niece turns four-years-old today.
We all remember the day was born because we watched her birth!

She is following in her Aunt Jill's footsteps and loves to put on makeup and nail-polish.
Happy Birthday Katie!

Jenny's Birthday

2011-05-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

Did you know the name Jennifer means "white" " or "fair".

Funny thing about it, is Jenny has been told many times that she looks like Snow White.

I'm not sure exactly what Snow White looks like but Grimm's fairy tales describes her beautifully. Her complexion was white like snow, with hair as black as coal, and lips as red as roses.
Talk about description!
Anyway, we will have some party pics up soon. Happy Birthday Jenny!

People think it is impossible . . .

2011-05-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

to feel special . . .

in a big family . . .

with lots of children.

I assure you that it is just the opposite!

Resurrection Sunday

2011-04-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,  
O thou of God and man the Son,   
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,  
thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown.   
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,   
robed in the blooming garb of spring:    
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer   
who makes the woeful heart to sing.   
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,  
 and all the twinkling starry host:    
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer   
than all the angels heaven can boast.   
Beautiful Savior!  Lord of all the nations!    
Son of God and Son of Man!    
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,   
now and forevermore be thine.

Jeremiah is Twenty Seven

2011-04-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Need I say that he is smart?

He works all the time and likes to read books on engineering and science when he's not working:)We miss him and hope he had a great birthday. Probably was working on his ship ha!

Springtime

2011-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great;

You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

Covering Yourself with light as with a cloak,

Stretching out heaven like a tent curtain.

He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters;

He makes the clouds His chariot;

He walks upon the wings of the wind;

He makes the winds His messengers,

Flaming fire His ministers.

He established the earth upon its foundations,

So that it will not totter forever and ever.

You covered it with the deep as with a garment;

The waters were standing above the mountains.

At Your rebuke they fled,

At the sound of Your thunder they hurried away.

The mountains rose; the valleys sank down

To the place which You established for them.

You set a boundary that they may not pass over,

So that they will not return to cover the earth.

He sends forth springs in the valleys;

They flow between the mountains;

They give drink to every beast of the field;

The wild donkeys quench their thirst.

Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;

They lift up their voices among, the branches.

He waters the mountains from His upper chambers;

The earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works.

He causes the grass to grow for the cattle,

And vegetation for the labor of man,

So that he may bring forth food from the earth,

And wine which makes man's heart glad,

So that he may make his face glisten with oil,

And food which sustains man's heart.

The trees of the LORD drink their fill,

The cedars of Lebanon which He planted,

Where, the birds build their nests,

And the stork, whose home is the fir trees.

The high mountains are for the wild goats;

The cliffs are a refuge for the shephanim.

He made the moon for the seasons;

The sun knows the place of its setting.

Psalms 104:1-19

February Birthday Parties

2011-04-05T12:53:00.001-07:00

We Enjoy Our Cup of Coffee

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Do you?

Carry On

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This is my favorite poem. I am not into poems like a certain sister (who love to blog!) but I love this one. Must be because Dad quotes it alot.

It's easy to fight when everything's right,

And you're mad with the thrill and the glory;

It's easy to cheer when victory's near,

And wallow in fields that are gory.

It's a different song when everything's wrong,

When you're feeling infernally mortal;

When it's ten against one, and hope there is none,

Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:

Carry on! Carry on!

There isn't much punch in your blow.

You're glaring and staring and hitting out blind;

You're muddy and bloody, but never you mind.

Carry on! Carry on!

You haven't the ghost of a show.

It's looking like death, but while you've a breath,

Carry on, my son! Carry on!

And so in the strife of the battle of life

It's easy to fight when you're winning;

It's easy to slave, and starve and be brave,

When the dawn of success is beginning.

But the man who can meet despair and defeat

With a cheer, there's the man of God's choosing;

The man who can fight to Heaven's own height

Is the man who can fight when he's losing.

Carry on! Carry on!

Things never were looming so black.

But show that you haven't a cowardly streak,

And though you're unlucky you never are weak.

Carry on! Carry on!

Brace up for another attack.

It's looking like hell, but -- you never can tell:

Carry on, old man! Carry on!

There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,

And some who in brutishness wallow;

There are others, I know, who in piety go

Because of a Heaven to follow.

But to labour with zest, and to give of your best,

For the sweetness and joy of the giving;

To help folks along with a hand and a song;

Why, there's the real sunshine of living.

Carry on! Carry on!

Fight the good fight and true;

Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;

There's big work to do, and that's why you are here.

Carry on! Carry on!

Let the world be the better for you;

And at last when you die, let this be your cry:

Carry on, my soul! Carry on!

My Dad lives this poem more than anyone I know.

It is. . .

2011-04-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

no secret. . .

what God . . .

can do.

Sisters

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I love my sisters. I really do:)

March Is Over and April is Here!

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Scary eh?

Happy April Fools everyone. P.S. Happy belated St. Patricks Day (he was one good guy)!

Always do right. . .

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This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. ~Mark Twain~

(super old pic)

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.

~Mark Twain~

Beth's Birthday

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We love our sister-in-law Beth. She is the best wife, mother, daughter and sister we could have ever asked for.

Happy Birthday Clarkage!

2011-02-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

This was the most recent picture we could find. Looking good! Just needs some dental work on the lower bottum teeth eh?

He plays piano and violin supremely well and is very intelligent in math and history. He is also outgrowing us older girls and will soon be up there with Dad. Happy 14th Clark.

Happiness is. . .

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I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Next Few Days. . .

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are going to be looking something like this. . . we are pretty used to it.
Just means we get to use our lovely gloves and scarves even more.

A Truly Merry Christmas

2011-01-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

These are from 2009! Happy Late Christmas and New Years!

Agapi

2011-01-20T08:06:00.000-08:00

Do you know what that means?

If you do not you had better google it!

What Works . . .

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"Parents have a natural and unalienable right to educate their children, publicly and privately as they see fit, and that right should be recognized and encouraged."
-Ronald Reagan-
President of the United States

"The statist notion that governmental power should superced parental authority in all cases because some parents abuse and neglect children is repugnant to American tradition."
-Warren Burger-

Former Chief Justice of the United States

"Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers. What parents do to help their children learn is more important to academic success than how well off the family is."
-U.S. Department of Education-

"Parents should choose the form of education they want for their children."
-William Bennett-

Secretary of Education

Train up a child in the way he should go . . .

. . . and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
So . . .
. . . The LORD our God is one LORD:
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God
with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
And these words, which I command thee this day,
shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently
unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them
when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way,
and when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up.
~Deuteronomy 6:4-7~

For more useful information read:

1. The Bible

(you can never overdo on the Word of God and reading it out aloud to your children)

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

-Romans 10:17-

Jesus said,

"Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it."

-Luke 11:28-

2. What Works: Research About Teaching and Learning

William J. Bennett

(Some useful information. You might find it interesting)

3. Shepherding A Child's Heart

Tedd Tripp

Note: So as we make it clear again . . .

This blog belongs to us girls, written by two of us in particular [who just love, love blogging, Hoah!], not our parents. They never write anything on this blog. This post was written by one of us girls. She has read all the books listed above several years ago. Enjoy and torni presto!

Christmas and Holidays

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We had a wonderful blessed time together with family.

Hope you all enjoyed your holidays!

poor skinny little tree. . . (presents are all that matter!)

Opening Lines

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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

We love this book.
Can you guess what famous classic this is derived from without looking it up?
Hint: The author is Charles Dickens.

Visit With The Lincolns

2011-01-05T16:29:00.000-08:00

A Birthday

2011-01-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

Each year we have done a theme for the birthdays of that year. One year we did their individual names, meanings and verses. Another year we did the number of things we liked about each of them in correspondence with their age number. This following year we will be doing unique facts about each individual‘s birthday. Hope you all have a wonderful New Year planned. :)

Having a Little Fun

2010-12-27T15:34:00.001-08:00

Last Summer (2009)

Hello!

2010-12-27T07:38:00.001-08:00

We have lots of pictures.

We will post them soon.

See you soon!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

2010-12-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

Have a Wonderful Christmas!

Mix of Everything

2010-12-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is about two different events, one trip and etc., mixed into one post.

Have We Mentioned. . .

2010-12-22T05:54:00.000-08:00

That we absolutely love to travel? These pics are from a little trip we took last March. There are many more but these are the main highlights.

Hooray for food that burns your mouth. (Cacey and Jeremiah's favorite cuisine.)

Hey!

2010-12-21T19:15:00.003-08:00

Tomorrow I am posting pics.

Arrivderci!!! :)

Love blogging again . . .

Author Fyodor Dostoyevski

2010-12-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

"You don't believe my words now,

but you'll come to it of yourself.

For suffering . . . is a great thing."

~Raskolnikoff, Crime and Punishment~

(11 November 1821 – 9 February 1881)

While standing before a firing squad and ready to be executed, Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevski was informed that he was exiled for ten years to Siberia instead. He refers to this sickening ordeal, with horror, throughout his numerous writings. At his arrival in Siberia he was slipped a copy of the New Testament by two women.

His daughter Aimee tells us, in her book about her father titled Fyodor Dostoyevski: A Study, that his only comfort during his exile was that little copy of the New Testament. She further said that:

He studied the precious volume from cover to cover, pondered every word; learned much of it by heart; and never forgot it. All his works are saturated with it, and it is this which give them thier power. Many of his admirers have said to me that it was a strange chance during the most important and formative years of his life. But was it a chance? Is there such a thing as chance in our lives? The work of Jesus is not finished; in each generation He chooses His disciples, beckons to them to follow Him, and gives them the same power over the human heart that He gave to the poor fishermen of Galilee . . . Throughout his life he would never be without his old prison Testatment, the faithful friend that had consoled him in the darkest hours of his life. He always took it with him on his travels and kept it in a drawer in his writing-table, within reach of his hand. He consulted it in all the important moments of his life.

Dostoyevski, himself stated, while writing from Siberia:

"One sees the truth more clearly when one is unhappy, and yet God gives me moments of perfect peace; in such moments I love and believe that I am loved; in such moments I have formulated my creed, wherein all is clear and holy to me. This creed is extremely simple: here it is. I believe that there is nothing lovelier, deeper, more sympathetic, more rational, more manly, and more perfect than the Savior. I say to myself with jealous love that not only is there no one else like Him, but that there could be no one."

He died February 9th, 1881 and over forty thousand mourners attended his funeral. The last book he wrote was one of his more greatest novels called, "The Brothers Karamazov" from which the the phrase at the beginning of the book is also the verse inscribed on his tombstone; "Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. ~John 12:24~

Take No Thought . . .

2010-12-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

Therefore I say unto you . . .

Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Note:

2010-12-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

Okay just so everyone knows. The person who posted the post "Yo-Yo" is not the one that posted "Everyday life". You know that THAT particular person who posted the last post is a certain one (of us girls) because she consistently spells Adios "Adious".

kosh kosh . . . hmmmm . . . :)

Memories. . .

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These are about 5 years old.

Everyday life

2010-12-15T13:58:00.001-08:00

I thought I had more pictures on my computer, but apparently I do not so these will have to do until next time.
Adious!

More To Come . . .

2010-12-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

Yo-Yo

2010-12-14T11:23:00.001-08:00

Hey!

I have not been on here in over a year.
I miss blogging. (very much).
Facebook is boring and I am tired of it.
So back to blogging I go.

Arrivderci!!! :)

Went to the movie the other night. . .

2010-12-02T15:48:00.004-08:00

. . . and saw

"TANGLED."

It's about Repunzel. We recommend it if you are on the hunt to see a good clean movie.
Just in case you have forgotten, Repunzel is a princess who has super long hair!

Good Book

2010-12-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

We have all read this book by a guy named David Daniels.

It is an excellent book and explains the entire history and religion of the church from the beginning to our present time.

The name of the book is "BABYLON RELIGION."

It is so good and funny. If you want to learn something get a copy of this book and you will not be able to put it down. I promise!

Have a great rest of the evening.

Gotta Love It!

2010-12-02T15:36:00.000-08:00