a rustling of leaves ...

Prayer ...

2011-07-25T11:26:00.000-04:00

James Smith said,

"A real Christian has sympathy with all true believers. They are taken up into his heart, and are included in his prayers. For them he praises God, and for them he pleads with God. As one with Christ, he is one with them. As interested in Christ, he feels interested in them. They may be poor and needy, they may be oppressed and despised, they may be weak and feeble—but they excite his admiration, and draw forth his love."

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 19

2010-11-19T13:23:00.002-05:00

"The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold....
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sunburned hands, I used to hold
Since you went away, the days grow long
And soon I'll hear ol' winter's song.
But I miss you most of all my darling,
When autumn leaves start to fall."
- Johnny Mercer, lyrics, Autumn Leaves

"Grandma's Hands"

These are the hands
that held me up high
higher and higher
till I touched the sky

These are the hands
that would lovingly wipe
the tears from my cheeks
When I fell off my bike

These are the hands
that would tickle my side
till I'd wiggle and giggle
and laugh till I cried

These are the hands
that dressed me up warm
they'd button and tuck
to keep me safe from the storm

These are the hands
that now need my care
as I bathe her and dress her
and brush her gray hair

These are the hands
that once were so mighty
they now need my help
to button her nightie

These are the hands
that I'm happy to hold
to keep her from harm
and to ward off the cold

These are the hands.....
"That taught me to love"

Anonymous

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 17

2010-11-17T13:07:00.001-05:00

Leaves ~~~

"How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow."
by Elsie N. Brady

“Thankful” that my son and his wife are having a good vacation in Florida. That their flight went well along with the hussle of boarding. Since son never flew before he was anxious about it all. They were to fly out of Pittsburgh at 7:10pm He texted me right before boarding. Then again when they exited the plane. He said, “I’m on the ground! made it.” I wrote back, “Thank You Lord!” He said back, “I was sitting right beside Him We watched the world going to bed.” I just sat there and cried. I never flew and don’t plan on it but it must be something to see something like this. Above the clouds as day turns to night. “The Heavens declare the Glory of God!” Amen …

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 16

2010-11-16T11:33:00.001-05:00

"November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring."

~~ Elizabeth Coatsworth

I’m “thankful” for the fact that I live where you witness the changes of the season’s in all their glory. It’s a dreary gray day here in south-central PA.

I’m “thankful” for books and magazines that fill the mind, help us to stretch and grow, ones that teach and ones that cut to the quick, ones that cause us to create and ones that take us places we may never go in person, for those of poetry and rhyme, for those that tell us of the past and talk of the future.

Join us at Rebecca-Writes for a Month of November Thankfulness!

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 13

2010-11-13T17:40:00.001-05:00

This is Jaxx. He is a Pudel Pointer.

The is Bella. She is a Deutsch Drahthaar.

And this is Dakota. He is a Chocolate Lab.

These are a source of love and enjoyment!

We are so ‘thankful’ for these good companions.

This is Joey. He belongs to my youngest son and his wife.

He is a Jack Russell mix. Little ball of Dy-no-mite!

And this one! Well he is the new love in my Mom’s life.

He’s a tea cup poodle named ZaZoo. He weighs 3 1/2 lbs.

And he is not afraid of the big dogs.

Then there are the fish in the pond and 2 Betta fish.

When we all get together it’s like WOW, especially when Joey comes

and the gangs all here ……

but that’s is what makes memories.

Thank you Lord for our furry and finned friends whom You created

for our good pleasure.

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 12

2010-11-12T09:33:00.001-05:00

"There is an elusive quality about November sunlight. At night, little faraway houses, never seen in summer, suddenly prick the dark with their lamps. Fields of winter wheat appear, visible now the leaves are down. All the browns, a thousand browns, come out. Rust-brown, sand-brown, topaz-brown, and the faded gold of harvest fields. The contour of the land is evident, folds and hills and valleys. The sky over all is soft and hazy, and there is a feeling in the air that winter is coming. The shadows look different, sloping across the pale grass. This is a peaceful, serene land, and never quite so peaceful as now, with the crops in, wood piled high, houses snugged down, brooks running slow with leaves. The days grow shorter. Dusk comes before we are finished with the day."

from The Book of Stillmeadow by Gladys Tabor

Praise God!

Praising and exclaiming how thankful I am for all that He has given to me!

Thankful that He is :

“Jehovah Ro’-i ~~ The Lord My Shepherd” Psalm 23:1

“Jehovah ‘Ori ~~ The Lord My Light” Psalm 27:1

“Jehovah Kabodhi ~~ The Lord My Glory” Psalm 3:3

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 11

2010-11-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

I’m thankful that this happened and I wish I could have been there to experience something like this! AMEN and Amen! Enjoy!

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 10

2010-11-10T09:36:00.001-05:00

Looking out my window I see a nice and frosty morning. Many trees are now bare. The sun still paints its gold on those leaves still hanging on. It’s cool and crisp.

I’m ‘thankful’ today for the internet, my computers (no matter how much trouble they give me), and online friends.

I really appreciate Rebecca at Rebecca Writes for taking the time to gather all of our links and post them everyday for others to read. This takes a lot of time … ‘THANKS REBECCA – YOU ARE APPRECIATED!”

I enjoy traveling all over the world while setting here at the computer, with my coffee, sometimes a snack or sandwich, wearing my scruffy old flannel pj’s, and just cruising around the mighty web visiting. I’m a lurker as some call it. I have been visiting some peoples blogs for years and never have posted a word. I have received some responses back to things I have posted on my own blog that have really hurt. Its so easy to type words when you don’t have to look at that person in the eye. I wonder how many things that are typed would really be said one on one?

I have hundreds of blogs and such in my google reader and feeds. I can pick and chose were I want to go for the day. Recipes with video or great pics, you can learn languages, learn how to knit or crochet, crating, how to care for animals, traveling to sights I will never be to in my lifetime. Connections with friends and family is wonderful!

I’m ‘thankful’ for what I have learned about the Christian walk from the web. WOW – you learn who publishes Truth and who don’t. But the wealth of biblical understanding, knowledge and wisdom is unfathomable. We so take for granted what’s available to us.

The Web – it’s an amazingly big huge cyber world. Stop and think how many people are on here right now. Just let our computers go down or we don’t have good internet connections and man do we get grumpy! Don’t say you don’t! We all know we do!!!

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 9

2010-11-09T13:42:00.001-05:00

We have 3 big dogs at our home. They bring a lot of comfort and laughs. I have never been without a dog. I have never had a cat – hubs is allergic to them. We had beagles when I was at home. My Dad and I had a kennel. “Hickory Hill Beagles” that we bred, sold, and ran beagles in AKC Beagle field trials all over PA, Ohio, MD, WV and down into Virginia. We were both AKC Field Trial Judges in which we did some short traveling to other clubs to judge their trials. What sweet memories. I also was a midwife in that I went around and helped other kennel owners when their dogs were having puppies.

Beagles are sweet dogs but they are real stubborn bone heads too. If you have one with a strong nose you’ll never keep them at home unless they are fenced in. And beagle puppies … need I say more! Oh puppy breath and warm wet noses … I miss that. We had Hickory Hill Holly, Hickory Hill Dan, Hickory Hill Hope, Hickory Hill Stubby, on, and on. There is nothing better on a fall morning when the mist is just starting to rise, the sun is burning the frost away, your in the middle of a cut cornfield and you hear the dogs break out in that all familiar howl. Some dogs pound the trail with their nose down walking a circle around the spot that smells real good, others throw their heads back and bawl and take off on a run, some squeal and wiggle their behinds till you think they’ll wiggle it off! You stand still and wait for the rabbit to break out, all the while listening to this glorious sound on an autumn morn. Out runs the rabbit, the dogs are coming along behind and ‘bang!” the rabbit rolls. The dogs are rewarded and you head out for the next rabbit.

Here’s a pic of our last beagle “Benjamin of Hawke Hill” When I got married I chose my own kennel name. Ben was the last beagle we had. The end of a long line of faithful, loveable beagles. We had to put him down in 2005. I miss the cuddles and those big soft ears.

I’m thankful for all those memories with the beagles in my life. Oh Benny …. we loved you so!

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 8

2010-11-08T13:43:00.001-05:00

Today I am ‘thankful’ for being able to attend the Elizabeth George Seminar that was held in Knox, PA. It was about a 2.5 hour ride to get there but when you have 6 gals of various ages in the car it was a joyful ride!

The only downfall of the day for me and some of the others in my group was that we had to set in folding chairs at the ends of the auditorium rows. Since it was downhill in the aisle my toes actually ached from holding myself back in the chair. I felt like was was falling forward the entire day. We didn’t get to set together but was still blessed beyond measure.

On the way home we hit some snow in the higher elevations, the rode was wet but no snow laid upon it. We stopped at Indiana, PA for supper and ate at the Ruby Tuesday there. Our meals were delicious but wow were they busy! There was a college football game and no restaurant had instant seating!

When I was involved in leadership with the ladies ministry we had Elizabeth George for a seminar and she was an absolute joy! That was a few years ago now but we still hear how she impacted women’s lives that day.

Her first session was about “Loving God with all of your mind.” ~~

The verse which is her life verse from what I understand is Phil. 4:8-9 KJV

^“8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

⁹Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

She said we have to train our thoughts to think on what is real. It’s a command. She said “to think outside those biblical boundaries is sin.” WHACK! … one of those right between the eyes deals …. when God commands, He enables us to obey that command.

Accordingly God hears, He remembers, He looks to us and He knows our need.

2nd Session she talked about “Winning over Worry” ~~

Worry is sin! Take one day at a time and deal with today. (I know I hear this and it is sin but I still do it)

“If onlys” does not work! Don’t “rehash, remember or relive” but we should pray and fast. Reach forward, gain a forward momentum. Choose to trust what the Bible reveals about God and ask Him to replace any fears and doubts with the truth of His Word. “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing yet had been done. quote by C.S. Lewis” Focus on today helps us live each day to the fullest, and that focus begins with preparation, planning, and prayer.

3rd session was “Trusting in the Lord” ~~

Romans 8:28 “We know that God causes all things to work together for good.”

That we are to take every thought captive: “Nothing will ever happen to you that God does not already know about. Nothing will every happen to you that is a mistake. (Ps. 139:4,16) Nothing will ever happen to you that will not eventually be used by God for some good purpose in your life (Rom 8:28-29), and nothing will ever happen to you apart from God’s presence. (Matt. 28:20).

She talked about Ney Bailey and how she learned to “pray the Word” thru her teachings. She said that Ney showed her how to use the authority of Scripture in prayer. “Your Word says … ”, “You have also said that …”, And Lord, Your Word says …” “When we choose to believe that truth we can’t help but find hope in Him.” He only asks us to trust that He is working His purpose in us as we live out our purpose of serving Him.”

She spoke about difficult times we are each going thru and how the Lord will bring us thru. She shared how she was as a ‘new’ christian and how she underlined everything in the Bible that pertained to who God is and laughed at how many gold pens she used in doing it but mostly how it helped to her to come to know Him more. Her teaching touched each one of our lives at the very ‘season’ we are in.

Then there was the music! Wow! Janet Paschal was the special music and does that lady know who to minister to you. She spoke about her time with cancer and how the Lord brought her through. She encouraged the audience to participate. But the combined singing of 812 women along with her accapello .. words cannot describe it.

Back in 2004 when Elizabeth was at our seminar she signed her book “Loving God with All Your Mind” to me. She wrote, “Pam - thank you for today!”

Elizabeth George – Thank You for how you have touched my life. Your three ‘pink books’ changed me and the women I call friends. My home, my faith, my marriage, my sons, my becoming a “Woman Who Walks With God”, “A Woman After God’s Own Heart”, “A Woman of High Calling” has come from the truths about God and your relationship with Him and how you taught, shared, cried, and laughed with us, at us, and at yourself has been a blessing beyond measure.

Thank You Lord for her! Bless her and I know You will …

Join us at Rebecca-Writes.com for our month long November of Thanksgiving posts.

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 7

2010-11-07T09:56:00.002-05:00

The time changed here in the US – Day Light Saving Time. Honestly I wish they would just leave it the way it should be … I’m ‘thankful’ that God does not change – He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow; nor shift His priorities, but that He is the great I AM. You ever stop and think really how great that is? We humans are constantly shifting and changing but not Him.

As I set here smelling the coffee perking on the stove, listening to the steady breaths of 3 dogs lying around my feet, watching the sun rise in the East, I know that He is in control of every second, of everyday. The sun rises and sets because He ordained it. The very fact that my coffee is perking on the stove is due to His cause and effect. I’m ‘thankful’ that wherever I am, at that point in time, I have access to Him. My prayer bench a lot of the time is here at the computer. Instead of worn places from knees, it’s worn places from elbows. Gazing out at a night that is fluid black or in the morn when the sun is burning the mist away. The tears fall, my heartaches, my joy overflows, my understanding grows … the WORD is read, studied, mused over, absorbed, His praises are sung and thru it all I walk closer to my Lord and Savior.

From The Starry Firmament on High by Robert Grant:

The starry firmament on high,
And all the glories of the sky,
Yet shine not to Thy praise, O Lord,
So brightly as Thy written Word.

The hopes that holy Word supplies,
Its truths divine and precepts wise,
In each a heavenly beam I see,
And every beam conducts to Thee.

Almighty Lord, the sun shall fail,
The moon forget her nightly tale,
And deepest silence hush on high,
The radiant chorus of the sky.

But, fixed, for everlasting years,
Unmoved amid the wreck of spheres,
Thy Word shall shine in cloudless day,
When Heaven and earth have passed away.

I’m THANKFUL that:

God is “Holy Sovereign.” His Holiness expresses the sum total of all God is. His Sovereignty expresses the absolute rulership of God above everything and everyone else. He is under no external constraints!~~ Isa. 46:5,9,10; Zech. 9:14; 1 Tim. 6:16-17.

God is “Creator.” The Bible declares God is responsible for the creation of everything that exists anywhere. It also says that He keeps all things running properly, He sustains it. ~~ Ps. 136:5-9; Isa. 40:25-26, 44:24, 45:12; Jere. 5:22, 10:12, 51:15-16; Dan. 5:23; Acts 17:24-26; Heb. 1:1.

God is “Omnipotent.” He has the ability to do anything and everything He wishes that is not contrary to His nature. ~~ Gen. 18:14; Psa. 33:9-11, 93:4; Isa. 40:26, 46:10; Jere. 32:17; Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37; Rom. 1:19-20; Rev. 19:6.

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 6

2010-11-06T05:06:00.001-04:00

I’m “thankful” for my warm cozy home. For a seminar with women friends that I’m thankful to be going to. Looking forward to a fun filled day of learning more about Him and how to be a better servant to the One and Only.

I’m ‘thankful’ for a vehicle that is safe to travel 2.5 hours in. For uplifting encouragement for like-minded women.

I’m ‘thankful’ for my Mom who is so precious to me. For wonderful daughters-in-law.

I’m ‘thankful’ for the very breath I take this cold morning at 5 am. While the rest of the family sleeps, the coffee perks, the adventure begins …. I’ll let you know tomorrow of all the blessings I have encountered this day.

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 5

2010-11-05T12:30:00.001-04:00

I’m “Thankful” for Psalm 27:1 – “Jehovah Ma’-Oz Khayyay – The LORD the Strength of My Life” He is always there to strengthen me when I am weak. Whether it be physically, mentally or spiritually. My flesh does rise up at times. I am “Thankful” to Him, the Holy Spirit, who is the ‘gatekeeper’ of my conscience. He is the one who draws me back to Him, He is the one who opens and closes the gate of my heart, my mind, my tongue, my eyes …. Open to all that is holy and true. Closed to all that is evil and wicked. To You, “Who Hears my prayer” As my prayers ascend may they be a sweet smelling savor to the nostrils of my God. To the One who stands between myself and God, turning my will to His will, my ways to His ways, always interceding on my behalf … Thank you for saving such a wretch as I am.

I’m ‘thankful’ for a good warm pellet stove on these cold, windy, rainy days. For a husband who sees to all our comforts. My good provider. my best friend, the love of my life. My one and only … my man of God in whom I am well pleased.

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 4

2010-11-04T22:50:00.000-04:00

“Thankful” that I had the money to go buy a new Router and get the Internet back up and running the right way! Thank you Lord.
“Thankful” for late posts that can still be posted.
“Thankful” for a DIL who invites me to run around with her. With never having a daughter of my own, only boys, this is fun. Setting up painting our fingernails, watching movies, cooking, its nice!
“Thankful” that my son and his wife are staying here for 3 weeks till their home is ready to move into. Things are piled up, time is busy, more cooking, no quiet, but I love every minute of it. It will seem deafeningly quiet when they leave again.
“Seasons of life” they come and go and are always changing. Sometimes they are dark times, sometimes they are full of light, and sometimes the are misty. I hate menopause. I feel like I have lost myself. Thank you Lord for being there in the dark, in the light and amid the mist.

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 3

2010-11-03T15:31:00.001-04:00

I’m “Thankful” for:

God in the Psalms ~~ Ps. 3:3: “A shield for me, My glory (Kabodhi), the One who lifts up my head.” Why is He this to me? Because Ps. 2:12 The Holy Spirit tells me to “Kiss the Son” or His wrath is kindled and I perish but if I do “Kiss the Son” then I receive the promise, the blessing which is first explained to us in Ps. 1:1

Preeminent Pronouns of Christ ~~ Josh. 24:17: “He who brought us” He who brought me out of bondage of sin.

The Holy Spirit ~~ Job 33:4: “The Breath of the Almighty” “ It is man's twofold origin which Elihu, Job 33:4, Job 33:6, gives utterance to in harmony with Genesis 2:7 : the mode of man's origin, which is exalted above that of all other earthly beings that have life; for the life of the animal is only the individualizing of the breath of the Divine Spirit already existing in matter. The spirit of man, on the contrary (for which the language has reserved the name נשׁמה), is an inspiration directly coming forth from God the personal being, transferred into the bodily frame, and therefore forming a person. – commentary from Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament) The very breath I take is all of Him!

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 2

2010-11-02T11:34:00.001-04:00

Today I am “Thankful” for HIM giving me him! Youngest son.

I have been so blessed from these two sons in my life. God has given me two sons full of integrity, character, strength, and compassion. Most parents talk about the ‘troubled teen years’. I honestly never had it. They have been such a source of blessing and pride. Youngest son was the first married. His wife is a treasure. Happy Birthday son! We love you dearly. Thank you Father that my sons walk with You and put their trust in You.

I’m “Thankful” for Gen. 2:4 He is “The LORD God – Jehovah Elohim”

I’m “Thankful” for Nahum 1:15 Preeminent Pronouns of Christ – “Him that brings good tidings”

I’m “Thankful” for Isa. 44:3 The Spirit of God – “My Spirit – My Blessing”

Join us at Rebecca Writes for the month of November in giving Thanks!

November of Thanksgiving ~~ Day 1

2010-11-01T12:33:00.001-04:00

While recently reading a book I purchased at my Church by RC Sproul titled, “The Prayer of the Lord” I have read some profound quotes. One that was most striking to me and has caused me to really set back and think is this: “I find it striking that when Jesus taught the church how to pray, the first thing He chose to tell us to pray about is that the name of God might be regarded as sacred. Very few people today would list the hallowing of the name of God as a top priority for the supplications of the people of God. It almost seems foreign to our environment to place so much emphasis on proper treatment of a name.” Pause and let that sink in …

I have chosen this November 2010 to be “Thankful” for the sacred names found within the pages of Scripture in The Holy Bible, of God, who He is and what that means to me. My first thought is this: if Jesus taught this to the church as being sacred then why does not the versions of the Bible capitalize the He, Him, Thou, His, and etc. plethora of words that pertain to Him The One and Only God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit? I am thankful that the King James and New King James has held this tradition. To me it resonates respect of God. I know what I’ve read as to why publishers do not use capitalization but within the very words of God Jesus taught us (the church) that the NAME is sacred. Now I’m thinking of the verse “every jot and tittle…”

Today I’m “Thankful” for God ‘ELOHIM’ found in Genesis 1:1. Eternal, existing before the universe, omnipotent, telling me that nothing is impossible with God! He alone gives meaning to everything. I am who I am because of Him and thru Him I have my being. He is honor and power.

I’m “Thankful” for Rev. 16:5. Preeminent pronouns of Christ found in here. Who Art, Wast and Shalt Be!

I’m “Thankful” for Gen. 1:2. The Spirit of God who was hovering over the face of the waters. The Holy Spirit who is His agent sent to hover over me, guide me, direct me, convict me and draw me to Him.

Amen ….

Join us at Rebecca Writes for the month of November in giving Thanks

November of Thanksgiving ~~~

2010-10-29T11:34:00.001-04:00

For the 5th year in a row, Rebecca is declaring November to be the Month of Thanksgiving at Rebecca Writes! She says:
“Every one of us has an abundance of good gifts from God, so I’m inviting you to join with me in giving thanks to Him for His many blessings.
Each day during the month, I’ll post something for which I’m thankful. You can participate in any of these ways:

Mention something you’re thankful for in the comments here. I’ll include your comment in one of my thanksgiving posts.
Email me to tell me what you’re thankful for and I’ll include it in a post.
Post your thankful thought(s) on your own blog, send me the link(s), and I’ll link to your post(s). If you plan to post something daily during the month, let me know that, too. That way you won’t need to send me your daily links.

Lisa of Lisa Notes participated in thanking God during the whole month of November last year and writes that it blessed her, “both in reading what others wrote, and in making me think daily of things that I am thankful for.” She’s exactly right! It is a blessing to read all the posts of thanksgiving every day. Why don’t you join us?”
And would you consider mentioning the November of Thanksgiving project on your own blog and invite your readers to take part, too?

September in Gettysburg …

2010-09-22T11:13:00.001-04:00

My Mom and I took off for the day and traveled to Gettysburg, PA.

About a two hour trip from my home up and down Route 30,

thru the mountains, around big turns, the ride was refreshing.

The Battlefield was not busy and we just took our time wondering

at what it must have been like. The sights, the smells, the sounds …

Such a nice day, not too hot, not too cool, not too breezy … perfect!

We talked about how innovative they were then. Look at this pistol with a

rifle grip, would be steady to aim with, but as far as distance or accuracy?

Then there was the different shot used. From cannon fire to rifle fire.

I sure would not have wanted to be shot with any of these.

Can you imagine what the doctors saw and experienced?

This was Longstreet’s memorial. I especially enjoy reading

about this man. The Civil War fascinates me. I would

love to be able to do re-enactments …

the cooking at that time is interesting.

The Pennsylvania Memorial.

I have some relatives names on here but have yet to

find all of them. We have documentation and memorabilia

from those who fought in my family tree.

The homes were small for such large families.

The stone homes are gorgeous and those

thick window sills … but I’m sure they were

cold and drafty in the Pennsylvania winters.

We supped here at The Dobbin House.

I should have taken pictures inside.

We sat on two large high back stuffed chairs

in front of a fireplace and ate the pleasant tasting

fare of Roast Duck in a Cider sauce with roasted Sweet

Potatoes, Prime Rib that melted in your mouth

but just the ambiance of the place ….

and it was part of the Underground Railroad.

Mom is setting in front of the Gift Shop portion.

We had such a great day together.

As we traveled back home we listened to a series of Sermons

on “The Chaplains in Gray”, “Stonewall Jackson’s Verse”,

and “The Legacy of Robert E Lee.”

You can find them here:

SermonAudio.com under Greenville Seminary & Mt. Olive

http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sourceOnly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=gpts&keyworddesc=Greenville+Seminary+%26+Mt.+Olive&subsetcat=speaker&subsetitem=Randy+Odom

http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sourceOnly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=gpts&keyworddesc=Greenville+Seminary+%26+Mt.+Olive&subsetcat=speaker&subsetitem=Dr.+Gary+Roper

http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sourceOnly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=gpts&keyworddesc=Greenville+Seminary+%26+Mt.+Olive&subsetcat=speaker&subsetitem=Dr.+William+Potter

Good listening … I haven’t found much on the Union Chaplains like I have the Confederate’s. But this Seminary

website has a lot about the Southern Christian men. Ever hear of a ‘coalporter?’

I downloaded a lot of them to my iTouch and iTunes …

I listen to them over and over, they are rich.

Hope you enjoyed our day out and about too!

Ya’ll come back – ya hear!

2010 PA Bow Hunter’s Festival

2010-09-19T18:50:00.000-04:00

Just got back from the Bow Fest. We had a great time!

It’s so much fun spending time with the family flinging

arrows at animal targets, running up and down the

mountain side on trails, laughing at the misses and

slaps on the back for great shots! My DIL #2 (Archery Chick)

is a really good shot. She uses a compound bow and just

has that edge to hold tight and shoot well. I shoot a Traditional

50# Recurve Bow with no sights, so if I miss … I have no one to

blame but myself! I was a little concerned about pulling back

the bow this year since an injury to my shoulder but my fears

were unfounded, she pulled real nice for me. My two sons

and husband are great shots with both compound and traditional

bows. So now we are ready for the Pennsylvania woods come Oct. 2nd.

This Church always has a Bow Festival Breakfast. All you can eat

sausage, pancakes and good hot coffee hit the spot on a chilly 7am morning.

This is the infamous “Running Deer” target. That deer form travels back and forth 2 times

on a short track at various speeds. After the 2nd trip it stops mid-track for the archers

to retrieve their arrows. Sometimes it looks like a porcupine with so many arrows

sticking out it’s sides. It’s around a 45 yard shot and loads of fun.

It was beautiful there in the morning with the mist rising along with the Sun.

September smells of wood fires, damp leaves, outdoor cooking … it’s all good.

Psalm 19 … it’s all good …

Fall is in the air ....

2010-09-10T01:27:00.003-04:00

I know you can see it ...
I know you can smell it ...
I know you can hear it ...
I know you can feel it ...

Isn't
it
just
lovely?

You are my lamp, O Lord ...

2010-03-07T15:28:00.004-05:00

"While we were lying in our blood, filthily polluted,

defiled, he passed by, and he said in the sovereignty

of his love, "Live!" and we do live. The whole must

be traced to sovereign grace! From this sacred well

of discriminating distinguishing grace we must

draw water this morning, and we must pour it

out, saying, "Oh Lord, I will praise your name,

for the first origin of my light was your sovereign

purpose, and nothing in me."

from Spurgeon's sermon: "Light, Natural and Spiritual"

The Phoenician Anniversary meal ...

2010-03-03T11:30:00.008-05:00

Went out for supper last night
for our 33rd Anniversary.
Visited a new to us restaurant.
"The Phoenician."

We had a wonderful time and partook
of some delicious foods.
Was too busy enjoying my meal
to take a picture.
I had the Asparagus Beef Tourni Dos.
Slow roasted beef stuffed with feta cheese,
roasted red pepper, asparagus, and black olives
with a very thick tomato sauce. On the side
was julienne cut yellow and green zucchini,
carrots in olive oil with fresh herbs,
and roasted red potatoes.
Mediterranean Salad was delish!
The way it was presented on the plate was neat.
Mark had the Gyro Platter. It was served
with the same vegetables along with
Saffron Basmati Rice and warm pita bread.
The Gyro meat was delicious.
A blend of beef and lamb meats
roasted on a rotisserie.
For dessert we shared Syrian Baklava.
It was stuffed with pistachio nuts, honey,
wrapped in a shredded wheat type phylo dough.
Really different.
Next time I want to try the Kabobs.

A very nice evening, especially
with my wonderful date!
Thank you Lord for the gift of my husband.
He is a blessing to me.

Is it really March? ...

2010-03-02T15:52:00.006-05:00

Sure don't seem like March! More snow coming and then rain.
Creeks and rivers will be over their banks.

Jaxx loves to roll in the snow, which then it sticks to his fur and
makes him look like the abominable snow dog!

My guys are really enjoying the Ice fishing this year.
There is a nice thick base which eases my mind.
The catch has been pretty good for them too.
Crappies, trout, walleye, perch ...
fry up real nice in my cast iron pans.

Spring is around the corner. I really hope it is ...

All About Groundhog Day's start ...

2010-02-02T11:17:00.000-05:00

Groundhog Day History

European Roots

(Adapted from "Groundhog Day: 1886 to 1992" by Bill Anderson)

Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a popular tradition in the United States. It is also a legend that traverses centuries, its origins clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening on specific dates. Myths such as this tie our present to the distant past when nature did, indeed, influence our lives. It is the day that the Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow.

If he sees it, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole.

If the day is cloudy and, hence, shadowless, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.

The groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe, and for centuries the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people. Even then, it marked a milestone in the winter and the weather that day was important.

According to an old English song:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.

According to an old Scotch couplet:

If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
There'll be twa (two) winters in the year.

Another variation of the Scottish rhyme:

If Candlemas day be dry and fair,
The half o' winter to come and mair,
If Candlemas day be wet and foul,
The half of winter's gone at Yule.

The Roman legions, during the conquest of the northern country, supposedly brought this tradition to the Teutons, or Germans, who picked it up and concluded that if the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, an animal, the hedgehog, would cast a shadow, thus predicting six more weeks of bad weather, which they interpolated as the length of the "Second Winter."

Pennsylvania's earliest settlers were Germans and they found groundhogs to in profusion in many parts of the state. They determined that the groundhog, resembling the European hedgehog, was a most intelligent and sensible animal and therefore decided that if the sun did appear on February 2nd, so wise an animal as the groundhog would see its shadow and hurry back into its underground home for another six weeks of winter.

The Germans recited:

For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
So far will the snow swirl until the May.

This passage may be the one most closely represented by the first Punxsutawney Groundhog Day observances because there were references to the length of shadows in early Groundhog Day predictions.

Another February 2nd belief, used by American 19th century farmers, was:

Groundhog Day - Half your hay.

New England farmers knew that we were not close to the end of winter, no matter how cloudy February 2nd was. Indeed, February 2nd is often the heart of winter. If the farmer didn't have half his hay remaining, there may have been lean times for the cows before spring and fresh grass arrived.

The ancient Candlemas legend and similar belief continue to be recognized annually on February 2nd due to the efforts of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

courtesy: groundhog.org

So what do we eat on groundhog's day? ...

2010-02-02T10:12:00.004-05:00

GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION 2010
Groundhog Day Menu

The first Groundhog Day celebration was held in Punxsutawney in the early 1800s when German settlers introduced the legend of Candlemas Day. In honor of Groundhog Day this year, discover the foods brought to Pennsylvania hundreds of years ago by our German ancestors. Finish it all off with the legendary Groundhog Cookie—a Phil phavorite! Just to know - the handler is wearing steel mesh gloves ... Phil's an animal he bites! LOL!

RECIPES

⎯ Roasted Mushroom Soup
⎯ German Apple Brown Bread
⎯ Fresh Greens with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
⎯ Roasted Pennsylvania Pork with Vegetables and Rosemary
⎯ Garlic Mashed Potatoes
⎯ Groundhog Cookies

Roasted Mushroom Soup
Roasting the mushrooms concentrates the flavor; puréeing provides a creamy texture without the need for fat-laden cream.
1 pound fresh Pennsylvania mushrooms such as shiitake or portabella
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup minced Pennsylvania Simply Sweet ™ Onions
1 cup minced celery
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 to 4 tablespoons dry sherry
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Snipped fresh dill
Remove stems and halve mushrooms. Spread in single layer on baking sheet. Roast in 450-degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or just until browned. Set aside. Melt butter in large kettle over medium heat. Add onion, celery and garlic. Sauté 5 minutes. Add roasted mushrooms, chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Add sherry. Simmer additional 5 minutes. Purée mixture in food processor or blender. Return to kettle. Season with salt and pepper. Heat through, stirring occasionally. Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with snipped fresh dill and serve
immediately. About 8 servings

German Apple Brown Bread
A hearty bread reminiscent of the whole-grain version baked by the Pennsylvania Dutch; this one is easy and wholesome.
2 medium Pennsylvania tart apples such as McIntosh, Nittany or Stayman/Winesap
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup light or dark molasses
1/3 cup honey
1 cup rye flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups low-fat buttermilk
Peel, core and chop apples. Set aside. In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixture until softened. Blend in molasses and honey. In separate bowl, combine rye and wheat flours, cornmeal, baking soda and salt. Gradually add about one third of the flour mixture to butter mixture, blending just until moistened. Blend in half of the buttermilk and then another third of the flour mixture. Add remaining buttermilk and flour mixture, mixing just until ingredients are blended. Stir in apples. Spoon into two lightly greased 9 x 5-inch bread pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or cooled. Each loaf makes about 8 generous slices.

Fresh Greens with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Apple cider makes its mark on a “ from-scratch” dressing unequaled by bottled dressing.
1-1/4 cup blanched almonds
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons Pennsylvania apple cider
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
6 tablespoons honey
4 small heads assorted Pennsylvania leaf lettuce such as romaine and bibb, washed, torn and dried Homemade croutons (recipe follows)
Combine blanched almonds, oil, apple cider, vinegar and honey in bowl. Puree in batches in blender container until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Just before serving, spoon over leafy greens and garnish with homemade croutons. About 8 servings or 3 cups dressing Homemade Croutons: Lightly brush both sides of 16 slices of sourdough bread with olive oil. Cube bread slices and arrange in single layer on lightly oiled baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool
completely before using. About 8 servings

Roasted Pennsylvania Pork with Vegetables + Rosemary
The Keystone state is known for its quality pork products and fresh garden vegetables. This recipe marries the best of both with fresh rosemary.
2 tablespoons fennel seed
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup snipped fresh rosemary, divided
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
5-pound Pennsylvania boneless pork loin roast
6 Pennsylvania red, yellow or green bell peppers, washed and quartered
3 large Pennsylvania Simply Sweet ™ Onions, cut into wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Lightly coat a large roasting pan with cooking spray and set aside. Combine fennel seed, garlic, salt, half of the rosemary and the pepper on cutting board. Chop and blend with sharp knife until paste is formed. Rub over surface of pork. Transfer to roasting pan and set aside. In large bowl, toss together bell pepper, onion, olive oil, remaining rosemary and the salt. Arrange around pork in roasting pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees. Transfer pork to cutting board and cover with foil. Return vegetables to oven and increase temperature to 450 degrees. Roast additional 10 minutes or just until tender. Slice pork and serve immediately with roasted vegetables. About 8 servings

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are a must on any authentic Pennsylvania menu. Garlic and sour cream offer a slight twist on traditional mashed.
3 pounds Pennsylvania potatoes, peeled and halved
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
About 1/2 cup milk or cream
1/4 cup dairy sour cream
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Place potatoes in large kettle and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a gentle boil. Cook about 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Remove from heat. Drain off
cooking water and return potatoes to kettle with butter. Mash until smooth and creamy using potato masher or electric mixer, gradually adding milk or cream. Blend in sour cream and garlic; salt and pepper, to taste. (Small amount additional milk or cream may be needed for desired consistency.)
Serve immediately. About 8 servings

Groundhog Cookies
2 cups sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup soft butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg yolk
1 egg, slightly beaten
Currants or raisins
Sift together first seven ingredients. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend in molasses and yolk. Stir in flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill overnight, several nights or freeze.
Place small amounts of dough on a sheet of plastic wrap, and cover with plastic wrap. Roll 1/8 inch thick. Cut out cookies with lightly floured cutter.
Place cookies on greased baking sheet. Brush with slightly beaten egg. Decorate with currants or raisin eyes. Repeat until all dough is used.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven. Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet. Makes 72 or more medium-sized groundhogs.

Six More Weeks of Winter!

2010-02-02T09:56:00.003-05:00

Six More Weeks of Winter!: Reported by: Nate Potter
Tuesday, Feb 2, 2010 @07:35am EST

PUNXSUTAWNEY, JEFFERSON COUNTY - Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his den, saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter on the 144th Annual Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler's Knob.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club pulled Phil from his warm den into single-degree temperatures just after 7:15 a.m. Tuesday.

The Prognosticators of Prognosticators told the club President in front of thousands of people, 'As the sky shines bright above me, my shadow I see, beside me. Six more weeks of winter it will be!'"

Since I am from Steeler Country I couldn't resist this:

Devotions ... do you?

2010-01-20T14:34:00.001-05:00

You are retired for your private devotions; you
have opened the Bible, and you begin to read.

Now, do not be satisfied with merely reading
through a chapter. Some people thoughtlessly
read through two or three chapters- stupid
people for doing such a thing!

It is always better to read a little and digest
it, than it is to read much and then think you
have done a good thing by merely reading the
letter of the word.

For you might as well read the alphabet
backwards and forwards, as read a chapter
of Scripture, unless you meditate upon it,
and seek to comprehend its meaning.

Merely to read words is nothing: the letter kills.

The business of the believer with his Bible
open is to pray, “Lord, give me the meaning
and spirit of your word, while it lies open
before me; apply your word with power to
my soul, threatening or promise, doctrine
or precept, whatever it may be; lead me
into the soul and marrow of your word.”

Also, it is not the form of prayer, but the spirit
of prayer that shall truly benefit your souls.

That prayer has not benefited you,
which is not the prayer of the soul.

You have need to say, “Lord, give me the
spirit of prayer; now help me to feel my
need deeply, to perceive your promises
clearly, and to exercise faith upon them.”

In your private devotions, strive after vital
godliness, real soul-work, the life-giving
operation of the Spirit of God in your hearts.

Charles Spurgeon

Very Thankful for His Protection ...

2009-11-24T17:36:00.003-05:00

Archery hunted for six weeks in the woods of
Pennsylvania for this guy and
I got him but not in the manner
of my choosing ...

One dark and misty night traveling home
from an evening out with my husband
suddenly there he was ...
cars on my left and behind, I had no where to go.
I slowed down to make the impact lighter but
to no avail ... he flew thru the air as high as my van,
came down in the left lane and spun literally off into
the median. The vehicle in the left lane just missed him.
I almost got rear-ended in the process
but only by His grace we were not harmed.
$3600.00 damage but the sad part is the van is only worth
that much. Upsetting because it has been a very,
very good vehicle for us. Never any problems, no rust.
"They" said it is an "old" vehicle
and not worth the money to fix it.
That is upsetting in that now a vehicle payment
comes into play .... just what I don't want.
So we wait for the Lord's hand to move and provide ...

Thanksgiving Time is Near ...

2009-11-24T17:16:00.006-05:00

When all the leaves are off the boughs;
and nuts and apples gathered in,
and cornstalks waiting for the cows,
and pumpkins safe in barn and bin,
Then mother says, "Now children dear,
the fields are brown the autumn flies;
Thanksgiving Day is near,
and we must make our Thanksgiving pies!"

~~Author Unknown~~

Come, Ye Thankful People Hymn ...

2009-11-22T12:02:00.003-05:00

Come, Ye Thankful People

Words: Henry Alford, Psalms and Hymns, 1844.

Music: St. George’s Windsor, George J. Elvey, 1858

Come, ye thankful people, come,
raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field,
fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown
unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we
wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day
all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in
the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come,
bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified,
in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come,
raise the glorious harvest home.

thanksgiving is near ...

2009-11-22T11:26:00.007-05:00

Pumpkins in the cornfield,

Fodder in the shock,

An ear of yellow-golden grain,

Hangs on every stock

Blackbirds flying here and there,

The yellow corn they spy,

But I’m not thinking of the corn,

I’m thinking pumpkin pie!

~Adelaide Blanton

Archery Season ...

2009-10-06T06:28:00.002-04:00

Check out my other blog PA Woods N Stream for Archery Season 2009 with the women!

2009-09-10T21:29:00.003-04:00

"The breezes taste of apple peel.

The air is full of smells to feel- Ripe fruit, old footballs,

burning brush, new books, erasers, chalk, and such.

The bee, his hive, well-honeyed hum, and

Mother cuts Chrysanthemums.

Like plates washed clean with suds,

the days are polished with A morning haze."

- John Updike, September

He's going to break you .... Amen!

2009-08-23T19:56:00.005-04:00

Couldn't Resist This One ...

2009-08-21T21:41:00.000-04:00

2009-07-04T06:32:00.003-04:00

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men

who signed the Declaration of Independence ?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,

and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;

another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or

hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes,

and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.

Eleven were merchants,

nine were farmers and large plantation owners;

men of means, well educated,

but they signed the Declaration of Independence

knowing full well that the penalty would be death if

they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and

trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the

British Navy. He sold his home and properties to

pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British

that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.

He served in the Congress without pay, and his family

was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him,

and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,

Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that

the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson

home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General

George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed,

and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.

The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying.

Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill

were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests

and caves, returning home to find his wife dead

and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday

and silently thank these patriots.

It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

Greenbeans in the Garden ....

2009-05-20T19:57:00.002-04:00

I've been working in the gardens and
while searching for something I came across this video ...
thought you might enjoy it too!

Here's my Tipsy Pot for this year ...

2009-05-15T17:03:00.001-04:00

Last year I made one of these and did not post a pic on my other blog
but I took one this year ...

here's a pic of my "Steppables" plants they are doing really well, too.
I just noticed ... looks like the squirrel is holding the pot up and he has a hole in him!
Those dogs!!! Play with everything ...
someone snuck it back and didn't tell Mom
the damage!

Do a Google search on "Tipsy Pots" there are some neat ones made out of old tea kettles,
if you make one post a pic and send me the link!

Word of God Speak ...

2009-04-11T01:21:00.000-04:00

At the foot of the Cross ...

2009-04-10T23:05:00.000-04:00

The Fraternity of the Cross ~~

2009-04-09T09:11:00.005-04:00

"Christ's summons to a cross is perpetual.
Self-denial is not an initiation fee,
once paid and for ever forgotten.
Old Christians as well as new converts
must bear a cross. One's cross is not a
disposable item of Christian experience
but a life-long burden in this world."

Luke 14:27 -- "Whosoever doth not bear his cross,
and come after Me, cannot be my disciple."

~~ Walt Chantry in "The Shadow of the Cross"
Page 22

Go to Rebecca Writes for more Cross Quotes --

Active - Passive Obedience of Christ ~~

2009-04-08T17:22:00.002-04:00

For John Owen, the imputation of Christ's active obedience was a necessary component of the gospel. So important was it to Owen, that he believed it should be reflected in the church's confession. In his classic work, The Doctrine of Justification by Faith through the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ; Explained, Confirmed, and Vindicated, Owen made clear that the passive obedience of Christ (i.e. Christ's suffering the curse to remove the penalty of sin from us) was not enough. Sinners do not merely need acquittal, they need to be declared righteous in God's sight. That requires perfect, active obedience to the law, which was fulfilled by Christ, the righteous One. He argued for the imputation of what is called the active and passive obedience of Christ to the believer:

"the obedience of Christ unto the law, and the imputation
thereof unto us, are no less necessary unto
our justification before God, than his suffering
of the penalty of the law, and the imputation
thereof unto us, unto the same end...
We have need of more than the mere sufferings
of Christ, whereby we may be justified before God."
(Works, V, 252, 254)

Go to Rebecca Writes for more Cross Quotes ...

Cross Quotes ~~

2009-04-07T20:12:00.001-04:00

“It is necessary to underline this concept of sovereign love. Truly God is love. Love is not something adventitious; it is not something that God may choose to be or choose not to be. He is love, and that necessarily, inherently, and eternally. As God is spirit, as he is light, so he is love. Yet it belongs to the very essence of electing love to recognize that it is not inherently necessary to that love which God necessarily and eternally is that he should set such love as issues in redemption and adoption upon utterly undesirable and hell-deserving objects. It was of the free and sovereign pleasure of his will, a good pleasure that emanated from the depths of his own goodness, that he chose a people to be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. The reason resides wholly in himself and proceeds from determinations that are peculiarly his as ‘I am that I am.’ The love of God constrains to the atonement as the means of accomplishing love’s determinate purpose.” Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray Page 14

Cross Quotes with Rebecca Writes ...

Redemption Accomplished and Applied review ~~

2009-04-06T21:55:00.004-04:00

Pam's Notes on Chapter One:

Redemption Accomplished and Applied

by John Murray

Chapter One Notes
The Necessity of the Atonement

The Who: John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

The Why: Rom. 5:8 – “ … but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The What: Rom. 8:31,32 – “31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

The When: Rom. 8:29 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

The Where: Eph. 1:4,5 – “4 … even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…”

**The love of God from which the atonement springs is not a distinctionless love; it is a love that elects and predestinates. God was pleased to set his invincible and everlasting love upon a countless multitude and it is the determinate purpose of this love that the atonement secures.**

The Concept: The Sovereign love of God. Love is not something that God may choose to be or choose not to be. He is love, and that necessarily, inherently, and eternally. It was of the free and sovereign good pleasure of his will, a good pleasure that emanated from the depths of his own goodness, that he chose a people to be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

The Reason: Resides wholly in himself and proceeds from determinations that are peculiarly his as the “I Am that I Am.” The love of God constrains to the atonement as the means of accomplishing love’s determinate purpose.

The Necessity: The consequent absolute necessity. The word “consequent” points to the fact that God’s will or decree to save any is of free and sovereign grace. The terms: ‘absolute necessity’, indicate that God, having elected some to everlasting life out of his mere good pleasure, was under the necessity of accomplishing this purpose through the sacrifice of his own Son, a necessity arising from the perfections of his own nature. While it was not ‘inherently necessary’ for God to save, yet, since salvation had been purposed, it was necessary to secure this salvation through a satisfaction that could be rendered only through substitutionary sacrifice and blood-bought redemption.

The Notion: Hebrews 2:10, 17 – “10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” It was divinely appropriate that the Father in bringing many sons unto glory should make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings and that it behooved the Saviour himself to be made in all things like unto his brethren.

The Case: The exigencies (demands, needs) of the purpose of grace that the dictates of divine propriety required that salvation should be accomplished through a captain of salvation who would be made perfect through sufferings and that this entailed for the captain of salvation that he be made in all things like unto his brethren. The eternal peril to which the lost are exposed is remedied by the giving of the Son.

The Context: The transcendent efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice is required by the exigencies (demands, needs) arising from sin. This is an absolute. Heb. 9:23 – “Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.” The Levitical sacrifices were patterned after the heavenly exemplar – patterns of the things in the heavens. Not the other way around – the Levitical sacrifice as the pattern for the sacrifice of Christ.

The Contrast: The heavenly as contrasted with the earthly, the eternal with the temporary, the complete with the partial, the final with the provisional, the abiding with that which passes away. The salvation which the election of grace involves on either view of the necessity of the atonement is salvation from sin unto holiness and fellowship with God. But if we are to think of salvation thus conceived in terms that are compatible with the holiness and righteousness of God, this salvation must embrace not merely the forgiveness of sin but also justification. And it must be a justification that takes account of our situation as condemned and guilty. The only righteousness conceivable that will meet the requirements of our situation as sinners and meet the requirements of a full and irrevocable justification is the righteousness of Christ. Justification could only been secured by our faith in Christ, otherwise another method would have been used.

The Demonstration: The cross of Christ is the supreme demonstration of the love of God. Rom. 5:8 and 1 John 4:10. The supreme character of the demonstration resides in the extreme costliness of the sacrifice rendered.

The Cost:

Rom.

8:32 – “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” The costliness of the sacrifice assures us of the greatness of the love and guarantees the bestowal of all other free gifts. Question – “would the cross of Christ be a supreme exhibition of love if there were no necessity for such costliness?” Sin is the contradiction of God and he must react against it with holy indignation. In the work of Christ the dictates of holiness and the demands of justice have been fully vindicated. God set him forth to be a propitiation to declare his righteousness. If we keep in view the gravity of sin and the demands arising from the holiness of God which must be met in salvation from it, then the doctrine of indispensable necessity makes Calvary intelligible to us and enhances the incomprehensible marvel of both Calvary itself and the sovereign purpose of love which Calvary fulfilled. The more we emphasize the inflexible demands of justice and holiness the more marvelous become the love of God and its provisions.

Obedience and Love -- the whole thing in a nutshell -- Obedience and Love

WOULD PAUL ANSWER THE CALL TO CHRISTIAN PATRIOTISM?

2009-04-01T13:04:00.002-04:00

by Mark Dinsmore

A number of respected Christian columnists and pastors across our nation are rightly sounding an alarm at the thickening shroud of global governance descending upon our nation. With the presidentially promised "change" now being delivered, the spectre of a militarized one-world spirituality is darkening the horizon of earth under the guise of "hope" and "peace."

I understand--and share--the righteous anger over the sorry state of the church and its lackadaisical response to the evils of our time. Serious students of God's Word, however, have been long alerted to these signs: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come..." (1 Tm 4:1; see also 2 Tm 4:3-4). Though we take some comfort that our Lord could return at any time for His Bride, it appears that even those whose blessed hope is in a pre-tribulation rapture should take heed and prepare for precipitous times ahead (1 Pt 4:12-16).

In light of increasing daily distress over our nation's economic unraveling and corporate "bailout," a number of states are introducing legislation to declare their sovereignty and withdraw from this mess, and some patriots have even called for a 2009 Continental Congress to "establish practicable strategies the People can take, en masse, to peacefully reclaim Liberty and restore Constitutional Order." Indeed, that these are "perilous times" only confirms the prophetic import of increasing global "birth pangs."

Many well-written books and DVDs document how our nation, and evangelicalism, came to this point, but this lament is not my chief concern, nor is it in suggesting a roadmap for political action. Rather, it is to articulate and apply a biblical response to the foreboding future tyranny that is prophesied (and proceeding) to unite the world in a Babel-like rebellion under Antichrist. Surprisingly, the cause and cure of our nation's decline is a controversial subject even among conservative Christians. As one columnist whom I respect recently wrote, "A real Christian patriot would never allow his country to be taken over by a gaggle of elitist goons bent on stealing his liberties...."

"Christian patriot." These two words are inextricably linked in the minds of most Americans who grew up with any kind of serious education regarding the nature of our Constitutional Republic and the faith of our Founding Fathers. The ideals of a "Christian Patriot" are indeed wonderful--to live in a nation that exalts our Creator and whose government is firmly rooted in God's Word.

But is this our earthly hope and promise, prior to Christ's return? And, is this the mission to which the church is called--to establish "one nation, under God, indivisible...?" Is this the example of our spiritual forefathers?

Consider Daniel. Consider Joseph. These courageous men (both types of Christ, among many), were subjected to all manner of trials and temptation, and yet they did not resist the enemy with force. Still, God spared them. They both rose to prominence in pagan cultures that literally worshiped demon-gods--Satan himself--in various manifestations, but did either Daniel or Joseph attempt to overthrow these empires by political persuasion? Did they stir up the faithful to stage a protest or ignite a revolution?

"That's the Old Testament!" some might protest. Then what of Paul? What of Peter? Did these equally courageous New Testament saints resist their captors with force? Did these powerful apostles of Christ start a political party to declare their independence from the pagan world in which they preached? To a man, no. All of Christ's disciples except John were martyred--and not for their "inalienable rights" to live in a country that worshiped God nor for their right to "keep and bear arms."

We have enjoyed (and oft taken for granted) the liberties afforded us at the expense of those who bled and died for our gain. This is a testament to their courage, faith, and God's grace--but does this mean that the American Revolution is a biblical example and pattern of behavior for us to follow? To my own initial confusion and dismay (as it contradicts years of conservative Christian-heritage instruction) there is not a single example in Scripture of "armed revolution" of any kind as a pattern for the church.

Remember, it is the Lord who raises up kings (both just and unjust) and allows them to dictate the rules of the land in order to bring about His will for His people (Ps 75:7; Dn 2:21; Prv 21:1); and, as we have seen in the example of Israel, "judgment must begin at the house of God" (1 Pt 4:17).

Grievously, America is ripe for judgment...and so is the church. Though it is difficult for us to "count it all joy" (Jas 1:2-4), the persecution and trials that are coming upon us are for the purification of God's remnant. As such, a true soldier of Christ seeks to "understand the times" (1 Chr 12:32) and prepare his household, his church, and his community--not for a revolution of might but one of heart and mind.

In fact, Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world... [else] would my servants fight" (Jn 18:36). Do not misunderstand--I am not a pacifist by strict definition. I support the Second Amendment; I'm teaching all three of my sons how to be responsible marksmen, whether for food provision or self- and family defense. But here's the difference: the right to "keep and bear arms" was not granted to us by God. If (when) our government knocks on my door and demands my weapons under threat of violence or imprisonment, would it be a biblical response to resist or "open fire!"?

Thousands of neo-Patriots cheered, as did I, when former NRA president and "Moses" actor Charleton Heston declared that the only way he would surrender his weapons is when the enemy (our own government) "pried them from [his] cold, dead, hands." But through study, prayer, and reflection, I've come to the conviction that it would be foolish to give my life for this "right" given to me by man. Though reluctantly and in the flesh, I pray that I will "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mk 12:17; Rom 13:1-7). If necessary, I'll defend my family with my life without a rifle, but we must trust in God's ability to deliver us from that "temptation," or trial, when it comes (Ps 22:4; Jas 1:2-4).

My fear today is that if Christians answer a "call to arms" to fight whatever totalitarian regime is being plotted (in preparation for Antichrist), then godly men will be imprisoned or die, leaving women and children behind to be ravaged both physically and spiritually. Going down in a "blaze of glory" like the Revolutionary "heroes" sounds good to our own flesh, but if we are dead men, how can we minister the gospel under whatever pagan ruler or communist culture rises to replace our Constitutional Republic?

We are in a spiritual battle, but we must choose on which hill we are willing to die. Dying for Nationalistic Pride or even for our "Rights" is not the same as dying for the cause of Christ. Far better for godly men to survive in a pagan nation and submit to rule of law (which God ordains) and to subsist by His Word--unless (or until) we are asked to bow down and worship a false god. Such an affront would still not be cause to take up arms. In the life-and-death trial of the fiery furnace, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah did not go into the flames as "National Patriots," willing to die for their "Bill of Rights," nor did they offer any physical resistance to their captors. Like Christ's, theirs was a peaceful obedience and demonstration of submission to God, who alone is able to save (Dn 3:17-18; Jas 4:12; Heb 7:25).

Does this mean, as some brethren suggest, that I am weak, unfaithful, or lazy? Does it mean that I am consigned to our nation's "fate"? No! On the contrary, I am reminded that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood," which causes me to re-focus God's precious resources of time and energy on eternal things--not on fulfilling the "American Dream" for myself and my posterity, nor on establishing God's "kingdom now." Rather, we must earnestly set about "redeeming the time" (Eph 5:16) with renewed fervor to preach the gospel and make disciples--not for an earthly hope of heaven here, but with an eye on his kingdom to come (Christ's eternal kingdom). Scripture is clear that this present terrestrial globe "shall melt with fervent heat...and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Pt 3:10). That includes every church building, every mansion, every monument, every false god, and every political power structure built or imagined by mankind--whether Democrat or Republican, Communist or "Christian."

Scripture tells us that "peace on earth, goodwill to men" (Lk 2:14) cannot come until Christ rules and reigns on earth. As Christians, we should protect and defend human life wherever we are. We should never deny Christ in order to save our lives, but to throw ourselves in front of an advancing tank that threatens our "Constitutional" liberties would only crush and silence our voice for God, and would do nothing for the cause of Christ.

Even John Adams acknowledged that it is fruitless to force "biblical government" upon an "immoral people," hell-bent on conspiracy against their Creator. In spite of the courageous speeches and admirable acts of our Revolutionary heroes like Paul Revere, was theirs a biblical response? Or, is the Apostle Paul our model of Christ, when he said, "Therefore I endure [suffer] all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tm 2:10).

These are difficult issues that one must prayerfully work through. May our Lord continue to sharpen us all for His glory and His purpose, "having done all, to stand" (Eph 6:13) and, as He commanded, "Occupy till I come" (Lk 19:13)--doing so not in a passive state but in a state of action for the gospel and cause of Christ. "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rv 22:20).

Twitter ...

2009-03-18T18:01:00.002-04:00

I was over reading Jen's blog at Joy Thru Christ and saw her post about Twitter so I decided to join up ... rustlingleaves ... we will see how it goes .... join us, you might like it!

Blessings, Pam <><

Kurt Warner on Heaven, Hell & Family ...

2009-03-15T19:39:00.000-04:00

Christian Books Used as Bait ...

2009-02-10T16:10:00.003-05:00

CHRISTIAN BOOKS USED AS BAIT!
A Real Warning from Brock and Bodie Thoene

“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it! Do not travel on it; turn away from it and go on your way. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone fall.”
Proverbs 4:13-16

Dear Thoene friend,
We have discovered that deep discount Christian books are being used as bait to obtain your credit card information.

Here is how it works:
1. On places like Amazon and Google, Christian books by top authors are advertised and sold through links at prices too good to be true. Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury and many others are on the bait list, along with our books.

2. If you bite the hook and buy a Christian book, your credit card information and security information is obtained.

3. Unless you read ALL the fine print you have unknowingly signed up for a “DISCOUNT” club which charges your card an on-going, whopping-big, $29.99 per month for so-called “DISCOUNTS.”

4. This on-going charge of $29.99 is almost impossible to turn off.

5. These online scam companies are often operated from outside the U.S.

6. Your credit card and security info is now OUT THERE!

Brock and I tried this out, purchasing some of our own books from a “discount book” Amazon link below printing cost. The scam IS REAL! We were suddenly enrolled in a “Smart-Savers” scheme which would have taken $29.99 from our credit card EVERY month.

We turned it off within minutes BUT only by calling our credit card company, telling them what happened, and canceling our credit card.

When we asked our publisher about what could be done to stop this predatory use of our Christian books to cheat people, we were told “It may be unethical, but it is not illegal.”

What does the Lord say?
"The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight." Proverbs 11:1

Dear Christian readers, (and audio book listeners), BE CAREFUL! If a price looks too good to be true, BE CERTAIN - it really IS too good to be true!

These are suggestions of where you can safely purchase our Christian books and audiobooks:

1. The best place to shop will always be in person, supporting the ministry of your local Christian bookstore. (How many Christian bookstores have been put out of business by the greed of Amazon?!)

2. For great deals and the ONLY completely safe place you can buy authentic, personally autographed Thoene books, Thoene gift cards, and Thoene audio books, shop online at www.FamilyAudioLibrary.com (50% of FamilyAudioLibrary.com profits provide free Christian literature to prisoners and military personnel through the non-profit Shiloh Light Foundation)

3. For all other online Christian book purchases we suggest established Christian online companies you can trust: www.Parable.com
www.CBD.com

Please BE CAREFUL when buying any Christian book from any secular online sources. (We were shocked that this “discount” link was an Amazon link and is on other secular book sites as well.)
Please pass this information to every Christian reader and audiobook listener you know. In these difficult financial times, it is important that you not become a victim of a financial scam which uses Christian books and audios as bait.

God Bless you!
Brock and Bodie Thoene

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn…” Proverbs 4:18

From their website ... I just thought I would post a warning since I know there are a lot of readers out there ...

One Rule ~ Well Observed ....

2009-01-28T09:03:00.003-05:00

“One rule, well observed, will make all other rules superfluous: let prayer be uttered as in the very presence of God – poured into his ear as from a miserable sinner who deserves his wrath, but to whom for Christ’s sake he extends his infinite mercy.” (William G. Blaikie’s For the Work of the Ministry, pg. 177)

How often do we forget God's very Presence in our lives? Prayer becomes rote, we do it with the intent of our hearts but do we pray in the mind set of being in His Presence? We set at the foot of the Cross, pour out our hearts in praise, thanksgiving and requests, but are we humbled in being in His presence?

I work as a CNA in a retirement home and recently lost a resident on my shift. I work the 10:30pm to 7am shift and the person passed on around 3am. It is a thing for workers in a nursing home to open a window and allow the spirit of the deceased to depart. As a Christian I find this disturbing. I did not do it and the daylight shift about had a fit. Oh well!!! ....

The person had no family only a POA and her daughter there with the resident during the last hours on this earth. I have peace that I gave the resident the best possible care I could. During the night hours as I took care of the resident I talked to this person and prayed aloud for them. I knew the person was a Christian. This, too, brought about a peace I had for this resident. After the person passed on the POA talked some about the life of this person. I got a glimpse into more of the personal aspect since the resident could not speak well theirself. The POA was becoming distraught and I asked her if she was a Christian, she stated she was and I said to her then you do realize that at the very moment the resident took their last breath that they was in the presence of Jesus? Through tear filled eyes she looked at me and said she did not think of the passing in that way, she was too distracted by her loss. We all have been there and react differently to death. One minute here on earth and the next in the presence of the Almighty!!! When an unsaved person passes on I am heartsick for the soul of the person. Hell and torment is their lot. I am at a loss of words to the family and friends. I am sorry for the loss and have deep sympathy and share that but I can not share the joy of Christ with them, I can not share with them the glory in death.

We often hear people stating they don't want to die alone. As a Christian we are never alone, there is always the Three with us. I appreciate my prayer time in His Presence. Let you not forget He is there with you during your time in prayer ... and always ...

"When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Cor.15:54,55 ESV"

~~~~~~

13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God,
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them,
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Rev. 7:13-17 ESV

~~~~~

Blessings,
Pam <><

Logan, The Sky Angel Cowboy ....

2009-01-13T20:33:00.002-05:00

words of wisdom from one so young ...

We make the Gospel so difficult when here it is just plain and simple ...

Blessings,
Pam

Re-visit ~~ The Power of Words & The Wonder of God ...

2009-01-01T22:47:00.003-05:00

Previously I had written this on 9/28/08 and since this is the New Year and resolutions resound let's re-resolution this one for the new year 2009! ~~

In his talk tonight at the DG conference Sinclair Ferguson suggested 20 resolutions from the book of James--given Jonathan-Edwards style--that we need to make if we are to live a God-centered, biblical life:

James 1:5 To ask God for wisdom to speak and with a single mind
James 1:9-10 To boast only in exaltation in Christ, & humiliation in world
James 1:13 To set a watch over my mouth
James 1:19 To be constantly quick to hear, slow to speak
James 2:1-4 To learn the gospel way of speaking to poor and the rich
James 2:12 To speak always in the consciousness of the final judgment
James 2:16 To never stand on anyone’s face with my words
James 3:14 To never claim as reality something I do not experience
James 4:1 To resist quarrelsome words in order to mortify a quarrelsome heart
James 4:11 To never speak evil of another
James 4:13 To never boast in what I will accomplish
James 4:15 To always speak as one subject to the providences of God
James 5:9 To never grumble, knowing that the Judge is at the door
James 5:12 To never allow anything but total integrity in my speech
James 5:13 To speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer
James 5:14 To sing praises to God whenever I am cheerful
James 5:14 To ask for the prayers of others when I am sick
James 5:15 To confess it freely whenever I have failed
James 5:15 To pray with and for one another when I am together with others
James 5:19 To speak words of restoration when I see another wander

John Piper says this: "This is one of the most unusual conferences we have ever conceived. My expectations are very high that its effect will be mind-sharpening, heart-humbling, mouth-seasoning, backbone-strengthening, and Christ-acclaiming."

These last 16 words of his are worth writing in my Bible, too - they are the effect that the Word of God has on my life.

Here is another wake up call by Paul Tripp ... "Diagnosis & Deliverance in This Deadly War of Words."

Blessings!
Pam <><

Ancient Words, Fresh and New

2009-01-01T16:23:00.005-05:00

M’Cheyne One-Year Reading Plan

My church has us reading the Bible using M'Cheyne's one-year Bible reading plan. Here's a little bit about it if you are not familiar with it.

M'Cheyne will have you reading:

the NT twice,
the Psalms twice, and
the rest of the OT once.

The plan begins with the four great beginnings or "births" of Scripture: Genesis 1 (beginning of the world), Ezra 1 (rebirth of Israel after her return from Babylonian exile), Matthew 1 (birth of the Messiah), Acts 1 (birth of the body of Christ).

Also available is D.A. Carson's For the Love of God (vol. 1 and vol. 2 are available--vols. 3 and 4 are forthcoming). Carson's introduction and preface--which includes a layout of the M'Cheyne calendar--you can find them available here for free online.

Robert M'Cheyne loved to sing the Scottish Metrical Psalms and mentions this in the introduction to his Bible Reading Calendar.

There's an on-line version of The Scottish Metrical Psalter on the web-site of Still Waters Revival Books
Look at the following page - http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Psalter0.htm
Also they have some related music stuff on this page - http://www.swrb.com/music/psalm.htm

The Trinitarian Bible Society publish an ecclesiastical edition of the Metrical Psalms.

Lists of Psalters in various languages found at - http://members.aol.com/Puritanone/needps.html

You may also be interested in ......
The Genevan Psalter (with some MIDIs) - http://www.redeemer.on.ca/academics/polisci/psalter.html

It was in 1832 through reading The Sum of Saving Knowledge, generally appended to the Westminister Confession of Faith, that brought M'Cheyne to a clear understanding of the way of acceptance with God. Two years later he recorded in his diary, "Read in The Sum of Saving Knowledge, the work which I think first wrought a saving change in me. How gladly would I renew the reading of it, if that change might be carried on to perfection!"

I would also recommend along with the reading of your Bible, the Westminster Confession of Faith without a doubt! Never have I read/studied anything beside the Word of God such as this. Anymore I struggle having to pay for Bible Studies on the market today when this is available and written by such profound men. It is stout, I tell you, Stout!!

I am also reading "365 Days with Calvin" by Joel R. Beeke.

The sun is starting to fade on this very first day of the year 2009. Have YOU read your Bible or spent time at the foot of the cross? One of my favorite hymns is Ancient Words. Everytime I hear it my heart swells as my thoughts travel thru the Bible and what it means to me. May the Ancient Words become fresh and new to you, guiding you home, changing your heart, heed these words and hold them dear as they do resound with God's own heart.

ANCIENT WORDS
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God's own heart
O let the ancient words impart
Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home
Chorus:
Ancient words, ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart
Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
O heed the faithful words of Christ!
(The original lyric is "word of Christ", as I was referencing Col. 3:16)
Martyrs' blood stains each page
They have died for this faith
Hear them cry through the years,
"Heed these words and hold them dear!"

Walk in the Word and under the Word in this year of 2009.

God Bless you and yours!

Pam <><
1Tim. 1:15-17 NKJV

The Bell of Christ ....

2008-12-09T09:53:00.001-05:00

The Bell of Christ

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Co r. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are!?

Keep this bell ringing...pass it on
'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace..'
Numbers 6:24-26

Lord ...

2008-11-04T23:54:00.002-05:00

LORD have Mercy ...

The Trinity & the Tulip Parts 3-7 ...

2008-11-04T23:41:00.004-05:00

Good News for the Guilty ....

Preservation & Perseverance ...

Grace: Resisting & Responding ...

The Spirit Called Me ...

Christ Bought Me ...

The rest of the preaching/teaching of Pastor Mark Brown on the Trinity & the Tulip.

The Trinity & The Tulip - Part Two

2008-10-02T22:44:00.001-04:00

God Chose Me! Need I say more? Listen In ...

Blessings!
Pam <><

The Power of Words & The Wonder of God ...

2008-09-28T08:47:00.002-04:00

In his talk tonight at the DG conference Sinclair Ferguson suggested 20 resolutions from the book of James--given Jonathan-Edwards style--that we need to make if we are to live a God-centered, biblical life:

James 1:5 To ask God for wisdom to speak and with a single mind
James 1:9-10 To boast only in exaltation in Christ, & humiliation in world
James 1:13 To set a watch over my mouthJames 1:19 To be constantly quick to hear, slow to speak
James 2:1-4 To learn the gospel way of speaking to poor and the rich
James 2:12 To speak always in the consciousness of the final judgment
James 2:16 To never stand on anyone’s face with my words
James 3:14 To never claim as reality something I do not experience
James 4:1 To resist quarrelsome words in order to mortify a quarrelsome heart
James 4:11 To never speak evil of another
James 4:13 To never boast in what I will accomplish
James 4:15 To always speak as one subject to the providences of God
James 5:9 To never grumble, knowing that the Judge is at the door
James 5:12 To never allow anything but total integrity in my speech
James 5:13 To speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer
James 5:14 To sing praises to God whenever I am cheerful
James 5:14 To ask for the prayers of others when I am sick
James 5:15 To confess it freely whenever I have failed
James 5:15 To pray with and for one another when I am together with others
James 5:19 To speak words of restoration when I see another wander

John Piper says this: "This is one of the most unusual conferences we have ever conceived. My expectations are very high that its effect will be mind-sharpening, heart-humbling, mouth-seasoning, backbone-strengthening, and Christ-acclaiming."These last 16 words of his are worth writing in my Bible, too - they are the effect that the Word of God has on my life.

Here is another wake up call by Paul Tripp ... "Diagnosis & Deliverance in This Deadly War of Words."

Blessings!
Pam <><

The Trinity & The Tulip - Part 1

2008-09-22T22:52:00.002-04:00

Here is the link for the Sermon on Sept 21, 2008 by Pastor Mark Brown of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Last we heard the intro to The Trinity & The Tulip, but here we have the beginning. Part One: I Can't Do It. Total Inability. I can't but He can! Please listen in ...

The Trinity & The Tulip ... Introduction

2008-09-13T12:05:00.005-04:00

My Pastor, Rev. Mark Brown, of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church is starting a new sermon series for this Fall. The series began this past Sunday. The topic is, "The Trinity & The Tulip." Here is a link to the first sermon last Sun., Sept. 7th titled - "The Trinitarian Salvation." http://www.hollidaysburgopc.org/downloads/september2008/trinitytulip.mp3.
You are most welcome to join us in this study of His Word. Sermons usually post up the following Monday.

Blessings,
Pam <><

Harvest Stew ...

2008-08-31T11:39:00.004-04:00

Orange Spiced Harvest Stew ~~

4 tbs. oil
3 lbs. beef chuck, cubed
2 med. onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 sm. can tomato paste
1/2 c flour
3 c beef broth
2 c good red wine, pinot noir
3 parsnips, sliced
3 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cubed
3 carrots, sliced
3 ribs celery, sliced
3 c butternut squash, cubed
bouquet garni ~ in a piece of cheesecloth tie up 2 bay leaves, 4 cloves, 6 sprigs thyme, zest of 1 orange.

Make bouquet garni and set aside. Heat 1 tbs. oil in large covered casserole or soup pot; brown beef quickly over high heat in 3 batches, adding more oil as needed; set aside. In same pot, over med. heat, in 1 tbs. of oil, cook onion till soft; add in garlic and tomato paste; stir and cook 2 minutes. Stir in flour, cook 2 minutes more, then add beef broth and wine, stir well, scraping bits off bottom of pot. Add in vegetables, the meat and bouquet garni. Cover, simmer over low heat 2 hours; stirring occasionally. Taste; season with s&p. Cool, cover and refrigerate overnight. On the day of serving: prepare a 10 to 12 lb. pumpkin: preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut top off pumpkin, remove seeds and scrape inside as dry as possible. Rub outside with oil, roast 20 minutes. Meanwhile, reheat stew. Fill the pumpkin with hot stew, set lid askew and serve!

Enjoy!

What's on my IPOD ....

2008-07-25T21:49:00.006-04:00

While I'm out riding about I'm listening to Dr. Kim Riddlebarger's teaching on
Amillennialism101. Some folks listen to music, I use this time to listen in on some good
teaching. Keep on truckin' and listen to some good and Godly teaching!

Ride Safe!
Motorcycles are everywhere ... check twice & save a life!

Pam

Words of Wisdom

2008-07-12T17:11:00.001-04:00

Words of Wisdom

They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so
few words.

Enjoy....

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an
elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes
my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most
peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the
strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be,
everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart
to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walk with my father around the block on summer
nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to
the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so
spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be
appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only
letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround
myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones
you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more
time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because
tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger
in his/her little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the
happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get
done.

Out and About ....

2008-07-07T13:36:00.006-04:00

Been out and about with my hub and the
Motor Maids from all over PA.
Cruising around and just enjoying life.
Below pic is from a trip I took the gals on
to the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, PA.
On the return we stopped at the Jean Bonnet
for some good eats! It was a hot day and the AC
in the restaurant sure felt good! We pulled out around
9am and returned at 3pm. Beautiful day for a ride.
We sure got the looks pulling in for gas and at
the Memorial. Lots of guys on bikes, then we
pull off our helmets! Love the shock ...

Busy Signal ... ... ... ...

2008-03-11T17:29:00.004-04:00

Things we can learn from a dog ...

2008-02-21T18:54:00.005-05:00

Nope Mom, we didn't do it we found it this way! ...

Coming home after bird hunting ...

Things you can learn from a dog ...

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
4. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
6. Take naps and stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you are not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
14. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
15. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
16. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
17. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
18. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and and make friends.
19. When your humans haven't figured out the object of the game, hang it up. No sense in all of us getting tired.
20. this one is for you dear readers to add to the comments ... what's your thoughts?

Jump on over the Rebecca's Blog for more Doggie Treats .... Hey that's just what we need to do next! Doggie Treats Recipes, hey Rebecca you hear that??? Woof, Woof!!!!!

Blessings from Bella & Dakota

Big Bloggy Breakfasts .....

2008-02-20T18:05:00.005-05:00

As the manager, chief cook and bottle washer for the local Senior Center I have used many Breakfast Casseroles when we "cook our own" meals once in a while. Here are some of our tried and truly delicious favorites!
For many more Bloggy Recipe RoundUp Breakfast Recipes go on over to Home But Not Alone Blog!

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
3 Tbs oil
2 lbs frozen hash brown potatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 cups cubed ham
10 eggs, beaten
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

Heat oil in large skillet. Add hash browns, onion, and bell peppers. Cook until potatoes begin to brown. Spray 9" x 13" baking dish with Pam. Spread potato mixture in pan. Top with ham. Pour beaten eggs over all and season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently stir to coat all ingredients with eggs. Sprinkle with cheese. Refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Makes 8 servings. (This is also good without the ham or substitute cooked ground sausage.)

************************************************************************

Baked French Toast Casserole

INGREDIENTS:
1 (16 oz) loaf Italian bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (to coat baking dish)
8 large eggs
2-1/2 cups milk
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping:
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 cup pecans, chopped coarse
1 cup fresh blueberries

PREPARATION:
1. Casserole: Spread the bread cubes in a baking pan and bake for 15 minutes or until dry and hard at 325 degrees. Pull out of oven to cool.

2. Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and pack the dried bread cubes into it. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until combined. Then whisk in the milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Cover the entire mixture with plastic wrap and push the bread down into the egg mixture until soft and well coated. Refrigerate overnight.

3. Topping: Stir the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup together until smooth and then stir in the pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap and also refrigerate overnight.

4. Bake and serve: Unwrap the casserole and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Pull out and sprinkle the blueberries on top, then the pecan topping mixture and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Serve immediately with warmed maple syrup.

You may remove the pecans from the recipe if someone has diverticulitis and can not eat nuts.
***************************************************************************

Meat & Cheese Breakfast Strata

12 slices white bread

1 lb. fully cooked ham (diced) (or sausage)

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

6 eggs

2 cups milk

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. ground mustard

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

¼ c minced onion

¼ c minced green pepper

¼ c melted butter

1 c crushed cornflakes

Arrange 6 slices of bread on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Top with ham or sausage. Sprinkle cheese over meat. Cover with the remaining 6 slices of bread. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour over all. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Pour butter over bread. Sprinkle with cornflakes. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Yields 8 to 10 servings.

(May need to add an additional cup of milk, I did – original recipe did not state amount of milk so I went by other recipes of this type but they only called for one layer of bread where this one has two – so the need for more milk)

**********************************************************

ZIP LOK OMLET --

(This works great !!! Good for when all your family is together. The best part is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !!! We really had a great time at the Center with this one ... )
First have your family or guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.
Crack 2 or 4 eggs into a dish and whisk well then pour into the bag.
Put out a variety of prepared ingredients such as: cheeses, cooked chopped ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, bacon, etc.
Each guest then adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag, get the air out, zip it shut and shake.
Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.
Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed. No butter, no sprays, just good healthy food!
Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and it's a great conversation piece. We have made these numerous times and never had any problems with bag busting. I had pictures but can't find them ...

***********************************************************************************

Crescent Cheesecake Breakfast Dessert

2 packages Pillsbury Crescent dinner rolls
2-8oz Philadelphia Cream cheese packages
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar

Topping:
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Butter 9X13 inch pan. Cover bottom of pan with one entire package of crescent rolls (push together sections and roll out to make one piece).

Filling:
Whip together cream cheese, vanilla and sugar. Add filling on top of crescent rolls. Cover filling with other package of crescent rolls. Melt butter and cover crescent roll. Mix sugar and cinnamon in one bowl and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes. Let cool before serving.

*Great to make up ahead of time and warm up before serving.

*******************************************************
Breakfast Pizza
Ingredients:
1 tube Crescent Rolls
1 lb. breakfast sausage
1 small bag Frozen Hash Browns
8 oz. Grated Cheddar Cheese
6 Eggs
1/2 cup Milk

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Spray 10x13" pan with nonstick spray.
Brown, crumble, and drain sausage.
Press crescent rolls dough onto bottom of pan so that it stretches to edges.
Cover dough with drained sausage.
Top with frozen hash browns and grated cheese.
Scramble 5-6 eggs with milk(uncooked) and pour over all other ingredients.
Place in 350 degree oven for 35-55 min.
Test for doneness in middle with tooth pick.
Cut into squares and serve. .

Variations:
Try substituting crumbled, cooked bacon instead of sausage.
A fruity substitution might include chopped apples instead of the frozen hash browns.
Try cooking in two pie pans instead of rectangular pan and cut into pizza-shaped pieces.

UM UM GOOD EATS!!!!

Blessings! Pam <><

Calvin's Institutes ... Book 2

2008-02-18T18:46:00.001-05:00

INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION by John Calvin

THE ONE HUNDRED APHORISMS, with the various TABLES and INDICES, which must greatly facilitate reference, and enhance the utility and value of the present translation of THE INSTITUTES or THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, have been kindly furnished by the Rev. WILLIAM PRINGLE of Auchterarder.

BOOK 2

14. The knowledge of God the Redeemer is obtained from the fall of man, and from the material cause of redemption.

15. In the fall of man, we must consider what he ought to be, and what he may be.

16. For he was created after the image of God; that is, he was made a partaker of the divine Wisdom, Righteousness, and Holiness, and, being thus perfect in soul and in body, was bound to render to God a perfect obedience to his commandments.

17. The immediate causes of the fall were - Satan, the Serpent, Eve, the forbidden fruit; the remote causes were - unbelief, ambition, ingratitude, obstinacy. Hence followed the obliteration of the image of God in man, who became unbelieving, unrighteous, liable to death.

18. We must now see what he may be, in respect both of soul and of body. The understanding of the soul in divine things, that is, in the knowledge and true worship of God, is blinder than a mole; good works it can neither contrive nor perform. In human affairs, as in the liberal and mechanical arts, it is exceedingly blind and variable. Now the will, so far as regards divine things, chooses only what is evil. So far as regards lower and human affairs, it is uncertain, wandering, and not wholly at its own disposal.

19. The body follows the depraved appetites of the soul, is liable to many infirmities, and at length to death.

20. Hence it follows that redemption for ruined man must be sought through Christ the Mediator; because the first adoption of a chosen people, the preservation of the Church, her deliverance from dangers, her recovery after dispersions, and the hope of the godly, always depended on the grace of the Mediator. Accordingly, the law was given, that it might keep their minds in suspense till the coming of Christ; which is evident from the history of a gracious covenant frequently repeated, from ceremonies, sacrifices, and washings, from the end of adoption, and from the law of the priesthood.

21. The material cause of redemption is Christ, in whom we must consider three things;

1. How he is exhibited to men;

2. How he is received;

3. How men are retained in his fellowship.

22. Christ is exhibited to men by the Law and by the Gospel.

23. The Law is threefold: Ceremonial, Judicial, Moral. The use of the Ceremonial Law is repealed, its effect is perpetual. The Judicial or Political Law was peculiar to the Jews, and has been set aside, while that universal justice which is described in the Moral Law remains. The latter, or Moral Law, the object of which is to cherish and maintain godliness and righteousness, is perpetual, and is incumbent on all.

24. The use of the Moral Law is threefold. The first use shows our weakness, unrighteousness, and condemnation; not that we may despair, but that we may flee to Christ. The second is, that those who are not moved by promises, may be urged by the terror of threatenings. The third is, that we may know what is the will of God; that we may consider it in order to obedience; that our minds may be strengthened for that purpose; and that we may be kept from falling.

25. The sum of the Law is contained in the Preface, and in the two Tables. In the Preface we observe,

1. The power of God, to constrain the people by the necessity of obedience;

2. A promise of grace, by which he declares himself to be the God of the Church;

3. A kind act, on the ground of which he charges the Jews with ingratitude, if they do not requite his goodness.

26. The first Table, which relates to the worship of God, consists of four commandments.

27. The design of the First Commandment is, that God alone may be exalted in his people. To God alone, therefore, we owe adoration, trust, invocation, thanksgiving.

28. The design of the Second Commandment is, that God will not have his worship profaned by superstitious rites. It consists of two parts. The former restrains our licentious daring, that we may not subject God to our senses, or represent him under any visible shape. The latter forbids us to worship any images on religious grounds, and, therefore, proclaims his power, which he cannot suffer to be despised, - his jealousy, for he cannot bear a partner, - his vengeance on children's children, - his mercy to those who adore his majesty.

29. The Third Commandment enjoins three things:

1. That whatever our mind conceives, or our tongue utters, may have a regard to the majesty of God;

2. That we may not rashly abuse his holy word and adorable mysteries for the purposes of ambition or avarice;

3. That we may not throw obloquy on his works, but may speak of them with commendations of his Wisdom, Long - suffering, Power, Goodness, Justice. With these is contrasted a threefold profanation of the name of God, by perjury, unnecessary oaths, and idolatrous rites; that is, when we substitute in the place of God saints, or creatures animate or inanimate.

30. The design of the Fourth Commandment is, that, being dead to our own affections and works, we may meditate on the kingdom of God. Now there are three things here to be considered:

1. A spiritual rest, when believers abstain from their own works, that God may work in them;

2. That there may be a stated day for calling on the name of God, for hearing his word, and for performing religious rites;

3. That servants may have some remission from labour.

31. The Second Table, which relates to the duties of charity towards our neighbour, contains the last Six Commandments. The design of the Fifth Commandment is, that, since God takes pleasure in the observance of his own ordinance, the degrees of dignity appointed by him must be held inviolable. We are therefore forbidden to take anything from the dignity of those who are above us, by contempt, obstinacy, or ingratitude; and we are commanded to pay them reverence, obedience, and gratitude.

32. The design of the Sixth Commandment is, that, since God has bound mankind by a kind of unity, the safety of all ought to be considered by each person; whence it follows that we are forbidden to do violence to private individuals, and are commanded to exercise benevolence.

33. The design of the Seventh Commandment is, that, because God loves purity, we ought to put away from us all uncleanness. He therefore forbids adultery in mind, word, and deed.

34. The design of the Eighth Commandment is, that, since injustice is an abomination to God, he requires us to render to every man what is his own. Now men steal, either by violence, or by malicious imposture, or by craft, or by sycophancy, &c.

35. The design of the Ninth Commandment is, that, since God, who is truth, abhors falsehood, he forbids calumnies and false accusations, by which the name of our neighbour is injured, and lies, by which any one suffers loss in his fortunes. On the other hand, he requires every one of us to defend the name and property of our neighbour by asserting the truth.

36. The design of the Tenth Commandment is, that, since God would have the whole soul pervaded by love, every desire averse to charity must be banished from our minds; and therefore every feeling which tends to the injury of another is forbidden.

37. We have said that Christ is revealed to us by the Gospel. And, first, the agreement between the Gospel, or the New Testament, and the Old Testament is demonstrated:

1. Because the godly, under both dispensations, have had the same hope of immortality;

2. They have had the same covenant, founded not on the works of men, but on the mercy of God;

3. They have had the same Mediator between God and men - Christ.

38. Next, five points of difference between the two dispensations are pointed out.

1. Under the Law the heavenly inheritance was held out to them under earthly blessings; but under the Gospel our minds are led directly to meditate upon it.

2. The Old Testament, by means of figures, presented the image only, while the reality was absent; but the New Testament exhibits the present truth.

3. The former, in respect of the Law, was the ministry of condemnation and death; the latter, of righteousness and life.

4. The former is connected with bondage, which begets fear in the mind; the latter is connected with freedom, which produces confidence.

5. The word had been confined to the single nation of the Jews; but now it is preached to all nations.

39. The sum of evangelical doctrine is, to teach,

1. What Christ is;

2. Why he was sent;

3. In what manner he accomplished the work of redemption.

40. Christ is God and man: God, that he may bestow on his people righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; Man, because he had to pay the debt of man.

41. He was sent to perform the office,

1. Of a Prophet, by preaching the truth, by fulfilling the prophecies, by teaching and doing the will of his Father;

2. Of a Kin; by governing the whole Church and every member of it, and by defending his people from every kind of adversaries;

3. Of a Priest, by offering his body as a sacrifice for sins, by reconciling God to us though his obedience, and by perpetual intercession for his people to the Father.

42. He performed the office of a Redeemer by dying for our sins, by rising again for our justification, by opening heaven to us through his ascension, by sitting at the right hand of the Father whence he will come to judge the quick and the dead; and, therefore, he procured for us the grace of God and salvation.

A little help is needed ...

2008-02-13T15:54:00.005-05:00

Hello all you bloggy gals ... I need some wisdom!

My son is getting married on March 15th! Would you share with me
what is my responsibility as the Mother of the Groom?
The Mother of the Bride has not chosen a dress as of yet and I have
been told I need to wait until she has her dress before I can make
my choice. Is this so?
This is my first wedding so I am not real sure
what I need to be doing other than smile alot, agree alot and make
the arrangements for the Rehearsal dinner!
I would greatly appreciate any help, suggestions you have to offer me on anything!
The longer I have to wait before choosing a dress the more nervous I get.
The MOB was talking about wearing a dressy pantsuit, she does not like
dresses so does that mean I follow suit? Or if she decides on a long dress, should I go shorter ... I have read things and nothing seems to agree. The color is Clover Green for the bridesmaids, the vest and ties of the guys. Tuxes are black.
The Fathers are wearing black tuxes with a steel gray vest and tie. I would prefer to
wear silver, gray or light blue or black. I prefer to fade as to stand out
.... how long do I have to wait? Is there something I should do that I am not?
HELP >>>>>>>>>>>!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much!!!!! Pam <><

Calvin's Institutes ... Book 1

2008-02-05T15:39:00.000-05:00

INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION by John Calvin

BOOK 1

1. THE true wisdom of man consists in the knowledge of God the Creator and Redeemer.

2. This knowledge is naturally implanted in us, and the end of it ought to be the worship of God rightly performed, or reverence for the Deity accompanied by fear and love.

3. But this seed is corrupted by ignorance, whence arises superstitious worship; and by wickedness, whence arise slavish dread and hatred of the Deity.

4. It is also from another source that it is derived - namely, from the structure of the whole world, and from the Holy Scriptures.

5. This structure teaches us what is the goodness, power, justice, and wisdom of God in creating all things in heaven and earth, and in preserving them by ordinary and extraordinary government, by which his Providence is more clearly made known. It teaches also what are our wants, that we may learn to place our confidence in the goodness, power, and wisdom of God, to obey his commandments, - to flee to him in adversity, - and to offer thanksgiving to him for the gifts which we enjoy.

6. By the Holy Scriptures, also, God the Creator is known. We ought to consider what these Scriptures are; that they are true, and have proceeded from the Spirit of God; which is proved by the testimony of the Holy Spirit, by the efficacy and antiquity of the Scriptures, by the certainty of the Prophecies, by the miraculous preservation of the Law, by the calling and writings of the Apostles, by the consent of the Church, and by the steadfastness of the martyrs, whence it is evident that all the principles of piety are overthrown by those fanatics who, laying aside the Scripture, fly to revelations.

7. Next, what they teach; or, what is the nature of God in himself and in the creation and government of all things.

8. The nature of God in himself is infinite, invisible, eternal, almighty; whence it follows that they are mistaken who ascribe to God a visible form. In his one essence there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

9. In the creation of all things there are chiefly considered,

1.Heavenly and spiritual substances, that is, angels, of which some are good and the protectors of the godly, while others are bad, not by creation, but by corruption;

2.Earthly substances, and particularly man, whose perfection is displayed in soul and in body.

10. In the government of all things the nature of God is manifested. Now his government is, in one respect, universal, by which he directs all the creatures according to the properties which he bestowed on each when he created them.

11. In another respect, it is special; which appears in regard to contingent events, so that if any person is visited either by adversity or by any prosperous result, he ought to ascribe it wholly to God; and with respect to those things which act according to a fixed law of nature, though their peculiar properties were naturally bestowed on them, still they exert their power only so far as they are directed by the immediate hand of God.

12. It is viewed also with respect to time past and future. Past, that we may learn that all things happen by the appointment of God, who acts either by means, or without means, or contrary to means; so that everything which happens yields good to the godly and evil to the wicked. Future, to which belong human deliberations, and which shows that we ought to employ lawful means; since that Providence on which we rely furnishes its own means.

13. Lastly, by attending to the advantage which the godly derive from it. For we know certainly,

1. That God takes care of the whole human race, but especially of his Church.

2. That God governs all things by his will, and regulates them by his wisdom.

3. That he has most abundant power of doing good; for in his hand are heaven and earth, all creatures are subject to his sway, the godly rest on his protection, and the power of hell is restrained by his authority. That nothing happens by chance, though the causes may be concealed, but by the will of God; by his secret will which we are unable to explore, but adore with reverence, and by his will which is conveyed to us in the Law and in the Gospel.

Fire and Ice ....

2008-02-02T20:04:00.000-05:00

"Most of God's people are contented to be saved

from the hell that is without;

they are not so anxious to be saved

from the hell that is within."

ROBERT MURRAY MCCHEYNE

“Do not seek for warm fire under cold ice.”

Samuel Rutherford

Calvin's Institute's ...

2008-02-02T12:15:00.000-05:00

Reading thru the Institutes is long and laborious to say the least. My husband has read through Book One and Two. A combined book about 4 inches thick. It is the copy from our churches library. He caught himself quite a few times almost marking up the pages. We have since decided we will purchase our copies. Our per say, as in one copy for each of us? His markings drive me nuts and mine makes no sense to him. (These are expensive copies) I'm thinking Mother's Day is coming and so is Father's Day. Since I could not get my hands upon his reading copy, I am reading through online. Currently our Sunday School is proceeding through these works. My husband is most fascinated since leaving the Catholic religion and reading what Calvin compares and he (my husband) has learned on his own through the help of the Holy Spirit's guidance and direction. I get up around 3am so I can read in quiet and be able to think through Calvin's teachings. This will take me sometime ... sometimes I must go back and reread a few times, other times I easily understand. I know it will be worth the time and effort and what I have gleaned already has blessed me. I came across the following posts to come and wish to share it with you. They are but a tip of this massive work.

Here are a few various links I have been using that afford listening, reading and study of the Institutes of Calvin.
Spurgeon.org
Horizon Baptist
Covenant Seminary
Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics

Blessings, Pam <><

Ground Hog Day 2008 ....

2008-02-02T10:18:00.001-05:00

Feb. 2nd is an important day here in PA. It is GROUND HOG DAY! Punxatauny Phil, that infamous ground hog who has now gone internationally famous. People are camping out just to be there when 'Phil' comes out of his den and fortels the weather for the next few months. ... This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. In olden times, many people used to say that the Christmas season lasted for forty days - until the second day of February which was called Candlemas's. They also thought it was the day that decided what sort of weather there would be for the rest of the winter. Hence - Ground Hog Day in the US.

People believe that Ground Hog Day predicted the weather for the rest of the winter. The weather proverbs express the idea that a fine bright sunny Ground Hog day means that there is more winter to come, whereas a cloudy wet stormy Ground Hog day means that the worst of winter is over.

http://www.wjactv.com/news/15202057/detail.html#

Above link takes you to a video of this year's prediction of no shadow ...

The weather here in my neck of the woods has been awful ... low temps, snow, sleet, freezing rain, wind ... trees down, roads are bad, electric is out in someplaces and just good days to stay inside .... so I predict by my aching bones what the Hog predicts ... 6 more weeks of winter it will be!

So after the big event on TV, I got out my coffee pot and brewed up some Groundhog Brew!

So here's to the cold days ahead ... have a good one!

Blessings, Pam <><

This Lord's Day Eve ... Samuel Rutherford

2008-01-27T17:14:00.000-05:00

Rev. Samuel Rutherford
(1600-1661)
One of the most influential
Scottish Presbyterians in the Westminster Assembly.

Christian Directions
by Rev. Samuel Rutherford

1. That hours of the day, less or more time, for the Word and prayer, be given to God;
not sparing the twelfth hour, or mid-day, howbeit it should then be the shorter time.

2. In the midst of worldly employments, there should be some thoughts of sin, death,
judgment, and eternity, with at least a word or two of ejaculatory prayer to God.

3. To beware of wandering of heart in private prayer.

4. Not to grudge if ye come from prayer without sense of joy. Downcasting,
sense of guiltiness, and hunger, are often best for us.

5. That the Lord's Day, from morning to night, be spent always either in private or public worship.

6. That words be observed, wandering and idle thoughts be avoided, sudden anger and
desire of revenge, even of such as persecute the truth, be guarded against; for we often
mix our zeal with our wild-fire.

7. That known, discovered, and revealed sins, that are against the conscience,
be avoided, as most dangerous preparatives to hardness of heart.

8. That in dealing with men, faith and truth in covenants and trafficking be regarded,
that we deal with all men in sincerity; that conscience be made of idle and lying words;
and that our carriage be such, as that they who see it may speak honourably of our
sweet Master and profession.

Friends, I know that I have posted this hymn previously but it is
one that I have come to love ...

The Sands of Time Are Sinking
by Rev. Samuel Rutherford

Notation: Anne R. Cousin in 1857 took Rutherford's ideas and composed this song based on his notes on Revelation 22:4. The original arrangement was set by Chretien Urhan in 1834, and then arranged for Cousin's song in 1867 by Edward F. Rimbault.

1. The sands of time are sinking,
The dawn of heaven breaks;
The summer morn I’ve sighed for -
The fair, sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark had been the midnight
But dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.

2. The king there in His beauty,
Without a veil is seen:
It were a well-spent journey,
Though seven deaths lay between:
The Lamb with His fair army,
Doth on Mount Zion stand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land

3. O Christ, He is the fountain,
The deep, sweet well of love!
The streams on earth I’ve tasted
More deep I’ll drink above:
There to an ocean fullness
His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.

4. The bride eyes not her garment,
But her dear Bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory
But on my King of grace.
Not at the crown He giveth
But on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Emmanuel’s land.

5. O I am my Beloved’s
And my Beloved is mine!
He brings a poor vile sinner
Into His house of wine
I stand upon His merit
I know no other stand,
Not e’en where glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.

Blessings to you and yours the Lord's Day eve!

Pam <><

An excellent thought ... you must read it

2008-01-20T12:05:00.001-05:00

Jump on over to Pipe and Pint and read Jeremiah's post on Diversity, Death, Taxes and Hope.

You'll be glad you did!

Blessings! Pam <><

Blast of Arctic Air moving in ... SouthCental Pa Weather

2008-01-19T09:28:00.000-05:00

Your Stormtracker 10 Forecast

Forecast Details
An arctic front will approach the area tomorrow. We'll still have a mix of clouds and sunshine Saturday but the front will bring scattered flurries and snow showers. A heavier, blinding snow squall is also possible with the passage of the front. The best chance will be during the afternoon hours. If you get caught in a white out while driving, do not make sudden changes to your speed as people behind you may not be able to see your movements. Behind the front, a blast of arctic air will move in for Saturday night through Monday morning. Temperatures will drop to near 10 Saturday night, and despite some sunshine, temperatures will only rebound into the teens Sunday. Lows Sunday night will be in the single digits with some places dropping below zero. The wind will also make it feel colder. The way to combat this wind chill is to wear several layers of clothes and cover all exposed flesh. Some sunshine will allow temperatures to the 20s on Monday. Another disturbance can bring snow showers Tuesday with more settled weather Wednesday and Thursday. Reported by: Joe Murgo

The Sap will soon be flowing in the Maple Trees. During the January Thaw my Clematis started to bud, some trees had buds growing larger yet I often wonder about God's Glory of His Creation. They will wither and die then new buds come pushing off the old dead stuff and will bring forth beautiful hues of Springtime color. Harsh winter is a time of nurturing and preparation which recoils only to spring forth new revitalized life. New life is waiting to break the surface of winter then a seemingly dead world is fully bedecked in greens and the fragrance of springtime blooms. Glorious spring is born from the preceding bleak and barren winter. The sap of life is coursing beneath the dreary gray and lifeless landscape just awaiting to burst forth.

Doesn't this sound like our Christian walk? We all have bleak and barren days. Days spent on the mountain tops and days spent in the valleys. But God will meet us there, wherever we are and walk with us along the way. The hymn In The Garden comes to mind just now "And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own, the joy that we share as we tarry there none other has ever known." And that brings to mind this verse of scripture -- Isaiah 26:3-4 KJV -- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD Jehovah is everlasting strength.

Keep in the Word and Under the Word and He will keep you warm!

Blessings! Pam <><

For 2008 ...

2008-01-10T00:05:00.000-05:00

To all my friends who sent me best wishes in 2007,
or promises of good luck if I forwarded something,
it did NOT WORK.
For 2008, could you please just send
either money, chocolate or gas vouchers.

Thank you!

Received this cutey in an email and had a good chuckle.
I thought I would share it with you all! thanks Lynne!!!

January Thaw ... is over ...

2008-01-09T23:43:00.000-05:00

Hal Borland expressed the mystique of the January Thaw best in his book Sundial of the Seasons.

"The January thaw is special because it opens Winter's door a crack just when it seems that the ice has locked it tight. Through that crack one can see the certainty of March and April somewhere up ahead....The worst one can say about the January thaw is that it never lasts. It lifts the heart, then drops it with a cold thud when the warm spell passes and the chill congeals the earth again....But when January does relent, even for a day or two, we can celebrate, cautiously."

A January Thaw is expected usually following a strong cold snap, but need not occur every year.

In prime January Thaw country, the ideal weather pattern characteristic of the Thaw period unfolds in this manner. It begins after a cold air mass from northern or western regions has slid over the region (A), eventually moving out over the Atlantic Ocean. As that air mass leaves, the Bermuda High strengthens (B,C,D) and becomes positioned over the southern Atlantic Coast or southeastern US states while a broad low pressure trough moves slowly across northern Ontario and Quebec (B-E). The juxtaposition of the isobar patterns of these two map features (E) places the northeastern US and southeastern Canada border region into a south-southwesterly flow of warm air from the Gulf of Mexico. This air advects over the northern snow and ice fields and begins a thawing.

Often during this time, the upper air wind patterns are in a period of readjustment, and thus surface weather systems stall or creep slowly across the eastern continent's mid-latitude belt. After several days of warmth, the regional weather again comes under the influence of a strengthened polar high (F,G), and cold weather returns.
The period of thaw usually results in a significant reduction of snow cover and ice thickness that is welcomed by many as a release from winter's uncomfortable grip.

Here is PA the January Thaw is over as temps are dropping daily. With the warm up I see I lost one of my Goldfish in my pond. A beautiful gold shimmer is seen floating just under a lite ice coating. We reached a high of 67 degrees and now it is dipping into the 40's and falling.

Enjoy the sunshine -- cold. blustery days are coming again ...

What type of calendar person are you?

2008-01-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

So tell us ... what works best for you?

Planner
Wall Calendar
DayTimer
One Day Calendar
Do you make your own?
Do you use a Calendar online like Google, Outlook, Yahoo?
Weekly Calendar
Pocket Calendar
Desk Calendar

When the boys were in sports I kept a large Desk Calendar on the frig with Velcro.
Each of us had our own colored pen and we would record in color-code for the activity.
With my husband working a swing-shift I really needed it!
I'm thinking this year of foregoing that big calendar since the boys are no longer using it and I just continued using it out of habit.
I'm heading in to Barnes and Noble and to see what they have available ...
I am usually already ready by mid December with my calendars but this year I'm behind!

So let me know what works for you!

UPDATE: Those who use a PDA - what brand are you using? What programs do you have on it? Would you use a Palm or a Pocket PC? I have a Sony CLIE SJ22 and am looking to upgrade but wondering what to go to. I want, well, I think I want to have a PDA separate from my phone. I use Olive Tree for Bible software programs.

New Blog you Gals need to visit ...

2008-01-05T14:24:00.000-05:00

South Central Pa Weather ... updates Daily

2008-01-03T22:36:00.000-05:00

Rebecca is looking for our weather forecasts ... right now my temp gauge says 17 ... if it is 55 next Tuesday I will be getting my motorcycle out for a ride!

Your Stormtracker 10 Forecast

Forecast Details
The cold wave is now poised to end. There are still some clouds and flurries scattered about the area this evening, but then it will turn out to be mainly clear later tonight. With light winds and the clear sky, it will turn cold. Lows will drop into the single digits with some of the isolated colder valleys dropping to near or perhaps below zero. The area of high pressure that brought the cold wave will sink to the south over the next several days and will then usher in a major warm up. Despite a cold start, temperatures will rebound into the 30s tomorrow. The mercury will continue to climb as we head through the weekend. There will be a couple of disturbances in the warm up. There could be some showers later Saturday into early Sunday and again on Monday. But despite the clouds and shower possibility, temperatures will rise to near 40 Saturday, into the 40s on Sunday and to near 50 on Monday. It will turn even warmer Tuesday despite sunshine giving way to clouds. Temperatures will reach well into the 50s on Tuesday. A front will bring some rain later Tuesday into Wednesday. This front will put a dent into the warm up, but temperatures will still reach above average into the middle of the month.

What's on your desktop? ...

2008-01-03T22:22:00.000-05:00

Kim at Hiraeth askes us what's on our desktops ... here's mine ...
This was taken before Christmas when my oldest had Bella and Dakota out for a walk ... Dakota (the male) has the BIG stick ... now in my mind I can just hear his thinking ... "Woman, I can handle this by myself. Now let go!" Notice his sideways glance, the slight look of doubt and iritation, male chauvinist all the way ... click on the pic, you can really see THE LOOK! (this ought to get some responses! Ha!)

Disheartening ... Christians Asking for Allahs Forgiveness ...

2008-01-02T09:47:00.000-05:00

The following video from The Way of the Master Radio reveals much about those professing the One & Only True God, surprising indeed ...

Try these Resolutions for 2008 ...

2008-01-01T11:56:00.000-05:00

THE RESOLUTIONS of Jonathan Edwards

BEING SENSIBLE THAT I AM UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITHOUT GOD' S HELP, I DO HUMBLY ENTREAT HIM BY HIS GRACE TO ENABLE ME TO KEEP THESE RESOLUTIONS, SO FAR AS THEY ARE AGREEABLE TO HIS WILL, FOR CHRIST' S SAKE.

Print these off and remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God' s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Proverbs 20:6,‹A faithful man who can find?Š may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,- what sin I have committed,-and wherein I have denied myself;-also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord' s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, never to do any thing of which I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God' s; agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12, 1723.

44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. January 12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving and sincere temper; and to do at all times, what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5, 1723.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age, say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if, I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as providence orders it. I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty, and then according to Ephesians 6:6-8, to do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man:‹knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.Š June 25 and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. January 14 and July 13, 1723.

64. Resolved, when I find those ‹groanings which cannot be utteredŠ (Romans 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those‹breakings of soul for the longing it hath,Š of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness, of which I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton' s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what am I the better for them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. August 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. August 17, 1723.

Blessings for the New Year ....

2007-12-31T15:30:00.000-05:00

New Year Blessings
from my Home to yours!

Psalm 148

Praise to the LORD from Creation

1 Praise the LORD!

Praise the LORD from the heavens;
Praise Him in the heights!
2 Praise Him, all His angels;
Praise Him, all His hosts!
3 Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all you stars of light!
4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,
And you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
For He commanded and they were created.
6 He also established them forever and ever;
He made a decree which shall not pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
9 Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;
10 Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth;
12 Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and heaven.
14 And He has exalted the horn of His people,
The praise of all His saints—
Of the children of Israel,
A people near to Him.

Praise the LORD!
*********************************

In The Bleak Mid-Winter Carol

1906 by Gustav Holst

1. In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

2. Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

3. Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

4. Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother¹
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

5. What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

Be in the Word and under the Word in 2008

Blessings ... Pam <><

Some lovin' from the oven ...

2007-12-18T22:11:00.001-05:00

Gram's Raisin Drop Cookies
Recipe found here

Blessings!

Pam <><

Oh, the weather outside is frightful ...

2007-12-13T16:18:00.000-05:00

The Ice Cometh ...

Sleet and freezing rain ...
it can really be a pain,
but yet in its own right
can be such a pretty sight.
Brilliant and shattering,
fragments that are staggering,
His Glory is found in the twinkling of light,
as it shines from the Heaven's
bouncing off the ice.
What did the Shepherd's see that night?
What Glory did they behold?
Evening falls at twilight eve
what Glory do you see?

Blessings!

Pam

Bible Book Challenge .... Update

2007-12-12T15:37:00.000-05:00

Can you find the sixteen (16) books of the Bible in this paragraph?

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized, but the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. Well, see how you can compete. Relax, now, for there really are sixteen names of books of the Bible in this story. One preacher found 15 books in 20 minutes, but it took him three weeks to find the sixteenth one.

Here are the answers --

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized, but the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. Well, see how you can compete. Relax, now, for there really are sixteen names of books of the Bible in this story. One preacher found 15 books in 20 minutes, but it took him three weeks to find the sixteenth one.

Hope you enjoyed this! Do you have one to share?

Christmas Letters ...

2007-12-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

Christmas Letters ...

O see the Christmas Letters
we are sending off today,
Each one is tied with ribbon,
just to make it look more gay.
And here's a bit of holly
we have safely tucked inside,
To bear a loving message
of the Happy Christmas tide.

Chorus --
Just a little Christmas letters
bearing words of cheer.
Just a little bit of sunshine
In His Name so dear.

They hold some kindly wishes
with our words of hope and cheer.
And little Bible verses all about the Child so dear.
To many homes and loved ones
to carry rays of sunshine
and our glad goodwills to show.

O see the Christmas letters
we will send them with a prayer.
In His dear Name, Who tells us
all our wonderful joys to share.
Now speed upon your mission
do not tarry by the way.
And take those loving kisses
as our gifts for Christmas Day!

To Him Be The Glory! Amen!

Pam

Another selection from my Gram's Composition Book ...

Christmas Welcome ...

2007-12-01T10:24:00.001-05:00

Christmas Welcome ...
from my home to yours ...

When the summer time is past,
and the Harvest house at last,
and the wood is standing bare and brown and sere.

When the forest is sharp at night
and the days are short and bright,
comes the gladdest, merriest time of all the year!

Let the tempest rage without,
let its last be wild and stout,
what care we our hearts are stout and strong.

Within tis warm and light,
and the kindness shining bright,
and the voices of our friends are in our song!

Chorus:
Shout boys
Shout a hearty welcome
Greet Old Christmas with a roar!
He has met us with good cheer
For this many a marry year.
And we hope he'll meet us all for many more.

Taken from my Gram's Composition Book.
She makes note that it is to be sung to the tune - Tramp, Tramp, Tramp.

To Him Be The Glory! Amen!

Pam

from Our Home to Yours! ....

2007-11-22T15:06:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving ...
So many years have passed away
Since Pilgrims on Thanksgiving Day
At Plymouth met with fervent prayer
Their gratitude and food to share.
This is our land-the plains and hills,
The valleys where the sunshine spills
An amber light on beans and corn
Each time a golden day is born.
Today we think of pioneers
Who braved all dangers, met all fears,
Who planted in fertile loam,
Who tamed frontiers to make a home.
For forest-store, for waterways,
For cotton fields, for mountain ore,
For mighty spires we sing our praise.
For scholars with intelligence
Who attained wisdom of the sage,
Who left their heritage to us
And flag of freedom to this age.
We thank Thee, God, for rain and sun,
For peace at frosty winter's edge,
For harvests and for vintage bells,
For faith and joy in work well done.
The flag we love now flies above;
May faith and virtue keep us strong
As we together sing this song:
"God Bless Thanksgiving Day!"

An 1840's Thanksgiving prayer by Stella Craft Tremble

It's a good thing ....

2007-11-15T18:24:00.000-05:00

I highly recommend this book on the five dilemmas of Calvinism. Craig is as stout as they come. His brother is the Pastor of my church. Craig and I graduated together from the same small town high school. My only wish is that I knew what he is teaching a lot sooner than I learned to put a name to what I now know as Calvinism. Written in an easy to understand hand. Most importantly to me - the proceeds from this book goes directly back into ministry not Craig's pocket. Not something you find much of today. Consider it as a gift for yourself and buy one for a gift this Holiday season.

To listen to his RC Sproul interview click here. After clicking the link go to the AUDIO link and scroll down to "Interview: the 5 Dilemas"

The Five Dilemmas of Calvinism Craig R. Brown (Author)

Written in a winsome and engaging style, Brown's work is an excellent primer on Calvinism and some of the critiques that have been leveled against it. As such, the book provides both apologetic help for Calvinists and answers for Arminians with honest questions.
"Craig Brown battles misunderstandings that have dogged Calvinism for long years. In so doing, he provides apologetic help for Calvinists stymied by the misinformed questions of their Arminian friends. And, of course, he kindles light for those who have never considered alternatives to the Arminian system."
--From the foreword by R.C. Sproul

Shocked beyond belief ...

2007-11-07T15:57:00.000-05:00

My posts must be such a misrepresentation of the English language

that only a college person could understand them in that they are

confusingly written .... not well written.

I'm depressed ...

Guarding the Depost ... our priceless treasure ...

2007-10-25T15:01:00.000-04:00

challies.com

"God has given us the gospel in trust. He has deposited it to our account and expects that we will guard this priceless, precious treasure. God has entrusted to us something of infinite worth and unsurpassed beauty. He has not left us to our own devices, but he has provided for us the Holy Spirit, that with his help we may be faithful in guarding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Spiritual discernment allows us to keep the gospel central and allows us to see and guard against error. Spiritual discernment is absolutely crucial to the one who would understand and heed the gospel. Nothing less than the gospel is at stake."

I would ask that whomever you are to please take the time to go to the above link and read Tim Challies excerpt from his book "The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment" It has taken my breathe away in that it challenges me to "guard the deposit of the priceless treasure, Jesus Christ, whom my Father in Heaven has chosen for me to receive. As I set here pondering how much I sometimes take for granted "the Deposit" tears well up in my eyes.

Sometimes you read posts and they touch you, sometimes they make you chuckle, sometimes they make you hungry, sometimes they make you angry and sometimes they cut you to the quick. Scripture, the Word of God, does the same thing through the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who are His. This post is one such read ... read it and ponder over it and ask yourself the question "Am I guarding the Deposit?"

I would highly recommend Tim's book as a must have .... after reading this posting I can only imagine what is written within the rest of the pages from the pen and the heart of one who is a man after God's own heart.

thank you Tim ... you have cut me to the quick for my own good. Forgive me Father ...

Have a Blessed Day in the Lord!

Pam <><

Song's In The Night - This Lord's Day ...

2007-10-21T08:50:00.000-04:00

"God, my Maker, who giveth songs in the night."

-- Job 35:10

“Any man can sing in the day. When the cup is full, man draws inspiration from it. When wealth rolls in abundance around him, any man can praise the God who gives a plenteous harvest or sends home a loaded argosy. It is easy enough for an Aeolian harp to whisper music when the winds blow-the difficulty is for music to swell forth when no wind is stirring. It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight; but he is skilful who sings when there is not a ray of light to read by-who sings from his heart. No man can make a song in the night of himself; he may attempt it, but he will find that a song in the night must be divinely inspired. Let all things go well, I can weave songs, fashioning them wherever I go out of the flowers that grow upon my path; but put me in a desert, where no green thing grows, and wherewith shall I frame a hymn of praise to God? How shall a mortal man make a crown for the Lord where no jewels are? Let but this voice be clear, and this body full of health, and I can sing God's praise: silence my tongue, lay me upon the bed of languishing, and how shall I then chant God's high praises, unless he himself give me the song? No, it is not in man's power to sing when all is adverse, unless an altar-coal shall touch his lip. It was a divine song, which Habakkuk sang, when in the night he said, "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." Then, since our Maker gives songs in the night, let us wait upon him for the music. O thou chief musician, let us not remain songless because affliction is upon us, but tune thou our lips to the melody of thanksgiving.” ~~ CH Spurgeon

Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us

Lead us, Heavenly Father, lead us,

Over the world’s tempestuous sea;

Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,

For we have no help but thee;

Yet possessing every blessing,

If our God our Father be.

Saviour, breathe forgiveness over us,

All our weakness Thou dost know;

Thou didst tread this earth before us,

Thou didst feel its keenest woe;

Lone and dreary, faint and weary,

Through the desert thou didst go.

Spirit of our God descended;

Fill our hearts with heavenly joy;

Love with every passion blending;

Pleasure that can never cloy;

Thus provided, pardoned, guided,

Nothing can our peace destroy,

By James Edmeston -- 1791-1867

Father to Thy holy keeping

Humbly we ourselves resign;

Saviour who has kept our sleeping,

Make our workdays real as thine.

Blessed Spirit, living in us,

Chase the darkness of our night.

Till the perfect Day before us,

Breaks in everlasting Light.

By Henry Edward Bickersteth -- 1825-1906

Have a Blessed Day in the Lord!

Pam <><

from Gram's Composition book ...

2007-10-20T08:21:00.000-04:00

Sweet Summer's Gone Away ....

There's a purple tint on the woodland leaves,
And the winds are up all the day.
There's a rustling heard in the yellow sheaves,
And it seems to sadly say

CHORUS --
Sweet Summer
Sweet Summer
Sweet Summer's gone away.
Sweet Summer
Sweet Summer
Sweet Summer's gone away!

In the wrinkled brook no roses peep,
And the bees no longer stay.
And the butterflies have gone to sleep
and the locust trills all day.

On the browning fields the spider spins,
Where the lambs no longer play.
And the cricket now his chirps begins
And the quail is whistling gay.

There are loving arms for baby dear.
Though the skies are chill and gray.
And a cozy home nest all the year
And sweet kisses every day.

taken from Gram's composition book
dated October 1926

O Lord My God, You Are Very Great

Psalm104:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
2 covering yourself with light as with a garment,
stretching out the heavens like a tent.
3 He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
he rides on the wings of the wind;
4 he makes his messengers winds,
his ministers a flaming fire.

5 He set the earth on its foundations,
so that it should never be moved.
6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.
7 At your rebuke they fled;
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.
8 The mountains rose, the valleys sank down
to the place that you appointed for them.
9 You set a boundary that they may not pass,
so that they might not again cover the earth.

10 You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
they flow between the hills;
11 they give drink to every beast of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;
they sing among the branches.
13 From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.

14 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may bring forth food from the earth
15 and wine to gladden the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine
and bread to strengthen man's heart.

16 The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
17 In them the birds build their nests;
the stork has her home in the fir trees.
18 The high mountains are for the wild goats;
the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.

19 He made the moon to mark the seasons; [1]
the sun knows its time for setting.
20 You make darkness, and it is night,
when all the beasts of the forest creep about.
21 The young lions roar for their prey,
seeking their food from God.
22 When the sun rises, they steal away
and lie down in their dens.
23 Man goes out to his work
and to his labor until the evening.

24 O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
25 Here is the sea, great and wide,
which teems with creatures innumerable,
living things both small and great.
26 There go the ships,
and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it. [2]

27 These all look to you,
to give them their food in due season.
28 When you give it to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
when you take away their breath, they die
and return to their dust.
30 When you send forth your Spirit, [3] they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.

31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works,
32 who looks on the earth and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke!
33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord.
35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth,
and let the wicked be no more!
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord!

Have a Blessed Day in the Lord …

Pam <><

This Lord's Day ...

2007-09-30T09:29:00.000-04:00

"Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" Gen. 18:25 ESV

Whate'er My God Ordains is Right

Original Trinity Hymnal, #94

Whate'er my God ordains is right:
Holy his will abideth;
I will be still whate'er he doth;
And follow where he guideth:
He is my God: though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall:
Wherefore to him I leave it all.

Whate'er my God ordains is right:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path;
I know he will not leave me:
I take, content, what he hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait his day.

Whate'er my God ordains is right:
Though now this cup, in drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it, all unshrinking:
My God is true; each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.

Whate'er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet am I not forsaken;
My Father's care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to him I leave it all.

Have a blessed day in the Lord! …

Pam