Mon.-Good day. Walked to the river with four dogs. When I sat down on the tree limb down there, they all wanted me to pet them. Washed 4 loads. Canned 4 quarts of tomato juice. Wrote up WM minutes. Had a nice talk with Lindsay and befriended the pastor's wife on face book where they are staying. Alli came over to walk after work and it's always nice to see her. Michael came home to attend to some car business and Phil and Philip came home as well. Susan enjoys her brothers so much. They were hungry for chocolate chip cookies so guess what we made them.///I am thankful for a good Monday. I am thankful for the 'gang' shirts/hoodies the guys made with their friends at a local clothing print shop. "Sons of Saints" with a smiling skull. Yeah. I am thankful for the possibility of having Susan take her biology course from a real doctor. I am thankful for the way Phil's gray hair sticks out around his cap and when he takes it off, he doesn't look gray at all. I am thankful that the white dove was there on top of the long barn today, as I was reading the Bible. Perhaps, he's come to stay.
Tues.-Great day. Met with Lori K. to brainstorm about Susan's year of homeschooling. Ordered some things on line. Around 2:00, while there, the house began to shake and tremble. I said, "Get outside." She went back in to see if her washer was off-kilter. It was a 6.0 earthquake midway between Richmond and Ch.... Cell service was down for some but we managed to get through to Phil and the guys. They were working in Richmond. Freeman said that the petty bone was swinging its hips like a belly dancer and the window panes were trembling. When we got home, we thought the dogs had gotten into something. It looked like wood scattered over the yard. But here, bricks had fallen from the old chimney. It looks very fragile now. The dogs were hiding under the porch and refused to come out. Two pictures had fallen off the shelves in the house and my deodorant had flown across the room. Around 8:30 in the eve. we felt an aftershock as did others. Rosalee called. Katrina had felt it at Shady Maple. Rosalee was outside at the time and didn't feel it. Meredith, who is in Colorado, felt it also. It was felt in NC, NY, OH, Mass, PA, and who knows where else. They are calling for a hurricane to hit us about the time I want to leave for Pa. ///I am thankful that today I went from not having a plan, to having an excellent plan. I am thankful that Susan has been accepted into the Biology class taught by a home school dad who is also a Dr. I am thankful for Lori K. and all of her fun and inspirational help that she gave me today. I am thankful for God's protection during the earthquake. It was a little scary. It sounded like the time the oil pipe blew only it felt like their house was going to blow up. I remembered the earthquake from almost 8 years ago. It sounded and felt like that one. I am thankful to discover the source of that awful smell. 14 canned jars of kidney beans gone bad. Unsealed. Yuck! But glad to find out sooner than later!
Wed.-Reading Leviticus and the requirements for the high priest. Jesus, our High Priest, both the Offering and the Offerer. Spotless Lamb-perfect sacrifice. But then, He became sin. For us. He became our sin. Dare I say it? Did His offering up of Himself become profane because of our sin? For the wrath of God was poured out on Him and consumed both the Offering and the Offerer. Rom. 4:25-"Jesus...was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification," which He Himself brought about. And now, we can boldly approach the throne of God to fine grace in our time of need. It boggles my mind.
We had a great day in Appomattox, starting with the chiropractor, then to Geneses to get hair cuts, Salvation Army to drop things off, Walmart, Peebles, CCA to say Hello, Produce stand, tire rotator place where we met Loys and they took us to Baine's where we spent a pleasant hour catching up over ice tea. Came back home for a pit stop. Went out to town for youth group and a quick bite to eat with Dianna who just had a birthday and would not let me treat her. Went to Walmart. Picked up Susan. She treated us to ice cream cones. And went to walmart. Seriously? Three times? Picked up big stuff like massive amounts of dog food, paper towels, etc. the first time. Food, etc. the second time. And Susan picked out her own school notebooks the third time. Got home after 10:30. Didn't sleep well without Phil. Oh-another aftershock around 1 in the morning so they say. ///Thankful for Kelli's happy news. I'm thankful for a school headmistress who says, 'Let me know if I can help you with anything.' I am thankful that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we shall give evidence in honor of Jesus Christ.' ( I looked up the words 'witness' and 'to'. )
Thurs.-Took pencil crayons one day this week and colored the layers of the 12 foundations written about in Revelation about the place where God dwells. There is no need of light there, because the Lamb of God and God the Father are the lights. They shine through the walls of translucent gold and the gates of pearl, and the foundational stones. From the bottom up, there are blues and greens and then reds and oranges and then blues, yellows, and greens, and then another splash of red and orange and then purple. It sounds so effervescent and ethereal and exciting and here I've just want a little cottage by the sea. I'm not a city girl myself but I'll adapt I'm sure. ///I'm thankful for Ilsa's energizing visit and the way her face lights up when she talks about Grace, her niece. I am thankful for the wild and splendid storm that impressed me with its strength. I am thankful that Michael came home tonight, as did Phil and Philip and I made them one of their favorite meals-Lettuce Tomato with Beef, or venison, as in this case. I am thankful that Freeman had gone out the lane and then discovered his flat tire. Thankful he wasn't far away. I am thankful for Angela who rescheduled our 'counselling' session because of the storm and then the phone went dead.
Fri-Was reading the description of Aaron's robe. Linen trousers and holy linen robe. Dressed just like Jesus was in my dream about Him walking along Longwood College Avenue-my name for the pathways where the fountains are. I also want to make the observation that 'no wonder Song of Solomon is not read aloud in church!' And it is my humble opinion that it (SoS) is what it is and that's plenty. Got ready for the storm today by doing wash, preparing some water, cutting paper towel roll in half and inserting it in a bucket of soapy water, making some food, froze large buckets of water, and brought the cooler to the porch, etc. But my major accomplishment today? Got my home school notebook all together with plans written out for the next four years. Plus made a daily schedule. Took several hours. Susan and I are excited and will get started Sept. 5. I still want to make baked oatmeal and shoo fly cake. Easy to eat with milk. Michael got home from Liberty and put on 'Fiddler on the Roof.' Susan made supper. Browned sausage with cheese sauce. Mixed it with corn and pasta and is baking it in the oven. She is a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen. She is doing a major clean up job in her room, and I have a lump in my throat, because she is putting away childish things, and getting ready to attack her high school years with great intent and purpose. ///I am thankful that we will most likely only get hit with a tropical storm here. I am concerned about my brother and his wife who live near the shore in Del. I am thankful that we'll all be together when the winds and rains hit tonight. I am thankful that even though the house owner cannot be located, God knows where the Bantons will live.
Sat.-Rainy and windy. We're experiencing the soft edge of Hurricane Irene. Didn't lose power. Took a mid-day nap. We all feel like sleeping. Cleaned up the house a little, but not much. We're going away for a week. Baked fruited baked oatmeal, shoo-fly cake, and peanut butter cookie bars. Packed some for trip. Did paper work. No satellite for computer.///I am thankful that we didn't lose power. I am thankful for a lazy day. I am thankful that next week is full of happy plans.
Sun.-Dogs barked alot last night. Loose hunting dogs make them jumpy. Woke up to Phil shouting, "The barns on fire!" Angel's insistent barking outside our window woke him up. He ran over to get the boys while I called 911. Philip managed to move out the John Deere tractor, receiving first and second degree burns on his back. Phil tried to move another tractor out but it was too hot and he received second degree burns on his back, right arm, and right hand. The Pamplin, Appomattox, and Prospect fire companies and emergency vehicles showed up quickly and doused the fire that was beginning on the well roof. They worked hard to put out most of the fire, and left around 8 after letting us know that the fire would burn for at least a week. Steve and Dianna braved the busy lane and came to be with us. The flashing lights began to affect my equilibrium and Dianna sat with me in the dark house. Several of the workers came to talk with Susan and were so kind to her. Michael video-taped the fire and put it on face book. The fire company is sure it was started by spontaneous combustion. The fire was burning the hay when we woke up and then moved to the equipment. The higher winds caused more friction and with the humidity, the hay was a breeding ground for fire. We lost two tractors, a dump truck, the lane grader, equipment to harvest corn, the generator to the farm, and over 100 round bales of hay, etc. Susan and I went to church. People were so kind and loving and full of prayer. PR preached on knowing the will of God. How do you know if you are hearing from God? People stopped in throughout the day. Bob N., Doreen with bags of food, Chris and Jeff, guys from the fire dept., and Tom's, plus people were calling. Alli and Freeman had Kelli, Emilee, Michael, and Susan over for lunch and a fun afternoon. Philip had other plans.///I am thankful that this is not a lonely fire. I am thankful for all the kind offers of help. I am thankful that Phil said that he is not going to rebuild the hay/equipment barn where it was. He likes the view too much without it there.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Pressure's On
These things I have spoken to you,
that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.
~Jesus
There are notes in my Bible
that explain the word tribulation.
I quote from The New Spirit Filled Life Bible
Study Notes NKJV.
"Tribulation-thlipsis-
Pressure, oppression, stress,
anguish, tribulation, adversity,
affliction, crushing, squashing,
squeezing, distress.
Imagine placing your hand on
a stack of loose items
and manually compressing them.
That is thlipsis,
putting a lot of pressure on that
which is free and unfettered.
Thlipsis is like spiritual bench-pressing.
The word is used of crushing grapes
or olives in a press."
Does this describe what you've been going through?
And Jesus tells us to be of good cheer
in the midst of this kind of
overwhelming pressure.
Why?
Because in spite of the fact that being human
and being alive in this world
causes us much grief and pain,
He has, in fact,
overcome the world.
Overcome-to get the better of;
to gain the superiority
So, we don't cheer up because tribulation
will come to an end.
We cheer up because He has gotten
the better of it all.
He has gained the superiority
over our tribulation.
It hasn't come as any surprise to Him.
And He uses this crushing to turn
our harvest of wheat into palatable flour
with which we can make bread
to feed the hungry.
He uses this trampling to crush
the grapes of our lives
to make wine that makes
hearts glad around us.
(It really is no fun.
I'm just trying to cheer us up.)
I keep thinking of two things to do
in the midst of the confusion
that comes when we don't know
which end is up;
when we feel like the whole
world is against us.
I've been thinking about it all night
and woke up with it again this morning.
It comes from Psalm 37.
Trust in the LORD
and do good.
Think about it.
We can not possibly fix the mess we are in.
We can worry,
or we can trust Him.
Trust, says Webster, is
'assured reliance on the character, ability,
strength, or truth of someone in whom
your confidence is placed.' .
So...
Stop defending yourself.
Stop fighting back.
Stop adding fuel to the fire.
Instead...
Do good.
Do those things which produce favorable results.
Do what is beneficial.
Do what is valid, genuine, and honorable.
Do what is worthy, enjoyable, and happy.
Do what is dependable, reliable, and well-behaved.
(Thanks again, Mr. Webster.)
It reminds me of what Jesus' brother James said-
"Faith without works is dead."
Trust in the LORD=Faith
Do good=Works
Maybe this isn't what you wanted to hear.
Maybe you wanted validation.
Maybe you wanted some sympathy.
Maybe you wanted to go lop off a few heads.
I'm with you on that.
But what good would it do?
There are people who are watching.
And while we aren't supposed to care
about what people think of us,
we are supposed to care about what
they think of God because of us.
And we are supposed to care for them.
Paul said it to Timothy this way,
"...endure hardship as a good soldier
of Jesus Christ.
No one engaged in warfare
entangles himself with the affairs
of this life,
that he may please him
who enlisted him as a soldier...
...endure all things
for the sake of the elect,
that they also may obtain the
salvation which is in Christ Jesus
with eternal glory."
Endure.
Don't get tangled up in the mess.
Don't jump into the fray.
So you can please God.
Endure.
For the sake of others
who need a Savior
and are headed
towards belief in Him.
Trust in the LORD
and do good.
And this is His promise to you.
He will bring forth your righteousness
as the light,
and your justice
as the noon day.
For the LORD loves justice,
And does not forsake His saints.
And what is so special about noon day?
There are no shadows at noon.
Thank you, Dear Overcomer
of our tribulations.
Help us to trust You
and do good.
that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.
~Jesus
There are notes in my Bible
that explain the word tribulation.
I quote from The New Spirit Filled Life Bible
Study Notes NKJV.
"Tribulation-thlipsis-
Pressure, oppression, stress,
anguish, tribulation, adversity,
affliction, crushing, squashing,
squeezing, distress.
Imagine placing your hand on
a stack of loose items
and manually compressing them.
That is thlipsis,
putting a lot of pressure on that
which is free and unfettered.
Thlipsis is like spiritual bench-pressing.
The word is used of crushing grapes
or olives in a press."
Does this describe what you've been going through?
And Jesus tells us to be of good cheer
in the midst of this kind of
overwhelming pressure.
Why?
Because in spite of the fact that being human
and being alive in this world
causes us much grief and pain,
He has, in fact,
overcome the world.
Overcome-to get the better of;
to gain the superiority
So, we don't cheer up because tribulation
will come to an end.
We cheer up because He has gotten
the better of it all.
He has gained the superiority
over our tribulation.
It hasn't come as any surprise to Him.
And He uses this crushing to turn
our harvest of wheat into palatable flour
with which we can make bread
to feed the hungry.
He uses this trampling to crush
the grapes of our lives
to make wine that makes
hearts glad around us.
(It really is no fun.
I'm just trying to cheer us up.)
I keep thinking of two things to do
in the midst of the confusion
that comes when we don't know
which end is up;
when we feel like the whole
world is against us.
I've been thinking about it all night
and woke up with it again this morning.
It comes from Psalm 37.
Trust in the LORD
and do good.
Think about it.
We can not possibly fix the mess we are in.
We can worry,
or we can trust Him.
Trust, says Webster, is
'assured reliance on the character, ability,
strength, or truth of someone in whom
your confidence is placed.' .
So...
Stop defending yourself.
Stop fighting back.
Stop adding fuel to the fire.
Instead...
Do good.
Do those things which produce favorable results.
Do what is beneficial.
Do what is valid, genuine, and honorable.
Do what is worthy, enjoyable, and happy.
Do what is dependable, reliable, and well-behaved.
(Thanks again, Mr. Webster.)
It reminds me of what Jesus' brother James said-
"Faith without works is dead."
Trust in the LORD=Faith
Do good=Works
Maybe this isn't what you wanted to hear.
Maybe you wanted validation.
Maybe you wanted some sympathy.
Maybe you wanted to go lop off a few heads.
I'm with you on that.
But what good would it do?
There are people who are watching.
And while we aren't supposed to care
about what people think of us,
we are supposed to care about what
they think of God because of us.
And we are supposed to care for them.
Paul said it to Timothy this way,
"...endure hardship as a good soldier
of Jesus Christ.
No one engaged in warfare
entangles himself with the affairs
of this life,
that he may please him
who enlisted him as a soldier...
...endure all things
for the sake of the elect,
that they also may obtain the
salvation which is in Christ Jesus
with eternal glory."
Endure.
Don't get tangled up in the mess.
Don't jump into the fray.
So you can please God.
Endure.
For the sake of others
who need a Savior
and are headed
towards belief in Him.
Trust in the LORD
and do good.
And this is His promise to you.
He will bring forth your righteousness
as the light,
and your justice
as the noon day.
For the LORD loves justice,
And does not forsake His saints.
And what is so special about noon day?
There are no shadows at noon.
Thank you, Dear Overcomer
of our tribulations.
Help us to trust You
and do good.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Peach Scones
I just turned to my favorite segment of Lancaster Farming, which we still get down here, and discovered a recipe for Peach Scones. Doesn't that sound like the perfect food to serve with a cup of tea at a neighborhood book club?
Ingredients:
3 cups plus 3 Tablespoons flour
3/4 cup sugar
5 teasp. baking powder
1/2 teasp. baking soda
1 stick butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups peaches, chopped small
Glaze:
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix scone ingred. in order listed.
Add buttermilk to make mixture adhere
into scone shapes.
(Can add more but mixture should
not be too wet.)
Shape into 10-12 scones
and place on greased cookie sheet.
Mix glaze. Brush glaze mixture onto
scones with a pastry brush
or drizzle on with a spoon.
Bake scones for 22 minutes,
or until light brown on the bottom.
Serve after cooling.
(I make buttermilk by adding lemon juice
or vinegar to milk. I'd add a Tablespoon
or two to this amount of milk and allow
it to sit for a few minutes.)
The recipe doesn't say to do it this way,
but I would mix together the dry ingredients
by hand, cut in the butter until
the pieces are smaller,
then mix in an already beaten egg
and vanilla,
and then add as much buttermilk as needed.
Do not over mix.
It will toughen your end results.
There is no contributor's name at the end of the recipe
so I give the credit to Lancaster Farming.
Ingredients:
3 cups plus 3 Tablespoons flour
3/4 cup sugar
5 teasp. baking powder
1/2 teasp. baking soda
1 stick butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups peaches, chopped small
Glaze:
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix scone ingred. in order listed.
Add buttermilk to make mixture adhere
into scone shapes.
(Can add more but mixture should
not be too wet.)
Shape into 10-12 scones
and place on greased cookie sheet.
Mix glaze. Brush glaze mixture onto
scones with a pastry brush
or drizzle on with a spoon.
Bake scones for 22 minutes,
or until light brown on the bottom.
Serve after cooling.
(I make buttermilk by adding lemon juice
or vinegar to milk. I'd add a Tablespoon
or two to this amount of milk and allow
it to sit for a few minutes.)
The recipe doesn't say to do it this way,
but I would mix together the dry ingredients
by hand, cut in the butter until
the pieces are smaller,
then mix in an already beaten egg
and vanilla,
and then add as much buttermilk as needed.
Do not over mix.
It will toughen your end results.
There is no contributor's name at the end of the recipe
so I give the credit to Lancaster Farming.
Swan Song
My Father-in-law, Truman, talks about people's swan songs.
It is what people say before they die.
It may be a week or more before they die
or just moments before they die,
but their swan song carries the words
they want you to really remember.
One day, shortly before my father passed away,
he was resting on the sofa.
I was resting on the floor in front of a crackling fire.
He began to tell me about his life,
his childhood memories,
his business successes,
funny things that had happened.
I realized I was hearing his swan song.
I had a tablet nearby and a digital recorder nearby
but I didn't get up to get it.
I knew that other's needed to hear this too
but tears were streaming down my face
and I didn't want him to know that I
knew I was hearing his Swan Song.
So I just kept crying and cherishing this precious hour with my dad.
It is important to hear your loved one's Swan Song.
Jesus' Swan Song is recorded in John's book, Chapters 13-17.
If I could only have five pages of my Bible,
these are the pages I would choose.
Today I was reading Chapter 16 and I noticed that Jesus
was saying, "These things I have spoken to you,
that you should not be made to stumble."
I very much dislike stumbling
in myself or anyone else,
so I took a closer look at the surrounding verses.
What did He say so that we wouldn't be taken
by surprise and be offended in Him?
What were these important last words?
Jesus was warning His disciples about the
persecutions that would come because
of their connections with Him.
"The world hates me; it will hate you also.
If they persecuted me, they'll persecute you.
They may kick you out of the synagogue
and kill you,
and think they are doing Me a favor by doing so.
They will do these things because they
do not know the Father
nor do they know Me."
Along with the Promise of Persecution
He gave them a Promise of Peace.
"After I go to the Father,
I will send you another Helper,
The Comforter,
The Holy Spirit,
who will do in My absence
what I would do if I was still here.
He is the Spirit of Truth
who proceeds from the Father,
and He will tell you all about me.
He will guide you into all truth
and will speak what He hears from
the Father.
He will tell you of things to come.
He will glorify Me
and will take what is Mine
and give it to you.
I give you My peace.
Don't let your heart be troubled.
Neither let it be afraid.
I will not leave you orphans.
I will come to you.
Abide in Me and bear much fruit.
Ask what you desire and it shall be
done for you.
Abide in My love and love one another
as I have loved you.
So shall My joy remain in you
and your joy will be full."
From the Last Supper
to His journey to the Garden,
The Great Balancer of All Things
goes back and forth
between warnings
and comfortings.
"There will be hard times ahead.
But I will be with you.
In this world, you'll have tribulation,
but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world."
It's the bad surprises of life
that can cause us to be disillusioned
with God and His people.
But because He doesn't want us
to become bitter or live in offense
He warned us
that these kind of things happen.
For some believers,
in other countries,
suffering is a way of life.
They don't have a lifetime
to get over offenses or betrayals.
Today might be the day they die.
Suffering is not an obstacle for them.
Therefore, they don't stumble over it.
We can recognize the suffering,
the persecutions,
as a fulfillment of what Jesus said would take place.
And we can dwell on His eternal promise
that He will not leave us orphans.
He will never leave us or forsake us.
He is with us through the Holy Spirit
and He's praying for us in Heaven.
The Final Verse of Jesus' Swan Song
is what we call 'The High Priestly Prayer.'
I wrote a song about it once.
Father, the time has come
Glorify your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.
Life everlasting I give to Your children
So they may know You and they may know Me.
I have finished My work.
I want to come Home.
Father, glorify Your Son.
I pray for these You have given to Me,
For they have believed and accepted Me,
And they have glorified Me.
Protect them, Father, by the power of Your name,
So they may be one even as You and I are one.
Sanctify them by truth.
Your Word is the truth.
Father, purify Your sons.
I pray for those who will someday believe
through the message of these men,
May they be brought to complete unity.
So that the world may believe You have sent Me,
And have loved them even as You have loved Me.
I want them by My side
To see all of My glory.
Father, give them unity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is what people say before they die.
It may be a week or more before they die
or just moments before they die,
but their swan song carries the words
they want you to really remember.
One day, shortly before my father passed away,
he was resting on the sofa.
I was resting on the floor in front of a crackling fire.
He began to tell me about his life,
his childhood memories,
his business successes,
funny things that had happened.
I realized I was hearing his swan song.
I had a tablet nearby and a digital recorder nearby
but I didn't get up to get it.
I knew that other's needed to hear this too
but tears were streaming down my face
and I didn't want him to know that I
knew I was hearing his Swan Song.
So I just kept crying and cherishing this precious hour with my dad.
It is important to hear your loved one's Swan Song.
Jesus' Swan Song is recorded in John's book, Chapters 13-17.
If I could only have five pages of my Bible,
these are the pages I would choose.
Today I was reading Chapter 16 and I noticed that Jesus
was saying, "These things I have spoken to you,
that you should not be made to stumble."
I very much dislike stumbling
in myself or anyone else,
so I took a closer look at the surrounding verses.
What did He say so that we wouldn't be taken
by surprise and be offended in Him?
What were these important last words?
Jesus was warning His disciples about the
persecutions that would come because
of their connections with Him.
"The world hates me; it will hate you also.
If they persecuted me, they'll persecute you.
They may kick you out of the synagogue
and kill you,
and think they are doing Me a favor by doing so.
They will do these things because they
do not know the Father
nor do they know Me."
Along with the Promise of Persecution
He gave them a Promise of Peace.
"After I go to the Father,
I will send you another Helper,
The Comforter,
The Holy Spirit,
who will do in My absence
what I would do if I was still here.
He is the Spirit of Truth
who proceeds from the Father,
and He will tell you all about me.
He will guide you into all truth
and will speak what He hears from
the Father.
He will tell you of things to come.
He will glorify Me
and will take what is Mine
and give it to you.
I give you My peace.
Don't let your heart be troubled.
Neither let it be afraid.
I will not leave you orphans.
I will come to you.
Abide in Me and bear much fruit.
Ask what you desire and it shall be
done for you.
Abide in My love and love one another
as I have loved you.
So shall My joy remain in you
and your joy will be full."
From the Last Supper
to His journey to the Garden,
The Great Balancer of All Things
goes back and forth
between warnings
and comfortings.
"There will be hard times ahead.
But I will be with you.
In this world, you'll have tribulation,
but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world."
It's the bad surprises of life
that can cause us to be disillusioned
with God and His people.
But because He doesn't want us
to become bitter or live in offense
He warned us
that these kind of things happen.
For some believers,
in other countries,
suffering is a way of life.
They don't have a lifetime
to get over offenses or betrayals.
Today might be the day they die.
Suffering is not an obstacle for them.
Therefore, they don't stumble over it.
We can recognize the suffering,
the persecutions,
as a fulfillment of what Jesus said would take place.
And we can dwell on His eternal promise
that He will not leave us orphans.
He will never leave us or forsake us.
He is with us through the Holy Spirit
and He's praying for us in Heaven.
The Final Verse of Jesus' Swan Song
is what we call 'The High Priestly Prayer.'
I wrote a song about it once.
Father, the time has come
Glorify your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.
Life everlasting I give to Your children
So they may know You and they may know Me.
I have finished My work.
I want to come Home.
Father, glorify Your Son.
I pray for these You have given to Me,
For they have believed and accepted Me,
And they have glorified Me.
Protect them, Father, by the power of Your name,
So they may be one even as You and I are one.
Sanctify them by truth.
Your Word is the truth.
Father, purify Your sons.
I pray for those who will someday believe
through the message of these men,
May they be brought to complete unity.
So that the world may believe You have sent Me,
And have loved them even as You have loved Me.
I want them by My side
To see all of My glory.
Father, give them unity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Hertzler Doings~Aug. 15-21, 2011
Mon.-An intense day. A day of changes and communication of all kinds. ///I am thankful that Monday's come only once a week. I am thankful that if we ask for wisdom, He gives it quickly. I am thankful for what I learned today-the difference between an observation and an evaluation. I am thankful for the keys that were given to me today on how to stop a downward spiral in my thinking. I am thankful for Angela, my health care counsellor, who is making me spend time thinking about myself in a healthy way.
Tues.-Truly weeping may endure for a night, or for a Monday, in this case, but joy comes in the morning. Answers are falling into place. A plan is coming together and I am pulled back home where I belong. What was I thinking? It's so easy to fall prey to the urgent rather than invest time in the most important.
Canned lots of kidney beans today. Due to our difficulty with getting high speed internet here, we are having to change our plans in schooling for next year. A friend has offered her help and I am going through all our homeschooling things and making a list of what I have. Michael is tying up loose ends and plans to move into Liberty tonight. He has a conference he must attend this week with Cutco and will miss the Freshmen activities but they told him he can make it up in Jan. after he told them he is running a business and has meetings he must attend. He has encouraged Susan to see if she can finish high school in three years so they can have a year at Liberty together. She likes that idea. Alli came over after work to check out the box of material we inherited and then she took me to Pamplin Exxon to pick up my car. They charged me 10 bucks for thoroughly checking out the car. Not once did it misbehave for them. The air conditioning has been temperamental as is the starting up of the engine. I stopped at Grunerts on the way home and picked several ice cream buckets of their tomatoes. They also sent me home with some peppers, eggplant, and fresh herbs. I love their garden and their house and their land. I thought I had driven into heaven when I pulled into their driveway. I made some taco salad for supper and since the table was full of various items, we sat and watched a bit of 'Lord of the Rings' while we ate. The boys can't believe I haven't read the books. They said the movies are boring compared to the books. I just can't read anything that is scarier than the movie. Scary looking creatures scare me and so do scary sounds. What can I say? Michael, Philip, and Susan played real Monopoly at the one end of the cleared off table. Phil worked on some things outside. He missed me 'too much' being away overnight at the Abbey last night. I missed him too. ///I am thankful that Susan is on her second day of guitar and is already picking out tunes on the strings. I am thankful for the happy chatter of the three as they sing along with the songs that are playing and call each other good natured names and argue about their own made up rules of the game. A long time ago, when the boys were young, they got my mother to play with them. She asked me, "Have you ever played with them? They have their own set of rules." It's a one-of-a-kind experience-Hertzler Monopoly.
Wed.-Went out to Walmart in the eve. and connected with Michelle over ice cream after dropping Susan off at church. Met Candi for Japanese. I've been plugging my way through Exodus and Leviticus and am moved by all the care that went into making the high priestly robe. The 12 tribes of Israel's names were engraved on stone and woven into the shoulders of the high priest's robe and I thought of how Jesus is our high priest and how it was said of Him that the government would be upon His shoulders. We, too, are kings and priests unto God. Which means we have authority and we can intercede for ourselves and others. Also, there was so much detail that went into the building and furnishing of the temple and now we are His temple where He dwells. And all that law...and Jesus fulfilled all that law and fulfilled all the prophets prophecy's. He is the embodiment of the Word of God. ///I am thankful that Michael could be home part of this day and that Chace helped him move to Liberty and that he had a peaceful night there. I am thankful for the clarity that comes when righteous anger is expressed in a logical manner. I am thankful for a hot bath and a good book and a deep sleep.
Thurs.-Kept thinking of these words last night and this morning. Trust the LORD and do good. Don't get caught up in conflict. Trust in the LORD and do good. Don't choose sides against anyone. Trust in the LORD and do good. Don't defend yourself. Feed His sheep. Do what's right even if others have wronged you. Trust in the LORD and do good. Canned two batches of salsa and 6 pint of black beans. Watched 'The Little Princess' with Susan. ///I am thankful that God gives answers and direction and truth and light. I am thankful for the strength He pours into human spirits. I am thankful that He is interceding for His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Fri.-Nice long time to study and exercise. Made 6 quarts of salsa. Watched 'The Secret Garden' with Susan. Mickey and Oran came down to see the puppies. They frightened him with their loud aggressive barking. Got a second wind in the eve. and cleaned up the kitchen better than its been for awhile.///I am thankful for 'The Mitford Series'. I am thankful that Phil is home tonight. I am thankful for a hot bath, a good book, and an early bedtime. I am thankful for what I read in Leviticus today. When the sacrifice pleased God, His fire came out from His presence to consume the sacrifice. But when Aaron's sons offered profane fire, having gotten it from a source other than what was commanded, and also being intoxicated with strong drink, the fire came out and consumed them. I'm not thankful that they were consumed. I am thankful for the reminder to be holy and to fear a holy and awesome God.
Sat.-Had coffee and conversation with Michael about Liberty this morning. Cleaned the house. Susan mowed the lawn and a pathway to the river. Phil, Susan and I had a sweet time at the river with a dear friend and her mother. A White Dove showed up on our property to make the time even sweeter. Phil and Susan headed to the Abbey to get a load of windows/aluminum. I rested a bit and made peach scones, beef roasts, and homemade corn chips. In the eve., we went to New Life to see their Comedy Theatre. Every actor was good on their own and also as a group. Kelly Gibbs came home with us for the night. ///I am thankful for the way the Holy Spirit came down like a dove and rested on Jesus when He was baptized. I am thankful for fresh peach scones and a cup of tea in the middle of the afternoon. I am thankful that Sheriff is calming down. I am thankful for Dianna and for a peek into her life 20+ years from now.
Sun.-Let Kelly G. and Susan sleep in and got into the sanctuary a bit late. Got to hold little Isaac and he fell asleep for me which surprised his mama. She said they can never get him to sleep in church. She said that he's never taken to anyone like this and I told her that we have been flirting for quite some time and that we've only now gotten together. He was 'what the doctor ordered' since this day was a bag of mixed emotions for me. Some of our church family is moving on and if we weren't 'related' I'd feel even sadder but I have hopes of continued contact. PFrank preached a sermon about our flesh, soul, and spirit. Before Christ, we are ruled by our flesh. After Christ, our struggle is more with our souls-our minds, will and emotions. We must renew our minds through truth. His word is truth. But the great thing is, the actual mystery is this-when we ask the Spirit of God to come and reside in us, He does, and He makes us new creations in Him. Old things are passed away; all things are become new. And the life we now live in the flesh, we live by His faith. The faith, power, life, and presence of God is in us working to do that which pleases Him. (I didn't get to write notes down, but this is what I took away.) Susan stayed in town with the Gibb's and Cassidy and checked out human video. Phil picked her up at Calvary where Charity dropped her off. I read more of 'A New Song' by Jan Karon. I love her books about an Anglican priest. Phil was reading too. Michael headed out to Liberty. His first class starts tomorrow.///I am thankful that Susan got to spend time with her friends. I am thankful for a day of rest. I am thankful that I can see and that I can read. I am thankful for the deep and foundational word that was given this morning. I am thankful that I do not need to consider matters that are too complicated for me. I have calmed my soul, like Isaac was calm with me, and I am carried between the shoulders of God, resting on His chest, trusting Him to take care of His church and make it whole.
Tues.-Truly weeping may endure for a night, or for a Monday, in this case, but joy comes in the morning. Answers are falling into place. A plan is coming together and I am pulled back home where I belong. What was I thinking? It's so easy to fall prey to the urgent rather than invest time in the most important.
Canned lots of kidney beans today. Due to our difficulty with getting high speed internet here, we are having to change our plans in schooling for next year. A friend has offered her help and I am going through all our homeschooling things and making a list of what I have. Michael is tying up loose ends and plans to move into Liberty tonight. He has a conference he must attend this week with Cutco and will miss the Freshmen activities but they told him he can make it up in Jan. after he told them he is running a business and has meetings he must attend. He has encouraged Susan to see if she can finish high school in three years so they can have a year at Liberty together. She likes that idea. Alli came over after work to check out the box of material we inherited and then she took me to Pamplin Exxon to pick up my car. They charged me 10 bucks for thoroughly checking out the car. Not once did it misbehave for them. The air conditioning has been temperamental as is the starting up of the engine. I stopped at Grunerts on the way home and picked several ice cream buckets of their tomatoes. They also sent me home with some peppers, eggplant, and fresh herbs. I love their garden and their house and their land. I thought I had driven into heaven when I pulled into their driveway. I made some taco salad for supper and since the table was full of various items, we sat and watched a bit of 'Lord of the Rings' while we ate. The boys can't believe I haven't read the books. They said the movies are boring compared to the books. I just can't read anything that is scarier than the movie. Scary looking creatures scare me and so do scary sounds. What can I say? Michael, Philip, and Susan played real Monopoly at the one end of the cleared off table. Phil worked on some things outside. He missed me 'too much' being away overnight at the Abbey last night. I missed him too. ///I am thankful that Susan is on her second day of guitar and is already picking out tunes on the strings. I am thankful for the happy chatter of the three as they sing along with the songs that are playing and call each other good natured names and argue about their own made up rules of the game. A long time ago, when the boys were young, they got my mother to play with them. She asked me, "Have you ever played with them? They have their own set of rules." It's a one-of-a-kind experience-Hertzler Monopoly.
Wed.-Went out to Walmart in the eve. and connected with Michelle over ice cream after dropping Susan off at church. Met Candi for Japanese. I've been plugging my way through Exodus and Leviticus and am moved by all the care that went into making the high priestly robe. The 12 tribes of Israel's names were engraved on stone and woven into the shoulders of the high priest's robe and I thought of how Jesus is our high priest and how it was said of Him that the government would be upon His shoulders. We, too, are kings and priests unto God. Which means we have authority and we can intercede for ourselves and others. Also, there was so much detail that went into the building and furnishing of the temple and now we are His temple where He dwells. And all that law...and Jesus fulfilled all that law and fulfilled all the prophets prophecy's. He is the embodiment of the Word of God. ///I am thankful that Michael could be home part of this day and that Chace helped him move to Liberty and that he had a peaceful night there. I am thankful for the clarity that comes when righteous anger is expressed in a logical manner. I am thankful for a hot bath and a good book and a deep sleep.
Thurs.-Kept thinking of these words last night and this morning. Trust the LORD and do good. Don't get caught up in conflict. Trust in the LORD and do good. Don't choose sides against anyone. Trust in the LORD and do good. Don't defend yourself. Feed His sheep. Do what's right even if others have wronged you. Trust in the LORD and do good. Canned two batches of salsa and 6 pint of black beans. Watched 'The Little Princess' with Susan. ///I am thankful that God gives answers and direction and truth and light. I am thankful for the strength He pours into human spirits. I am thankful that He is interceding for His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Fri.-Nice long time to study and exercise. Made 6 quarts of salsa. Watched 'The Secret Garden' with Susan. Mickey and Oran came down to see the puppies. They frightened him with their loud aggressive barking. Got a second wind in the eve. and cleaned up the kitchen better than its been for awhile.///I am thankful for 'The Mitford Series'. I am thankful that Phil is home tonight. I am thankful for a hot bath, a good book, and an early bedtime. I am thankful for what I read in Leviticus today. When the sacrifice pleased God, His fire came out from His presence to consume the sacrifice. But when Aaron's sons offered profane fire, having gotten it from a source other than what was commanded, and also being intoxicated with strong drink, the fire came out and consumed them. I'm not thankful that they were consumed. I am thankful for the reminder to be holy and to fear a holy and awesome God.
Sat.-Had coffee and conversation with Michael about Liberty this morning. Cleaned the house. Susan mowed the lawn and a pathway to the river. Phil, Susan and I had a sweet time at the river with a dear friend and her mother. A White Dove showed up on our property to make the time even sweeter. Phil and Susan headed to the Abbey to get a load of windows/aluminum. I rested a bit and made peach scones, beef roasts, and homemade corn chips. In the eve., we went to New Life to see their Comedy Theatre. Every actor was good on their own and also as a group. Kelly Gibbs came home with us for the night. ///I am thankful for the way the Holy Spirit came down like a dove and rested on Jesus when He was baptized. I am thankful for fresh peach scones and a cup of tea in the middle of the afternoon. I am thankful that Sheriff is calming down. I am thankful for Dianna and for a peek into her life 20+ years from now.
Sun.-Let Kelly G. and Susan sleep in and got into the sanctuary a bit late. Got to hold little Isaac and he fell asleep for me which surprised his mama. She said they can never get him to sleep in church. She said that he's never taken to anyone like this and I told her that we have been flirting for quite some time and that we've only now gotten together. He was 'what the doctor ordered' since this day was a bag of mixed emotions for me. Some of our church family is moving on and if we weren't 'related' I'd feel even sadder but I have hopes of continued contact. PFrank preached a sermon about our flesh, soul, and spirit. Before Christ, we are ruled by our flesh. After Christ, our struggle is more with our souls-our minds, will and emotions. We must renew our minds through truth. His word is truth. But the great thing is, the actual mystery is this-when we ask the Spirit of God to come and reside in us, He does, and He makes us new creations in Him. Old things are passed away; all things are become new. And the life we now live in the flesh, we live by His faith. The faith, power, life, and presence of God is in us working to do that which pleases Him. (I didn't get to write notes down, but this is what I took away.) Susan stayed in town with the Gibb's and Cassidy and checked out human video. Phil picked her up at Calvary where Charity dropped her off. I read more of 'A New Song' by Jan Karon. I love her books about an Anglican priest. Phil was reading too. Michael headed out to Liberty. His first class starts tomorrow.///I am thankful that Susan got to spend time with her friends. I am thankful for a day of rest. I am thankful that I can see and that I can read. I am thankful for the deep and foundational word that was given this morning. I am thankful that I do not need to consider matters that are too complicated for me. I have calmed my soul, like Isaac was calm with me, and I am carried between the shoulders of God, resting on His chest, trusting Him to take care of His church and make it whole.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Testing
John 6:15-"Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone."
John 7:1-"After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We are tested in many ways.
Sometimes, we are tested by the criticism of man
and sometimes,
we are tested by the praises of men.
The "praises of man" test
is by far the hardest test.
When we see someone do something well
and go beyond the call of ordinary,
it is human nature to want to
make them 'king.'
We as a people long to gaze upward.
We long to rest our minds and let someone
else do our thinking.
"Tell me what to do.
Tell me how to think.
And I'll give you love and adoration.
I'll be loyal to you.
I won't sift through your words to find
truth or falsehood.
I won't risk your anger
by questioning your motives and methods.
Just be my 'king.'"
The pedestal of people's praises
perches on a perilous platform
of perfect performance.
We tend to want the praises that come
with a public image
but want to side step
the criticism
that accompanies public responsibility.
Jesus avoided the praises of man.
When they wanted to make Him king,
He went up into the mountains to be alone.
He avoided being crucified before His time as well.
He was not moved by the praises or criticism of man.
He was, however, moved with compassion.
And He laid His life down for all-
including those who wanted to take Him by force
and crown Him as earthly king
as well as those who wanted to crown Him with thorns.
If you are one they want to 'crown as king'
or if you are one they want to 'crucify,'
run to the hills!
Sleep on the dirt and use a rock for a pillow.
Taste the dew of the morning
and listen to the sounds of night.
Don't leave until you realize
how susceptible you are to both
the praises and the fear of man.
Don't leave until you see how much you miss
the ringing of your cell phone
and how empty you feel
when you are not responding to a crisis.
And then stay longer.
Stay until you want to hear only
the praises of God;
until man made stimuli seems
like a nuisance rather than a necessity;
until you forget your name.
And then stay longer,
and eat the fruit of the field,
catch the fish from the lake,
swim in the reflection of the moon,
become reacquainted with the dirt
from whence you were formed.
Until you can say of man's criticism,
"They were right about some things.
Lord, defend in me what you can
and cleanse me from what you cannot."
Until peace is your governor and no longer your god.
Until your wound brings you the cure.
Until your heart is broken
with the love and grace God
has poured out on "a sinner
such as I."
Until you know His call.
Until you know that you are not
that important and that it is not about you.
Until you know you are a king and priest
unto God.
Until you know that you are less than the least
and that you are only a servant
doing what your master has asked you to do.
Until you know He has called you His friend.
And then come back down the mountain.
Full of grace and love and truth.
Full of compassion for those who
praise and crucify you.
Full of God Himself,
ready to lay your life down
for His sheep.
John 7:1-"After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We are tested in many ways.
Sometimes, we are tested by the criticism of man
and sometimes,
we are tested by the praises of men.
The "praises of man" test
is by far the hardest test.
When we see someone do something well
and go beyond the call of ordinary,
it is human nature to want to
make them 'king.'
We as a people long to gaze upward.
We long to rest our minds and let someone
else do our thinking.
"Tell me what to do.
Tell me how to think.
And I'll give you love and adoration.
I'll be loyal to you.
I won't sift through your words to find
truth or falsehood.
I won't risk your anger
by questioning your motives and methods.
Just be my 'king.'"
The pedestal of people's praises
perches on a perilous platform
of perfect performance.
We tend to want the praises that come
with a public image
but want to side step
the criticism
that accompanies public responsibility.
Jesus avoided the praises of man.
When they wanted to make Him king,
He went up into the mountains to be alone.
He avoided being crucified before His time as well.
He was not moved by the praises or criticism of man.
He was, however, moved with compassion.
And He laid His life down for all-
including those who wanted to take Him by force
and crown Him as earthly king
as well as those who wanted to crown Him with thorns.
If you are one they want to 'crown as king'
or if you are one they want to 'crucify,'
run to the hills!
Sleep on the dirt and use a rock for a pillow.
Taste the dew of the morning
and listen to the sounds of night.
Don't leave until you realize
how susceptible you are to both
the praises and the fear of man.
Don't leave until you see how much you miss
the ringing of your cell phone
and how empty you feel
when you are not responding to a crisis.
And then stay longer.
Stay until you want to hear only
the praises of God;
until man made stimuli seems
like a nuisance rather than a necessity;
until you forget your name.
And then stay longer,
and eat the fruit of the field,
catch the fish from the lake,
swim in the reflection of the moon,
become reacquainted with the dirt
from whence you were formed.
Until you can say of man's criticism,
"They were right about some things.
Lord, defend in me what you can
and cleanse me from what you cannot."
Until peace is your governor and no longer your god.
Until your wound brings you the cure.
Until your heart is broken
with the love and grace God
has poured out on "a sinner
such as I."
Until you know His call.
Until you know that you are not
that important and that it is not about you.
Until you know you are a king and priest
unto God.
Until you know that you are less than the least
and that you are only a servant
doing what your master has asked you to do.
Until you know He has called you His friend.
And then come back down the mountain.
Full of grace and love and truth.
Full of compassion for those who
praise and crucify you.
Full of God Himself,
ready to lay your life down
for His sheep.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Erin's Blog
Dear Blogger Friends,
Please read Erin's blog-"There is no Random"-on my blog list.
She went on a trip to China.
Read about her departure and then read about her return.
It will be well worth your time.
Thank you, Erin, for opening up my eyes
to another world just 12 hours away.
Thank you, for helping me to be grateful
for this country where I can say His name
and speak His Word without fear of imprisonment.
Thank you for helping me love Him more.
Sincerely,
A~
Please read Erin's blog-"There is no Random"-on my blog list.
She went on a trip to China.
Read about her departure and then read about her return.
It will be well worth your time.
Thank you, Erin, for opening up my eyes
to another world just 12 hours away.
Thank you, for helping me to be grateful
for this country where I can say His name
and speak His Word without fear of imprisonment.
Thank you for helping me love Him more.
Sincerely,
A~
Hertzler Doings~Aug. 8-14, 2011
Mon.-Susan and I went to Chick Fillet at noon and met Michelle and the Banton's for lunch. The girls were sitting on Susan's and my laps. Adi snuggled in and I asked her if she was sad because she seemed to be sad. She nodded yes and then I asked her if she was sad because she was moving and she nodded again and tucked her head in closer like a little baby and I pretended she was. It was a rough good bye in the parking lot. Emma looked back at us from her vantage point in the van and said, "What are you doing?" Gil said, "We just need a moment." And Emma said, "Silly Friends" which made us all laugh through our tears. It helps to know that they are coming back for Christmas and I've heard some talk about flying up in Oct. We ran some errands and later we made homemade pizza's for supper. ///I am thankful that Lindsay gave Susan her gold amethyst ring that she's had since she was 15. She also gave her the Bible that Gil had given her the first year they were married. She had looked for gifts for Susan that were full of meaning. Lindsay always felt like she and Susan were much alike. I am so thankful for Gil and Lindsay, Emma and Adi, and the blessings they have been to us. I am thankful that I've learned to know Michelle through them. And Erin, too.
Tues.-Went to Dr. F. with Susan. Had eaten a salad from a bag before we went and by the time we got home, I was really sick in my stomach. I guess I cannot eat any salad that I don't make fresh myself. It must be the sprays. It takes a good 24 hours until I feel better. Susan and I made plans for the school year and realized we had to drop the homeschool co-op. With the on-line program, she'll need to be on the computer nearly 5 hours a day, plus she wants to play sports, and be involved with some other things. We are waiting to get our high speed internet set up. Apparently there is some sort of strike going on.///I am thankful for Susan and for who she is and the way she thinks. I am thankful for the phone call I received this morning from someone who knew it was a rough day for me. I am thankful that the Banton's got their truck packed up and are safely on their way to Conn. I am thankful for all the friends they have and for all the love they received in tangible ways on their last day in Farmville.
Wed.-Busy day plus two meetings in Farmville in the eve. Drove by the empty Banton house and called Lindsay. They are camping. ///I am thankful that God is always working to keep me balanced and objective. I am thankful for friends I can be brain dead with. That is not a good sentence but it's as good as it gets right now. I am thankful that I got to see Carleen and Amber at Walmart. Had been thinking about them alot. I am thankful for the purifying fire. Not really, but I am thankful for the results that are just around the corner.
Thurs.-I don't know what I did today. Just a numb blur of a day.///I am thankful for a day to not have to go anywhere or do much of anything even though there is much I could be doing. I am thankful that God has my back. I am thankful that it is not about me.
Fri.-Storm woke Phil up around 1 this morning and he and Philip went to the abbey to close some things up and then slept there and ate at McD's. for breakfast. I couldn't go back to sleep for an hour or two and then his alarm woke me up at 5. Had a great morning studying, exercising, cleaning up outside and the old house, doing wash, canning pinto beans, making pizza crusts, creating a bed on the floor for Serena, Abby, and Micah. Susan mowed for four hours over at Happy Valley and did some chores around here before I took her to Holliday Lake for Jeremy's birthday party. Michael drove tractor for Rich to sow some seed and then later went to a party at Calvary and then had some time with the guys. Philip spent the eve. with him. Phil went to pick up Susan at Holliday Lake and then took her to the outdoor theatre in Farmville for Kelli's birthday hang-out. They watched 'True Grit' with the family. Phil was so exhausted. He tried to sleep in the car while he waited for her. Abby, Serena, and Micah were here by the time I got back from Holliday Lake. Michael had made them popcorn and they were watching 3 Stooges with Phil. I had them make their own little pizzas. I had baked the dough earlier. We ate pizza and had rootbeer and orange soda vanilla ice cream floats while we watched 'Ice Age 2' and 'Cats and Dog.' I read to them a little bit before I went to bed. ("Fox in Sox" and "The Biggest Bear.")I didn't notice if they stayed up late or not because I fell asleep.
Sat.-I heard the kids waking up around 7 so we got up and made sausage and buckwheat pancakes-regular, blueberry, and chocolate chip. They watched 'Scrat' and more Stooges I think and then we packed up and went down to the river from 10:30-12:30. The sky was gray, as it has been, from smoke from a fire in a swamp some 150 miles away. It's been burning since Aug. 4 and has burned 6,000 acres so far. It kept thundering as they played in the water and while we roasted hot dogs and s'mores. They made a clay slide down the bank and their behinds looked like an otters belly after a day of playing along the river bank. Finally the thunder began in earnest and we doused out the fire and jumped into the gator. The 5 dogs were our enemies, as they were on the way down, and we fired our guns at them, for we were in the jungle, and the tigers were trying to eat us. The dogs were invigorated by our shouting and 'POW! POW! POWS!' and they strode innocently ahead of us, completely ignorant of their identities and internal injuries. (In the beginning of our adventure, they turned from tigers to alligators when they got into the river, and we avoided that segment of the water for awhile.) We unloaded the gator in the rain and I insisted they take showers and pack their things before one last movie-'The Ant Bullies'. Then we loaded the car around 2:30 and I took the girls home first and they said how they wished they could stay longer and one even suggested we do this every 6 days. I think she may have wanted to escape Sat. chores. Micah took my hand when we got to his house and he showed me his skink. The drowning meal worms-skink food- have threatened to curb Janelle's creative processing since they are back in her office, but the increase in the number of post-a-notes on the wall proved to me that she is still plugging away at her book and before you know it, she'll be a published author again. I came home and cleaned up the kitchen, did some wash, and washed the floors. Alli and Freeman stopped by and we received a beautiful anniversary gift that they had made together. They gave us a double hanging plaque painted by Alli's skillful hand and it says, "HERTZLER HOME" on the top and "EST. Aug. 14, '82" on the bottom. They also got us a digital rain gauge which Phil has been wanting for awhile. Chace has been here today and the boys made a big pot of Philip's famous chili over the fire outside. They fished and floated on the pond in the late afternoon and spent some time with the other guys in the eve. They are holding on to life as they know it before Mike starts college next week.///I am thankful for my neighbor, Mickey, and the material she gave me tonight. I am thankful for the belated idea I got for an anniversary gift for Freeman and Alli. I am thankful that 29 years ago, I was not at all worried about getting married the next day. I am thankful for nieces and nephews and especially Serena, Abby, and Micah. I wouldn't mind waking up to their happy chatter and pillow fighting on a more consistent basis. I am thankful for Phil's enjoyment of local Appomattox politics. I am thankful that the storm system that came in today changed the direction of the wind, and now the smoke will blow out to sea.
Sun.-Second Sunday in a row that we didn't race off to S.S. in the morning. It's kind of nice for a change. It's interesting; if I don't get to really have a deep conversation with several people, I don't feel like I had church. For me, it's the relationships I have with people that make me feel part of Christ's body. We are being fit together to build His body just as the stones were laid on top of each other to build the temple. Sharp tools are used to chisel off the rough edges so we can fit together better. This is generally a painful experience. Pastor Frank preached from Romans-the grace of God. We have received an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. Therefore, we will reign in life through Christ Jesus. He has gone to the cross for our sins and gifted us with righteousness. Sin no longer rules our lives. I need to hear this again and again. It is when we abide in Him that we'll bring forth fruit. The fruit does not show itself in our style of worship or how many people are in the pews. The fruit shows itself in the love and kindness in or lives toward one another. It will look like love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, patience, and faith in attitude and action. It is from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks. If our words are bitter, our hearts are bitter. If our words are sweet, our hearts are sweet. Our words reveal our character and our spirit. We can sow words of discord or words of unity. The body of Christ will reap what we sow. A root of bitterness defiles many. There are ways to speak truth without destroying people in the process. If we do not need grace, then we don't need to extend it to others. But if we are not perfect, then we too, need grace. Grace is to be received as a gift from God. And grace is to be given. Those who are not gracious need our grace the most. John says it this way, "Of His fullness, we have all received, and grace for grace." We need grace to receive grace, and we need grace to give it. Grace is one of my favorite words. Grace is the meaning of my name and I have always been overwhelmed by His grace and I have always longed to gracious.
Judy came back into church after the service. She said she was the whole way to her car when Sammy Jo insisted on coming back in to see me. I got to hold her for awhile.
Phil and I went to the Babcock House to celebrate our 29th anniversary and then we came back home and took naps and watched a movie and made popcorn and ate ice cream. DDF called today and offered me the key to their house while they are on vacation in case I want time away. Philip spent some time working on his food plot on his property across the road. Michael went over to have some time with Meredith, his cousin, before college starts next week. It was good to have Erin here and we made the beginnings of connections with our relatives in England to make some contacts for Erin for her year of study there. This may be the last time we see her for awhile. She pulled gifts from China out of her woven Chinese bag and gave them to us as we chatted around the table. She gave us silk balls hung on ribbon with beautiful colors and designs. One for each of us. She gave us a painting that says, "Jesus is Lord" in another language. She said, "Summer buddies," to Susan and Philip as she presented them drawings of their names in Chinese. Earlier she had given us exotic foods such as pickled duck tongues and the same kind of coconut candy that Johnny would bring home to us. And she gave us her smile and after we had gathered around her and prayed, she gave me her strong hug and said, "See you later," and so gave me a way out of overwhelming sadness amidst my tears.///I am thankful for the grace of God and that He longs to be gracious towards us. I am thankful for DDF's encouragement about my writing. I am thankful for Phil, who never criticizes me or makes me feel bad about anything. I am thankful for his steadfast love and his blind eyes that see beauty and grace whenever he looks at me. I am thankful for his keen mind, objective wisdom, and energizing optimism. I am thankful that we got married in a sweet simple ceremony 29 years ago. I am thankful for the four wonderful children who are the fruits of our love. And I am thankful for Alli, too.
Tues.-Went to Dr. F. with Susan. Had eaten a salad from a bag before we went and by the time we got home, I was really sick in my stomach. I guess I cannot eat any salad that I don't make fresh myself. It must be the sprays. It takes a good 24 hours until I feel better. Susan and I made plans for the school year and realized we had to drop the homeschool co-op. With the on-line program, she'll need to be on the computer nearly 5 hours a day, plus she wants to play sports, and be involved with some other things. We are waiting to get our high speed internet set up. Apparently there is some sort of strike going on.///I am thankful for Susan and for who she is and the way she thinks. I am thankful for the phone call I received this morning from someone who knew it was a rough day for me. I am thankful that the Banton's got their truck packed up and are safely on their way to Conn. I am thankful for all the friends they have and for all the love they received in tangible ways on their last day in Farmville.
Wed.-Busy day plus two meetings in Farmville in the eve. Drove by the empty Banton house and called Lindsay. They are camping. ///I am thankful that God is always working to keep me balanced and objective. I am thankful for friends I can be brain dead with. That is not a good sentence but it's as good as it gets right now. I am thankful that I got to see Carleen and Amber at Walmart. Had been thinking about them alot. I am thankful for the purifying fire. Not really, but I am thankful for the results that are just around the corner.
Thurs.-I don't know what I did today. Just a numb blur of a day.///I am thankful for a day to not have to go anywhere or do much of anything even though there is much I could be doing. I am thankful that God has my back. I am thankful that it is not about me.
Fri.-Storm woke Phil up around 1 this morning and he and Philip went to the abbey to close some things up and then slept there and ate at McD's. for breakfast. I couldn't go back to sleep for an hour or two and then his alarm woke me up at 5. Had a great morning studying, exercising, cleaning up outside and the old house, doing wash, canning pinto beans, making pizza crusts, creating a bed on the floor for Serena, Abby, and Micah. Susan mowed for four hours over at Happy Valley and did some chores around here before I took her to Holliday Lake for Jeremy's birthday party. Michael drove tractor for Rich to sow some seed and then later went to a party at Calvary and then had some time with the guys. Philip spent the eve. with him. Phil went to pick up Susan at Holliday Lake and then took her to the outdoor theatre in Farmville for Kelli's birthday hang-out. They watched 'True Grit' with the family. Phil was so exhausted. He tried to sleep in the car while he waited for her. Abby, Serena, and Micah were here by the time I got back from Holliday Lake. Michael had made them popcorn and they were watching 3 Stooges with Phil. I had them make their own little pizzas. I had baked the dough earlier. We ate pizza and had rootbeer and orange soda vanilla ice cream floats while we watched 'Ice Age 2' and 'Cats and Dog.' I read to them a little bit before I went to bed. ("Fox in Sox" and "The Biggest Bear.")I didn't notice if they stayed up late or not because I fell asleep.
Sat.-I heard the kids waking up around 7 so we got up and made sausage and buckwheat pancakes-regular, blueberry, and chocolate chip. They watched 'Scrat' and more Stooges I think and then we packed up and went down to the river from 10:30-12:30. The sky was gray, as it has been, from smoke from a fire in a swamp some 150 miles away. It's been burning since Aug. 4 and has burned 6,000 acres so far. It kept thundering as they played in the water and while we roasted hot dogs and s'mores. They made a clay slide down the bank and their behinds looked like an otters belly after a day of playing along the river bank. Finally the thunder began in earnest and we doused out the fire and jumped into the gator. The 5 dogs were our enemies, as they were on the way down, and we fired our guns at them, for we were in the jungle, and the tigers were trying to eat us. The dogs were invigorated by our shouting and 'POW! POW! POWS!' and they strode innocently ahead of us, completely ignorant of their identities and internal injuries. (In the beginning of our adventure, they turned from tigers to alligators when they got into the river, and we avoided that segment of the water for awhile.) We unloaded the gator in the rain and I insisted they take showers and pack their things before one last movie-'The Ant Bullies'. Then we loaded the car around 2:30 and I took the girls home first and they said how they wished they could stay longer and one even suggested we do this every 6 days. I think she may have wanted to escape Sat. chores. Micah took my hand when we got to his house and he showed me his skink. The drowning meal worms-skink food- have threatened to curb Janelle's creative processing since they are back in her office, but the increase in the number of post-a-notes on the wall proved to me that she is still plugging away at her book and before you know it, she'll be a published author again. I came home and cleaned up the kitchen, did some wash, and washed the floors. Alli and Freeman stopped by and we received a beautiful anniversary gift that they had made together. They gave us a double hanging plaque painted by Alli's skillful hand and it says, "HERTZLER HOME" on the top and "EST. Aug. 14, '82" on the bottom. They also got us a digital rain gauge which Phil has been wanting for awhile. Chace has been here today and the boys made a big pot of Philip's famous chili over the fire outside. They fished and floated on the pond in the late afternoon and spent some time with the other guys in the eve. They are holding on to life as they know it before Mike starts college next week.///I am thankful for my neighbor, Mickey, and the material she gave me tonight. I am thankful for the belated idea I got for an anniversary gift for Freeman and Alli. I am thankful that 29 years ago, I was not at all worried about getting married the next day. I am thankful for nieces and nephews and especially Serena, Abby, and Micah. I wouldn't mind waking up to their happy chatter and pillow fighting on a more consistent basis. I am thankful for Phil's enjoyment of local Appomattox politics. I am thankful that the storm system that came in today changed the direction of the wind, and now the smoke will blow out to sea.
Sun.-Second Sunday in a row that we didn't race off to S.S. in the morning. It's kind of nice for a change. It's interesting; if I don't get to really have a deep conversation with several people, I don't feel like I had church. For me, it's the relationships I have with people that make me feel part of Christ's body. We are being fit together to build His body just as the stones were laid on top of each other to build the temple. Sharp tools are used to chisel off the rough edges so we can fit together better. This is generally a painful experience. Pastor Frank preached from Romans-the grace of God. We have received an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. Therefore, we will reign in life through Christ Jesus. He has gone to the cross for our sins and gifted us with righteousness. Sin no longer rules our lives. I need to hear this again and again. It is when we abide in Him that we'll bring forth fruit. The fruit does not show itself in our style of worship or how many people are in the pews. The fruit shows itself in the love and kindness in or lives toward one another. It will look like love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, patience, and faith in attitude and action. It is from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks. If our words are bitter, our hearts are bitter. If our words are sweet, our hearts are sweet. Our words reveal our character and our spirit. We can sow words of discord or words of unity. The body of Christ will reap what we sow. A root of bitterness defiles many. There are ways to speak truth without destroying people in the process. If we do not need grace, then we don't need to extend it to others. But if we are not perfect, then we too, need grace. Grace is to be received as a gift from God. And grace is to be given. Those who are not gracious need our grace the most. John says it this way, "Of His fullness, we have all received, and grace for grace." We need grace to receive grace, and we need grace to give it. Grace is one of my favorite words. Grace is the meaning of my name and I have always been overwhelmed by His grace and I have always longed to gracious.
Judy came back into church after the service. She said she was the whole way to her car when Sammy Jo insisted on coming back in to see me. I got to hold her for awhile.
Phil and I went to the Babcock House to celebrate our 29th anniversary and then we came back home and took naps and watched a movie and made popcorn and ate ice cream. DDF called today and offered me the key to their house while they are on vacation in case I want time away. Philip spent some time working on his food plot on his property across the road. Michael went over to have some time with Meredith, his cousin, before college starts next week. It was good to have Erin here and we made the beginnings of connections with our relatives in England to make some contacts for Erin for her year of study there. This may be the last time we see her for awhile. She pulled gifts from China out of her woven Chinese bag and gave them to us as we chatted around the table. She gave us silk balls hung on ribbon with beautiful colors and designs. One for each of us. She gave us a painting that says, "Jesus is Lord" in another language. She said, "Summer buddies," to Susan and Philip as she presented them drawings of their names in Chinese. Earlier she had given us exotic foods such as pickled duck tongues and the same kind of coconut candy that Johnny would bring home to us. And she gave us her smile and after we had gathered around her and prayed, she gave me her strong hug and said, "See you later," and so gave me a way out of overwhelming sadness amidst my tears.///I am thankful for the grace of God and that He longs to be gracious towards us. I am thankful for DDF's encouragement about my writing. I am thankful for Phil, who never criticizes me or makes me feel bad about anything. I am thankful for his steadfast love and his blind eyes that see beauty and grace whenever he looks at me. I am thankful for his keen mind, objective wisdom, and energizing optimism. I am thankful that we got married in a sweet simple ceremony 29 years ago. I am thankful for the four wonderful children who are the fruits of our love. And I am thankful for Alli, too.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Never Give Up
Perseverance
Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.
(Prov. 4:26,27)
He who endures to the end
shall be saved.
(Mark 13:13b)
But none of these things move me;
nor do I count my life dear to myself,
so that I may finish my race with joy,
and the ministry which I received
from the Lord Jesus,
to testify to the gospel
of the grace of God.
(Acts 20:24)
And let us not grow weary while doing good,
for in due season we shall reap
if we do not lose heart.
(Gal. 6:9)
Therefore take up the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to withstand
in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand...
...praying always with all prayer
and supplication in the Spirit,
being watchful to this end
with all perseverance
and supplication for all the saints-
(Eph.6:13,18)
Because you have kept My command
to persevere, I also will keep you
from the hour of trial
which shall come upon the whole world,
to test those who dwell on the earth.
Behold, I am coming quickly!
Hold fast what you have,
that no one may take your crown.
(Rev. 3:10,11)
(Due to blogger wanting to add large spaces between my lines at this point,
I will continue later. These verses can be printed out and mounted to another
sheet of paper and inserted into a plastic sleeve, or they can be printed out, cut apart,
and mounted onto 4x6 index cards.)
Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.
(Prov. 4:26,27)
He who endures to the end
shall be saved.
(Mark 13:13b)
But none of these things move me;
nor do I count my life dear to myself,
so that I may finish my race with joy,
and the ministry which I received
from the Lord Jesus,
to testify to the gospel
of the grace of God.
(Acts 20:24)
And let us not grow weary while doing good,
for in due season we shall reap
if we do not lose heart.
(Gal. 6:9)
Therefore take up the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to withstand
in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand...
...praying always with all prayer
and supplication in the Spirit,
being watchful to this end
with all perseverance
and supplication for all the saints-
(Eph.6:13,18)
Because you have kept My command
to persevere, I also will keep you
from the hour of trial
which shall come upon the whole world,
to test those who dwell on the earth.
Behold, I am coming quickly!
Hold fast what you have,
that no one may take your crown.
(Rev. 3:10,11)
(Due to blogger wanting to add large spaces between my lines at this point,
I will continue later. These verses can be printed out and mounted to another
sheet of paper and inserted into a plastic sleeve, or they can be printed out, cut apart,
and mounted onto 4x6 index cards.)
Perseverance
I've been thinking about that verse that ends with the words, "This calls for the patient endurance of the saints." I can't seem to find it but I am sure it is in the Bible somewhere.
Jesus persevered.
He endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him.
He didn't regard the shame that went with the cross.
He thought about what was ahead.
I believe that it was the thought of having us with Him in His Father's presence
that was the very joy that kept Him going.
Hebrews 11 gives quite a list of those who persevered in the midst of trials.
Some of those who persevered, received the things they hoped for.
Others died without receiving the promise,
but they persevered anyway.
I checked with my friend Webster, today.
He said that perseverance means to continue doing something in spite of difficulty or opposition;
refusing to give up; endure; remain constant; persist.
Everywhere I look, in every avenue of our lives,
the quality of persistence and perseverance
is being tested.
I looked up many verses on perseverance and steadfastness.
I will write them by themselves in my next blog.
Then we can print them out and read them and absorb them.
Hopefully,
they will help us all persevere in the areas of our lives that are being tested.
So, my dear friends,
persevere during this rough patch in your marriage.
Read books about marriage.
Humble yourself.
Endure.
Those marriages you admire
have been through tough times
and have come out the other side.
Do your part to live peaceably.
Do your part to build.
Be kind.
Persevere during this time of awkwardness
in your church life.
Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.
Speak a word of encouragement to him who is weary
even though you yourself are tired.
Persevere during this time of lack.
Use what you have.
Be content with such things as you have,
for He has promised never to leave you or forsake you.
Jesus says, "To Him who overcomes, I will give..."
Don't give up swimming because it's too foggy to
see where you are.
The shore is only a few feet away.
Persevere.
Be steadfast.
Stand firm.
You're almost home.
Jesus persevered.
He endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him.
He didn't regard the shame that went with the cross.
He thought about what was ahead.
I believe that it was the thought of having us with Him in His Father's presence
that was the very joy that kept Him going.
Hebrews 11 gives quite a list of those who persevered in the midst of trials.
Some of those who persevered, received the things they hoped for.
Others died without receiving the promise,
but they persevered anyway.
I checked with my friend Webster, today.
He said that perseverance means to continue doing something in spite of difficulty or opposition;
refusing to give up; endure; remain constant; persist.
Everywhere I look, in every avenue of our lives,
the quality of persistence and perseverance
is being tested.
I looked up many verses on perseverance and steadfastness.
I will write them by themselves in my next blog.
Then we can print them out and read them and absorb them.
Hopefully,
they will help us all persevere in the areas of our lives that are being tested.
So, my dear friends,
persevere during this rough patch in your marriage.
Read books about marriage.
Humble yourself.
Endure.
Those marriages you admire
have been through tough times
and have come out the other side.
Do your part to live peaceably.
Do your part to build.
Be kind.
Persevere during this time of awkwardness
in your church life.
Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.
Speak a word of encouragement to him who is weary
even though you yourself are tired.
Persevere during this time of lack.
Use what you have.
Be content with such things as you have,
for He has promised never to leave you or forsake you.
Jesus says, "To Him who overcomes, I will give..."
Don't give up swimming because it's too foggy to
see where you are.
The shore is only a few feet away.
Persevere.
Be steadfast.
Stand firm.
You're almost home.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Hertzler Doings~Aug.1-7, 2011
Mon.-Got lots of paper work and phone calls done today. Washed 3 loads. Made bruschetta for supper. Why are Monday's so tough? ///I am thankful for Susan's notes from girl's camp on forgiveness. "Forgiveness is God's grace coming in and destroying what the enemy is doing." I am thankful for how much fun Susan and Philip have together. I am thankful that Michael will be home this weekend and soon we'll see him every weekend. I am thankful for the verses that someone shared with me-Ps. 71:20,21-and that I had just sent those same verses in a card to a friend today.
Tues.-Janelle and Micah picked me up around 10:30 and we went to the free movie at the theatre in Farmville-'Hop'-about an Easter Bunny, etc. Then we went to the Bank, P.O., and Banton's to pick up a wax return and directions to the dentist. We grabbed a quick lunch at Burger King and Janelle entrusted my drugged body to the dentist and went off to a nearby book store for an hour and a half. My front tooth no longer looks like its an implant and he also did some other dental work. Then we returned Lindsay's big block of wax to Hobby Lobby and shopped at Whole Foods and Trader Joes. Janelle and I ate the whole little container of chocolate covered sunflower seeds on the way home. Got back home around 8:30. Put things away and hit the sack. ///I am thankful for the snowy and gray egrets floating beautifully in the air above our swamp. I am thankful for the wild life in our area, including a bear and her cubs who are moving in on Philip's corn planted over at O'Briens. I am thankful for the good feeling I get when a little boy accompanies me around a grocery store.
Wed.-Took Susan to doctor today. Running tests on various things. Concerned about thyroid. Went to Women's Ministry meeting and discussed upcoming events. Talked with a friend all evening and left inspired and hopeful.///I am thankful for the prayers of friends. I am thankful that conflict doesn't mean that there is a lack of love. I am thankful that God is our Provision.
Thurs.-Cleaning house. Washing clothes. Susan baking peanutbutter cheese cake for Michael's homecoming. She is not as tired and is able to breathe better. Puppies got ahold of Red, our rooster, and several hens and they are no more. Now puppies can only be free one at a time. Otherwise, they adopt a pack mentality. It is a relief not to have to watch my back every time I go out. Red even had attacked Susan on the front porch. Thinking about what it means to love not only in word but in deed. How do people know that we love them? Do we love only those who agree with us and don't cause waves? Make us people who lead others with knowledge and understanding. Make us people after Your own heart. You do not push people away. You restore and reconcile. Oh, help us love as you love. Susan hit her little toe hard on the door jam and I had to cry with her and then I couldn't stop. Cried about other things while I was at it. Wept for the wounded women in my world. Went out to Farmville in the eve. and picked up the children's book that our neighborhood book club is reading first. Went with Lindsay and the girls to Michelles to watch 'Steel Magnolia's'. Laughed and cried. It was fun to pick out who each of us were in the movie and we also assigned other friends to the other actors. It was a bittersweet night. My last movie night with Linds.///I am thankful for the chance to have a weepy day. I am thankful for a soft sofa and snuggly little darlings trying to get comfortable next to me. I am thankful that 'steel magnolias' is a good description of the company I keep. I am thankful that the words my father spoke to me over 30 years ago came back to me tonight. "You have nerves of steel."
Fri.-Micah came over nice and early to spend the day with me. I read him some Jan Brett books. We took a gator ride and saw the snowy and gray egrets and checked out the fire at Happy Valley. Philip was tending it and came back to get Susan to operate the lever of the petty bone so he could retrieve the tree trunks and branches from the pond. Drs. office called and Susan's blood work is normal but they will make an appt. with an ENT if she continues to have a lump in her throat. She is definitely feeling better after that breathing treatment and Claritin and the natural things she's taking. I am relieved and thankful for the prayers of the women on Wed. night. Micah watched The Three Stooges while I worked on the computer. We watched 'Blank Check' later in the day. He had to cry a little when it was time to leave. Made me sad and glad. Today I had a front row seat to a miracle. A Tsunami of grace if you will. If I wasn't already a Christian, I would believe because of what I saw and heard today. But it's not my story to tell. So I just keep crying and thanking Him over and over. Banton's came over in the eve. for their 'Last Supper.' Fed them chicken/salsa/apricot over rice plus salad and creme cheese/choc.chip/cupcakes. Took Lindsay over to Happy Valley on the gator to show her the progress. She was filming our lane as we went in and out and I sang 'Country Roads' loudly and off-key as we drove back in while she giggled away. Alli drew and painted pictures with the girls and I showed Adi how to paint wet coffee filters. Gil and Freeman tried to set up our high speed Internet. Freeman also laid on the floor while the little girls attacked him and he said, "I can't wait to be an Uncle. I'll get the kids all riled up and then give them back to their parents." It was a lovely eve. They brought Lyzza to us to take care of as long as she lives. (She seems to have revived actually. Maybe she likes 3 adolescent German shepherds barking threateningly at her.)
Lindsay told me later that she cried the whole way home. I've been a mess for days. Wondering how Sunday will go for all of us.///I am thankful for Alli's happy laughter as she watched Freeman be a wild man on the floor with the little scared girls. I am thankful that Phil is cheerful even though he has a miserable cold. I am thankful for my mother in law's new hair do and that she called us first before we saw it on facebook although Susan forgot to tell me that she called.
Sat.-Nice morning of study and exercise. Then I cooked up all the veggies in the fridge into a Chinese Stir fry with rice and made baked potato salad for tomorrow night. Vacuumed and washed the floors. Susan mowed the lawn and did other chores. We watched 'Italian Job' later in the afternoon. Michael came home around 6. Susan pulled out the peanut butter chocolate chip cheese cake she had made him. She could get rich from making these. Oh Mylanta! Michael gave Philip alot of knives in thanks for his generosity in sharing his car with him and the good deal he gave him when they decided Michael could buy it. Phil is out working in the fields. Earlier today, he went to play bass for 'Second Time Around' at a fire companies fund raiser in Vera. Alli and Freeman came over this morning and Alli sewed a bag holder out of a rectangle of material. It's brown with pink flowers and she did a great job. Lindsay gave me her serger via Philip today. He got their large screen TV and sofa and he put it over in the mancave. ///I am thankful for the status Susan put on facebook about how much she liked waking up to hearing her dad softly playing the blues on the guitar. I am thankful for the rumbling thunder and the promise of a storm. I am thankful that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.
Sun.-The sermon was on grace. The church said good-bye to the Banton's today. Took up a love offering for them and introduced Michelle as their Chi Alpha replacement. Erin is back from China. It was great to see her. Philip, Michael, and their friends, and Susan and Erin went to a Mexican Restaurant in town. Phil and I came home and ate Chinese leftovers. Susan and Erin soon came back and spent the day. In the eve., Pearl and Kevin Beiler, Johnny and Lily Stoltzfus, and David Burkholder, stopped in on their way back to Pa. They had been to a family reunion in Georgia. I showed them around our property before dark and then they joined Tom's and Janelle and all of the children in the house for supper. The kids went over to the old house to play a board game. Serena and Abbi and Micah played Uno at the kitchen table. We women sat there too while the men dominated the living room. It was a great time with dear old friends. David B. described me as his other daughter. I lived next to them in Red Lake in 1976-77. Pearl and I were pregnant with each of our children together. It was with our first born that we started a Mother taught pre-school at Hopewell. Eight women were a part of that start-up group. It continued until last year. Pearl and I talked about what we took for granted in those days. Besides the preschool, there were the young mom retreats where everyone took 2 year turns on being on the planning committee, Women Proclaiming Christ-the one Monday night a month testimony nights where one woman from the church shared her story, the mother taught SS class in the nursery held there for nursing mothers and their other little ones. It was for a season in our lives and we are thankful for what used to be and recognize this new season in our lives. It was great to catch up with her and she wants to plan a get together with some others when I come up. They stayed after 10:30 and headed towards Appomattox, wanting to travel a bit towards their way home.///I am thankful that Alli and Freeman had their first anniversary today and that they shared some of their time with us this evening. I am thankful for the kind of friends where you can pick up where you left off. I am thankful that everyone loved our farm and thought it was so beautiful. Even the clouds were showing off our landscape before dark.
Tues.-Janelle and Micah picked me up around 10:30 and we went to the free movie at the theatre in Farmville-'Hop'-about an Easter Bunny, etc. Then we went to the Bank, P.O., and Banton's to pick up a wax return and directions to the dentist. We grabbed a quick lunch at Burger King and Janelle entrusted my drugged body to the dentist and went off to a nearby book store for an hour and a half. My front tooth no longer looks like its an implant and he also did some other dental work. Then we returned Lindsay's big block of wax to Hobby Lobby and shopped at Whole Foods and Trader Joes. Janelle and I ate the whole little container of chocolate covered sunflower seeds on the way home. Got back home around 8:30. Put things away and hit the sack. ///I am thankful for the snowy and gray egrets floating beautifully in the air above our swamp. I am thankful for the wild life in our area, including a bear and her cubs who are moving in on Philip's corn planted over at O'Briens. I am thankful for the good feeling I get when a little boy accompanies me around a grocery store.
Wed.-Took Susan to doctor today. Running tests on various things. Concerned about thyroid. Went to Women's Ministry meeting and discussed upcoming events. Talked with a friend all evening and left inspired and hopeful.///I am thankful for the prayers of friends. I am thankful that conflict doesn't mean that there is a lack of love. I am thankful that God is our Provision.
Thurs.-Cleaning house. Washing clothes. Susan baking peanutbutter cheese cake for Michael's homecoming. She is not as tired and is able to breathe better. Puppies got ahold of Red, our rooster, and several hens and they are no more. Now puppies can only be free one at a time. Otherwise, they adopt a pack mentality. It is a relief not to have to watch my back every time I go out. Red even had attacked Susan on the front porch. Thinking about what it means to love not only in word but in deed. How do people know that we love them? Do we love only those who agree with us and don't cause waves? Make us people who lead others with knowledge and understanding. Make us people after Your own heart. You do not push people away. You restore and reconcile. Oh, help us love as you love. Susan hit her little toe hard on the door jam and I had to cry with her and then I couldn't stop. Cried about other things while I was at it. Wept for the wounded women in my world. Went out to Farmville in the eve. and picked up the children's book that our neighborhood book club is reading first. Went with Lindsay and the girls to Michelles to watch 'Steel Magnolia's'. Laughed and cried. It was fun to pick out who each of us were in the movie and we also assigned other friends to the other actors. It was a bittersweet night. My last movie night with Linds.///I am thankful for the chance to have a weepy day. I am thankful for a soft sofa and snuggly little darlings trying to get comfortable next to me. I am thankful that 'steel magnolias' is a good description of the company I keep. I am thankful that the words my father spoke to me over 30 years ago came back to me tonight. "You have nerves of steel."
Fri.-Micah came over nice and early to spend the day with me. I read him some Jan Brett books. We took a gator ride and saw the snowy and gray egrets and checked out the fire at Happy Valley. Philip was tending it and came back to get Susan to operate the lever of the petty bone so he could retrieve the tree trunks and branches from the pond. Drs. office called and Susan's blood work is normal but they will make an appt. with an ENT if she continues to have a lump in her throat. She is definitely feeling better after that breathing treatment and Claritin and the natural things she's taking. I am relieved and thankful for the prayers of the women on Wed. night. Micah watched The Three Stooges while I worked on the computer. We watched 'Blank Check' later in the day. He had to cry a little when it was time to leave. Made me sad and glad. Today I had a front row seat to a miracle. A Tsunami of grace if you will. If I wasn't already a Christian, I would believe because of what I saw and heard today. But it's not my story to tell. So I just keep crying and thanking Him over and over. Banton's came over in the eve. for their 'Last Supper.' Fed them chicken/salsa/apricot over rice plus salad and creme cheese/choc.chip/cupcakes. Took Lindsay over to Happy Valley on the gator to show her the progress. She was filming our lane as we went in and out and I sang 'Country Roads' loudly and off-key as we drove back in while she giggled away. Alli drew and painted pictures with the girls and I showed Adi how to paint wet coffee filters. Gil and Freeman tried to set up our high speed Internet. Freeman also laid on the floor while the little girls attacked him and he said, "I can't wait to be an Uncle. I'll get the kids all riled up and then give them back to their parents." It was a lovely eve. They brought Lyzza to us to take care of as long as she lives. (She seems to have revived actually. Maybe she likes 3 adolescent German shepherds barking threateningly at her.)
Lindsay told me later that she cried the whole way home. I've been a mess for days. Wondering how Sunday will go for all of us.///I am thankful for Alli's happy laughter as she watched Freeman be a wild man on the floor with the little scared girls. I am thankful that Phil is cheerful even though he has a miserable cold. I am thankful for my mother in law's new hair do and that she called us first before we saw it on facebook although Susan forgot to tell me that she called.
Sat.-Nice morning of study and exercise. Then I cooked up all the veggies in the fridge into a Chinese Stir fry with rice and made baked potato salad for tomorrow night. Vacuumed and washed the floors. Susan mowed the lawn and did other chores. We watched 'Italian Job' later in the afternoon. Michael came home around 6. Susan pulled out the peanut butter chocolate chip cheese cake she had made him. She could get rich from making these. Oh Mylanta! Michael gave Philip alot of knives in thanks for his generosity in sharing his car with him and the good deal he gave him when they decided Michael could buy it. Phil is out working in the fields. Earlier today, he went to play bass for 'Second Time Around' at a fire companies fund raiser in Vera. Alli and Freeman came over this morning and Alli sewed a bag holder out of a rectangle of material. It's brown with pink flowers and she did a great job. Lindsay gave me her serger via Philip today. He got their large screen TV and sofa and he put it over in the mancave. ///I am thankful for the status Susan put on facebook about how much she liked waking up to hearing her dad softly playing the blues on the guitar. I am thankful for the rumbling thunder and the promise of a storm. I am thankful that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.
Sun.-The sermon was on grace. The church said good-bye to the Banton's today. Took up a love offering for them and introduced Michelle as their Chi Alpha replacement. Erin is back from China. It was great to see her. Philip, Michael, and their friends, and Susan and Erin went to a Mexican Restaurant in town. Phil and I came home and ate Chinese leftovers. Susan and Erin soon came back and spent the day. In the eve., Pearl and Kevin Beiler, Johnny and Lily Stoltzfus, and David Burkholder, stopped in on their way back to Pa. They had been to a family reunion in Georgia. I showed them around our property before dark and then they joined Tom's and Janelle and all of the children in the house for supper. The kids went over to the old house to play a board game. Serena and Abbi and Micah played Uno at the kitchen table. We women sat there too while the men dominated the living room. It was a great time with dear old friends. David B. described me as his other daughter. I lived next to them in Red Lake in 1976-77. Pearl and I were pregnant with each of our children together. It was with our first born that we started a Mother taught pre-school at Hopewell. Eight women were a part of that start-up group. It continued until last year. Pearl and I talked about what we took for granted in those days. Besides the preschool, there were the young mom retreats where everyone took 2 year turns on being on the planning committee, Women Proclaiming Christ-the one Monday night a month testimony nights where one woman from the church shared her story, the mother taught SS class in the nursery held there for nursing mothers and their other little ones. It was for a season in our lives and we are thankful for what used to be and recognize this new season in our lives. It was great to catch up with her and she wants to plan a get together with some others when I come up. They stayed after 10:30 and headed towards Appomattox, wanting to travel a bit towards their way home.///I am thankful that Alli and Freeman had their first anniversary today and that they shared some of their time with us this evening. I am thankful for the kind of friends where you can pick up where you left off. I am thankful that everyone loved our farm and thought it was so beautiful. Even the clouds were showing off our landscape before dark.
Perspective
Revelation 1:15-18~
"...and in the midst of the seven lampstands,
I saw One like the Son of Man,
clothed with a garment down to the feet
and girded about the chest with a golden band.
His head and hair were white like wool,
as white as snow,
and His eyes like a flame of fire;
His feet were like fine brass,
as if refined in a furnace,
and His voice as the sound
of many waters;
He had in His right hand seven stars,
out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword,
and His countenance was like the sun
shining in its strength.
And when I saw Him,
I fell at His feet as dead.
But He laid His right hand
on me saying to me,
"Do not be afraid;
I am the First and the Last.
I am He who lives,
and was dead,
and I have the keys of Hades
and of death..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And do not fear those who kill the body but
cannot kill the soul.
But rather fear Him
who is able to destroy both
soul and body in hell.~Jesus
(Matt.10:28)
The LORD is my light and
my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
(Ps. 27:1)
Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
(Ps. 56:3)
...Do not be afraid of their threats,
nor be troubled.
The LORD of hosts,
Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear,
And let Him be your dread.
(Isaiah 8:12b,13)
"...and in the midst of the seven lampstands,
I saw One like the Son of Man,
clothed with a garment down to the feet
and girded about the chest with a golden band.
His head and hair were white like wool,
as white as snow,
and His eyes like a flame of fire;
His feet were like fine brass,
as if refined in a furnace,
and His voice as the sound
of many waters;
He had in His right hand seven stars,
out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword,
and His countenance was like the sun
shining in its strength.
And when I saw Him,
I fell at His feet as dead.
But He laid His right hand
on me saying to me,
"Do not be afraid;
I am the First and the Last.
I am He who lives,
and was dead,
and I have the keys of Hades
and of death..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And do not fear those who kill the body but
cannot kill the soul.
But rather fear Him
who is able to destroy both
soul and body in hell.~Jesus
(Matt.10:28)
The LORD is my light and
my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
(Ps. 27:1)
Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
(Ps. 56:3)
...Do not be afraid of their threats,
nor be troubled.
The LORD of hosts,
Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear,
And let Him be your dread.
(Isaiah 8:12b,13)
Oh for the love of John!
I have found myself pulled down by the heaviness in the book of Jude having read and reread it and written and rewritten words about it in the previous blog. But before I get caught up in Revelation, I want to quote some of my favorite love verses from the first little book of John nestled in the Bible between Peter's and Jude's exhortations. These are good crockpot words. Put them in your spirit and let them simmer for awhile. Print them out and hang them on the doorposts of your wall so they can keep watch over the doorposts of your spirit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Love
Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 Jn. 2:5,6)
He who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. (1 Jn.2:10)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 Jn.2:15)
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 Jn.3:1-3)
In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. (1 Jn. 3:10, 14)
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 Jn. 3:16)
And this is His commandment; that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. (1 Jn.3:24)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 Jn. 4:7,8)
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Love has been perfected among us in this; that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (1 Jn. 4:16-21)
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. (1 Jn. 5:2)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Love
Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 Jn. 2:5,6)
He who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. (1 Jn.2:10)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 Jn.2:15)
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 Jn.3:1-3)
In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. (1 Jn. 3:10, 14)
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 Jn. 3:16)
And this is His commandment; that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. (1 Jn.3:24)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 Jn. 4:7,8)
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Love has been perfected among us in this; that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (1 Jn. 4:16-21)
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. (1 Jn. 5:2)
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