Current knitted bag project
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
It's been a busy couple of weeks. I've been trying to get some of the baby sweaters done. Of course, after having all the pieces done of one, and thinking that I was going to start putting it together, I realized that the back was totally wrong and had to pull it all out and redo it. Now I can put it all together.
My dad has been visiting for the past week. It's been wonderful to get to spend some time with him.
It's heartwrenching to watch the coverage of the devastation that Hurricane Katrina has left in it's wake. It's truly beyond comprehension. May God use this immense tragedy to draw people to Himself.
One more holiday weekend and then deep into schoolwork we go. I'm glad for the return to routine.
We have several Homespun Family events scheduled for fall. (I'd love to get my shawl done, but I'm not sure that it's a possibility!). We'll be demonstrating for a large group of 8th graders in late September-third year in a row, followed that weekend by demonstrations at Pioneer Days. In mid-October, we are part of an art fair. I'm concentrating on beaded bags for that one and some tatted pieces. So, I'd better get to my bookwork so that I can get busy on my other projects!
My dad has been visiting for the past week. It's been wonderful to get to spend some time with him.
It's heartwrenching to watch the coverage of the devastation that Hurricane Katrina has left in it's wake. It's truly beyond comprehension. May God use this immense tragedy to draw people to Himself.
One more holiday weekend and then deep into schoolwork we go. I'm glad for the return to routine.
We have several Homespun Family events scheduled for fall. (I'd love to get my shawl done, but I'm not sure that it's a possibility!). We'll be demonstrating for a large group of 8th graders in late September-third year in a row, followed that weekend by demonstrations at Pioneer Days. In mid-October, we are part of an art fair. I'm concentrating on beaded bags for that one and some tatted pieces. So, I'd better get to my bookwork so that I can get busy on my other projects!
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
We're back from vacation! We had a whirlwind week of traveling South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado followed by a looooong trip across Kansas on the way home. We had a wonderful time spending time with my dad and sister in Denver. When I get a bit more energy, I'll post some photos and write about the good time we had.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Spirituality and Religion has been shut down at Knitter's Review. So much for freedom of speech or freedom of religion. It seems that everyone has a right to speak their mind, including hatred, blasphemy, and general rudeness, except the Christians. Well, I take that back. If you are a liberal, pro-abortion, gay-rights, Jesus loves everyone and you don't have to do anything kind of Christian, you are welcome to speak your mind. If you tell someone the Word of God, you'd better duck! In the entire time that I have visited that website, never have I read a Christian saying the horrible things that they are accused of, but I have read some of the most horrific things I've ever read on that site.
It's unfortunate that these people are so blinded! They are filled with hypocrisy and do exactly what they accuse others of doing, but, of course, they are justified. How sad! May God rescue them!
It's unfortunate that these people are so blinded! They are filled with hypocrisy and do exactly what they accuse others of doing, but, of course, they are justified. How sad! May God rescue them!
Monday, July 18, 2005
Sunday, July 17, 2005
It's been a busy weekend!
We spent Friday at an antique tractor show with our "Homespun Family". It was so hot! We couldn't spin or knit, the wool and yarn wouldn't slide through our fingers.
On Saturday, we went to our county fair where my 17-year-old daughter had three knitting projects judged for 4-H, and I judged the open class needlework entries. Open class didn't have many entries and the quality was down. This was the third year that I've judged and I'm taking a break next year.
Darling daughter faired very well!! Three blue ribbons and two of those projects are going to the State Fair. She was thrilled! Her poncho and her felted purse are going to the state level. She received Grand Champion purple rosettes for those projects as well. Ah, someone following in her moms footsteps!
We returned to the antique tractor show today, husband in tow. He has a very late load time tonight, so he was able to join us. We rarely get much time together on Sundays, usually just church and a meal, so it was nice to have him alone.
My hand is feeling better. I didn't knit for a day, wore a carpal tunnel glove and then knit on my shawl with bigger needles than my baby sweaters. That helped tremendously. When I started knitting again I wore a thermaglove and that helped too. I also got a new mouse with a track ball and a wrist rest for the mouse-it hurt like crazy to try to use the regular mouse. I'm more watchful for the symptoms now.
115.2 vs 24.4 is just the dial-up speed with which I can get on the internet! (Hey Lottie, so good to hear from you!!! E-mail me! I think of you often!)
Well, I'm going to relax a bit.
We spent Friday at an antique tractor show with our "Homespun Family". It was so hot! We couldn't spin or knit, the wool and yarn wouldn't slide through our fingers.
On Saturday, we went to our county fair where my 17-year-old daughter had three knitting projects judged for 4-H, and I judged the open class needlework entries. Open class didn't have many entries and the quality was down. This was the third year that I've judged and I'm taking a break next year.
Darling daughter faired very well!! Three blue ribbons and two of those projects are going to the State Fair. She was thrilled! Her poncho and her felted purse are going to the state level. She received Grand Champion purple rosettes for those projects as well. Ah, someone following in her moms footsteps!
We returned to the antique tractor show today, husband in tow. He has a very late load time tonight, so he was able to join us. We rarely get much time together on Sundays, usually just church and a meal, so it was nice to have him alone.
My hand is feeling better. I didn't knit for a day, wore a carpal tunnel glove and then knit on my shawl with bigger needles than my baby sweaters. That helped tremendously. When I started knitting again I wore a thermaglove and that helped too. I also got a new mouse with a track ball and a wrist rest for the mouse-it hurt like crazy to try to use the regular mouse. I'm more watchful for the symptoms now.
115.2 vs 24.4 is just the dial-up speed with which I can get on the internet! (Hey Lottie, so good to hear from you!!! E-mail me! I think of you often!)
Well, I'm going to relax a bit.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
So, I'm at a friend's house and she get 115.2 compared to my average 24.4, so I'm blogging!
It seems the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome is rearing it's ugly head! A combination of humidity, tiny needles and cotton yarn. So, no knitting for a few days! We have a Homespun Family event, but I guess I'll just have to talk about knitting.
Our visit with Baby A and her parents was really nice yesterday. She's doing so well and is just adorable.
It seems the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome is rearing it's ugly head! A combination of humidity, tiny needles and cotton yarn. So, no knitting for a few days! We have a Homespun Family event, but I guess I'll just have to talk about knitting.
Our visit with Baby A and her parents was really nice yesterday. She's doing so well and is just adorable.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Please pray for our dear friend, Steve. He was diagnosed with lung cancer today. There are many wonderful "God"incidences in this story, like how another accident had to happen in order to discover this early. Please pray for his healing, the family's strength and peace, and all the other things that come along with cancer.
Baby A is home! Praise God! We're hoping to go see her soon and I'll post a picture.
Must be knitting!
Baby A is home! Praise God! We're hoping to go see her soon and I'll post a picture.
Must be knitting!
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Another...
Another terrorist attack! I'm praying for the victims and their families.
Gen. 9:6 (NIV) "Whoever sheds the blood of man,by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.
Matt. 5:17 through Matt. 5:20 (NIV) "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Prosecution in court is not what the terrorists need, and it certainly will put no fear into the hearts of upcoming terrorists. God's judgment is what is needed. Jesus came to fulfill the Law, and in God's Law, He calls for the blood of those who have taken blood. They have forsaken their lives.
How sad! May they seek the mercy of the one True God! Jesus Christ!
Gen. 9:6 (NIV) "Whoever sheds the blood of man,by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.
Matt. 5:17 through Matt. 5:20 (NIV) "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Prosecution in court is not what the terrorists need, and it certainly will put no fear into the hearts of upcoming terrorists. God's judgment is what is needed. Jesus came to fulfill the Law, and in God's Law, He calls for the blood of those who have taken blood. They have forsaken their lives.
How sad! May they seek the mercy of the one True God! Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Baby A didn't get to come home on Tuesday, looking at Friday now. She's 4 lb, 4 oz and getting chubby cheeks! Spent the afternoon learning how to can beef. It's much simpler than I had anticipated. I've got plenty that needs to be dealt with before our next beef goes to the butcher. I'm hoping to get some chicken canned, as well, and that will help with food preparation for the coming winter.
Hubby got called away on another overnight load tonight, so I'm on my own. I'm hoping to get some knitting done and maybe do some scrapbooking. Or, I could go run the errands that I didn't get run. We'll see!
Monday, July 04, 2005
I'm inspired! I've been doing a little searching today and discovered so many Christian, Mom, Homeschooling blogs! I'm feeling like I can take this blog on a little more regularly and I'm not going to mince words anymore!
We're waiting to see if Baby A gets to come home tomorrow. It's been a long time coming! God is so faithful.
I've almost completed reading "Created to Be His Helpmeet". It is an awesome book. Very challenging. Coming from someone who has read A LOT of "how-to be a good Christian wife" books, this is by far the best. It is more practical, more straight-forward, and more challenging than any before. In Titus 2:3-5, the bible says:
(NIV) 3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Debi Pearl really explains what it means to malign (blaspheme) the Word of God. Our home life is changing moment by moment and my marriage (which was already wonderful) is getting better because I am working at giving up my selfish desires and "needs". I would recommend this book to any wife or woman wanting to be a wife.
We're waiting to see if Baby A gets to come home tomorrow. It's been a long time coming! God is so faithful.
I've almost completed reading "Created to Be His Helpmeet". It is an awesome book. Very challenging. Coming from someone who has read A LOT of "how-to be a good Christian wife" books, this is by far the best. It is more practical, more straight-forward, and more challenging than any before. In Titus 2:3-5, the bible says:
(NIV) 3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Debi Pearl really explains what it means to malign (blaspheme) the Word of God. Our home life is changing moment by moment and my marriage (which was already wonderful) is getting better because I am working at giving up my selfish desires and "needs". I would recommend this book to any wife or woman wanting to be a wife.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Baby A could be coming home next Tuesday!! That will be one month before her actual due date! She's been growing so quickly and doing so well. Starting Sunday, she'll have to have all her feedings from the bottle, not feeding tube, and then she'll get to come home on Tuesday. God is so good!
Isn't she beautiful!!
I'm feeling pretty settled in many ways these days. I've been reading an awesome book by Debi Pearl called, Created to be His Helpmeet. It's changing me, it's changing my marriage, my husband is more content. It's challenging, but, oh so good! I've been working through another book that is making a difference. Pastor Jim has started preaching on contentment. It's all blending together and making a wonderful difference.
I've been playing with politics a little. It's a dangerous place for me to go, especially on KR, but I'm finding it easier to just shake my head, say a prayer, and go back to my family and tasks at hand. People are sealing their future, may God open their hardened hearts and reveal His Son to them.
Knitting is coming along. I've got things planned out and I'm trying to keep up! By January, 2006, we'll be up to 21 new babies. Thankfully, I'm only knitting for about 17 or 18 of them. I love it, though, it's a wonderful way to remember to pray for these little ones! God is preparing His army!
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Monday, June 13, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
Baby A is here! She arrived very early on Saturday morning. Mommy was 30 weeks along, so she is pretty tiny-2 lb., 9 oz.. She is 15" long. She's beautiful! She's healthy and strong and only needs help with her breathing.
She puts the total up to 11 babies so far this year with 9 more to go!! Just found out last week about a couple of others. I haven't been knitting as much as I would like, to many trips in the car (me driving!). In the last 2 weeks, we've been to 4 graduation receptions, 2 birthday parties, 1 family reunion, 1 graduation ceremony, and the hospital about 6 times. We've been watching M&M about once a week, too. I just haven't had time to get much knitting done.
On top of all that, we bought a new semi-tractor and had to deal with all the "stuff" that goes with that. It's a pretty truck (I'll post a photo). I think we'll really enjoy it. My seat is alot nicer that our previous truck-air ride, arm rests! Of course, with our schedule, I don't know how much I'll get to go.
She puts the total up to 11 babies so far this year with 9 more to go!! Just found out last week about a couple of others. I haven't been knitting as much as I would like, to many trips in the car (me driving!). In the last 2 weeks, we've been to 4 graduation receptions, 2 birthday parties, 1 family reunion, 1 graduation ceremony, and the hospital about 6 times. We've been watching M&M about once a week, too. I just haven't had time to get much knitting done.
On top of all that, we bought a new semi-tractor and had to deal with all the "stuff" that goes with that. It's a pretty truck (I'll post a photo). I think we'll really enjoy it. My seat is alot nicer that our previous truck-air ride, arm rests! Of course, with our schedule, I don't know how much I'll get to go.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Haven't felt much like blogging lately. Really don't have much to say. I've been listening a bit more lately.
I've gotten quite a bit of baby knitting done. It's necessary as they keep coming! Baby A is still safely tucked in mommy and we've made it past the 28 week mark. I'm hoping to make a bigger sweater!
I've been reading quite a bit lately, too! Finished the third Yada Yada prayer group book, finished the latest Beverly Lewis book, "The Revelation", and I just started "A Good Yarn".
We've had a lot of things going on. Lots of relationship issues, health concerns, etc., it's made me rather reflective about what the Lord is teaching us.
I've really been working hard at just getting away from those things that upset me, life is to hard to dwell on all of that. I'm fixing my eyes on Jesus!
I've gotten quite a bit of baby knitting done. It's necessary as they keep coming! Baby A is still safely tucked in mommy and we've made it past the 28 week mark. I'm hoping to make a bigger sweater!
I've been reading quite a bit lately, too! Finished the third Yada Yada prayer group book, finished the latest Beverly Lewis book, "The Revelation", and I just started "A Good Yarn".
We've had a lot of things going on. Lots of relationship issues, health concerns, etc., it's made me rather reflective about what the Lord is teaching us.
I've really been working hard at just getting away from those things that upset me, life is to hard to dwell on all of that. I'm fixing my eyes on Jesus!
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
I should be in bed, I stayed up this late last night and it didn't bode well for me this morning, but I'm not feeling to bad, so here I am.
It seems like it's just been a crazy past four weeks. Two new babies, baby calves, beautiful spring weather, followed by cool and wet! The past 5 days have been rather stressful.
First, a little girl at our monthly skating party had to go to the hospital after a nasty fall (Praise God, she's okay). Next, found out the largest employer in a town might not be here much longer. Then, get home and my dear friend's husband calls, he needs a special prayer request-there 19-month-old had just fallen from the top of the basement stairs to the cement floor below and he was following the ambulence to the hospital. In the meantime, another friend was experiencing contractions and she's only 25 weeks along. She is currently in the hospital on strict bedrest. They are praying for another 3 weeks in mommy, that would make baby's chances much better.
Wow! No wonder I'm exhausted!
I've been knitting, too! I'm working on J.J's sweater, the Dale Ladybug sweater. It's coming along pretty nicely. I'm still trying to decide whether I'm going to adapt the pattern so that I don't have to steek or just go for it! I'm going to work on some preemie hats for the newest one, that way the baby will have something cute to wear while stuck in the hospital.
I'm trying to avoid those things that get me worked up. I'm tired of evil being called good, and good being called evil. I'm amazed at the horrible things I've read in recent days about Christians and their "motives". I've got news for them, we aren't going to take over the world-God's already got that under control. I'm finding myself praying for the lost way more often, they have no idea what lies ahead.
It seems like it's just been a crazy past four weeks. Two new babies, baby calves, beautiful spring weather, followed by cool and wet! The past 5 days have been rather stressful.
First, a little girl at our monthly skating party had to go to the hospital after a nasty fall (Praise God, she's okay). Next, found out the largest employer in a town might not be here much longer. Then, get home and my dear friend's husband calls, he needs a special prayer request-there 19-month-old had just fallen from the top of the basement stairs to the cement floor below and he was following the ambulence to the hospital. In the meantime, another friend was experiencing contractions and she's only 25 weeks along. She is currently in the hospital on strict bedrest. They are praying for another 3 weeks in mommy, that would make baby's chances much better.
Wow! No wonder I'm exhausted!
I've been knitting, too! I'm working on J.J's sweater, the Dale Ladybug sweater. It's coming along pretty nicely. I'm still trying to decide whether I'm going to adapt the pattern so that I don't have to steek or just go for it! I'm going to work on some preemie hats for the newest one, that way the baby will have something cute to wear while stuck in the hospital.
I'm trying to avoid those things that get me worked up. I'm tired of evil being called good, and good being called evil. I'm amazed at the horrible things I've read in recent days about Christians and their "motives". I've got news for them, we aren't going to take over the world-God's already got that under control. I'm finding myself praying for the lost way more often, they have no idea what lies ahead.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Monday, April 11, 2005
I finally have a few moments to sit and blog. I've been busy trying to get several projects done, as well as fitting in a seminar at church, dd's wisdom teeth getting pulled, babysitting, etc., etc., etc..
I also started Weight Watchers, which I'm enjoying and really feel like I've hit the nail on the head. I need boundaries and this provides that. I'm down 4 lbs in 2 weeks and that feels pretty good.
I'm still working on a recent sermom of my pastor's. It's very good and quite to the point. It will be long, but it will be worth it!
I also started Weight Watchers, which I'm enjoying and really feel like I've hit the nail on the head. I need boundaries and this provides that. I'm down 4 lbs in 2 weeks and that feels pretty good.
I'm still working on a recent sermom of my pastor's. It's very good and quite to the point. It will be long, but it will be worth it!
Friday, April 08, 2005
Monday, April 04, 2005
Monday, March 28, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Friday, March 25, 2005
Okay.........
Okay, I publish the blog and my post from last night was there! Sometimes cyberspace is so weird!
Trying again
I tried last night to post, but it was not meant to be.
I am so saddened by the Terri Schiavo situation. How far this country has strayed from our founding tenats-"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". 3 things that the Federal government are to protect, one of the few places they truly are supposed to be based on our Constitution and judges have claimed jurisdiction and set forth the ability to legally murder those who don't suit our ideals.
Food and hydration, basic needs. We don't deny convicted mass murderers food and water, but we can put this woman through that, as well as putting her family through the hell they are going through.
I'm tired of the argument that her parents can't possibly know her well enough to know what she'd want. Her husband would be the only one. Since when do we not talk with our mothers after we leave our home. My husband knows me better than anyone, I'll agree with that, but my mother knows almost as much, especially about my feelings about life and death. We've dealt with death all our lives, my grandmother, my step-father, my grandfather.
My step-father was paralyzed from the chest down, was still receiving nourishment, but died of cardiac arrest. They attempted to revive him for 45 minutes. It was not meant to be. The same will be true for Terri Schiavo, when it's her time, food and water will not keep her from dying.
The "sanctity of marriage" argument is not holding water with me. He turned his back on the sanctity of his marriage when he stepped outside his marriage vows. I don't care who suggested it or how "frustrated" he was, he made vows to Terri and God to forsake all others until death parted them. He promised to love her in sickness and health, for better or worse. Just like a murderer forsakes his own life when he chooses to take the life of another, so should we recognize that he forsook this marriage when he turned to another woman (and some accounts hold that there have been more than one).
I am comforted by the fact that this situation has been foretold.
2 Tim. 3:1 through 2 Tim. 3:5 (NIV) 1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
But...
2 Chr. 7:14 (NIV) 14if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
This week has been filled with ups and downs for me. Life is difficult, it can be very sad. It's tiring to hear all the negative all the time. It's exhausting to be vilified constantly for your beliefs, but expected to be tolerant of immorality and paganism. It's so wonderful to know that the only thing that as ever truly changed your life is a relationship with Jesus Christ, and yet so sad, people don't want to hear it, don't want to believe it. They don't want to admit their need, pride rules. I know, I've been there, but I can honestly say that I am a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come. I have light in my life, I have hope.
On Wednesday, I went to Sandy's funeral. She explicitly stated that she did not want the funeral to be about her, but about Jesus. That is what her life was about. It was truly a celebration of Jesus. He was exalted. I pray that many recognized the truth and put their faith in Him.
On a joyful note, by step-sister had her baby boy this week! He's beautiful. Today, another little one will enter this world, mommy is in labor right now. We are so excited for Levi to make his entrance. God is good!!
That said, I need to be knitting!!
I am so saddened by the Terri Schiavo situation. How far this country has strayed from our founding tenats-"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". 3 things that the Federal government are to protect, one of the few places they truly are supposed to be based on our Constitution and judges have claimed jurisdiction and set forth the ability to legally murder those who don't suit our ideals.
Food and hydration, basic needs. We don't deny convicted mass murderers food and water, but we can put this woman through that, as well as putting her family through the hell they are going through.
I'm tired of the argument that her parents can't possibly know her well enough to know what she'd want. Her husband would be the only one. Since when do we not talk with our mothers after we leave our home. My husband knows me better than anyone, I'll agree with that, but my mother knows almost as much, especially about my feelings about life and death. We've dealt with death all our lives, my grandmother, my step-father, my grandfather.
My step-father was paralyzed from the chest down, was still receiving nourishment, but died of cardiac arrest. They attempted to revive him for 45 minutes. It was not meant to be. The same will be true for Terri Schiavo, when it's her time, food and water will not keep her from dying.
The "sanctity of marriage" argument is not holding water with me. He turned his back on the sanctity of his marriage when he stepped outside his marriage vows. I don't care who suggested it or how "frustrated" he was, he made vows to Terri and God to forsake all others until death parted them. He promised to love her in sickness and health, for better or worse. Just like a murderer forsakes his own life when he chooses to take the life of another, so should we recognize that he forsook this marriage when he turned to another woman (and some accounts hold that there have been more than one).
I am comforted by the fact that this situation has been foretold.
2 Tim. 3:1 through 2 Tim. 3:5 (NIV) 1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
But...
2 Chr. 7:14 (NIV) 14if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
This week has been filled with ups and downs for me. Life is difficult, it can be very sad. It's tiring to hear all the negative all the time. It's exhausting to be vilified constantly for your beliefs, but expected to be tolerant of immorality and paganism. It's so wonderful to know that the only thing that as ever truly changed your life is a relationship with Jesus Christ, and yet so sad, people don't want to hear it, don't want to believe it. They don't want to admit their need, pride rules. I know, I've been there, but I can honestly say that I am a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come. I have light in my life, I have hope.
On Wednesday, I went to Sandy's funeral. She explicitly stated that she did not want the funeral to be about her, but about Jesus. That is what her life was about. It was truly a celebration of Jesus. He was exalted. I pray that many recognized the truth and put their faith in Him.
On a joyful note, by step-sister had her baby boy this week! He's beautiful. Today, another little one will enter this world, mommy is in labor right now. We are so excited for Levi to make his entrance. God is good!!
That said, I need to be knitting!!
Thursday, March 24, 2005
So sad...
I am so saddened by the Terri Schiavo situation. I'm struck by the verocity of the people who want her to die. That it is about her dignity, her wishes. If it was her wish, why was the feeding tube ever inserted in the first place?
The left is using words like "right to die", "sanctity of marriage", "small government". But, there are so off base, it's depressing. This is about life. This is about the possibility of rehabilitation. This is about love.
I'm surprised at the support for her husband. He may very well have her interests at heart, but most of his actions don't support that. To claim that he couldn't possibly have self-control and remain monogamous is ridiculous, men have done it many times before. I think it's this culture of sex that we live in. Everything in this life is not about sex. There are so many more important things. Honesty, integrity, faithfulness.
The more this plays out in forums and on talk shows, the more frightened I become for those who are in these situations.
I pray that those who seek to play god will repent and turn to the one true Almighty God. He will not be mocked and He will not tarry forever.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (AMP) "If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."
Lord, raise up believers to stand up for you, for the weak, the infirm, the downtrodden. May we pray, seek, crave, and require Your face. In Jesus' name, AMEN
The left is using words like "right to die", "sanctity of marriage", "small government". But, there are so off base, it's depressing. This is about life. This is about the possibility of rehabilitation. This is about love.
I'm surprised at the support for her husband. He may very well have her interests at heart, but most of his actions don't support that. To claim that he couldn't possibly have self-control and remain monogamous is ridiculous, men have done it many times before. I think it's this culture of sex that we live in. Everything in this life is not about sex. There are so many more important things. Honesty, integrity, faithfulness.
The more this plays out in forums and on talk shows, the more frightened I become for those who are in these situations.
I pray that those who seek to play god will repent and turn to the one true Almighty God. He will not be mocked and He will not tarry forever.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (AMP) "If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."
Lord, raise up believers to stand up for you, for the weak, the infirm, the downtrodden. May we pray, seek, crave, and require Your face. In Jesus' name, AMEN
Sunday, March 20, 2005
I'm struggling
I'm struggling today. My friend, Sandy, went home to be with the Lord this morning. I'm not struggling with that, per se, I'm happy she's home, she's out of pain, she's more fully alive than ever before.
I'm struggling with people taking each other for granted. I'm struggling with rudeness, with cruelty, with meanness. I'm struggling with life being short and people hurting each other. There is room for debate and disagreement, but there is not room for belittling, for tearing down, for emotional abuse. You can disagree without disrespect. You can teach and share without making someone feel like dirt. It isn't worth it. Life is short, it's precious, it's filled with blessing. Let's be grateful. Let's count our blessings.
To quote Sandy, "God is good all the time, all the time, God is good."
I'm struggling with people taking each other for granted. I'm struggling with rudeness, with cruelty, with meanness. I'm struggling with life being short and people hurting each other. There is room for debate and disagreement, but there is not room for belittling, for tearing down, for emotional abuse. You can disagree without disrespect. You can teach and share without making someone feel like dirt. It isn't worth it. Life is short, it's precious, it's filled with blessing. Let's be grateful. Let's count our blessings.
To quote Sandy, "God is good all the time, all the time, God is good."
Friday, March 18, 2005
I'm still around!!
I'm still around and I'm working on transcribing last weeks sermon to post-it was very good and very educational!!
I've also been pondering abortion, the Schiavo case, and moral relativism-so look out, when I get it all together, it could be interesting!!
Knitting--well, I've been working on baby items!!
I've also been pondering abortion, the Schiavo case, and moral relativism-so look out, when I get it all together, it could be interesting!!
Knitting--well, I've been working on baby items!!
Friday, March 11, 2005
The Holy Bible, New International Version
Psa. 33:1 through Psa. 33:22 (NIV)
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea into jars£;
he puts the deep into storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth—
he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.
No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.
Psa. 33:1 through Psa. 33:22 (NIV)
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea into jars£;
he puts the deep into storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth—
he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.
No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
WorldNetDaily: It's the parenting, stupid
WorldNetDaily: It's the parenting, stupid
This discusses the problems some Christian parents are having.
This discusses the problems some Christian parents are having.
Okay, a couple of things that I want to address from KR. First, proselytizing. I’m surprised that someone got that from the post that it was referring to. The original post was just an inspirational paragraph about looking to Jesus for hope and strength, but someone chose to perceive it otherwise. So, they have to bash and accuse and be intolerant in the name of tolerance (explain that!).
Then the whole idea of “judging” comes up again. “Don’t judge me”, “don’t tell me my beliefs are wrong” and above all else, “don’t tell me that I’m going to hell.”
Well, I have a few thoughts about all of it! If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you will be able to discern those who are not. It’s pretty simple. You can tell by their fruit. That being said, you were once in their shoes-unbelief. You have a responsibility to love them, show them Jesus in your life, and share the hope that you now have. Judging them based on their sins is foolishness, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Until you come to Christ, the only sin that matters is unbelief. You should warn those around you and you certainly shouldn’t lower God’s standards, you must speak up for righteousness, but man’s righteousness “is as filthy rags”. Without Christ, you cannot be truly righteous.
Now, if someone claims to be a Christian, we can judge.
1 Cor. 5:12 through 1 Cor. 5:13 (NIV) 12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”£
Strongs Hebrew and Greek Dictionary defines judge:
G2919
êñßÃù
krinoô
kree'-no
Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish:—avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
We have a responsibility to judge those who claim to be Christians, to hold them up to God’s standards of righteousness.
As for unbelievers and “sinners”, Jesus spent considerable amounts of time with them, eating with them, socializing with them. But, he didn’t mince words. He taught them about the Kingdom of God, how to enter the Kingdom of God, and that obedience is essential and he told them to “go and sin no more.” When he sent his disciples out to share with the people, he told them that if they would listen, share, otherwise, shake the dust off their feet and move on. We need to be open to sharing with those around us, but it’s important to move on if people are hostile to the gospel. Just a few feet down the road, God may have another heart prepared, someone who knows that the Lord is calling them, but doesn’t know what the next step should be.
Our society is in the shape it is in because people kept saying “live and let live”, “who am I to judge”, maybe I should say “the church” is in the shape it’s in because of these things. If the people in the churches were living like they were supposed to, different from the world, maybe Christianity would be more appealing to unbelievers. As it is right now, they just see a bunch of self-righteous people telling unbelievers how to live and letting the church live like the world. They see our divorce rates are just as high as the rest of society, our abortion rates are just as high, and our desires for our children have more to do with a good education and material success than having a relationship with Jesus Christ (this just came out in a recent survey).
Do we keep speaking up for morality? Of course. Do we speak up for truth? Absolutely! Do we correct misconceptions and distortions? Yes! All those things are important, but the most important thing is living it! Showing people Jesus 24/7. He is our example and He is the judge. He will judge those outside the church for their unbelief, their hardened hearts, I don’t have to. I just have to keep sharing, keep loving, keep going!
Today is my 41st birthday. It really is an odd number, but I’m liking my 40’s. I just want to say how thankful I am for the life the Lord has given me. I’m blessed to have a GREAT GOD and SAVIOR, a wonderful husband, wonderful children (who teach me so much), a fabulous, loving mom, an awesome dad, a great step-dad, amazing and awesome friends who encourage and build me up, a godly pastor who leaves no stone unturned, who has taught us the priceless value of God’s Word, of learning it and living it, a wonderful church family, the coolest doggie ever, wonderful internet friends, and so many more blessings that it would take forever to list them!
As my friend, Sandy, would say (even as she awaits her trip home to Heaven), “God is good all the time, all the time, God is good.”
Then the whole idea of “judging” comes up again. “Don’t judge me”, “don’t tell me my beliefs are wrong” and above all else, “don’t tell me that I’m going to hell.”
Well, I have a few thoughts about all of it! If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you will be able to discern those who are not. It’s pretty simple. You can tell by their fruit. That being said, you were once in their shoes-unbelief. You have a responsibility to love them, show them Jesus in your life, and share the hope that you now have. Judging them based on their sins is foolishness, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Until you come to Christ, the only sin that matters is unbelief. You should warn those around you and you certainly shouldn’t lower God’s standards, you must speak up for righteousness, but man’s righteousness “is as filthy rags”. Without Christ, you cannot be truly righteous.
Now, if someone claims to be a Christian, we can judge.
1 Cor. 5:12 through 1 Cor. 5:13 (NIV) 12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”£
Strongs Hebrew and Greek Dictionary defines judge:
G2919
êñßÃù
krinoô
kree'-no
Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish:—avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
We have a responsibility to judge those who claim to be Christians, to hold them up to God’s standards of righteousness.
As for unbelievers and “sinners”, Jesus spent considerable amounts of time with them, eating with them, socializing with them. But, he didn’t mince words. He taught them about the Kingdom of God, how to enter the Kingdom of God, and that obedience is essential and he told them to “go and sin no more.” When he sent his disciples out to share with the people, he told them that if they would listen, share, otherwise, shake the dust off their feet and move on. We need to be open to sharing with those around us, but it’s important to move on if people are hostile to the gospel. Just a few feet down the road, God may have another heart prepared, someone who knows that the Lord is calling them, but doesn’t know what the next step should be.
Our society is in the shape it is in because people kept saying “live and let live”, “who am I to judge”, maybe I should say “the church” is in the shape it’s in because of these things. If the people in the churches were living like they were supposed to, different from the world, maybe Christianity would be more appealing to unbelievers. As it is right now, they just see a bunch of self-righteous people telling unbelievers how to live and letting the church live like the world. They see our divorce rates are just as high as the rest of society, our abortion rates are just as high, and our desires for our children have more to do with a good education and material success than having a relationship with Jesus Christ (this just came out in a recent survey).
Do we keep speaking up for morality? Of course. Do we speak up for truth? Absolutely! Do we correct misconceptions and distortions? Yes! All those things are important, but the most important thing is living it! Showing people Jesus 24/7. He is our example and He is the judge. He will judge those outside the church for their unbelief, their hardened hearts, I don’t have to. I just have to keep sharing, keep loving, keep going!
Today is my 41st birthday. It really is an odd number, but I’m liking my 40’s. I just want to say how thankful I am for the life the Lord has given me. I’m blessed to have a GREAT GOD and SAVIOR, a wonderful husband, wonderful children (who teach me so much), a fabulous, loving mom, an awesome dad, a great step-dad, amazing and awesome friends who encourage and build me up, a godly pastor who leaves no stone unturned, who has taught us the priceless value of God’s Word, of learning it and living it, a wonderful church family, the coolest doggie ever, wonderful internet friends, and so many more blessings that it would take forever to list them!
As my friend, Sandy, would say (even as she awaits her trip home to Heaven), “God is good all the time, all the time, God is good.”
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Thanks for all the birthday wishes!! It's an odd one, 41. Not to exciting, but Mom and I had a good day. I got a makeover at the Lancome counter by the sweetest young woman. I got $150.00 worth of clothes (a beautiful skirt and 3 cotton sweaters) for $29.00. My favorite anti-bacterial soap was on sale at Bath and Body Works for 4 for $10.00. I got a new pair of leather, slip-on Nike tennis shoes for $32.00 (regularly $46.00). I was so excited!! I'm not a great bargain shopper, I never seem to hit it right, but I was thrilled with my great buys!!
Oh, those Asian beetles!!! My friend, JB, commented on them yesterday! They are unbelievable!! I started vacuuming them up on Tuesday evening and we haven't stopped! We use to shake them out outside, but I've decided to flush them and let the septic tank do it's thing! I've probably flushed 300-400 in the last few days. It's wild! The other night, around 3:00 am, I could feel something crawling on my inner thigh, inside my p.j.'s-sure enough, there was a beetle in my pants!! I can't take much more, it's like a bad horror movie.
I taught my first knitting lessons at the market this morning. It went well. I have more students next week and even more the following week. I'm excited. I love passing on the craft.
Well, I'd better get to work. I need to finish one baby sweater this afternoon and put a good dent in another. They are starting to come fast and furious!!
Oh, those Asian beetles!!! My friend, JB, commented on them yesterday! They are unbelievable!! I started vacuuming them up on Tuesday evening and we haven't stopped! We use to shake them out outside, but I've decided to flush them and let the septic tank do it's thing! I've probably flushed 300-400 in the last few days. It's wild! The other night, around 3:00 am, I could feel something crawling on my inner thigh, inside my p.j.'s-sure enough, there was a beetle in my pants!! I can't take much more, it's like a bad horror movie.
I taught my first knitting lessons at the market this morning. It went well. I have more students next week and even more the following week. I'm excited. I love passing on the craft.
Well, I'd better get to work. I need to finish one baby sweater this afternoon and put a good dent in another. They are starting to come fast and furious!!
Friday, March 04, 2005
Poor Hubby has been sick again this week. He's finally feeling a little better, but I think he had the flu. The coughing was horrible and the headache and neckache was awful. Of course, it rearranged our schedule for the whole week, but hopefully we're back on track.
I'm quite ready for some warmer weather. The house feels very stuffy and I'd like to get it aired out.
I started reading, The Last Disciple by Hank Hanegraff and I'm very disappointed. Until I started reading this book and doing some research, I had trusted his take on things. Now, I'm not so sure. The book takes a "preterist" view of Revelation and prophecy. They believe that the 1st century persecution by Nero was the tribulation period and the Nero was the beast. I find this very difficult to believe in light of Scripture. I believe that it was a shadow of the wrath to come, but I know that Scripture says that believers will NOT see the wrath of God and that there is a coming wrath. We will suffer persecution, but not wrath. There are just to many questions that have to remain unanswered if you take a preterist view. There are to many things that can't be explained. I found it to be discouraging and at the same time, it fulfills Scripture about scoffers and false teachers.
Once again, the conservative view is under attack on KR. It doesn't seem to matter what the conservative says, it is routinely blasted and discounted. In this case, I don't have anything to do with it. I've learned my lesson, it isn't worth my time, and it's become a foolish argument. No more casting pearls before swine, the dust is shook. I'll keep checking in and I hope to encourage those that are feeling bold, but it's really a private party that many there don't want crashed.
As I've been watching the world around me, news, websites, blogs, I'm often appalled at the level of selfishness. The whole "I, Me" thing. Everything is about bringing pleasure to oneself, fulfilling ones needs, doing what's right for "me" and to heck with the rest of the world. It's sad. There is so little joy, so much bitterness. Maybe, if people weren't so focused on themselves, they'd see things a little differently, be less expectant of government to rescue them.
Well, enough ranting. My mom is taking me out for lunch today for my upcoming 41st birthday. I'm looking forward to it.
I'm almost finished with one baby sweater and started a white Dale pattern last night, something special for JJ to wear when he is dedicated to the Lord.
I'm quite ready for some warmer weather. The house feels very stuffy and I'd like to get it aired out.
I started reading, The Last Disciple by Hank Hanegraff and I'm very disappointed. Until I started reading this book and doing some research, I had trusted his take on things. Now, I'm not so sure. The book takes a "preterist" view of Revelation and prophecy. They believe that the 1st century persecution by Nero was the tribulation period and the Nero was the beast. I find this very difficult to believe in light of Scripture. I believe that it was a shadow of the wrath to come, but I know that Scripture says that believers will NOT see the wrath of God and that there is a coming wrath. We will suffer persecution, but not wrath. There are just to many questions that have to remain unanswered if you take a preterist view. There are to many things that can't be explained. I found it to be discouraging and at the same time, it fulfills Scripture about scoffers and false teachers.
Once again, the conservative view is under attack on KR. It doesn't seem to matter what the conservative says, it is routinely blasted and discounted. In this case, I don't have anything to do with it. I've learned my lesson, it isn't worth my time, and it's become a foolish argument. No more casting pearls before swine, the dust is shook. I'll keep checking in and I hope to encourage those that are feeling bold, but it's really a private party that many there don't want crashed.
As I've been watching the world around me, news, websites, blogs, I'm often appalled at the level of selfishness. The whole "I, Me" thing. Everything is about bringing pleasure to oneself, fulfilling ones needs, doing what's right for "me" and to heck with the rest of the world. It's sad. There is so little joy, so much bitterness. Maybe, if people weren't so focused on themselves, they'd see things a little differently, be less expectant of government to rescue them.
Well, enough ranting. My mom is taking me out for lunch today for my upcoming 41st birthday. I'm looking forward to it.
I'm almost finished with one baby sweater and started a white Dale pattern last night, something special for JJ to wear when he is dedicated to the Lord.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Soooooo busy.......
I have been so busy since last Monday morning, I don't think I've knit more than 30-40 rows. I've got so much knitting to do, but it seems like there is so little time to do it. (oops, I forgot that I did get to finish the other front side of a baby cardigan on Saturday afternoon-since then, basically nothing!). I've got to get baby knitting, I have all the yarn, but I've got bank paperwork to do and taxes prep. to complete, the h.s. newsletter to finish, and general life to live. I know that it will balance itself out soon.
Friday, February 25, 2005
I have had such a blessed, beautifully exhausting week!! God is so good in working out the details and timing in our life and He SO wants to bless us!!
I have a dear friend in Illinois who's due date was the 21st. We had tried 18 months ago, for the birth of her first son, for me to be there and assist with the labor and birth, but it was not to be. He was being stubborn and I had to get back home, so I spent part of her labor on the phone with her and then drove out the next morning to spend the 1st day with them. This time there just didn't seem to be any good time for me to get out there for a few days, we just couldn't spare the vehicle (4 drivers-2 pickups!!) and so many commitments, I just wasn't getting my hopes up. But, GOD IS SO GOOD!!!
She had been having labor on and off for a couple of weeks. I knew from looking at my schedule that Monday and Tuesday would work, but we weren't in control! I got up Monday and knew that I had to get all caught up with my bookwork and things I neglected while knitting the blessing bag last week. I got busy and the next thing I knew, it was 1:30 and I was still in my p.j's. I hadn't heard from S, which was somewhat unusual for a Monday, but I just figured they were busy and I kept going with the things I needed to get done. (Little did I know, she was nesting away, getting the house all clean.)
My hubby had an overnight load, so when the phone rang at 4:50 am the next morning, I really jumped. It was J, letting me know that S was in labor, but stuck at a 5. I still wasn't sure if I could get out there, one day was already gone. I went back to bed and prayed about it, falling into a fitfull sleep. I figured she would have the baby by 8:00 am anyway, but when I got up, I still hadn't heard from her.
I called hubby to see what he thought I should do. I had to meet him along the interstate when he came through to give him some paperwork, but he felt that the way I wanted to do it would take to long and make me get to Illinois very late and be very tired. I listened to him, got myself ready, packed, called J & S to let them know I was on my way and headed out.
It's a 4 1/2 hour drive, so I really didn't think that I would get there for the birth, but I never heard from J, so I had a little hope. When I got there, J came to the garage and told me to be quiet. I assumed she'd had the baby and everyone was resting, but he said no, he just wanted me to surprise her.
I couldn't believe how good God was and I struggled with feeling really unworthy for the blessing I was about to receive.
She was stuck at a 7.5 at this point, but with a little ******stimulation, things got rolling! It was the most amazing thing to take part in. Having my own babies was wonderful, but you are caught up in what you are feeling, the pain, the desire to hold the baby, you don't get to really experience what is taking place. To watch as S danced that baby down into position during her contractions, to see her tummy change, oh my. It was breathtaking!
We had quite a group of women, as well as J, helping her through the labor. I came to realize that a lot of cultures really have it right, having a group of women in with the laboring mom. We all had a job and instinctively knew what to do. It was a real Titus 2:3-5 experience.
As we watched little JJ's head emerge, a rush of emotions washed over me (not that the adrenaline hadn't already been pumping through my body!). Here was new life. Here was God's handiwork. To see how the body worked, to see and learn about the placenta-I realized that it really takes more faith to believe in evolution!! There is no way that chance could bring about the amazing symmetry of the birth process.
I was able to rearrange things for the next day and stay until late Wednesday afternoon. On the drive home, I again was astounded my God's beauty. I have to drive from Freeport, IL to Dubuque, IA via Hwy 20. It's a gorgeous drive, winter or summer. I was awed by all that I could see-miles and miles! As I went through the most stunning part, "I Can Only Imagine" came on. I was so humbled and awed, God is so good! I feel for all the people who choose not to accept His love and blessing, they truly don't know what they are missing. They think that living for God is a life of bondage, but in reality, it is a life of freedom!!
Please continue to pray from my friend, Sandy, and her family. She is in the final days and it is very difficult, but she knows where she will be as she closes her eyes here, they will open in Heaven!
Also, please pray for a young couple who will begin their married life together tomorrow.
I have a dear friend in Illinois who's due date was the 21st. We had tried 18 months ago, for the birth of her first son, for me to be there and assist with the labor and birth, but it was not to be. He was being stubborn and I had to get back home, so I spent part of her labor on the phone with her and then drove out the next morning to spend the 1st day with them. This time there just didn't seem to be any good time for me to get out there for a few days, we just couldn't spare the vehicle (4 drivers-2 pickups!!) and so many commitments, I just wasn't getting my hopes up. But, GOD IS SO GOOD!!!
She had been having labor on and off for a couple of weeks. I knew from looking at my schedule that Monday and Tuesday would work, but we weren't in control! I got up Monday and knew that I had to get all caught up with my bookwork and things I neglected while knitting the blessing bag last week. I got busy and the next thing I knew, it was 1:30 and I was still in my p.j's. I hadn't heard from S, which was somewhat unusual for a Monday, but I just figured they were busy and I kept going with the things I needed to get done. (Little did I know, she was nesting away, getting the house all clean.)
My hubby had an overnight load, so when the phone rang at 4:50 am the next morning, I really jumped. It was J, letting me know that S was in labor, but stuck at a 5. I still wasn't sure if I could get out there, one day was already gone. I went back to bed and prayed about it, falling into a fitfull sleep. I figured she would have the baby by 8:00 am anyway, but when I got up, I still hadn't heard from her.
I called hubby to see what he thought I should do. I had to meet him along the interstate when he came through to give him some paperwork, but he felt that the way I wanted to do it would take to long and make me get to Illinois very late and be very tired. I listened to him, got myself ready, packed, called J & S to let them know I was on my way and headed out.
It's a 4 1/2 hour drive, so I really didn't think that I would get there for the birth, but I never heard from J, so I had a little hope. When I got there, J came to the garage and told me to be quiet. I assumed she'd had the baby and everyone was resting, but he said no, he just wanted me to surprise her.
I couldn't believe how good God was and I struggled with feeling really unworthy for the blessing I was about to receive.
She was stuck at a 7.5 at this point, but with a little ******stimulation, things got rolling! It was the most amazing thing to take part in. Having my own babies was wonderful, but you are caught up in what you are feeling, the pain, the desire to hold the baby, you don't get to really experience what is taking place. To watch as S danced that baby down into position during her contractions, to see her tummy change, oh my. It was breathtaking!
We had quite a group of women, as well as J, helping her through the labor. I came to realize that a lot of cultures really have it right, having a group of women in with the laboring mom. We all had a job and instinctively knew what to do. It was a real Titus 2:3-5 experience.
As we watched little JJ's head emerge, a rush of emotions washed over me (not that the adrenaline hadn't already been pumping through my body!). Here was new life. Here was God's handiwork. To see how the body worked, to see and learn about the placenta-I realized that it really takes more faith to believe in evolution!! There is no way that chance could bring about the amazing symmetry of the birth process.
I was able to rearrange things for the next day and stay until late Wednesday afternoon. On the drive home, I again was astounded my God's beauty. I have to drive from Freeport, IL to Dubuque, IA via Hwy 20. It's a gorgeous drive, winter or summer. I was awed by all that I could see-miles and miles! As I went through the most stunning part, "I Can Only Imagine" came on. I was so humbled and awed, God is so good! I feel for all the people who choose not to accept His love and blessing, they truly don't know what they are missing. They think that living for God is a life of bondage, but in reality, it is a life of freedom!!
Please continue to pray from my friend, Sandy, and her family. She is in the final days and it is very difficult, but she knows where she will be as she closes her eyes here, they will open in Heaven!
Also, please pray for a young couple who will begin their married life together tomorrow.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Oh my goodness...God is good!!!
I have just had the most amazing 36 hours or so. I don't have time to really tell all about it right now, I will later, but I was on hand to welcome little JJ into the world and it was awe-inspiring!
Monday, February 21, 2005
What a busy weekend! Ladies Breakfast, bridal shower, supper out with Great-grandma, Daytona 500 party. I'm still tired!
I was glad that I put in the effort to make Kara's bridal blessing bag. She was quite surprised and excited by it. The tradition began with her soon-to-be sister-in-law. I made one for her and all the moms in our group wrote blessings for the couple. We put them in the bag and she carried it with her bouquet on her wedding day. It was a wonderful tradition to begin. I do pray that Kara and the groom will be truly blessed in their new married life.
We really enjoyed the Daytona 500, especially the last 25 laps or so! Very exciting stuff!
I've been knitting on a couple of different scarves, hoping to finish up a couple fo them soon! I have a lot of other ideas and projects in the works, but there aren't enough hours in the day.
We've been having lambs every day for a week. On Friday night, we had a set of quadruplets! That only happens about once out of every 2000 births. They are all doing well. They are all equal sizes and good sized, to boot. We are having to supplement momma's milk, but that's to be expected with four babies. We also had several sets of triplets and twins. Today was a rather emotional day. My 14-year-old son ended up having to pull a lamb. The ewe had given birth to two already, but the foot of the third has been sticking out for over an hour. He had to work for over a half-an-hour to pull the lamb. Of course, it was gone before it was born. It was an emotional afternoon.
I was glad that I put in the effort to make Kara's bridal blessing bag. She was quite surprised and excited by it. The tradition began with her soon-to-be sister-in-law. I made one for her and all the moms in our group wrote blessings for the couple. We put them in the bag and she carried it with her bouquet on her wedding day. It was a wonderful tradition to begin. I do pray that Kara and the groom will be truly blessed in their new married life.
We really enjoyed the Daytona 500, especially the last 25 laps or so! Very exciting stuff!
I've been knitting on a couple of different scarves, hoping to finish up a couple fo them soon! I have a lot of other ideas and projects in the works, but there aren't enough hours in the day.
We've been having lambs every day for a week. On Friday night, we had a set of quadruplets! That only happens about once out of every 2000 births. They are all doing well. They are all equal sizes and good sized, to boot. We are having to supplement momma's milk, but that's to be expected with four babies. We also had several sets of triplets and twins. Today was a rather emotional day. My 14-year-old son ended up having to pull a lamb. The ewe had given birth to two already, but the foot of the third has been sticking out for over an hour. He had to work for over a half-an-hour to pull the lamb. Of course, it was gone before it was born. It was an emotional afternoon.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Spinning...
And I don't mean yarn! My cold seems to have settled in my inner ear and now I'm dealing with vertigo. Not bad, and Sudafed seems to help, but it's annoying.
I was able to get "Scarf Style" on Saturday night. It has some great patterns in it. I got some bright, fun mohair to make "Misty Gardens" yesterday at my LYS and I ordered some of KnitPicks Alpaca and Shimmer to make Ene's scarf. I couldn't resist the mohair, so it's on the needles, despite several other projects that really should take precedence.
My friend, Sandy, is now in the hospital. Please pray for her family as they release her to the Lord.
Hubby and I had a nice time in the big city Saturday night (yep, Lottie, that's Des Moines-woo hoo!!). Actually, there are a lot of nice places to go and the shopping has gotten much better. We opted for steaks and went to Lonestar. We had a great meal, shared a yummy brownie/ice cream confection, and headed home. We're not night owls, by 9:00 or so, we're pretty much done in!! On Valentine's day, I was able to get away, back to DM, for my own little shopping spree (actually, the truck needed parts). I went to the yarn shop and the big department store for some heavy duty moisturizer. Despite running the humidifier and regularly using moisturizer, this super dry skin of mine remained super dry, so it was time to pull out the big guns and spend some money! I bought everyone a piece of Godiva chocolate, rather than a card, the chocolate tasted much better!!
I didn't post my usual Scripture on Sunday, but I thought I'd get caught up. I really feel that the following passages are extremely relevant for many of the things I've read today while surfing: (emphasis mine!)
2 Tim. 3:1 through 2 Tim. 3:10 (NIV)
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
2 Tim. 4:1 through 2 Tim. 4:5 (NIV)
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
1 Pet. 4:17 (NIV) For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
We need to step up and speak out against the false teachers, the false prophets. We need to be doing that in our own churches, amongst those who call themselves "Christian". Judgment will come and it will begin with the family of God. We have a responsibility to be speaking forth the truth and living it out.
I was able to get "Scarf Style" on Saturday night. It has some great patterns in it. I got some bright, fun mohair to make "Misty Gardens" yesterday at my LYS and I ordered some of KnitPicks Alpaca and Shimmer to make Ene's scarf. I couldn't resist the mohair, so it's on the needles, despite several other projects that really should take precedence.
My friend, Sandy, is now in the hospital. Please pray for her family as they release her to the Lord.
Hubby and I had a nice time in the big city Saturday night (yep, Lottie, that's Des Moines-woo hoo!!). Actually, there are a lot of nice places to go and the shopping has gotten much better. We opted for steaks and went to Lonestar. We had a great meal, shared a yummy brownie/ice cream confection, and headed home. We're not night owls, by 9:00 or so, we're pretty much done in!! On Valentine's day, I was able to get away, back to DM, for my own little shopping spree (actually, the truck needed parts). I went to the yarn shop and the big department store for some heavy duty moisturizer. Despite running the humidifier and regularly using moisturizer, this super dry skin of mine remained super dry, so it was time to pull out the big guns and spend some money! I bought everyone a piece of Godiva chocolate, rather than a card, the chocolate tasted much better!!
I didn't post my usual Scripture on Sunday, but I thought I'd get caught up. I really feel that the following passages are extremely relevant for many of the things I've read today while surfing: (emphasis mine!)
2 Tim. 3:1 through 2 Tim. 3:10 (NIV)
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
2 Tim. 4:1 through 2 Tim. 4:5 (NIV)
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
1 Pet. 4:17 (NIV) For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
We need to step up and speak out against the false teachers, the false prophets. We need to be doing that in our own churches, amongst those who call themselves "Christian". Judgment will come and it will begin with the family of God. We have a responsibility to be speaking forth the truth and living it out.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Do you ever?
Do you ever lay in bed at night and compose blog entries? I do. Morning comes, entry forgotten! I know it was brilliant, but now it's gone!
Gone! Gone! Gone!!
Even now, I sit here and try to consider what I want to write. Do I write about my dog, Liberty, who decided she needed out in the middle of the night and due to my strange obsession with my dog, I stayed up waiting for her to want back in. Keep in mind, I live in the country, she is a good sized dog and she barks when she wants back in, but due to the incredible population of coyotes around here, I get all worried! She seemed to be enjoying chasing after something every time I opened the door to try to get her back in, so I finally crawled back into bed. At 3:00 am, she barked. Ugh! I missed a good 2 to 2 1/2 hours of sleep!
We do have a ridiculous amount of coyotes around here. Thursday night, hubby was gone in the truck, I crawled into bed around 11:00 and one howled outside my bedroom window. Sat me straight up! They are ruthless animals. We have a llama to protect our sheep, he gets very shook up when the coyotes start howling. He runs the fenceline and can't stand being seperated from the sheep. Llama's will actually kill coyotes. They throw them down with their strong neck and sit on them to suffocate them. They are natural enemies to any canine, so you have to get them used to your family dog! We used to only hear the coyotes once or twice during the summer, now we hear them year round. We hear them running their litters of pups in the spring and fall. They yip and bark and carry on. So, I don't like the dog out at night, it just bugs me.
I get to make two trips to the big city today. 1st-lunch with my sister-in-law and help her get to the auditorium. The freeway system and area around the auditorium are under construction and it's just a mess, so if you don't drive it frequently, it's easy to get lost. Then back home and a quick trip north for my nephew's basketball game, then back home and back to the big city for supper out with hubby. Since he was stuck in the truck on Thursday night, he actually called and invited me on a Valentines Date! Of course, I accepted!
I'm also hoping to pop into the bookstore and pick up "Scarf Style" by Pam Allen. I want to make something with KnitPicks new angora and there is there perfect scarf in that book and all the online shops seem to be out of the book. I checked Border's inventory from home and they say they have a copy of it, so I'm hoping it will be mine by evening!
Gone! Gone! Gone!!
Even now, I sit here and try to consider what I want to write. Do I write about my dog, Liberty, who decided she needed out in the middle of the night and due to my strange obsession with my dog, I stayed up waiting for her to want back in. Keep in mind, I live in the country, she is a good sized dog and she barks when she wants back in, but due to the incredible population of coyotes around here, I get all worried! She seemed to be enjoying chasing after something every time I opened the door to try to get her back in, so I finally crawled back into bed. At 3:00 am, she barked. Ugh! I missed a good 2 to 2 1/2 hours of sleep!
We do have a ridiculous amount of coyotes around here. Thursday night, hubby was gone in the truck, I crawled into bed around 11:00 and one howled outside my bedroom window. Sat me straight up! They are ruthless animals. We have a llama to protect our sheep, he gets very shook up when the coyotes start howling. He runs the fenceline and can't stand being seperated from the sheep. Llama's will actually kill coyotes. They throw them down with their strong neck and sit on them to suffocate them. They are natural enemies to any canine, so you have to get them used to your family dog! We used to only hear the coyotes once or twice during the summer, now we hear them year round. We hear them running their litters of pups in the spring and fall. They yip and bark and carry on. So, I don't like the dog out at night, it just bugs me.
I get to make two trips to the big city today. 1st-lunch with my sister-in-law and help her get to the auditorium. The freeway system and area around the auditorium are under construction and it's just a mess, so if you don't drive it frequently, it's easy to get lost. Then back home and a quick trip north for my nephew's basketball game, then back home and back to the big city for supper out with hubby. Since he was stuck in the truck on Thursday night, he actually called and invited me on a Valentines Date! Of course, I accepted!
I'm also hoping to pop into the bookstore and pick up "Scarf Style" by Pam Allen. I want to make something with KnitPicks new angora and there is there perfect scarf in that book and all the online shops seem to be out of the book. I checked Border's inventory from home and they say they have a copy of it, so I'm hoping it will be mine by evening!
Friday, February 11, 2005
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Mt. Vesuvius
My next pair of socks will be called Mt. Vesuvius. Why? Conversation starter. People can feel the rumbles, smell the smoke, but refuse to heed the warnings!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Snow, again...
Hubby is feeling better, although this cold has lingered for him and that's pretty unusual. Dd's infection is clearing up, but she can't get into see the oral surgeon until March 1.
I've been fighting headaches and cold symptoms for a few days. The headache is gone now, but I'm all stuffy! I was able to get all my tatted hearts done and start a simple pillow-something to be working on when I don't (or can't) concentrate.
We watched the Amazing Race finale last night. Wow! I could never do anything like that. My favorite team came in second-Kris and Jon. She is a local girl and I really appreciated their kindness to each other and most everyone they came in contact with. I feel sorry for many of those couples, they don't handle stress very well! I was impressed with a few of them, they seemed to grow as people, hopefully it will play out in their everyday lives.
It snowed here yesterday, so we canceled Bible study for this morning (to many new babies and pregnant moms to risk coming out for an hour or so), so I need to get back to my laundry, take a shower and then I can work on my pillow. I'd like to have it done before Friday so I can take it into the market.
The market is a year-round (hopefully) farmer's market/craft fair that my husbands family and ours take part in. We've been doing "pioneer craft recreations" for a couple of years now, going to schools, fairs, etc., to pass on the crafts of our forebearers and at an art fair last summer we were approached about doing this market. My mother-in-law was thrilled, we could set up semi-permanently and have something to do over the winter, so we decided to try it. It's actually going very well. My father-in-law canes chairs, my mother-in-law weaves rugs, crochets, sews, and knits. I knit a variety of things and tat. My daughter knits. My sister-in-law makes baskets. My grandmother-in-law quilts. My son and nephew make fun little things, as do a couple of my nieces. It seems to be going really well. I've made more money doing this and have felt more motivated about it than any other craft show I've ever done. So, I try to have a couple of projects going for the market all the time. I'm branching out though, the owner has asked me to come in a teach knitting a couple of Saturdays in March. I'm looking forward to that. My mother-in-law was also approached about going to Grinnell College to teach rug weaving. Who knows where all of this will lead? Of course, God does, so we just trust Him!
I am so thankful that I have the Lord who gives me strength, comfort, provision, and all manner of blessing! I'm so tired of government and politics. I'm tired of Christians trying to legislate morality. Jesus didn't come and head straight for the government-no, He went to the people. He taught them about the Kingdom of God, He taught them about repentance, He taught them about mercy, then He told them to share it, make disciples, preach the good news. As people turn their lives over to Him, society changes. We can't change society before their is a heart change. It's like dealing with a rebellious child-the more you tell someone that they have to do something, they more they kick against the goads. There has to be a heart change.
Does that mean I don't think we should stand up for what we believe in, by all means, NO!! Of course we need to point out what is sinful, we need to remind people of God's laws and commands, but without the heart change, we can't expect them to change their ways. And, what would be the point, you can be moral and still be going to hell. Without Jesus Christ, all the morality and law-keeping in the world will not save you.
Is abortion wrong? Absolutely. Is euthanasia wrong? Absolutely. Is homosexuality wrong? Absolutely. Lying? Stealing? Adultery? Sex outside of marriage? Pornography? Drugs? etc., etc., etc.? Of course, but until Jesus Christ fills someones heart, they have no power against these things.
Rom. 6:1 through Rom. 6:23 (NIV)
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,£ that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I've been fighting headaches and cold symptoms for a few days. The headache is gone now, but I'm all stuffy! I was able to get all my tatted hearts done and start a simple pillow-something to be working on when I don't (or can't) concentrate.
We watched the Amazing Race finale last night. Wow! I could never do anything like that. My favorite team came in second-Kris and Jon. She is a local girl and I really appreciated their kindness to each other and most everyone they came in contact with. I feel sorry for many of those couples, they don't handle stress very well! I was impressed with a few of them, they seemed to grow as people, hopefully it will play out in their everyday lives.
It snowed here yesterday, so we canceled Bible study for this morning (to many new babies and pregnant moms to risk coming out for an hour or so), so I need to get back to my laundry, take a shower and then I can work on my pillow. I'd like to have it done before Friday so I can take it into the market.
The market is a year-round (hopefully) farmer's market/craft fair that my husbands family and ours take part in. We've been doing "pioneer craft recreations" for a couple of years now, going to schools, fairs, etc., to pass on the crafts of our forebearers and at an art fair last summer we were approached about doing this market. My mother-in-law was thrilled, we could set up semi-permanently and have something to do over the winter, so we decided to try it. It's actually going very well. My father-in-law canes chairs, my mother-in-law weaves rugs, crochets, sews, and knits. I knit a variety of things and tat. My daughter knits. My sister-in-law makes baskets. My grandmother-in-law quilts. My son and nephew make fun little things, as do a couple of my nieces. It seems to be going really well. I've made more money doing this and have felt more motivated about it than any other craft show I've ever done. So, I try to have a couple of projects going for the market all the time. I'm branching out though, the owner has asked me to come in a teach knitting a couple of Saturdays in March. I'm looking forward to that. My mother-in-law was also approached about going to Grinnell College to teach rug weaving. Who knows where all of this will lead? Of course, God does, so we just trust Him!
I am so thankful that I have the Lord who gives me strength, comfort, provision, and all manner of blessing! I'm so tired of government and politics. I'm tired of Christians trying to legislate morality. Jesus didn't come and head straight for the government-no, He went to the people. He taught them about the Kingdom of God, He taught them about repentance, He taught them about mercy, then He told them to share it, make disciples, preach the good news. As people turn their lives over to Him, society changes. We can't change society before their is a heart change. It's like dealing with a rebellious child-the more you tell someone that they have to do something, they more they kick against the goads. There has to be a heart change.
Does that mean I don't think we should stand up for what we believe in, by all means, NO!! Of course we need to point out what is sinful, we need to remind people of God's laws and commands, but without the heart change, we can't expect them to change their ways. And, what would be the point, you can be moral and still be going to hell. Without Jesus Christ, all the morality and law-keeping in the world will not save you.
Is abortion wrong? Absolutely. Is euthanasia wrong? Absolutely. Is homosexuality wrong? Absolutely. Lying? Stealing? Adultery? Sex outside of marriage? Pornography? Drugs? etc., etc., etc.? Of course, but until Jesus Christ fills someones heart, they have no power against these things.
Rom. 6:1 through Rom. 6:23 (NIV)
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,£ that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Hubby is sick, fever and everything, and the weather is gorgeous, so he's pretty bummed. Oldest dd went to dentist yesterday and discovered an infected wisdom tooth growing in sideways, so it's off to the oral surgeon this week.
I've been finishing up a bag for felting and working on the tatted hearts.
I've been finishing up a bag for felting and working on the tatted hearts.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Please pray for my friend, Sandy. She is now in hospice care and it looks like her home-going is near. Pray for her husband and two sons, as well as parents and other loved ones. She is a peace and is ready, but it is hard to leave behind those she loves. She is fully trusting in the fact that God holds them all in His hands. She has been a blessing and encouragement to all she has come in contact with. Her faith is tremendous.
1 Thess. 4:13 through 1 Thess. 4:18 (NIV)
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
It's hard, but we have hope!
1 Thess. 4:13 through 1 Thess. 4:18 (NIV)
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
It's hard, but we have hope!
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Feeling better!
Yesterday was a yucky migraine day! The clouds were exceptionally low and there was no air movement, so all the gunk going into the atmosphere had nowhere to go and I felt the effects. They even put out an advisory because of the air quality. The sun is finally out now and that has helped tremendously.
We had a set of twin lambs last night, but one didn't make it and the momma pulled the tail off the other. She's doing okay now, but we have to really begin keeping an eye on the ewes-they'll start delivering in earnest now.
I haven't gotten much done in the past two days. I finished a tatted heart and started working on an outfit for my bitty baby. It's an adorable pink cabled sweater, ribbed pants and hat, and socks. It shouldn't take very long. I probably should have waited to start it, with all the other projects that I have going on, but I couldn't resist! My head hurt too much though, and ended up working on my sock.
It's interesting watching the left try to spin their way out of the successful elections in Iraq. Some are beginning to admit they might have to give President Bush some credit.
Psa. 14:1 through Psa. 14:7 (NIV)
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
Will evildoers never learn—those who devour my people as men eat bread
and who do not call on the LORD?
There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.
You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
We had a set of twin lambs last night, but one didn't make it and the momma pulled the tail off the other. She's doing okay now, but we have to really begin keeping an eye on the ewes-they'll start delivering in earnest now.
I haven't gotten much done in the past two days. I finished a tatted heart and started working on an outfit for my bitty baby. It's an adorable pink cabled sweater, ribbed pants and hat, and socks. It shouldn't take very long. I probably should have waited to start it, with all the other projects that I have going on, but I couldn't resist! My head hurt too much though, and ended up working on my sock.
It's interesting watching the left try to spin their way out of the successful elections in Iraq. Some are beginning to admit they might have to give President Bush some credit.
Psa. 14:1 through Psa. 14:7 (NIV)
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
Will evildoers never learn—those who devour my people as men eat bread
and who do not call on the LORD?
There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.
You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)