Holiness and Sanctification

Rom 12:11
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
KJV

Eph 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
KJV

1 Peter 1:16
6 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
KJV

Holiness, so far as it appears in man, is an outcome of God's gracious work in salvation and yet not without the proper exertion of one's own free will and the putting forth of strenuous effort (Eph 4:22-24).
(from The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright (c) 1988.)

There have been times in which I have relayed to another that I am struggling with an area of sin in my life, a lack of holiness. Occasionally, I have gotten the response, "You are being too hard on yourself. Don't you know who you are in Christ? There is freedom in Christ!"

So I have asked myself the questions, "Am I viewing myself too harshly?", "How then shall we view ourselves?" It would appear that there are two extremes that people can portray. One side views themselves as lower than dirt, with no value in themselves, almost hopeless for any chance of victory over sin. The other side views themselves free from every bondage in this life and therefore is free to live how they please.

This has caused me to delve into the meaning of sanctification.

"The more holy a man is, the more humble, self-renouncing, self-abhorring, and the more sensitive to every sin he becomes, and the more closely he clings to Christ. The moral imperfections which cling to him he feels to be sins, which he laments and strives to overcome. Believers find that their life is a constant warfare, and they need to take the kingdom of heaven by storm, and watch while they pray."
(from Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

So, after we repent of our sins, turn to Christ and surrender our lives to Him, is that the end of the story? Is it simply a get-out-of-jail-free card that gives us license to live how we want, taking advantage of His grace, mercy and forgiveness?

"God is a God of grace, you know."

Rom 6:1-2
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid.
KJV

(Just for clarification...Yes, there IS grace for the one that has their heart towards God, that is repentant of their sin and is willing to change their sinful ways. Grace, mercy and forgiveness are phenominal aspects of God that we should never forget and should cause us to be in awe of His goodness.)

I have heard it said that when a person gives their heart to Christ, that is not the end, it is the beginning and now the hard work begins. I agree. I have experienced it.

Some have witnessed to unbelievers by saying, "Come to Christ. It will bring you peace and happiness." I would submit that though God wants us to be happy, He is much more concerned with our holiness. It is through holiness that we can experience true joy and peace with God.

It is [Paul's] constant and compelling moral appeal: You belong to Christ; live with Him, live unto Him (Col 3:1-4; 1 Thess 5:10). It is no formal belonging, no external surrender. It is the yielding of the life in its passions and purposes, in its deepest affections and highest powers, to be ruled by a new spirit (Eph 4:13,20,23-24,32; compare Rom 12:1).
(from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1996 by Biblesoft)

There is a yielding, a surrendering, of our hearts and will to His. It is dying to self. We are no longer our own. We were bought with a price. That takes effort and is usually quite uncomfortable. But here is the exciting part:

Now the Christian's surrender is not to an outer authority but to an inner, living fellowship. The sanctified life is thus a life of personal fellowship lived out with the Father in the spirit of Christ in loving trust and obedient service. This positive and vital meaning of sanctification dominates Paul's thought. He speaks of living unto God, of living to the Lord, and most expressively of all, of being alive unto God (Rom 14:8; compare 6:13; 2:19). So completely is his life filled by this fellowship that he can say, "It is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me" (Gal 2:20).
(from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1996 by Biblesoft)

We are not surrendering to a totally authoritarian, impersonal God. Christ is IN us as believers!

Now, are we to be perfect as soon as we are saved? The standard that we are called to live is high. We are called to holiness, to be like Christ, who is perfect. Our salvation is instantaneous, yet, sanctification is a process. The question becomes not only are you moving forward or backward in relation to Christ, but are you moving at all? Is there a hunger for more of Him, more righteousness, more compassion for the lost, more love? And, do you grieve when that's not within you?

The question is not simply, Is this man sinner or saint? It is rather, What is he becoming? This matter of becoming is the really vital issue. Is this man turned the right way with all his power? Is his life wholly open to the divine fellowship? Not the degree of achievement, but the right attitude toward the ideal, is decisive.
(from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1996 by Biblesoft)

So it is a process, lived out with effort on our part. What is it that I heard one time? "Sitting in church doesn't make you a Christian any more that being in a garage makes you a car."

Jesus even had to put forth effort to surrender His will to the Father's in the Garden of Gethsemane. He sweated drops of blood in the process, but when the part of Christ that was fully man totally surrendered to the Father, there was peace, obedience and steadfastness to do the most difficult thing this world has ever known.

All is from God; we can only live what God gives. But there is a converse to this: only as we live it out can God give to us the life. This appears in Paul's teaching as to sanctification. It is not only God's gift, but our task. "This is the will of God, even your sanctification" (1 Thess 4:3). "Having therefore these promises .... let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness (hagiosune) in the fear of God" (2 Cor 7:1). Significant is Paul's use of the word "walk." We are to "walk in newness of life," "by (or in) the Spirit," "in love," and "in Christ Jesus the Lord" (Rom 6:4; Gal 5:16; Eph 5:2; Col 2:6). The gift in each case becomes the task, and indeed becomes real and effective only in this activity. It is only as we walk by the Spirit that this becomes powerful in overcoming the lusts of the flesh (Gal 5:16; compare 5:25). But the ethical is the task that ends only with life. If God gives only as we live, then He cannot give all at once. Sanctification is then the matter of a life and not of a moment. The life may be consecrated in a moment, the right relation to God assumed and the man stand in saving fellowship with Him. The life is thus made holy in principle. But the real making holy is co-extensive with the whole life of man. It is nothing less than the constant in-forming of the life of the inner spirit and outer deed with the Spirit of Christ until we, "speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head" (Eph 4:15).
(from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1996 by Biblesoft)

Whew! That gets me excited. As I step forward towards God in surrender to His will, He provides the strength and power to follow through. As I die to my desire to lash out in anger and frustration at my children and choose to talk and listen and correct in love, God provides the strength to do just that. As that hurdle becomes easier I then desire more. It may be a desire to smile instead of frown, to let my children know how much they are loved, accepted and appreciated. I have to put forth effort to raise the edges of my mouth, but as I do, He gives the power to do so in sincerity.

When my flesh cries out, "I WANT IT MY WAY!!", I must choose to do right. I must choose to die to myself and hand over that spot within me to Christ. Then His strength comes and holiness is given prominence over fleshly desires.

...and then He smiles.

Charlotte and feathered friends

Today an apparently overdue mother robin was on the front lawn. She could hardly jump to find more worms. Poor thing. I remember those days of feeling so large with child that I could barely move. The ground seemed immensly far away and if I did venture down there, I stayed there.

Then I was treated to seeing our first oriole at our feeder! It's a bit hard to get other things accomplished when I'm constantly running over to look at the feeder, hoping to get another glimpse.

And Charlotte... Yes, I feel like Wilbur. I think she came in the house on some "flowers" my daughter brought me that are sitting on the kitchen window sill. Charlotte made the most beautiful web across my kitchen window. I couldn't bring myself to obliterate this creature. Then the other day I looked again and the previous web was all gone and a new one was made. She was sitting in the middle of it. I called my children in and hitched them up to see God's marvelous creation.

"Can you see all those little strings?"

"Isn't that amazing?"

Maybe it's the homeschooling mother inside of me that takes moments like this and exponds on them. I want my children to see the wonder of God's creation and to notice the details of life. It's all an opportunity to learn more of Him.

So, for the time being, Charlotte is safe. Any other crawling things are fair game.

Buy/sell homeschool curriculum

Sagerats is having a contest to help promote The HSB County Fair where you can sell and buy used curriculum, EVEN teacher edition's/guide's/answer key's, with no host percentage fees!

Lovin' His creation

This is our pond, er... swamp. It all depends on the time of year and how much rain we've had. Currently the "peepers" are in full swing and the noise at night is almost deafening. In fact, my daughter said that they were hurting her ears.

This weekend we had some friends over whose children know the art of catching tadpoles. While we watched through the window, they had a marvelous time. Next thing we knew, there was a plastic cup full of small morphing critters on the dining room table. My children tried it on their own today. No tadpoles, but they enjoyed the attempt immensely.

We also may have a new couple on the premises. We've seen a Mr. and Mrs. Duck a few times. I tried to take a picture of Mr. Duck today. Here's me without camoflage duds walking out in the open, trying to "sneak up" on my feathered friend. Of course he swam to the protection of some weeds. I hid behind the tree for quite some time. Finally he came out. I pulled out my camera ever so quietly, ready. Just as I was about to take a picture, he took to flight. Ah. Maybe I'll try again after I have my camo outfit made. :) Regardless, it is such a joy to look out my kitchen window and see them swimming about.


Here are my chilins bouncing on a tree branch. This popple tree fell down across our driveway and my husband just cut it off and was hauling it away when they asked him to leave it so they could play on it. Gotta love God's playground.

Homeschool supply giveaway

Spunky is giving away a Benz Microscope and Apologia Biology Set this week. Click Here to get the details.

What a great opportunity to have a chance at getting some homeschooling supplies! I have a microscope that was given to me when I was a child, but we recently took it out and, let's just say, it's not in the best working condition! I have also looked at the Apologia science curriculum many times and it looks to be simply excellent.

Spunky Homeschool is one of those blog sites that I really appreciate. There have been times that I have learned of current events in relation to homeschooling and family issues faster from reading her blog than listening to public radio or online news. I remember one time my husband came home and said, "Did you hear about ______?" Yep, I had. A couple days before!

I encourage you to check out her blog if you haven't before. Even if you don't always agree with her opinion (And I don't agree with every opinion- for instance, I want to make a distinction between the educational system as a whole and individual teachers. My mother was a public school teacher and so is my sister and brother-in-law. I know that they were and are excellent, caring teachers with the student's best in mind. On the other hand, the public educational "system" has much to be desired in my opinion. Enough said for now. ...just to clarify :) ), you will be challenged in your thoughts regarding homeschooling and family life, AND she does a great job of keeping all of us up to date on current legislation, trends, and things to look for pertaining to homeschooling.

The blessing of a miracle

Yesterday I was able to witness a miracle. I had the opportunity to hold a tiny bundle with tiny fingers and tiny toes. Her mama and papa were completely enthralled with her. And rightly so. She is beautiful. The cries of a newborn are so unique. I remember my mother saying to me after hearing a baby's cry, "That's a very little one." This wee one cried but a few times. She didn't need to. Her needs were completely met. She was warm, fed and close to the ones that have loved and prayed for her for 9 months already. They were so anxious to see her.

"Can you believe that she's really here?"
"Isn't she beautiful?"
"Hush honey. Mama's here."

What a miracle.

I'm looking forward to seeing her grow into the person the God made her to be. She will change so many times. Her looks will change. Her personality will develop.

I told her mama that those feelings of, "She's really my baby!" don't necessarily go away. Just the other day I was looking at my 16 month old son as someone else was holding him. He looked different...again. Changing. Had his face thinned out? Was the skin pulled around his eyes differently? I couldn't put my finger on it, but the thought came to mind again, "He is really my son."

It's the same with all my children. I look at my daughter with her soft, fine features or my 3 year old son as he plays with other boys and think, "Wow. That is my child."

What an amazing blessing to care for the children that God loans to us! What an awesome responsibility. What a privilege.

Thank you Lord for the miracle of these blessings that you have placed in our care. May we treasure them and delight in them. Please help me not to lose perspective and never take for granted Your gifts from heaven.

Mayflowers

I love it when the mayflowers are out. We walk through the woods gasping, "Oh! There's some more!" Spring really is here.

Conflict

I have debated today about what to write about. Should I write of the continuing education course that I took this weekend on low back pain in order to maintain my occupational therapy license? How about the horrible traffic that reminded me again of one of the reasons that I am happy to live in a rural setting? Then there was the 10ish year old boy with a sweatshirt jacket on, hood up, standing over his bike, who bluntly asked me as I was leaving a store, "Are you Amish?" and "Do you try to live a simple life?" I don't get as flustered by such questions anymore.

I settled on the energetic conversation that my husband and I had with another couple on Saturday. What began as an apparent deep difference in theological stances, ended as a realization of a misunderstanding from 2+ years ago. We actually are on the same page and view things quite similarly. Ah, what a blessing! It has been amazing to me to ponder this conversation and realize again how people can be looking at the same principle and view it from such different angles. It is ripe for misunderstanding, but if discussed respectfully, the discussion can be immensely valuable.

Of course conflict does not always resolve itself as this one did. Over the years, there have been many instances in which our decisions and views have not been popular and have been misunderstood. We have been accused, labeled and ridiculed. For one such as me that grew up cringing at the hint of conflict, it has not been the most comfortable thing to take the stances that we have. Yet, I will have to say that it has strengthened me beyond what I ever thought possible. No longer does it work to explain our decisions as, "Just because." We have studied, prayed, sought counsel and prayed some more. We don't have to have an opinion on each and every topic out there, but the ones that we do, we have done some homework. So, when someone comes with a different perspective, we have something to add to the conversation. At other times, the Holy Spirit's still, small voice has prompted us to not speak.

My view of conflict has changed over the years. I now try to see it as a positive exercise. You see, if my husband and I truly love the Lord more than being "right", we will want Truth more than anything else. As we are challenged on something, it causes us to draw closer to Him, study the Word more, talk to each other and PRAY. In this way, the challenges or accusations, as they may be, will either strengthen us in our convictions or change us more to His glory. Either way, it's good.

This is not to say that I never get a knot in my stomach, but I will say that the conversation that we had this weekend was one of my favorite moments of the entire weekend. I was thrilled that we could converse about apparent opposite viewpoints respectfully and learn about each other. I felt like we all grew a bit during the process.

Inevitably, there are times when it is best to simply agree to disagree. Being at peace in such as instance in a gift in and of itself.

I am learning to rest in Him more and more during times of conflict, trusting in Him and not the wisdom of this world. To hide under the shadow of His wings... there's no better place to be.

Ps 63:7

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy
wings will I rejoice.

KJV

Away from computer

I was hoping to have time to write before we will be out and about for a few days, but you know how it goes. :) See you next week!

Blessings!

Celebrating Easter

I have fond memories of Easter while growing up and can now appreciate even more the efforts of our Lutheran congregation leadership to make Easter a meaningful time. As part of the youth group, I participated in the Easter play, which were short dramas done in segments on Wednesday evenings during Lent.

Good Friday was a very solemn time. The service was in the early afternoon. This was when in small towns such as ours, businesses still closed down from 12:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon so anyone who wanted to could attend the Good Friday church service of their choice. Windows were covered, the alter and lectern were covered in black. If I remember correctly, the large cross on the wall behind the alter was also covered in black or had a black cloth draped over it. The sanctuary was bare of anything extra. Everyone was quiet and the songs were slow and mournful. After the service, no one was ushered out. Everyone got up and left the service when they wanted to and without a word to those around them. Even in the fellowship hall, any talk was limited and in hushed tones.

I remember having a sinking feeling in my stomach on Saturday, which must have been a small taste of what the disciples felt after Christ died. What now? Emptiness.

Then Sunday morning! Easter lilies were everywhere. The church was bright and members of the church that could play brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, french horn, etc) joined the choir in a very enthusiastic and majestic joint effort of "Christ the Lord is risen today, Ha-le-lu-iah!!!" My heart still skips a beat thinking about it.

Of course there are other parts to my memories like participating in the kitchen as part of the youth crew that served Easter breakfast. Every year we tried to figure out a way to have scrambled eggs in big roasters and keep them from turning green. I don't think it every happened. It just added to the memories.

These days we have started our own traditions. Not that it is better or worse then memories of years past. Just different.

We have made this for two years now. I don't even know what to call it exactly.

Here my children are forming the rice krispie "cake" into a "hill" on a large serving plate. I've been told that some people make a chocolate cake and bake it in a bowl instead.

Form a small tomb on one side of the hill and mix green food coloring with coconut for grass.

I made frosting and colored 1/2 green and the other half I mixed in some cocoa powder to make it brown. We then frosted the tomb half of the hill and the corresponding rest of the plate with green frosting and the other half with the brown. The green side then gets the green coconut for grass and cake decoration candies for flowers.

Our crosses are made of popsicle sticks and we made the path to the crosses with brownie crumbs. You could also use chocolate chips or something else too.

The stone over the tomb opening is supposed to be a cookie, but since I didn't have one for the event, I printed off a picture of a boulder from MS Word's clipart and laminated it.

Sunday morning Keith and I got up at 5:30 AM, "rolled" the stone away and woke up the children. With squinting eyes, they looked at the empty tomb as we explained the Jesus was not there. He had risen from the dead!

We got ready for 6:30 AM sunrise service at church. After the service, we got into vehicles to go Easter caroling. The recipients of such caroling absolutely love it and we all had a wonderful time. Then we returned to the church for Easter breakfast.

After going home, we went on a bike ride and then made a big meal. Then naptime and being invited over with friends for a campfire picnic supper with singing and fellowship...

As long as the joy and awe of Jesus dying on the cross and being raised from the dead as the final sacrifice and completed payment for our sins in proclaimed, Easter can be celebrated a variety of different ways. May Christ be glorified!

Worship

Last night we went on our first bike ride of the season. Using a bike trailer, co-pilot (a bike "extension" with an extra wheel and seat for a "junior" rider) and a bike with training wheels (yes, we're back to that) we were able to pedal with our brood the 1/2 mile or so to the beaver dam.

Those beavers are hard at it again this year as evidenced by strategically placed branches across the only breach in their barricade. We didn't see them this day as our children's constant chatter warned them as a blaring siren to stay hidden, but as my husband and children returned, I lingered and kept thinking that I saw the water move from a beaver that was anxious to get back to the work ahead.

The effects of the dam are amazing. Water is rising up tree trunks and may soon die from being submerged. Many people become quite disgusted with this creature for the damage they cause and every once in awhile a minor explosion can be heard as the beaver's masterpiece is destroyed.

Even though I can understand why it must be done, destroying a beaver dam is sad to me. The beavers are simply doing what they were created to do...and in so doing, are worshipping God.

Ps 66:4
All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. KJV

How can the earth worship other than doing what it was created to do? It lives, breathes, nurtures, and grows. When you see a small tree desperately trying to grow in the midst of a rock, it demonstrates the persistence at which God's creation strains to live, to worship.

In a similar way, we too worship God when we do what we were created to do. At this point in time, one of the things I was created to do is serve my family. Each meal that is made, each dress that is sewn, each diaper that is changed, each floor that is scrubbed, and each book that is read, if done with the right attitude, is an act of worship to my Creator.

Using this definition, Christ lived a life of complete worship. He did what He was sent to earth to do each and every moment. On this day, "Good Friday", we especially remember the the willing obedience, the ultimate sacrifice and act of love...the pinnacle act of worship to the Father.

As my husband sat on the couch this morning with a child on each side, he read from Arthur S. Maxwell's children's Bible the events that happened on the day of Christ's crucifixion. With tears, he explained that though the criminals hanging on either side of Christ were reaping the consequences for their sin, Jesus had done nothing wrong. What love for us! It was a precious moment.

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood:
Sealed my pardon with His blood;
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

verse 2 of: "Hallelujah! What a Saviour!" written by Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876

This thing called parenting

Addendum: As I completed writing this, my 15 month-old toppled the stacked recycling bins over onto himself. Imagine broken jars and strewn...everything else. Praise the Lord he's not hurt, just startled. Then, my two older lovely children decided to make lemonade and while pouring it, the entire pitcher was dumped on the floor and into large drawers under the counter. I was keenly aware that it was an opportunity for me to put into practice that which I have written.

There is an excellent discussion following a very well written post over at Choosing Home about parenting and child training. I know only bits and pieces of the Pearl's teachings and so I cannot intelligently enter the disussion. I do know some families that have been especially blessed by what the Pearl's have had to say. I am gleaning much from those who are voicing opinions about parenting and disciplining styles and convictions.

When I would ask people about child training techniques as a new mother (I still feel very new at this thing called parenting!), some would simply say, "PRAY!" Inside I was thinking, "Yeah, I KNOW I need to pray, but where is the 3-step process? Where is the manual that I can follow?" I am realizing more and more that they were exactly right and I'm growing to appreciate the individuality of my children who don't fit into a 3-step mold.

The other thing that I am appreciating in the discussion is the emphasis by Ann, who wrote the post, and subsequent commenters, on the importance of loving on your children, making sure that they know that they are an integral part of the family, and that they are fun to be around. I recently read a snipet of some advice online about parenting and one phrase spoke to me in which I will paraphrase as: Laughing with your children is an important and vital step toward closeness and bonding with them. I want to laugh with them more.

Ann wrote a week or so ago on "Whatcha Looking For?" She quoted Proverbs 11:27

"If you search for good, you will find favor, but if you search for evil, it will find you!"

If we look for ways that our children or others are irritating or disobeying us, our responses to them will be harsh and unloving. If we look at them as God's precious children, we will encourage and gently guide them. I pray that I look for good in my children. Yes, there are times to discipline, but disciplining will have much more effect in the context of love and acceptance.

Yesterday was a beautiful day here. My children and I took a bit of time to sit next to the pond/swamp and listen to the frogs. I relished that moment with them and I think they liked it too.

I'm going to go laugh and play with them now...

Fire drills and eternity

Recently we learned about fire safety. After getting new fire detectors that detect different kinds of fires (i.e. smoldering fires and hot, flaming fires), putting a fire extinguisher in the master bedroom as well as the kitchen, and getting carbon monoxide detectors, we thought we had better practice getting out of the house. We were shown how important real-life fire drill practice is during a presentation we attended.

Last evening we had the children lay down in their beds as though they were sleeping, sounded the fire alarm with the test button and had them unlatch their windows and escape. We had set up a meeting place for everyone outside. We also practiced running out the front door if the fire was in the garage for example. Of course they wanted to keep practicing the window escape over and over. We had to put a stop to the drills after five times or so, but I think that they got the idea. Now we need to practice surprise fire drills...

Here is my son going out his window. That black fur is the dog who had to get in on the action.

Here they are running to the meeting area outside.

I pray that we don't ever need to escape our home because of a fire, but if we do, I'm glad we've practiced how to get out.

Even though a physical fire would be horrible to experience, it is absolutely nothing compared to the spiritual fire of eternal judgment. I pray much for the salvation of my children's souls. May they come to realize the sinful nature within them that needs a Savior. May they be willing to believe and repent. I pray that they will have hearts that are soft toward the Lord, a desire to serve Him with their whole hearts no matter what the cost, and a steadfastness of unwavering devotion to the One who died for them. May the fire of the Holy Spirit burn brightly within giving wisdom, perseverance and enthusiasm to walk out their Faith with integrity and consistency.

And then this verse:

Heb 12:28-29
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be
moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.KJV

Lord, may the fire of Your spirit consume us, molding us into Your image. We are not our own. We were bought with the precious blood of Jesus. What can we do but serve You?

Spring is here and a calendar to prove it

The last two days have been wonderfully pleasant outside and the children in our household are absolutely loving it. They must have gotten gardening genes because yesterday I found them cultivating the driveway and planting dogfood seeds.

We are getting ready to build some raised-bed gardens. We have almost all the building materials now and will start on it as soon has we have a chance. Seeds are ordered and I can hardly wait to eat fresh raw peas, lettuce and green beans. Not to mention *real* tomatoes.

Here is a calendar that I made as part of our homeschool activities. I started it last fall. I was frustrated with how most calendars have only five rows requiring doubling up on the bottom row for some months. Is that confusing for new calendar readers or what? It seems to me that it's just a way for calendar makers to save a penny. Anyway, I decided to make my own version and this is what I came up with. After making the initial board with grid lines and days of the week, I brought it in to have it laminated. I also laminated the numbers and used poster tape (non-permanent) to hold them on for the month.

The moveable border is a small piece of black vinal with stencil plastic on the back for reinforcement. Just a little Exacto knife work is all. Then I got some poster puddy to hold it in place. The children enjoy moving it onto the next day each morning.

Here are my other month labels along with some decorations that we have made for various months. Some months we don't get anything else put up, but then again, there's always next year! Those interesting "people" under the February hearts are part of the multitude of angels that proclaimed the Christ's birth during December. I tell you what, the children had a ball decorating the paper and doily angels with glitter glue and cotton ball hair! I hope to make some umbrellas and raindrops for this month.

In the meantime, we are enjoying the singing birds, the sunshine and mud (uh, the children are).

When you don't know what to do

I will always remember something that Elisabeth Elliot said in one of her devotionals. She was relating a circumstance in her life in which she was unable to do anything about a certain situation. She said that she felt like Paul and Silas when they were in prison, chained to the wall of their cell. She said, "When you don't know what to do, pray and sing!"

I have thought of this often and have put it into practice many times.

This is one of the songs that I sing during those times.

For those of you that like to read the words...

Be Still, My Soul

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

public domain

Bits and Pieces

Well, I finished reading an excellent book today. I don't read novels often because I get so engrossed with them that I can hardly do anything else. When my husband called yesterday and I told him that I started this book he said, "So are we going to have supper tonight?" Thank goodness for pre-made meals in the freezer... Needless to say, being a reading maniac for two days doesn't leave time for blogging.

My 15 month old, more affectionately called "Whirlwind" has been hard at it. We've talked off and on about getting a bigger dining room table, but it's times like these when I'm thankful for our folding chairs. They are getting folded often as he is able to climb up the chairs and onto the table in 5 seconds flat. All of a sudden I look over to see him sitting on the table with this grin and then he giggles.

We just recieved our 9 volume set of Little House on the Prairie books along with the "Prairie Primer". It is a homeschool curriculum that goes along with the books, unit study wise. Yes, my children are young and we probably will only do a small portion of what is included in the books, but they simply LOVE having me read to them and we wanted to incorporate some books that have chapters so that they get the idea that all books aren't finished in one sitting. This is something that we can do a few times in their homeschooling years and do more of the activities as they are able.

A good friend just stopped in, so I'll cut this short.

Hope you are having a blessed day!

Not a very comforting thought...

My son was just sitting on the couch and then jumped up and gleefully exclaimed, "I just found a marshmallow!!"

Yep.

Praying for the children

My mother's heart aches when I read of these children and tears flow freely. God's loving hand of mercy has purposes beyond our understanding, but we trust...and pray.

Gracie

Update taken from Gracie's website on Thursday, March 23:

While her mommy and daddy were holding her, Gracie peacefully passed into the Lord's presence at 12 PM today.

Our love and prayers are with the family.

This is taken from Biblical Womanhood's blog. Gracie is three month old, beautiful, baby girl, who needs our prayers right now. Here is an excerpt with a direct link to website for Gracie.

Little Gracie Hopkins is the firstborn baby of some very good friends of ours. She was born with a very serious heart condition and has been battling for her life this week, on life support, after her second corrective surgery. The doctors had hoped that she was well enough to be able to take her off of the life support today, but she was not. On Thursday they will be taking her off of the life support for the last time. Please pray that the Lord would heal her little heart and that it will be able to pump on it's own. Please also pray for her parents as they go through this agonizing time.
For further details and updates (and pictures of Gracie) you can visit http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=graciehopkins

Emily
Here is the latest update on Emily who has cancer and may be undergoing another surgery to remove a tumor that is wrapped around her vocal cords.

Candace Joy
Candace has been in the hospital for a month now fighting for her life after a flesh-eating bacterial began invading her body. She has been through 14 surgeries at this point. Here is her website with updates.

Rebekah
Rebekah is a 3 year old girl who has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma. Read more of the walk that this family is going through here.

As I pray for these precious ones, I invite my children to join me. This is another opportunity for me to help my children see beyond themselves and to the needs of others.

There are so many children that are going through much. To think of all the children whom we will never hear about! But God does. He knows and lovingly cares for each one as only the Father can. In prayer and trust in Him, we lay these children at His feet.

Working into this slowly

We've decided that one of the activities that we will do as a family is camping. So, in light of that, we are proud new owners of the above pictured tent. Because erecting this tent was new to us, we decided it would be best to do a dry run of how to set it up. One of the first things my husband said when looking at the box picture and the tent with pieces was, "Is this really what they expect us to do with this?" I thought we were in for real trouble. Let's just say that it was a test in patience, especially with three VERY excited children running around and squealing. Of course after it's up, you think, "Now that wasn't too bad afterall" and we are conviced that each time we set it up, it will become easier and we will be able to incorporate the help of our very eager tent-errectors-in-training.

Our daughter didn't waste a moment in getting her sleeping bag and setting up her spot as soon as we gave the OK. We were able to fit in a queen blow-up mattress for honey and I, two sleeping bags and a Pack-n-Play for the youngest. It was full in there, but not horribly so.

After family devotions by flashlight, we tried to get everyone settled in. Yeah right. They were all pretty wound up. I had had a good nap that afternoon, so I wasn't nearly as tired as my hubby, who fell asleep almost immediately. I laid there trying to stay really still and quiet. Then the 15 month-old decided to stand up in his crib and make noises. Finally, Keith looked over at him and said, "Ssshhhh!" I could hardly believe it, but he just laid back down and was quiet. Now even though I had been trying to stay still before, I was really trying to be quiet now. I kept thinking, "Don't move an inch. If I pretend that my head doesn't itch, maybe it will go away. Don't mess with a miracle!"

Next, my daughter sits up and is looking out the door of the tent. I finally asked her what she was doing and she said, "I see the moon outside." So even though it may have seemed funny to me to be camping in a tent inside the house, I guess she was getting a taste of what it will be like to camp outside. In fact, camping outside is a whole new concept to them. When we first told them that we were going to start camping, they were SO excited. Then when we mentioned that we would be setting the tent up outside when it was warmer, they looked at us with the most puzzled expression and said, "Outside??" Of course, then the excitement level went up a few notches.

My son and daughter had to get up and get this or that, use the bathroom, or whatever a couple times. I just let them go. They were having too much fun. This got my mind wandering a bit to the times when I went camping with my family growing up and the awful feeling of having to go to the bathroom after everyone was in bed. I can remember having to wake someone up, get shoes and coat on over my pajamas, and walk the two miles (it felt like) to the biffy. I then started wondering if this camping idea was a good one. Anyway, my son comes back from one of his escapes from the tent with his sunglasses on. Poor thing, the moonlight was just to bright for him.

Eventually we all fell asleep. Sometime this summer we will be falling asleep to the sound of crickets, scurrying chipmunks and croaking frogs. This time it was to the sound of a fan (it was roasting in there!, the dishwasher and the trickle of water flowing through the pump of the fish aquarium.

On That Day

Lord, I ache for more of You. But do I ache enough? Do I ache enough to be who You want me to be...with my whole heart? Am I willing to change, to sacrifice...to die to myself so that You can envelop my entire being?

In the end, it's just You and me.

When it comes to my salvation, it doesn't matter if I have a godly husband or not. It doesn't matter the quality of the church I attend or the friends have. It doesn't really matter on That Day whether I looked good on the outside and did many acts of service. Even the heathen do that.

No one else can stand in proxy for me regarding the eternal destination of my soul. No one else can do it for me. It's intensely personal.

You know my heart, Lord.

Some may say that I'm doing great on this road called Christianity. Some may say that I have work to do, but I'm on the right road. Some say that I've missed it all together and am horribly deceived.

What others think won't even cross my mind on That Day. And it shouldn't matter today. It's only what You think that matters at all.

I want to please You, honor You and serve You with a heart of worship, in everything that I do, whether it be changing diapers, washing clothes or making a meal for someone that's hurting.

When I stand before You Lord, I want to hear You say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Not for any crowns, but simply because I want to please You. I want to live totally for You. When I do that, everything else will be prioritized according to Your perfect understanding, will, and wisdom. Everything will be done in the light of You.

It's You and me, Lord. I can't do it in my own strength. I need Your Indwelling Spirit. I need You to walk with me. Please hold my hand.