Winter thoughts

I can understand why some folks during the days of the pioneers, went totally berserk during the winter months. Day after day on these flat, flat plains. Blowing snow, gargantuan snow drifts, decreased daylight, temperatures in the basement! Continual threats of spring flooding. Except for the latter, I loved it all when I was a kid.

So what has changed? I admit that the stark, white landscape has its own kind of beauty. I admit that those sundogs are breathtaking. And I freely admit that the clear, crisp air on a winter's night can be invigorating and seems to emphasize the brilliance of the stars. But ooh, the staggering cold, the cold. The having to be inside day after day. It begins to wear on a soul.

So what to do.

I made three afghans this winter, so far, but the best . . .

I decided to read through the entire Bible this winter (even the older testament books like Leviticus!). And I'm not reading it chronologically. I'm reading it as directed by thoughts I have, questions we have, subjects mentioned in S.S. class, pointed ouches from the pastor's sermons, etc. Guess what? I'm loving it.

The Psalms are beautiful, but then so is Lamentations (though a bit of a downer). Ruth filled me with gratitude for my earthly kinsman redeemer and my Heavenly One. Even the never-ending laws found in some of the books the older testament were worth the reread.

But you know what I love best? Every single word that our dear Lord Jesus said. Every one. I have been sneered at in the past for being a 'red-letter' Christian. It was an unkind and unfair remark because I have read and reread the older testament many times. But to read our Lord's words do more for me than anything found in the older testament. And, after all, all the fullness of the godhead dwelt in Him bodly. So if I know Him, I know His Father. If I ever practice well His command to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind, and love my neighbor as myself, then maybe I will move on to those hair-splitting, ivory-tower theological arguments.

Until then . . . I'm sticking with the basics . . . the Lord Jesus and His every word.

So when I look out my living room window at the miles and miles of white; when I hear the never-ending roar of the wind; or when I long for the first breath of spring, I pick up my Bible and begin to read.

Comfort, sweet comfort. In the midst of every storm.

You might want to try it.

A Century of Living

This past weekend my husband officiated at the funeral of a devout, loving man. God gave him 100 years of life on earth and in that time he lived "a slow, steady obediance in the same direction."

George D. was an amazing man, not in and of himself, but because of the manner in which he got out of the way and let God have His way.

When we were notified that he had gone on to be with Jesus, we couldn't help but feel envious. To be with Jesus, to behold His glory, to never, ever sin again! That is something worth envying.

George and Ann were like parents to us when we first moved to that tiny little parsonage northeast of nowhere. They loved us genuinely and generously. I can look around my home and see their love in the wooden handcrafted gifts they gave (made with skill and devotion): Bill's desk and matching file cabinet, our jewelry boxes, lovely wooden bowls, my sewing cabinet, and cutting board.

But the greatest gift, far outdistancing the lovely woodcrafts, was the long-term, devoted love they shared with one another, their family and us.

We will be grateful way on into eternity.

Snatched from R.C. Jr.

I found the following extremely convicting (and we homeschool!), yet it brought up images in my own life that are idolatrous. It was written some time ago and I ran across it by accident (I'm a Calvinist, nothing is by accident!) while I was cleaning out my library, desk, files, etc. in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. Funny the things you save...and find later. It is not reading for the faint of heart. And if you find yourself making excuses throughout the reading, well, then.....

Idols for Destruction
By R. C. Sproul, Jr.
I'm confident that many Christians have not slept well these last few nights. I suspect that tonight they won't do much better. Over the last several days, as I write, the stock market has not performed well. It has reached a five year low, having lost over forty percent of its value since its peak. It is not difficult to muster sympathy in these difficult economic times. Forty percent is rather much to lose, though only slightly more than half of seventy percent.

I lose sleep at night not because Christians have lost forty percent of their investments. I lose sleep at night because Christians are losing seventy percent of their children. They spend their days in institutions where Jesus doesn't matter. Seven hours a day, 180 days a year, Jesus doesn't matter. I am not surprised that when they graduate Jesus doesn't matter to them. The children of professing Christians who are schooled by the government are more likely than not to reject the faith. And we're worried about our stock portfolios.

Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that where our treasure is, there will our hearts be as well (Matt. 6:21). Our treasure is in our treasure, rather than in our children. We lose our children by the millions, but only cry when we lose our millions. The Christian church is a willful band of idolaters. We send our wives off to work because we worship mammon. We send our children off to 'free' schools rather than private schools where Jesus is honored because we worship mammon. And we mourn at the death of our mammon, rather than the death of our children's souls.

Every time tragedy hits, Christians fall back on this same chestnut of wisdom--we pray that so and so will learn something important from all the suffering. My prayer is the same. My hope is that as God destroys the idols in His church, as He shows that He is almighty, rather than the almighty dollar, that His people will repent and turn to Him. My prayer is then that He might turn our hearts back to our children, that we might in turn raise them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. God could do this. Or, He could lead us into physical starvation, even as we have starved our own children of His Word.

The more likely scenario is this. Professing Christians will continue to cry out to Washington to be their savior. Washington will continue to fail. And some, a very few, but some will in their financial pain turn and repent. Narrow is the path of life, and wide is the way of destruction. Before you get on your knees, asking God to deliver us from financial calamity, confess your sins. Confess that all of us, even those who homeschool, value too much that which bears Caesar's image, and too little that which bears His image. Then, do not ask Him to fix your portfolio. Ask Him to help you invest in the only investment that bears dividends into eternity, your children.

Okay, okay, so leave a comment.

I have heard from some readers via other means of communication, but almost no comments on the blog. I admit it makes me think I may be wasting my time...and yet...well, let me know.

Scripture Means What It Says!

I grew up under the tutelage of an American Sunday School Union missionary. He believed every single word in the Scriptures and taught us unruly, uninterested and sometimes disruptive hoodlums that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...." Even during the years this little lambkin chose to go her own way, stumbling into dark, dark valleys and enduring incredible pain and regret, still the Good Shepherd reminded me often that His ways were best and that every word in the Scriptures was true.

Maybe that is why I have bumbled, stumbled and tripped over Romans 13. I knew this was written by Paul during the time of Nero's reign so I looked up on the Internet some horrifying truths about Nero's oversight of the fast-fading Roman Empire. It was information that I wish I didn't have in my head!

My point being: If Paul wrote Romans during the time of one of history's greatest reprobates then, well, then I guess it applies today, too. Nobody in their right mind could ever equate current leadership with Nero.

Romans 13:1-7
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed."

The passage says every person (every means ALL!), no authority (no means NONE!), instituted by God (by God, not the will of man!), God's servant (they are working for the Master whether they know it or not!), etc. It does not say that it applies only to good leaders. I have read the arguments from folks who believe that ungodly rulers lose the right to rule and therefore, we do not need to submit to them. Well, I wonder why Paul didn't include that, considering who was on the throne at the time.

As my pastor pointed out in a recent sermon, the reason we submit is twofold: because they are established by God and because the state will judge you, too. Also, we obey, submit for conscience' sake.

Perhaps the biggest impact of this sermon series has been the point made that the person who says, "The government can't tell me what to do!" is really a person filled with pride. It is pride that says nobody can tell me what to do, how to live, whether to obtain a marriage license, what speed to drive, whether to get a building permit, etc.

The bottom line of the sermon was that we obey to avoid trouble, and most importantly to honor God.

The raised, clenched fist, the subtle disobedience of driving over the speed limit, the constant fighting over my rights is not the sign of a humble, obedient heart. It is pride.

And pride is the root of all evils. Just ask the Evil One. How did his pride work out for him? A fallen troublemaker...still under the sovereignty of God, someday to be consigned to the abyss. Not much a future in store for him and his lackeys.

I'm actually much better at pride than at humility. But I would like to be humble (sometimes), but so far this is an ongoing, daily struggle.

I'd likely end up being proud of my humility.

Sometimes you just can't go back

This is a picture of the location of the house I grew up in. Those skeletal evergreens were planted by my mom back in the 60s.

Our house sat on a hill, set back from the highway and overlooking Devils Lake (the lake, not the town).

Sometimes we long to go back in time to a place or a moment when we were less burdened by the cares of the world. But sometimes, maybe even most of the time, you just can't go back. That is why control of the tongue is so essential to godly living. You cannot take back something once said. You can apologize, make amends or grieve over careless words, but you cannot take them back.

Careful, careful we must be in our speech. Even things said in silliness or jest can be hurtful. I have often prayed that the Lord would set a guard at my mouth, a watch on my tongue.

Because sometimes you just can't go back...

Everyone is entitled to their own 'stupid' opinion

My dear Prince has often said when a bit disgusted by someone's blathering that everyone is entitled to their own 'stupid' opinion. Now he is just jesting...mostly.

This past Sunday I was deeply convicted and, indeed, even had an "Ah, ha!" moment. It is so true that much of what we argue about, or shall I say discuss with verve, is simply a matter of differing opinion.

I mean really, when was the last time I got into a heated debate about the sovereignty of God, or the absolute necessity of the cross, or the glorious mystery of the Trinity?

With shame I admit that it wasn't that long ago I spoke heatedly about the ignorant idea that we can actually spend ourselves out of debt. There's a bird-brained idea to argue about.

So when the Pastor began to discuss the need to accept one another in love (despite differing opinions) I was a bit rattled. But the best part was that it finally dawned on me that we really are entitled to our own opinions but that's all they are...opinions. Arguing about nonessentials as though they are essentials shows a lack of, even contempt for, love. Pastor Monty said, "If I do not accept folks as they are then I am not loving." Long ago in a Bible I simply wore the cover off of I had written on the flyleaf these words: "If I am not very loving then I am not very holy." Exactly.

Pastor's sermon also reminded me of an old 70s chorus (that's 1970s!) which went: If you want to be great in God's Kingdom then you must be the servant of all.

And finally I loved the sweet, meaningful phrase included in the sermon. We are to work toward unity and we are to treat those with differing opinions with benevolent kindness. Benevolent kindness. Because that is how God has treated us.

I would really like to be able to always accept another's opinion without judgment and to treat all with benevolent kindness.

Whew...I have a long way to go!

'Favorite' or 'Life' Verses

This past Sunday our Pastor related some 'life verses' from some well-known folks then asked if anyone would like to share their 'life verse'. I take seriously what Paul said in I Corinthians 14:34 that "in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church." Therefore, I did not share some of my 'favorite' verses. I am not always successful at keeping my mouth shut, but at least at this point in my life I feel badly and know that I have resisted the teaching of the Word when I speak when I ought not.

So I will share some of my 'favorite' or 'life' verses here:
...aspire to live quietly and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. I Thess.4:11-12
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thess.5:16-18
...pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Romans 14:19
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2Tim. 4:18

Indeed, to Him be the glory!

Prayer for....

I wrote the following prayer awhile ago and I meant it. But now, much later, I realize that one doesn't always know what they are praying for or even about. It means much more to me now than when I first whispered it to my dear Lord Jesus.

In all things, Lord Jesus, you are Sovereign and Your preeminence in our lives continually gives us courage. And with your gift of courage You pour into us joy. And your immeasurable joy gives us comfort in everything You call us to do.

By Your generous grace we follow You wherever You lead and we do so with the confidence of a child. We welcome the opportunity to enter into Your suffering knowing full well that this is the road to maturity.

We love you, Lord Jesus. Help us to love You more.

Singing the old hymns...

We attend a church that has a 'blended' worship service. The preaching is inspiring, convicting, straight from God's Word and preached by someone I honor and respect. The order of service is pretty traditional and our monthly communion service includes excellent instruction and is very dear to me (I only wish it were more often!). Our Sunday School class is a source of learning, sharing, thinking and even struggling over some of the areas of Christianity where the rubber actually meets the road. I am learning much from it.

The music during the worship service is mostly contemporary with one traditional hymn. Now I have to say that most of the contemporary (7-11 choruses*) choruses that we sing are Scripturally correct. Occassionally we have one that doesn't exactly jive with Scripture. I even appreciate many of these contemporary songs, but I regret never having any music to read from (pretty hard to sing parts without it!) and I am a bit flustered by the fact that we are frequently singing choruses that are unfamiliar. There isn't one that we have sung in the past year that I could actually sing, or even hum, while I go about my domestic duties. And sometimes they are just plain hard to sing congregationally.

That brings me to the traditional hymns. I admit some of them didn't get right what I understand to be correct theology either. But there are many, many that do.

One that recently has been a source of comfort to me (and I can sing it without the music in front of me because I have been singing it for decades!) is What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

Meditate on these words:
What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry, Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

It was the third line in this first verse that I've been thinking on. I am actually forfeiting my peace when I fail to go to my dear Lord Jesus for comfort, strength, peace and courage. I'm still thinking on this and hope to be more faithful in leaning on the everlasting arms when I'm in the garden or elsewhere.

So bottom line: I love the old hymns on which I was raised; I can appreciate the contemporary songs, but consider their form of delivery deficient (no music, no parts etc.) and sometimes their Scriptural accuracy is lacking.

Perhaps it really is a matter of preference, but even if it is, whether we sing traditional hymns or contemporary songs they MUST BE SCRIPTURALLY CORRECT. Maybe that's really the bottom line.

Humming about my friend Jesus as I go about the day. Now you're probably humming it, too.

* 7-11 choruses; seven words sung eleven times

Billy has ARRIVED!

Today was a very big day for two little girls (and one not so little, Aimee!).

Billy has arrived at the Blessed Life Ranch. He was a little anxious so the previous owners brought Dixie to keep him company for awhile until he gets use to us and the BLR. He is a Welsh pony and beautiful in every way. Gentle-natured, well-broke, and the color of Aimee's hair.

Well, he is just about perfect!

Run to Jesus in the storms of life!

Make no mistake: the storms of life come to us all. Some experience devastating loss for which there seems to be no explanation. Others may live with chronic pain or disability. Some endure the hardships of financial meltdown while others suffer through the agonies of a faithless spouse. Parents pray with groaning for a wayward child and many know the sting of a faithless friend.

I told someone recently (someone who is in the valley of affliction) that there seems to me to be only one answer when these storms of life assail us: Run to Jesus. Run. He will help you carry the load, indeed, He will carry you and the load. The Everlasting Arms will be your comfort and you can safely hide under the shadow of His wings. There just doesn't seem to be any other option for me as a Christian. I must run to Jesus in the storms of life and only there will I find the strength for each day...no matter what it brings.

So if you're looking for me, I am either running to Jesus or ...... running to Jesus!