Wow! I have really enjoyed the last two months getting into the blogging thing!
If nothing else, it has been a good way to keep a record of what's been happening.
Amazingly though, I do find myself with lots of topics running around in my head and just not enough time, or energy, to get them all down. I have several drafts started and lots of poetry and stuff I would love to record here. Time is in such short supply and the actual living of life a far greater priority. I am thankful for that as it seems some spend an awful lot of time on their blogs. But that's a fascinating topic I might go onto one day. (One lady I came across recently with not one, but 4 blogs devoted to denouncing other people and their beliefs! Now that's got to be a sad life!)
Roll on March!!
"Praise ye the Lord. Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, his mercy endureth for ever."
Psalm 106: 1
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Summer's End
Tomorrow is officially the beginning of Autumn.
We don't have a great variation in seasons around here, but the searing heat and oppressive humidity will start to ease up. We have the most glorious Winters!We don't have a large yard and very little garden. I love the riotous way the ferns and creepers grow around the back of the old house.
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Friday, February 27, 2009
Visit to the War Museum
Another busy week, but nowhere near so tiring as the last one.
I am still a novice at the intricacies of blogging and I have a lot of trouble with photo placement and text. It never seems to end up on the blog the way I have arranged it in the draft. Frustrating!
One of the homeschooling mums I am friendly with is very under the weather with morning/ afternoon/ night sickness! As I'd planned to take my boys to the War Museum today I suggested taking her boys along as well.
Since she has four of that variety I was well chaperoned! The local museum is fairly small, but has lots of interesting exhibits. It is lovingly manned by volunteers, two of whom were more than happy to show us around on a quiet Friday morning. Six young lads between 8 and 14 can find plenty of interest in a place like that and I was impressed that they listened so well and all asked lots of questions. They also got to climb over a Bren Gun carrier that is being restored but my camera batteries were dead by then so no pictures.
I am still a novice at the intricacies of blogging and I have a lot of trouble with photo placement and text. It never seems to end up on the blog the way I have arranged it in the draft. Frustrating!
One of the homeschooling mums I am friendly with is very under the weather with morning/ afternoon/ night sickness! As I'd planned to take my boys to the War Museum today I suggested taking her boys along as well.
Since she has four of that variety I was well chaperoned! The local museum is fairly small, but has lots of interesting exhibits. It is lovingly manned by volunteers, two of whom were more than happy to show us around on a quiet Friday morning. Six young lads between 8 and 14 can find plenty of interest in a place like that and I was impressed that they listened so well and all asked lots of questions. They also got to climb over a Bren Gun carrier that is being restored but my camera batteries were dead by then so no pictures.
War Museum Pics
Excursion to the local War Museum
The Air Warden
Service Medals
Model of the "Sydney". Sunk off the West Australian coast, the wreck found only last year.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Lent,Easter and the RPW
I am fascinated by all the blogging about Lent at the moment.
As one brought up in a devout Roman Catholic family where Lent was a BIG deal, who was marvellously saved by my Lord Jesus Christ, I am puzzled by the affection of Bible believing Christians for these Holy Days and observances.
I am not going to detail all the pagan origins of the Easter and Christmas seasons, or the Roman Catholic integration of these into the Christian "calendar", but there is plenty of good literature about them for any who wish to read and study. The Reformation teaching, also taught in the Westminster Confession of Faith, is that of the Regulative Principle of Worship. That which is not commanded in scripture, concerning worship, is forbidden. Because of this, we celebrate and worship the risen Saviour every day, but especially on the Lord's Day.
This is The Resurrection Day!
For me, the childhood memories of giving up something for Lent, are associated with our earning some merit with God. Make sacrifices by all means, and draw close to God through fasting and prayer, but it is between you and God and out of faith in him, not meriting any favour with him. We were told to make sacrifices, but little emphasis was placed on the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus until that dreadful Good Friday service. Here we went forward and kissed the bleeding feet of a statue which represented Jesus and sang mournful songs - but I never heard the message of his once for all sacrifice. The penalty paid for all who trust in him. That my good works merited nothing and His everything!
Then on Easter Sunday we had a more joyful morning mass and trotted home to have a fun day with little further thought of God and the glorious work of His Son.
I know the Christian bloggers who observe Lent do not claim to be trusting in these works for their salvation, We have many personal friends who practice the same and still love and esteem them as brethren. I just think it is extra biblical and unnecessary.
Not commanded by God in the worship of God.
References:
Larger Catechisms 107-110 (including Scripture proofs)
WC of F ChapterXXI Section 1 ( including Scripture proofs)
`Directory for the Public Worship of God: Touching Days and Places of Worship.
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt 15:9
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As one brought up in a devout Roman Catholic family where Lent was a BIG deal, who was marvellously saved by my Lord Jesus Christ, I am puzzled by the affection of Bible believing Christians for these Holy Days and observances.
I am not going to detail all the pagan origins of the Easter and Christmas seasons, or the Roman Catholic integration of these into the Christian "calendar", but there is plenty of good literature about them for any who wish to read and study. The Reformation teaching, also taught in the Westminster Confession of Faith, is that of the Regulative Principle of Worship. That which is not commanded in scripture, concerning worship, is forbidden. Because of this, we celebrate and worship the risen Saviour every day, but especially on the Lord's Day.
This is The Resurrection Day!
For me, the childhood memories of giving up something for Lent, are associated with our earning some merit with God. Make sacrifices by all means, and draw close to God through fasting and prayer, but it is between you and God and out of faith in him, not meriting any favour with him. We were told to make sacrifices, but little emphasis was placed on the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus until that dreadful Good Friday service. Here we went forward and kissed the bleeding feet of a statue which represented Jesus and sang mournful songs - but I never heard the message of his once for all sacrifice. The penalty paid for all who trust in him. That my good works merited nothing and His everything!
Then on Easter Sunday we had a more joyful morning mass and trotted home to have a fun day with little further thought of God and the glorious work of His Son.
I know the Christian bloggers who observe Lent do not claim to be trusting in these works for their salvation, We have many personal friends who practice the same and still love and esteem them as brethren. I just think it is extra biblical and unnecessary.
Not commanded by God in the worship of God.
References:
Larger Catechisms 107-110 (including Scripture proofs)
WC of F ChapterXXI Section 1 ( including Scripture proofs)
`Directory for the Public Worship of God: Touching Days and Places of Worship.
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt 15:9
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Monday, February 23, 2009
A Gem!
Older son at dinner tonight. "Rich people might go out to fancy restaurants to eat all the time, but we get 5 star meals every day!"
This after a very simple Macaroni cheese! Thanks son, you made my day. : )
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This after a very simple Macaroni cheese! Thanks son, you made my day. : )
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They that mourn...
Matthew 5 : 4 22/02/09
The world pushes happiness now. Instant gratification, self centered-ness. The world wants comfort now. And often the church is listening to and teaching the same message. But our Lord Jesus Christ was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". He is our role model. People try to escape the problems of life, but he felt the sorrows and grieved over his people.
Like being poor in spirit, the mourning described is an inward condition, an inward disposition which characterises the people of God. Worldly sorrow displays no hope but the believer is not sorry for himself but for what he has done in the sight of God. As we mourn over our sin, and wrestle with it we cultivate a quality of gravity and soberness, which is not seen in the worldly. (Think of the Godly, wise and experienced saints you know.) And as we mourn and repent of our sin, forgiveness is found. We have true mourning when we see the guilt and shame which Christ bore on our behalf. Christ is our deliverance and our soul is set free!! This enables us to live holy lives, to worship and praise and to enter into the feeling of what others suffer.
"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4
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The world pushes happiness now. Instant gratification, self centered-ness. The world wants comfort now. And often the church is listening to and teaching the same message. But our Lord Jesus Christ was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". He is our role model. People try to escape the problems of life, but he felt the sorrows and grieved over his people.
Like being poor in spirit, the mourning described is an inward condition, an inward disposition which characterises the people of God. Worldly sorrow displays no hope but the believer is not sorry for himself but for what he has done in the sight of God. As we mourn over our sin, and wrestle with it we cultivate a quality of gravity and soberness, which is not seen in the worldly. (Think of the Godly, wise and experienced saints you know.) And as we mourn and repent of our sin, forgiveness is found. We have true mourning when we see the guilt and shame which Christ bore on our behalf. Christ is our deliverance and our soul is set free!! This enables us to live holy lives, to worship and praise and to enter into the feeling of what others suffer.
"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4
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The poor in spirit...
Beatitudes: to be blessed.
Blessed are: state of true happiness, not an emotion but our state and condition as seen by God.
Matthew 5:3 15/02/09
To be poor in spirit is not a natural quality or character trait and nothing to do with material wealth. It is a grace which God works in the hearts of his disciples. "I am nothing,. I have nothing. I can do nothing in the sight of God." A sense of our unworthiness and our undeservedness of all God's gifts to us. In contrast the natural worldly quality is to believe in yourself and believe you deserve something or the world owes something. All
our worthiness is found in God and the redeemed will glorify God.
The poor in spirit are constantly dependant on God and aware of our insufficiency. He is all in all.
The wonderful blessing is promised. The unbeliever has no hope or assurance, only presumption. God is a great King and he promises the poor in spirit, disciples by his grace, a place in his kingdom!!!
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5 : 3
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Blessed are: state of true happiness, not an emotion but our state and condition as seen by God.
Matthew 5:3 15/02/09
To be poor in spirit is not a natural quality or character trait and nothing to do with material wealth. It is a grace which God works in the hearts of his disciples. "I am nothing,. I have nothing. I can do nothing in the sight of God." A sense of our unworthiness and our undeservedness of all God's gifts to us. In contrast the natural worldly quality is to believe in yourself and believe you deserve something or the world owes something. All
our worthiness is found in God and the redeemed will glorify God.
The poor in spirit are constantly dependant on God and aware of our insufficiency. He is all in all.
The wonderful blessing is promised. The unbeliever has no hope or assurance, only presumption. God is a great King and he promises the poor in spirit, disciples by his grace, a place in his kingdom!!!
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5 : 3
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Friday, February 20, 2009
STRETCHED!
It's Friday night at the end of a great week! I feel stretched but not out of shape! Tired but in a really good, hard work, exhausted way. What a fantastic season of life I find myself in. It is rich and rewarding, It is also physically, emotionally and to some extent spiritually draining and yet I find so much opportunity for spiritual growth and challenge.
There have been the usual demands of house work and school. The precious times of family interaction and meeting with friends. The joy of worship and fellowship with other believers. For a stay at home mum I seem to spend an enormous amount of time in the car, going to activities and running errands. Aaah! I wouldn't have it any other way!
I think these middle years are so full of learning experiences and challenges to our ingrained ways. There are elderly parents who need love and attention but also give so much in wisdom and a secure base for extended family life. There are grown children already left the nest but still needing support and "mum" time, who give so much in return by their own support and physcial help. Younger children, growing, maturing, erring but learning. So much a part of the home and life yet so precious and teachable. There are grand children, whose faces light up to see their "mumma" and thus bring such a joy and delight to my heart. At times I marvel that I am now a middle aged woman and enjoying such a full, rich life in every aspect.
Thoughts carried over..
Last Sabbath we had two very stirring and thought provoking messages which I had hoped to get some notes of down here. Alas, after writing about the wedding on Monday, I have not got back to it since. What has stayed with me most from 1 John has been the admonitions to the various age groups. Little children, young men and fathers (mature). Pastor brought out the lack of a "teenage" group in biblical times and how our culture, including the church, panders to this "long childhood", selfish and with out responsibility. It is good for us as home educators to keep this in mind with our own children. Spiritually, we sometimes have low expectations and certainly in other areas of responsibility in relationships, home and church life.
What I have been thinking on most is the admonitions to "you fathers" because you have known him that is from the beginning. The respect, honour and duty of the "aged" in the faith, as in Titus 2, to both men and women. I pray one day to have wisdom, grace, experience enough to fall into this category. I thank God for the blessed saints he has placed in my life as godly examples.
I have been reading a few sites and many interesting articles concerning the Titus 2 passage especially as it applies to women. I do not think I can add any new insight to it but I hope to write a little about my beliefs on some of these areas, Lord willing.
I actually think the internet can be both a positive and a negative in teaching these good things, as I suppose it is in every area. To me the Fathers and Mothers (teaching the faith by example) , should primarily be the experienced and godly people in ones own congregation or locality. Books and websites have heaps to offer but it requires discernment to sift through and compare with scripture, which many new Christians have not yet gained. It is easy to be swayed by every wind of doctrine. It can be crippling to spiritual growth to be caught up in a "movement" which has high and lofty teachings and expectations but no on the ground support and encouragement and little or no biblical grounding.
A situation resolved!
To close the week I attended one of the most uplifting and united meetings tonight, where God was held high and brothers and sisters committed to trusting, serving and glorifying him, while loving and forgiving one another.
Though I am weary I am rejoicing and elated in spirit. Praise God!
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1
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There have been the usual demands of house work and school. The precious times of family interaction and meeting with friends. The joy of worship and fellowship with other believers. For a stay at home mum I seem to spend an enormous amount of time in the car, going to activities and running errands. Aaah! I wouldn't have it any other way!
I think these middle years are so full of learning experiences and challenges to our ingrained ways. There are elderly parents who need love and attention but also give so much in wisdom and a secure base for extended family life. There are grown children already left the nest but still needing support and "mum" time, who give so much in return by their own support and physcial help. Younger children, growing, maturing, erring but learning. So much a part of the home and life yet so precious and teachable. There are grand children, whose faces light up to see their "mumma" and thus bring such a joy and delight to my heart. At times I marvel that I am now a middle aged woman and enjoying such a full, rich life in every aspect.
Thoughts carried over..
Last Sabbath we had two very stirring and thought provoking messages which I had hoped to get some notes of down here. Alas, after writing about the wedding on Monday, I have not got back to it since. What has stayed with me most from 1 John has been the admonitions to the various age groups. Little children, young men and fathers (mature). Pastor brought out the lack of a "teenage" group in biblical times and how our culture, including the church, panders to this "long childhood", selfish and with out responsibility. It is good for us as home educators to keep this in mind with our own children. Spiritually, we sometimes have low expectations and certainly in other areas of responsibility in relationships, home and church life.
What I have been thinking on most is the admonitions to "you fathers" because you have known him that is from the beginning. The respect, honour and duty of the "aged" in the faith, as in Titus 2, to both men and women. I pray one day to have wisdom, grace, experience enough to fall into this category. I thank God for the blessed saints he has placed in my life as godly examples.
I have been reading a few sites and many interesting articles concerning the Titus 2 passage especially as it applies to women. I do not think I can add any new insight to it but I hope to write a little about my beliefs on some of these areas, Lord willing.
I actually think the internet can be both a positive and a negative in teaching these good things, as I suppose it is in every area. To me the Fathers and Mothers (teaching the faith by example) , should primarily be the experienced and godly people in ones own congregation or locality. Books and websites have heaps to offer but it requires discernment to sift through and compare with scripture, which many new Christians have not yet gained. It is easy to be swayed by every wind of doctrine. It can be crippling to spiritual growth to be caught up in a "movement" which has high and lofty teachings and expectations but no on the ground support and encouragement and little or no biblical grounding.
A situation resolved!
To close the week I attended one of the most uplifting and united meetings tonight, where God was held high and brothers and sisters committed to trusting, serving and glorifying him, while loving and forgiving one another.
Though I am weary I am rejoicing and elated in spirit. Praise God!
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1
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Monday, February 16, 2009
A three-fold cord not easily broken
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12
On Saturday, I attended the wedding of a lovely young couple. The groom's mother is one of dearest friends, and I was very privileged to be invited to this family celebration. The Ecclesiastes passage above was read at the wedding and it was greatly emphasised in the message that marriage, between believers, involves three parties. The Groom, the Bride and God. A three-fold cord is not quickly broken. "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it."
My friend was radiant, surrounded by her large family, she pictured the "joyful mother of children" I know her to be. She assured me she had shed plenty of tears before hand!! All five daughters were dressed so sweetly, and their youngest, five year old boy, absolutely stole the show as page. When his dad was dressing him in suit and tie for the church, Master 5 says, "Now I look like an old man, Dad!"
What I loved so much was that these two young people, who have both professed their faith in Christ, looked and behaved in such a relaxed yet modest and respectful way. The wedding was not in my own denomination, so there were of course some differences which we would not practice since we see a wedding as a worship service. I did not attend to criticise, but to join in a very special occasion. 300 or so Baptists can really raise the roof!! I loved the way that every speaker, the Pastor and the couple's fathers, gave God the glory, committed them to the Lord and heartily welcomed each to their respective families. If these two precious young ones heed the advice, instruction and example they have been given they will truly enjoy a blessed marriage. "Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest...."
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For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12
On Saturday, I attended the wedding of a lovely young couple. The groom's mother is one of dearest friends, and I was very privileged to be invited to this family celebration. The Ecclesiastes passage above was read at the wedding and it was greatly emphasised in the message that marriage, between believers, involves three parties. The Groom, the Bride and God. A three-fold cord is not quickly broken. "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it."
My friend was radiant, surrounded by her large family, she pictured the "joyful mother of children" I know her to be. She assured me she had shed plenty of tears before hand!! All five daughters were dressed so sweetly, and their youngest, five year old boy, absolutely stole the show as page. When his dad was dressing him in suit and tie for the church, Master 5 says, "Now I look like an old man, Dad!"
What I loved so much was that these two young people, who have both professed their faith in Christ, looked and behaved in such a relaxed yet modest and respectful way. The wedding was not in my own denomination, so there were of course some differences which we would not practice since we see a wedding as a worship service. I did not attend to criticise, but to join in a very special occasion. 300 or so Baptists can really raise the roof!! I loved the way that every speaker, the Pastor and the couple's fathers, gave God the glory, committed them to the Lord and heartily welcomed each to their respective families. If these two precious young ones heed the advice, instruction and example they have been given they will truly enjoy a blessed marriage. "Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest...."
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Friday, February 13, 2009
The Week That Was
And what a week it has been!
Nationally, it has been a week where the hand of God has been seen in the forces of nature. Our "opal-hearted" country is blackened and charred at one end and swamped by flood waters at the other. It has been a week in which heart breaking images have flooded the media and stories, both tragic and heroic have emerged. There has been a great loss of life. The official total will not be known for some time but over 80 people are still unaccounted for which could take the number to around 300. We are the "lucky" country. This sort of thing doesn't happen here. But it is providence and not luck which is at work. "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth good to him."
On the home front, we are back into the routine of the school year and it almost seems like there never were holidays! My foot is great. Sore if I walk a lot and doesn't flex so well but better every day. Seeing some slight improvements in the boys work with phonics. One of my dear sisters came to spend time working on their reading and phonics games and they really respond well with her. I have been blessed to spend quite a bit of time with my daughters and the babies, too this week. The little guys are becoming so clever! Grabbing on to things and rolling over easily. They are both cheerful contented chaps and my girls are just really great mums!
My heart, is heavy with the sadness of the tragedies about us, yet I can praise God. He gives us so many comforts in our homes and families, in knowing that He is in control, that nothing is a random, pointless act.
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
Nationally, it has been a week where the hand of God has been seen in the forces of nature. Our "opal-hearted" country is blackened and charred at one end and swamped by flood waters at the other. It has been a week in which heart breaking images have flooded the media and stories, both tragic and heroic have emerged. There has been a great loss of life. The official total will not be known for some time but over 80 people are still unaccounted for which could take the number to around 300. We are the "lucky" country. This sort of thing doesn't happen here. But it is providence and not luck which is at work. "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth good to him."
On the home front, we are back into the routine of the school year and it almost seems like there never were holidays! My foot is great. Sore if I walk a lot and doesn't flex so well but better every day. Seeing some slight improvements in the boys work with phonics. One of my dear sisters came to spend time working on their reading and phonics games and they really respond well with her. I have been blessed to spend quite a bit of time with my daughters and the babies, too this week. The little guys are becoming so clever! Grabbing on to things and rolling over easily. They are both cheerful contented chaps and my girls are just really great mums!
My heart, is heavy with the sadness of the tragedies about us, yet I can praise God. He gives us so many comforts in our homes and families, in knowing that He is in control, that nothing is a random, pointless act.
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
My Country
The Olgas
Gum trees
Firey SunsetThis is a link to one of my favourite Australian poems. I love bush poetry and this one especially depicts the harsh Australian landscape. Of course we have rainforest and very picturesque regions as well but as Mrs McKellar so beautifully describes, it is not the lush green of "mother England"!
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Monday, February 9, 2009
Black Saturday
Last Saturday, 7 February, 2009, Australia experienced the greatest loss of life ever in a natural disaster. Australia is a vast country with a small population. The loss of 130 lives to bush fires is devastating and the nation is in mourning. Still others are unaccounted for. The loss of life and the devastation to the land, crops and homes,is unbelievable.
Lord, be merciful to this country which has walked away from you. Comfort and encourage your people in the fire ravaged areas and open the eyes of many who do not know you but look for answers in the midst of desolation.
The area is being treated as the crime scene of a mass murder as these fires were deliberately lit.
Dorothea Mackellar, in her famous poem "My Country" uses some vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape. One running through my mind now is "her beauty and her terror". I will post that poem soon as it is one of my favourites.
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Lord, be merciful to this country which has walked away from you. Comfort and encourage your people in the fire ravaged areas and open the eyes of many who do not know you but look for answers in the midst of desolation.
The area is being treated as the crime scene of a mass murder as these fires were deliberately lit.
Dorothea Mackellar, in her famous poem "My Country" uses some vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape. One running through my mind now is "her beauty and her terror". I will post that poem soon as it is one of my favourites.
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Blessed are they...............
Notes from the Lord's Day 08/02/09
Matthew 5.
So well known to us but always so much to learn through fresh eyes and ears.
We looked at verses 1 and 2 under : The teacher, His school, The lesson.
The Teacher: Jesus our prophet, priest and king, teaches His people all things necessary to be saved, sanctified and glorified.
We must hear , learn and own His teaching. The people required teaching over healing. Just as we don't just or primarily need understanding but teaching and knowledge. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
The modern church puts counselling ( being understood) above teaching and instruction. Jesus saw their need for teaching and had compassion on them.
When He set down - this was the position of authority in that time. eg They sat in the gates. Jesus gives eternal principles meeting eternal needs.
The school: All disciples. Only disciples can enjoy the privileges mentioned, that is Blessed are.....
Disciples are made and not born. Only by God's grace and help can we follow this teaching. We are not able to obey naturally.
The Lesson: Blessed: how to be happy. this is not the spontaneous emotion but the state and condition where we know everything is well with our soul because God is in control. God is sufficient for us - we are blessed.
Continuing in 1 John, verses 7 - 11
The spirit of the Law - to love one another.
Keeping the Law is a moral test. Keeping commandments in relation to brethren is a practical test of love.
1. Requirement to love v7
God's law was from the beginning. Love is the spirit of the law. All commandments teach us to love God and love our fellow man. There is no tension between law and love.
How is this law made new. In Jesus sacrifice, laying down his life- the embodiment of love. So love one another, not as ourselves but in sacrifice of ourselves. The new command is true in Christ and in us who are his. Our love in Christ enables us to love one another. Christ establishes our christian relationships and we must maintain them. Those who do not love the brethren are as worldlings- babes in Christ. To hate your brother is to sin against Christ.
Your conduct, love for the brethren, flows from love and shows you are in Christ. A Christian walking in love does not give or take offense. One who hates is in darkness. His actions are dictated by how others treat him. He is controlled by the situation. One who walks by the principle of christian love knows how he is going to act, that is, in love.
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Matthew 5.
So well known to us but always so much to learn through fresh eyes and ears.
We looked at verses 1 and 2 under : The teacher, His school, The lesson.
The Teacher: Jesus our prophet, priest and king, teaches His people all things necessary to be saved, sanctified and glorified.
We must hear , learn and own His teaching. The people required teaching over healing. Just as we don't just or primarily need understanding but teaching and knowledge. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
The modern church puts counselling ( being understood) above teaching and instruction. Jesus saw their need for teaching and had compassion on them.
When He set down - this was the position of authority in that time. eg They sat in the gates. Jesus gives eternal principles meeting eternal needs.
The school: All disciples. Only disciples can enjoy the privileges mentioned, that is Blessed are.....
Disciples are made and not born. Only by God's grace and help can we follow this teaching. We are not able to obey naturally.
The Lesson: Blessed: how to be happy. this is not the spontaneous emotion but the state and condition where we know everything is well with our soul because God is in control. God is sufficient for us - we are blessed.
Continuing in 1 John, verses 7 - 11
The spirit of the Law - to love one another.
Keeping the Law is a moral test. Keeping commandments in relation to brethren is a practical test of love.
1. Requirement to love v7
2. Embodiment of love v8 positive; v9 negative
3. Conduct rising from loveGod's law was from the beginning. Love is the spirit of the law. All commandments teach us to love God and love our fellow man. There is no tension between law and love.
How is this law made new. In Jesus sacrifice, laying down his life- the embodiment of love. So love one another, not as ourselves but in sacrifice of ourselves. The new command is true in Christ and in us who are his. Our love in Christ enables us to love one another. Christ establishes our christian relationships and we must maintain them. Those who do not love the brethren are as worldlings- babes in Christ. To hate your brother is to sin against Christ.
Your conduct, love for the brethren, flows from love and shows you are in Christ. A Christian walking in love does not give or take offense. One who hates is in darkness. His actions are dictated by how others treat him. He is controlled by the situation. One who walks by the principle of christian love knows how he is going to act, that is, in love.
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Thursday, February 5, 2009
One Perfect Day!
My definition of a perfect day : seeing all of my family!
Had one such day today. School work and sport with my wonderfully healthy sons! Coffee and shopping with my amazingly beautiful daughters! Plays and cuddles with the unspeakably gorgeous grandchildren! Dad home early and all's well! God is good!
"He setteth the solitary in families..."
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Had one such day today. School work and sport with my wonderfully healthy sons! Coffee and shopping with my amazingly beautiful daughters! Plays and cuddles with the unspeakably gorgeous grandchildren! Dad home early and all's well! God is good!
"He setteth the solitary in families..."
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Wednesday, February 4, 2009
My First born Son
On February 4th, 22 years ago my little son was born! He was born 12 weeks early with lots of complications and he died a few short days later.Each year we remember him and now I can say with true appreciation to the Lord for His precious gift to us. In the early years I found this hard. I had not long been a Christian when my son was born and though I believed in God's sovereignty I had little experience of trusting Him. I grieved and questioned and struggled for a very long time.
After 16 years I finally put together an album, telling the story of his life using the 8 polaroid photos we had and our memories. Excerpts from this album can be found here.
"...the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21
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From a Mother's Heart
My son
you are always in my heart,
in my thoughts,
in everything I do.
Oh ....................., we loved you so,
before you were born
and in your few short days of life.
You were my world,
the beautiful son I had longed for
all these years.
Did you love me , too?
the mother whose warm safe womb
carried you and sheltered you.
The mother who waited with longing and expectation,
who loved you long before
she ever saw you.
The mother who loves you now
and aches for you.
Did you love me and know me
in those few days?
When you heard my voice?
did you remember the voice
from your quiet place within me?
You struggled so hard for life
my tiny, brave son.
You tried so hard to live
and we battled with you.
but your pain is ended now
and you are safe and at peace.
Safe in arms of our Lord.
We long for the day that we too
will be with you in paradise
God willing, we will have other
sons and daughters.
but you ............
our first born son
will always be in our hearts...
Written towards the end of 1987.
It is strange to re read my thoughts from that time. I seem rather selfish in my grief. This was my first baby and the aching to hold my child was intense. I had no other children to distract and comfort me. The longing to be a mummy, not any mummy but HIS mummy was overwhelming. In his album I was able to record much of the trauma of his very early birth, the stress filled yet hope filled days of his life, the grief of actual death and burial and the blessings which God has showered on us in the years since! I thought then, naively, that this was the worst thing that could happen to me. I do believe the Lord used this great grief in my life to teach me His ways more perfectly. It has helped to prepare me for some very big trials and I hope given me a greater love for my God and a deeper trust that "He does all things well." I trust it has made me tender to others in grief. May the Lord use this in me to His glory.
Here are some quotes from that journal:
"I phoned Mum. She said it sounded like labour and I had better get to the hospital. I was devastated. Having never had a child and being so early I had not recognised the early signs and now I didn't want to believe it."
"It was a most unnatural birth. Not only because of prematurity and the drugs but stirrups, forceps, episiotomy and a room jammed packed with doctors, midwives and specialists...................And when he was born, he cried - and so did I! Dr ..............gave me the briefest of looks at him and then sprinted out."
"That week, the week of our tiny son's life, was an emotional roller coaster. Surviving the second night, we began to hope that he would pull through. Each day, each hour was an encouragement to us......................
Lord, I begged, spare this child! our love for ............... was as painful as it was tender."
"- do everything possible to save him. But it was not to be. Soon it was clear that nothing could be done to save our brave little boy's life. We agreed to disconnect all the equipment. then we had our first precious cuddles with ......... How bitter sweet. The nurses kindly took photos for us and then gave us a private room. There our little family spent those few precious hours together. Oh ......., my son! The little child I had dreamed of, loved, these last months. I could not grasp that he was truly going. Dr. ........... came in every so often to see if ........ still had a heartbeat. Pastor came back to read and pray with us. We sat close together,............... holding ............
He remembers he watched his little face and the life faded from it. Finally Dr............... told us, softly, tenderly, that .............. no longer lived. We held him, held each other, wept. ................., one of the wonderful Special Care nurses took ............ and bathed and dressed him and we spent our last time with him. Too painful to think about, too precious to ever forget. "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." "
"It was a simple graveside service taken by Pastor ....... with our family and friends there to farewell the little grandson, nephew, friend that many had not even seen. We travelled in the funeral car with him and then ........ carried that tiny casket to the freshly dug grave. How hard to commit him to the Lord, to leave your only child lying cold and alone in the the hard earth....................... My heart and my empty arms ached and milk leaked from engorged breasts that would never nourish that little son."
"I cannot write the depth of grief and hopelessness that enveloped me nor the struggles I had with God over this tragedy. Eventually, life did resume some normality, though we were forever changed and fourteen months later the Lord granted the desire of my heart when ......................... was born "Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning!". "
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn they statutes." Psalm 119:71
.
you are always in my heart,
in my thoughts,
in everything I do.
Oh ....................., we loved you so,
before you were born
and in your few short days of life.
You were my world,
the beautiful son I had longed for
all these years.
Did you love me , too?
the mother whose warm safe womb
carried you and sheltered you.
The mother who waited with longing and expectation,
who loved you long before
she ever saw you.
The mother who loves you now
and aches for you.
Did you love me and know me
in those few days?
When you heard my voice?
did you remember the voice
from your quiet place within me?
You struggled so hard for life
my tiny, brave son.
You tried so hard to live
and we battled with you.
but your pain is ended now
and you are safe and at peace.
Safe in arms of our Lord.
We long for the day that we too
will be with you in paradise
God willing, we will have other
sons and daughters.
but you ............
our first born son
will always be in our hearts...
Written towards the end of 1987.
It is strange to re read my thoughts from that time. I seem rather selfish in my grief. This was my first baby and the aching to hold my child was intense. I had no other children to distract and comfort me. The longing to be a mummy, not any mummy but HIS mummy was overwhelming. In his album I was able to record much of the trauma of his very early birth, the stress filled yet hope filled days of his life, the grief of actual death and burial and the blessings which God has showered on us in the years since! I thought then, naively, that this was the worst thing that could happen to me. I do believe the Lord used this great grief in my life to teach me His ways more perfectly. It has helped to prepare me for some very big trials and I hope given me a greater love for my God and a deeper trust that "He does all things well." I trust it has made me tender to others in grief. May the Lord use this in me to His glory.
Here are some quotes from that journal:
"I phoned Mum. She said it sounded like labour and I had better get to the hospital. I was devastated. Having never had a child and being so early I had not recognised the early signs and now I didn't want to believe it."
"It was a most unnatural birth. Not only because of prematurity and the drugs but stirrups, forceps, episiotomy and a room jammed packed with doctors, midwives and specialists...................And when he was born, he cried - and so did I! Dr ..............gave me the briefest of looks at him and then sprinted out."
"That week, the week of our tiny son's life, was an emotional roller coaster. Surviving the second night, we began to hope that he would pull through. Each day, each hour was an encouragement to us......................
Lord, I begged, spare this child! our love for ............... was as painful as it was tender."
"- do everything possible to save him. But it was not to be. Soon it was clear that nothing could be done to save our brave little boy's life. We agreed to disconnect all the equipment. then we had our first precious cuddles with ......... How bitter sweet. The nurses kindly took photos for us and then gave us a private room. There our little family spent those few precious hours together. Oh ......., my son! The little child I had dreamed of, loved, these last months. I could not grasp that he was truly going. Dr. ........... came in every so often to see if ........ still had a heartbeat. Pastor came back to read and pray with us. We sat close together,............... holding ............
He remembers he watched his little face and the life faded from it. Finally Dr............... told us, softly, tenderly, that .............. no longer lived. We held him, held each other, wept. ................., one of the wonderful Special Care nurses took ............ and bathed and dressed him and we spent our last time with him. Too painful to think about, too precious to ever forget. "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." "
"It was a simple graveside service taken by Pastor ....... with our family and friends there to farewell the little grandson, nephew, friend that many had not even seen. We travelled in the funeral car with him and then ........ carried that tiny casket to the freshly dug grave. How hard to commit him to the Lord, to leave your only child lying cold and alone in the the hard earth....................... My heart and my empty arms ached and milk leaked from engorged breasts that would never nourish that little son."
"I cannot write the depth of grief and hopelessness that enveloped me nor the struggles I had with God over this tragedy. Eventually, life did resume some normality, though we were forever changed and fourteen months later the Lord granted the desire of my heart when ......................... was born "Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning!". "
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn they statutes." Psalm 119:71
.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Oh give thanks unto the Lord!
The busy routine of the school year is well and truly in swing now. We managed to get to the library today to renew our stock of books. My fellows are happily getting into their work each morning. I actually find the break is some times so long they are looking for a bit more routine and direction in the day. They are very fortunate to have each other as playmates, as were my two girls. Only children must be sometimes lonely. My friends with much larger families and closer spaced children have no shortage of play mates, but their own holiday challenges!
I was able to get to our Ladies meeting this afternoon. We try to meet regularly, about once a fortnight, for prayer and fellowship. I like to go when I can, as I really value the Godly women in our congregation. These are not my group of homeschooling friends my own age. Most of the group of about 8 are older ladies with many years of Christian experience, well grounded in the Reformed faith. We discussed a lot of things and were able to bring many important matters and needy people before the Lord in prayer. The focus, however, was on Thankfulness. "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High." Psalm 92:1
Though school and other family commitments will prevent me from getting to all the Ladies' meetings I am determined to make every effort to get there as often as possible. I felt very uplifted and refreshed by the conversation today. These are the women God has placed in my fellowship and I am truly thankful for them! They are such a blessing to me.
I am also thankful that although my foot aches a little, I am getting around quite freely and able to attend such things.
.
I was able to get to our Ladies meeting this afternoon. We try to meet regularly, about once a fortnight, for prayer and fellowship. I like to go when I can, as I really value the Godly women in our congregation. These are not my group of homeschooling friends my own age. Most of the group of about 8 are older ladies with many years of Christian experience, well grounded in the Reformed faith. We discussed a lot of things and were able to bring many important matters and needy people before the Lord in prayer. The focus, however, was on Thankfulness. "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High." Psalm 92:1
Though school and other family commitments will prevent me from getting to all the Ladies' meetings I am determined to make every effort to get there as often as possible. I felt very uplifted and refreshed by the conversation today. These are the women God has placed in my fellowship and I am truly thankful for them! They are such a blessing to me.
I am also thankful that although my foot aches a little, I am getting around quite freely and able to attend such things.
.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Killer Itch
The Killer Itch ; A pregnancy book every mother should read.
by Jenny McDonald
Jenny has collated stories from women who have been affected by Obstetric Cholestasis during their pregnancies. OC is not common "but for those it affects it can take only a few short weeks to turn their pregnancy and their lives upside down." OC is a condition where hormonal changes cause the liver to not function properly.
Symptoms usually don't begin until the last trimester . The body becomes toxic and babies need to be delivered early before mother goes into premature labour. The classic symptom is EXTREME itchiness also dark urine, pale stools, tiredness and mild depression. The sad end result can be the death of the child if not taken before too late.
As the author Jenny McDonald is well known to me I am well acquainted with her story. Jenny endured several miscarriages and suffered the extreme itching in her two sons pregnancies. Her next child died in utero at 32 weeks. Jenny had longed for a large family and was devastated at their loss but mostly because no one seemed to take much notice about the itch before and now she couldn't find much information afterwards. Jenny is tenacious! She figured she could help other women so she set about researching Obstetric or Intrahepatic Cholestasis. This book is the result of Jenny's research and the finding of women, some close by (her sister-in-law) and some overseas, some who have lost babies, some who have only had the condition in certain pregnancies. This is a very informative book. It is a touching and intimate book. It is not a literary prize winner but the very down to earth stories of real people in real situations. Jenny and her husband Rod welcomed another son some years after the loss of their daughter. This time, well armed, she was able to monitor the situation, and although the baby was born early and needed time in special care was alive and healthy.
Jenny has a really good website: http://itchypregnancy.com/
There is also an American lady with a site called itchymoms.com
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by Jenny McDonald
Jenny has collated stories from women who have been affected by Obstetric Cholestasis during their pregnancies. OC is not common "but for those it affects it can take only a few short weeks to turn their pregnancy and their lives upside down." OC is a condition where hormonal changes cause the liver to not function properly.
Symptoms usually don't begin until the last trimester . The body becomes toxic and babies need to be delivered early before mother goes into premature labour. The classic symptom is EXTREME itchiness also dark urine, pale stools, tiredness and mild depression. The sad end result can be the death of the child if not taken before too late.
As the author Jenny McDonald is well known to me I am well acquainted with her story. Jenny endured several miscarriages and suffered the extreme itching in her two sons pregnancies. Her next child died in utero at 32 weeks. Jenny had longed for a large family and was devastated at their loss but mostly because no one seemed to take much notice about the itch before and now she couldn't find much information afterwards. Jenny is tenacious! She figured she could help other women so she set about researching Obstetric or Intrahepatic Cholestasis. This book is the result of Jenny's research and the finding of women, some close by (her sister-in-law) and some overseas, some who have lost babies, some who have only had the condition in certain pregnancies. This is a very informative book. It is a touching and intimate book. It is not a literary prize winner but the very down to earth stories of real people in real situations. Jenny and her husband Rod welcomed another son some years after the loss of their daughter. This time, well armed, she was able to monitor the situation, and although the baby was born early and needed time in special care was alive and healthy.
Jenny has a really good website: http://itchypregnancy.com/
There is also an American lady with a site called itchymoms.com
.
Gecko having dinner
We have a family of geckos living behind the kitchen clock.
They come out at night and make an unusual barking noise. They also leave a lot of droppings. However, they are excellent moth and spider eaters.
Another one of God's amazing creatures.
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My heart is not haughty?
The truly Reformed?
I have heard and read this expression often, and I know what it means in the context, but it is an expression which does not always sit well. It smacks of superiority. It smacks of saying "I have arrived." It smacks of pride.
Aren't we to be always reforming? Always conforming to the image of Christ? It is the great challenge for those who have been blessed with great knowledge to also live lives of great humility. Arrogance has no place in the Christian church, pulpit or pew.
"Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever." Psalm 131
Some inspired words of David to ponder....
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I have heard and read this expression often, and I know what it means in the context, but it is an expression which does not always sit well. It smacks of superiority. It smacks of saying "I have arrived." It smacks of pride.
Aren't we to be always reforming? Always conforming to the image of Christ? It is the great challenge for those who have been blessed with great knowledge to also live lives of great humility. Arrogance has no place in the Christian church, pulpit or pew.
"Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever." Psalm 131
Some inspired words of David to ponder....
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The Unsearchable Riches of Christ
Concluding a short series on Creation, Providence and Redemption. Each sermon under the three headings; The Power of God in.., The Wisdom of God in..., The Goodness of God in...
3. Redemption: Ephesians 3:8 "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Especially struck by the observation that Goodness is too light a word in the context of salvation. It is by Grace we are saved! Grace - the unmerited, undeserved favour of God.
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3. Redemption: Ephesians 3:8 "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Especially struck by the observation that Goodness is too light a word in the context of salvation. It is by Grace we are saved! Grace - the unmerited, undeserved favour of God.
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