Of Deep Thoughts and Shallow Lives

He leads me beside the still waters

For quite a long time, when I first began to blog, I posted on a regular topic "Sabbath Thoughts".  Now, it's not that these thoughts and ponderings have dried up completely, but I very seldom dabble in posts like that any more.  There are a couple of reasons.

One thing was that being uncertain of my readership, those who do not comment, I wanted to be careful what may be coming across as "teaching". 

Another thing was that the more I read around the internet, the more I found material with which I disagreed.  I try hard not to get embroiled in debates, especially on topics which might be considered straining a gnat. They will know we are Christians by the love we have for one another.  I want to be able to fellowship and enjoy all who profess Christ. I did not want my blog to become a place where offences were caused and harsh words were exchanged.  I think I've managed that.  I do not know whether I am always true to my own heart on some things but if I can't find a something good  to comment, then I don't comment at all (Thanks Mum!)

I have also experienced a long and difficult period in my life through which I am still wading.  Although I am a battle weary warrior of nearly thirty years experience I have not coped so well with some of the trials which have beset us.

Some one very close and influential let me down badly :- (  How childish and immature I have been about this.  I've had lots of disappointments in my life and they have served to show me more clearly that the only faithful and dependable one is God.  Man, male and female, will always disappoint, as we ourselves do.  I put too much store by what this person said and have felt crushed in the fall out.  I feel too drained emotionally and spiritually to share very much here.

The old saying "When mumma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" comes to mind. Have I dropped my bundle to the detriment of my family, my husband, my friends? They would say no, but deep down I know that I have not behaved and lead by example as I might have done in the past.

Time is healing this wound.  God is gently showing me my failings. I do not want to loose that ability to reach out and love and trust people, but deep hurt takes a good deal of time to resolve. All of us here have been affected and I especially grieve for my teenage boys who have seen some unpleasantness between adults who profess the Lord.  I remember this happening when my girls were in their early teens too and it grieves all the more as I know it to be a factor in their walking away from the Lord. All of my children are covenanted to be the Lord's and I trust that in His time they will search for and trust in Him.

God, give me grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other.

Reinhold Neibuhr

Our lives become very shallow and meaningless if we turn back from what we know is the straight path.  Here in this place a little faithful group of believers meets together in the manner which we believe is honouring to our great God. It is simple but deep. We hold his Word to be precious and his Saints to be dear.  As my family and I move forward, we struggle with the changes that have come about in our lives.  Hubby and I find it difficult to keep the Lord's Day in the way we used to and sometimes our family worship times are greatly interrupted.  Personal time too.  I confess, I am often distracted by all the busy-ness of small children, school and family that old routines seem to have gone by.  Have I become shallow?  We do not want our lives to become just so, so.  We long to display our love and loyalty to our Lord and Savior.

The Lord is on my side

I will not fear.

Not Sabbath Thoughts but the random thoughts of a tired heart ♥

The "Lois" Project

 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

2 Timothy 1:5

Aren't the above verses beautiful....special.  What a tremendous blessing to see generations called and believing in the Lord!  For many years now I have sort to be like the faithful mother of Timothy and to raise our children in the faith which we profess.  In Timothy was found that faith and love for the Lord.  Eunice and her mother Lois must have come to trust and believe that Jesus was that promised Messiah for whom they had longed and waited.

My children were brought into the Covenant because of the faith professed by their parents.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call

Acts 2:39

.  Much to my grief, though some profess faith, they are still reluctant to commit whole heartedly to follow the Lord.  While there is life, there is hope and I still pray earnestly for them and try to lead by example.

In my last post I spoke of the difficulty in accepting that my little grandchildren will soon be going out into the wide, wonderful world of education.  Their parents are doing a wonderful job in their raising, and they must make the decisions about the way they will be educated.  I commit them daily to Lord for his protection.

I was recently reminded that when the Israelites rebelled in the wilderness, a whole generation of the Jews perished.  But God... who is rich in mercy and long suffering, spared all those Covenant children under the age of 20 years.  His mercy and grace to His people is everlasting.  Oh, what influence a Godly grandparent can be. 

I know that all who are mothers and grandmothers will share with me the great longing to see their loved ones brought into the Kingdom.  Those of us who do not have children have such a privilege to also serve the Lord in influencing the young people in their circle.  It has been much on my mind and heart that we are not to be fearful but trusting. The Lord is on my side, what can man do unto me!

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6

Thy God is a Jealous God

Psalm 22

 
⁶But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
 ⁷All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
 ⁸He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
 
 ¹³They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
 ¹⁴I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
 ¹⁵My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
 ¹⁶For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
 ¹⁷I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
 ¹⁸They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
 
 ²⁷All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

This past weekend, when Easter  was celebrated by many Christians, one of Queensland's largest news paper, The Courier Mail,  ran a cartoon which not only angered but also saddened my heart.
In my "righteous anger" I tossed it away which I regret now as I can not quote directly from the words.  The principle is the same never the less.

The cartoon showed Jesus, with the two thieves beside him, hanging from the cross.  In front stood a Roman soldier telling the on lookers to clear out, in another week or two this will all be forgotten.
Silly cartoonist.  Whether he was expressing contempt at the insignificance of Jesus death or the opposite, saying here we are 2.000 years later still remembering it, I find it deeply hurtful and dishonouring to our Lord and Saviour who humbled himself to come into this world as a man, who lived among us, his lowly creation, who endured the miseries of this life and death itself for the sake of his people. to be caricatured and mocked in this so-called Christian country.

No one who stood around the cross that day, nor indeed in the whole of Jerusalem would have ever forgotten that amazing afternoon when the sky was darkened, the graves of the dead were opened and the veil of the temple was torn in two.  It is finished.....

He is risen!  and he is coming again to judge the living and the dead.  Then will every knee bow and he shall be recognised and acknowledged by all.  What a dreadful day for those who mock and despise Him still.

In our country we enjoy Freedom of Religion.  We support this because, even though we believe that all other religions and gods are false we respect a person's right to worship as they choose.  Where is this respect for the believers in Christ?  If the symbols and gods of Islam, Hindu, Buddhism are insulted their vocal, devout followers raise strong objections.

 We are Christians.  We turn the other cheek,  We forgive.  But the Lord our God is a jealous God. He will have no other gods before Him.  He is righteous, just and holy.  We must protect our right to worship the one true God and we must be zealous for His Name,  his Word,  His worship.  God is not mocked , he is a consuming fire!

To add to my angst, a few pages over the Cross, that Christian symbol so well recognised, once again featured in a comic strip.  This time Julia Gillard was hanging on it.  Lord forgive them for they know not what they do.  It was some political satire which again I am not sure of the wording.  What does it suggest?  Julia, saviour? or Julia, sacrificed at the hands of brutal men? 

We discussed this here over the weekend.  One thing is for sure I am once again convicted that we are too reticent in voicing our "intolerance" for the rubbishing of our faith and our God.

My daughter was telling us that a friend of ours (about 20) had said in his Face Book status, "Come along to ......................Church and find out about the real meaning of Easter/"  She was upset at the rude and derogatory remarks this young man received from some so-called" friends".   She also said she should have commented instead of just liking his post.  This led us to conclude that we all need to speak out more ourselves and be more supportive of steadfast believers who are being persecuted, even in small ways.  I am proud of that youth standing and speaking for the Lord.
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*Julia Gillard is the Prime Minister of Australia.

* Our family does not celebrate Easter, although we do remember Jesus death and rejoice in His resurrection every Lord's Day.  Neither do we use representations of Christ in keeping with the second commandment, which adds to my extreme agitation at these poor attempts at humour.

By God's grace, let us attempt to live out our Christian walk with all fear and reverence due to God alone.

Unless the Lord builds the house

Thank you very much for all the kind words of encouragement after my last post.

My heart felt desire is to trust the Lord and continue doing the best we can here.

It is true, and it is good for me to remember, that the Lord can and does protect us even in less than ideal situations.  Is it weakness to feel at times that we cannot go on?  It is when we acknowledge our own frailty that we better cling to Christ, for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Although we are far from perfect, we are children of God, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.  Our children are covenanted to be His!

Above all else, we are seeking to raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

When children are all small in home schooled house holds, it is much easier to flex our time and use life experiences as practical lessons, as it should be.  But there is a certain pressure in the later years, especially nearing the end of formal school days, to toe the line.  Not only academically preparing for the work force, Uni or TAFE but also practically.  We have very flexible lives as home based people, but "the boss" may not be so pleased about employees who sleep in, can't stick to a schedule, wander off to the toilet at will, need a lot of supervision and encouragement and want to cook all manner of cheesy noodles and eggs for their lunch!  You get my drift.  I am very conscious of building good habits and good character.  In fact these and becoming a useful member of society far exceed the academic outcomes in my priorities.

Psalm 127 is beautiful isn't it?  It is best known as the "quiver full" verse but it says so much more to us.  Unless we seek to build upon that Rock, that firm foundation, we are like the foolish man building on the sand.   It encourages us not to be anxious and fretful but rest in the Lord and He gives us peace.  A mighty warrior will faithfully train up his household to serve the Lord.

Once again, thank you for your prayers and thoughts. 

God bless you my friends.

 

Psalm 127

 ¹Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

 ²It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

 ³Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

 ⁴As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

 ⁵Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Emmanuel - God with us!

in·car·na·tion/ˌinkärˈnāSHən/

Noun:

A person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit, or abstract quality: "Rama was Vishnu's incarnation on earth". (in Christian theology) The embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ.

As Christians that fact, that wonderful event,  is marvelous to us who believe and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ!  God in human flesh! 

Q. 22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.  (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

That God has so great a love for His people that He, the Creator and Sustainer of all the earth, came down from Heaven's Glory and took on a body, weak and frail like ours. Fully God, fully man. A great mystery which we hold in awesome wonder as Truth.
This great event, amazing as it is, is termed Christ's humiliation. Stooping down to his creatures. Looking with determination and obedience to the Cross where on He would die a gruesome death for the sins of many.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism says in
Q. 27. Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?
A. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. .

So while we do not celebrate this momentous event in time in any religious or traditional way at this time of year, we do solemnly ponder it and give praise and thanks to God for it all the time.  Neither do we celebrate the OT feasts which foreshadowed different aspects of Christ's attributes and works, yet we learn much from the reading and studying of these God given feasts days, about our Lord and Saviour and His promises to us, His covenant people.

I will be your God, you will be my people.

We instead celebrate the Exaltation of Christ every Lord's Day. He is Risen...Alleluia!

Again Westminster Shorter Catechism 
Q. 28. Wherein consists Christ's exaltation?
A. Christ's exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.
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Many Christians praise and honour God at this time in a special way. The Incarnation, the coming to earth of the Lord Jesus is truly to be remembered on every day as we walk this pilgrimage.  The world, sadly, has taken a pinch of this glorious and miraculous event and made it into something "worldly". The silly season. A time when few are focusing on the Incarnation at all. 

This year, with the 25th falling on a Sunday, the Lord's Day will see little of true worship of our great God. Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus and His blood shed to save sinners, such as us, and not solely upon a baby lying in a manger . Let us rejoice in the victorious exaltation of our Lord who stedfastly completed the work which he came to do.

Let us with expectation wait upon His triumphal return!

Come Quickly Lord Jesus!

I will lift my eyes unto the hills
From whence cometh my help.

<sup>Ecclesiastes 3


1</sup>To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
 ²A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up
   that which is planted;
 ³A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
 ⁴A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
 ⁵A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
   a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
 ⁶A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
 ⁷A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
 ⁸A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

God grant me the wisdom and grace to know the times

 and the seasons.

Every Thought Captive

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
“ Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

How often we let our minds run on with vain imaginations, often distorting the plain reality of a situation and blowing it up out of all proportion.
I think this is one of the good reasons God created man and woman.  Men do not seem so prone to this. What about you sisters?  Do you have days where from the time you get up in the morning, that first coffee, that first peek at the emails, blogs, news updates, you find yourself day dreaming.  Using precious time in airy fairy useless waffle?
This happens to me ..... a lot.

Taking every thought captive?

Philippians 4

 ⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Brief, but this is my line of thought at the moment.
Have a great week, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Cardiac Rehab

The Lord gave me a new heart back in 1985. 

He turned my stony heart into flesh and quickened it!

Praise God!

"For you hath he quickened who were dead in

trespasses and sins."

It is now eight years since my first heart attack and

seven since the second and my triple by-pass operation.

Twice Freed!

I am very thankful to the Lord for that most momentous of events in my life,
the day that I recognised my need of salvation and found it in the
Lord Jesus Christ.

I am also very thankful for that day in October 2004 when  a
very kind and dedicated surgeon, Dr Hart, was enabled to perform
a by-pass where others had declined to try.
While we long to be with our Lord in Heaven he gives us earthly ties
as well.  I am blessed to have been able to watch my children
grow and more recently to see their children enter the world.

During my recent hospitalization, I had a minor heart event and so I am
now attending a Cardiac Rehabilitation program.
I attended the Education side of this back in '04 but hearing
 all the information again is useful.
Also the program has been extended to include 10 one hour gym sessions.
This is new territory for me but everything is tailored to suit each patient.
Just as our spiritual lives need discipline, education and training,
so also we need these to maintain physical and mental well being.

The staff kindly fitted me into the sessions over the school holidays
so that I would not have to use up 3 hours,
 two mornings a week for five weeks during the term.
This has worked out well in that sense but has really consumed a
lot of the break and I have not been able to do many of the much needed
 projects  here at home, nor spend the time with my family
that I might have otherwise.
  We have all coped though and I have really benefited and
enjoyed the sessions.

Having the medical history that I have :- (
and remembering the dramas I had in having my children :- (
I am praising God and marvelling at the healthy family I have
and that my daughters have both had problem free
pregnancies and births.

Brothers.
Gorgeous grandsons 2 & 5!

He sets the solitary in families!

Back to school this week and glad to report that I am feeling much better.
I am looking forward to the term and looking ahead to the long
break at the end of the year.

Enjoy your week!

Looking and Longing

It is always sad when someone passes away.  Sad for their families and those of us who are left. But when a believer dies there is joy in knowing they have gone to the Lord.

Psalm 116
15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."

Recently a friend of ours passed over to Glory!

She was a friend through being in-law to some of our good friends, but we had known and spent time with her over the last 26 years.   A godly woman, very hospitable, open, outspoken.  She was a woman  who joyed to go to His house  (Psalm 122) and she beheld how good and pleasant it was to meet with the brethren (Psalm 133). Her chief end was to glorify God. *"Maria" had suffered chronic illness all that time with Lupus and associated problems but was finally taken by cancer.  She was in her early fifties and left a husband, four children and several grandchildren.

*"Maria's" funeral service was a beautiful simple worship service and her Pastor, a friend since childhood, conducted it.  His own wife had been brought to Christ through "Maria's" witness  and friendship.  He preached from Joshua chapter 3 - the beautiful picture of the Israelites passing through the river Jordan on dry land  as the priests stood holding the Ark of the Covenant, and into the Promised Land..    Sign.....how touching, encouraging and attention getting that picture is.  It was a beautiful gospel message of hope in Christ for the unbelievers there and brought a sense of longing for our Promised Land  to all believers.

Psalm 130
 ⁵I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
 ⁶My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
 ⁷Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

One of the things which both moved and convicted me about "Maria" was the wonderful testimony she left.  In her final weeks of life I was also in hospital in Brisbane and her Pastor, whom I know, came to visit me.  He was able to share the beautiful way in which "Maria" was clinging to Christ through pain and fear.  She knew that even now, Christ could heal her and restore her earthly body, but she trusted that He would do all things well for her, his child, even if it was to receive her into glory and leave her earthly ties. 

Psalm 48
14 "For this God is our God, for ever and ever.  He will be our guide, even unto death."

1 Samuel 3
18 "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good."

Also, her children and everyone close to her - family, christian friends, unsaved co-workers - all spoke highly of her love of the Lord, her family and her concern for lost souls.  Her children, all adults now, were able to tell of the many years which she had endured pain, fatigue and stresses and yet never complained or over burdened them either physically or emotionally.  This spoke a lot to me in my own circumstances. Often we put on a brave face to the outside but what impression are we leaving with our families?

1 Timothy 6:6
 "But Godliness with contentment is great gain."

 Seeking help, accepting offers are all good and neccessary. I know that we need to let people know where we need the help, but "Maria" seems to have managed to do all that and yet not whinge and complain.     A marvellous work of Grace in her life. Would that we could all die with such a testimony to the abundant blessings of God on us, who once were lost.

Proverbs 31

¹⁰Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
 ¹¹The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
 ¹²She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

 ²⁷She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
 ²⁸Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
 ²⁹Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
 ³⁰Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
 ³¹Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q. 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection

"Maria" ........
Resting in the grave till the Resurrection



* Not her real name.

He gives us beauty for ashes.

"It is said that in some countries trees will grow,
but will bear no fruit because there is no winter there."

John Bunyan

"Humility is a strange flower; it grows best in winter weather,
and under storms of affliction."

Samuel Rutherford

"After winter comes the summer. After night comes the dawn.
After every storm, there comes clear, open skies." 

Samuel Rutherford


(Thank you to Stefanie at Stefanie's Pleasant Places for these quotes.)

Some quotes from respected men of God of the past.
When we experience these hard trials and periods of
 affliction, a winter in our soul, it is good for us to
remember that our fellow believers have and still do
endure the same,
if they are being sanctified by the Lord.

May you know the joy which comes in the morning,
in the Spring and let us praise and magnify the Lord.

"For whom the Lord  lovest He chasteneth"
Hebrews 12:6

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life:

 weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

Vanity of Vanities...

There is no new thing under the sun..

Ganeida reviewed  "The Red Queen" a few months ago and kindly loaned me her copy of "The White Queen" to read. Since then I have read quite a few of these historical novels by Phillipa Gregory.  I am not a history buff, though I do enjoy learning more of history, so I am not going to comment from a factual point of view.

I have vacillated about whether I like these books.  So much scandal, corruption, sex, politics and intrigue.  Hey, that sounds a lot like society today!  This has really struck me - the immorality and lack of ethics in 1500s England.  While the Victorian era heralded a somewhat more austere life style and a turn to family life and morals, the Yorks, Lancasters, Tudors and other great names of the medieval period showed no such restraint.

When discussing  this with a friend, she commented that they were immoral but today people have become amoral.  Hmmm... there is no new thing under the sun.  What makes the 1500s scenario even worse/ sadder is that most people lived  a facade of Christianity and did much of their wickedness under a cloak of "church".  Today, people for the most part, do not pretend to be believers, though sadly many still use the guise of "church" to give some respectability to their wicked behaviour..

If the Lord tarries, one wonders how our own generation will be remembered in historical novels of the future.  While wickedness and ungodly behaviour abounds, perhaps we will be viewed in much the same way as our forefathers.  I pray that the Christians might make a clear and committed stand for the Lord and His ways which is for the glory of God and not for our promotion as so often has been the case.

In these bygone days, many lost their lives defending what they believed was truth and standing against the blatant abuse of power that was wielded over the common people. Whether we agree with their point of view or not, they had the courage of their convictions. Today, many of us are still appalled by similar heresy and ungodly behaviour but do we speak out and make a stand for the truths of God's Word?  Are we lights in a dark world?

Ecclesiastes 1
4One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.

That Little Member

Ephesians 4
29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

I haven't  posted anything under "Sabbath Thoughts" for a long while now.  It's not that I don't have any thoughts on the Lord's Day any more :-) Getting those thoughts on paper, or onto a post is another matter.  As mentioned previously, our household has expanded and having little guys about once again, has changed the way our days progress, the availability of the computer and my own ability to think in any sort of sensible order!
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We've had many challenging messages from Ephesians over a year or so now and the end of chapter 4 is no exception.  The putting on of the new man, the new way of life we live as believers.  As we looked at verse 29 this morning, I was struck anew by the great influence we wield as wives and mothers in our homes.  We are the heart and the tone setters for our household.  That little member, the tongue, can bless and caress or it can wound...painfully.

Pastor spoke of the three logical themes from the verse as Eroding, Edifying and Elevating.
Let us purpose this week to never use our words to put some one down, to hurt and to burden.  Rather, let our communication be to lift up and encourage those around us.  Let us minister the gracious love and forgiveness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and glorify him in all of our dealings, who ever our hearers may be.

With that thought in mind I will re post this little poem, which I have mentioned before, has been around in my family for quite a few years.  Seventy at least.

Keep watch on your words my loved one,

For words are wonderful things.

They can bless like the warm glad sunshine,

And brighten a lonely life.

They can cut in the strife of anger,

Like an open two-edged knife.

Keep them back if they are cold and cruel,

Under bar and lock and seal,

The wounds they make are very deep,

And very slow to heal.......

One of the joys of babies in the house is that "happy" time in the morning when everyone greets one another on first rising.  I remember it fondly from my own childhood and have tried to give my own family that same bright and cheery start to the day.  Now, with little ones up and raucous in the morning, sometimes quite early, it is challenging us all once again to start the day in a positive way!

And how could one not be cheerful in the morning with this little cutie around?!

Have a wonderful week, all.

Learning about My Master

It is many years since I embraced, intellectually, the truth that God is sovereign over all things.  He created the heavens and the earth and all creatures great and small.  He is sovereign over our lives and our choices ~ yes, even over salvation itself.  Yet knowing this,  believing it and actually living as one who knows and believes it can be different things and not so easily done.  We foolishly  give ourselves some credit for our own salvation.  We sometimes whinge and complain about the Providences which God directs our way and yet his Word also tells us that he is working all things together for the good of his people.

As a young christian, I wrestled constantly with what I thought were good outcomes for a girl like me and what God seemed to be dealing up.  His grace is sufficient and he led and guided me through every dark valley. These were hard times and it took some time to even see light at the end of some of those tunnels. 

But God.....

in his mercy and unfailing love always showed me a better solution than my paltry prayers suggested and he always found a way to polish and buff at least some imperfections in me.  It is often only looking back that  we can see the more excellent way in which God has led us.  He gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;   And along the way, he strengthens and prepares us for each new trial and challenge we face on our pilgrimage to the Celestial City, when these earthly burdens will no longer beset us and we will never again wonder and question why.

Though I still struggle to face, endure and resolve the trials put before me, I can say "It is the Lord, Let him do what seemeth him good." with true conviction and assurance of his Divine supremacy.  I am able more and more to say "Thy will be done."  and accept the outcome.  I am learning to place the lives of my loved ones with greater trust and less anxiety in the hands of Him who sees and  knows all, whose end result is always the best result for his children.

In my current circumstances it is very tempting to take over the reins and make all the decisions....because I am uh um...older, wiser blah, blah, blah, yeah, right!.  But the fact is , my loved ones are adults who have to make their own decisions and who ultimately stand before God.

Still, I am praying for the discretion and dignity of a Titus 2 woman, the patience of .Job and the wisdom of Solomon.


(Carol,   good suggestion!  I already had this post set to post as I am away until 23rd so was on the wave length.).

Amidst all the frantic pace of life in our still overflowing (with children, laughter, food and mess) household, my boys and I are taking off for a week in the south.  Five days at the Gold Coast with our much missed friends (Dreamworld here we come!) and two days in Brisbane visiting in-laws and attending an eye appointment.
I will endeavour to catch you all up next week, DV.

In sorrow you shall bring forth children.

 As I have aged, matured I hope, I have come to value and appreciate my mother so much more than I did as a rather self absorbed youth.
I think of Mary, our Lord's mother and those verses which say that a sword shall pierce her heart ,  The scriptures tell us that Mary pondered and kept in her heart and memory all that was told to her of her son.  How she must have sorrowed to see him suffer though she trusted in him as the God of her salvation!

Thankfully, when we hold that precious bundle in our arms we do not know what lies ahead for them or for us.  We delight in the new babe and put all our hopes, dreams and prayers into them as we seek to raise them in the fear and nurture of the Lord.

How difficult it is to see our loved ones in pain.

Again, I am loathe to pray, whatever it takes Lord, for fear of the consequence.

One thing I know, I can confidently leave my child, this one I grieve for now and all of them,

 in the Lord's hands,

But like my own mother, and Mary before me, we never stop hoping, trusting, loving.

I ponder all these things in my heart.

Mother hood

my greatest joy and my deepest sorrow.

Pslam 143

7 Lord, let my pray'r prevail,

To answer it make speed;

For, lo, my sp'rit doth fail:

Hide not thy face in need;

Lest I be like to those

That do in darkness sit,

Or him that downward goes

Into the dreadful pit.

8 Because I trust in thee,

O Lord, cause me to hear

Thy loving-kindness free,

When morning doth appear:

Cause me to know the way

Wherein my path should be;

For why, my soul on high

I do lift up to thee.

9 From my fierce enemy

In safety do me guide,

Because I flee to thee,

Lord, that thou may'st me hide.

10 My God alone art thou,

Teach me thy righteousness:

Thy Sp'rit's good, lead me to

The land of uprightness.

11 O Lord, for thy name's sake,

Be pleas'd to quicken me;

And, for thy truth, forth take

My soul from misery.

12 And of thy grace destroy

My foes, and put to shame

All who my soul annoy;

For I thy servant am.

(Scottish Metrical Version)

Make a Joyful Noise!

For those who love the Psalms of David here is a youtube link to the metrical psalms sung a capella.  If you are not familiar with Psalm singing in worship I hope you will check it out and hear some of these beautiful renditions.

Thoughts to take into the New Year

The Duty Man Owes to God

Thomas Boston:

"Let us consider the duty which man owes unto God.  this is obedience.  We are in a state of subjection to God.  He is our superior, and His will we are to obey in all things.  He is our King, and we must obey Him as His subjects, by complying with all His statutes and ordinances.  He is our Father, and we must show Him all respect, reverence, and affection, as His dutiful children.  He is our Lord and Master, and we must yield Him the most cheerful and unlimited service, as is our reasonable duty.  He is our supreme Lawgiver, and we must receive the law at His mouth, every law and precept, every ordinance that is stamped with His authority, whatever is subscribed with a "Thus saith the Lord, " readily obeying it."

It is difficult to fathom that the year can have passed so quickly.
It is convicting to think about just how much time has been frittered away on the frivilous things of this world.  Let us purpose to walk, no run! after the Lord in renewed obedience  in the year ahead.

Psalm 130

Although we sing acapella we use this beautiful tune (Martyrdom). It is a Psalm very precious.

"I wait for God, my soul doth wait, my hope is in his word,

 More than they that for morning watch, my soul waits for the Lord."



The Saints in My Pocket

Recently, it was commented to me that my church family live in one another's pockets, spend too much time together etc. etc. This troubled me a little as it just didn't sit right with me. Most of us struggle to maintain both fellowship and charity and feel we are often isolated.  We do not want to become "Sunday" Christians with a cheery facade and shallow talk on the Lord's day and a self absorbed life the rest of the week.
One of the "pitfalls" I have seen with  some families is a tendency to not only teach the children at home, but to become insular and totally home focused to the exclusion of our other relationships in life.
Don't read me wrongly here, I strongly agree that our husband, children, home come first but there is a place for our wider circle.
How would one cope in the New Testament church where they had all things in common? I think our lives have become very selfish and man centred rather than God centred. People rightly protect their privacy but to the exclusion of the needy, the lonely, the hurting, sacrificing their own growth in the meantime. Breaking the bruised reed and quenching the smoking flax.

I was visited by two dear elderly saints last week. (You might remember them from here.) They were returning from an appointment and it was quite a huge effort to climb our stairs and make that visit. Once again they reiterated the great blessing that the brethren have been to them in these difficult days of sickness , pain and inability. The folk have faithfully visited and assisted for quite a few years now. Their own many years of service to others is being repaid many fold.

The same critic told me that people these days are stubborn and hard hearted and do not receive correction. Hmmm...no doubt this is true. Our hearts are hard but I see a correlation here. Being receptive and teachable  involves relationship. A closeness to God and to people. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. One who is unwilling to enter into the unique covenant relationship which Christians in fellowship share,  cannot expect to be embraced and listened to in the same way.

Our families and lives are private. but we should be living in a way which is open to scrutiny. Again, this person, though so critical  of others, makes their own home  like a no-go zone to others ~ hiding what?
We are told to be keepers of our own homes, not to run from house to house, not to be gossips. On the other hand we are to bear one another's burdens, help the sick, the widow and the orphan, encourage the downcast. It is natural to spend time with the ones we are closest to and get along with best, but we are responsible to include the less comely ones. The body (of Christ) aches when one part is severed.
It is not only heresy and liberalism which is tearing the Body apart but apathy and a neglect of this great biblical principle ~ we are united in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Hospitality is a requirement! Office bearer particularly are to be given to hospitality and it is a mark of the Proverbs 31 home to open ones arms to the poor and needy.

Friends, we all live shallow and sin laden lives when held up to the scrutiny of the Word. Forgive me if I sound jaded on this. I am very conscious of my own failings to love and support others, to  put God first and foremost and the work of the kingdom above what profits me. In New Testament time the people marvelled. See how they (Christians) love one another! Can this be said of us? We are to bear one another's burdens. We are to encourage and admonish one another. We are to walk along side as per Titus 2, both men and women. To show the scriptures more clearly as did Aquila and Priscilla. To lay down our lives if required!

John 13
34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.


Lord, grant me a heart to serve you and your people. To love the brethren and reach out to the needy. Forgive me also for an impatient and critical attitude and help me to be kind to those whose views differ.
Thank you, Lord, that my pockets are full! Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over!

The Widow and the Fatherless

Psalm 146:9

The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.


 
There are special provisions made throughout scripture for the widow and the orphaned children. God is a husband to the widow and father to children without an earthy protector. This teaches us what our attitude should be to those who have lost their husband and no longer have the head of their household to look to.
 
I don't often blog about my friends, though I am blessed with many.  I think when I do post about them I will call them flower names as they are a beautiful, colourful and varied bunch of women!

I have been thinking about a lady who is very special.  Daisy.  A friend who lost her husband to cancer about ten years ago when the youngest of her five children was six weeks old. After the terrible weeks, months, years of grief, it has been an amazing privilege to watch this woman embrace the providences which God has placed on her and face the world, by his grace.  She home schools her beautiful children and they run a home based business.

This weekend Daisy and the family hosted their annual "home market". This is where they hold an open house and sell all the goodies which they create themselves and usually sell at the local markets. Daisy is very creative and so are all the children so they have items from bookmarks, cards and wall hangings, to beaded jewelry and leather work. Daisy is also a fantastic cook! She makes all kinds of wonderful cakes in her country kitchen and her speciality is Pumpkin Fruit Cake.

My friend Petunia and I went out quite early and by the time we had browsed, enjoyed the Lemonade (made with love♥) bought a few bits of this and that, sampled the Carrot Cake and drunk our coffee about five more carloads of "shoppers" had arrived!

As a group of friends, we have sought to uphold and encourage this sister in her very difficult journey over the past ten years. I see a vibrant and very enthusiastic woman who gives so much to others. Daisy is a stalwart in our home school group, a wonderful communicator who keeps in touch with everyone and makes sure no one is left out. She works tirelessly to raise her little family and is doing a fantastic job despite the hurdles she has had to overcome. She works VERY hard to provide for her family and not be reliant on others.

It was such a lovely relaxing morning at her beautifully situated home in the country. I thank God for this friend and pray often that he will continue to bless and encourage this widow throughout life.  She is a wonderful example and witness to the fact that God lifts up the meek and those who are cast down and protects and provides for the widow and fatherless.

Opposing the Prince of this World

1 Thessalonians 5:21-23
(King James Version)

21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit
and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is definitely not easy being in the world and remaining aloof

and not of the world.

We are tormented on every side with temptations

and the pleasures of this world.

But sometimes I marvel.

 Surely these practices are abhorrent to many who do not know Christ

as well as to those who are seeking to serve Him?

I've had a couple of disturbing, thought provoking experiences lately.

They cause me to plead with God for my young boys.

They have made me want to take up the segregated lifestyles which

some Christian opt for.

Most of all they encourage me to keep on the good fight

and to pray without ceasing

especially for the Covenant children growing up in our homes and churches.

Sometimes, friends will lament to me how their teenage boys are going astray,

becoming restless, using bad language or displaying a rebellious attitude.

I have all the same struggles with my young men.

It is a reality for the home school family, I believe to have

to wrestle with this, as in days gone by a young man of fourteen plus would not

be under his mother's constant supervision but more likely out somewhere

working, earning his living and being educated in the school of hard knocks.

We are training our sons to be heads of their households and leaders in the church

not mummy's boys.

But I can often encourage a friend by telling them how well mannered Johnny is

or how kind he is to his siblings.

Our boys are mowing lawns and helping their dads,.

they should be taking on responsibility.

When they are not reaching our goals perhaps we have set that bar a little high?

I am not letting them off the hook here and suggesting we let our guard down,

but almost every young man I know growing up in Christian home is doing way

better than what I witnessed recently at an outing to the Skate Park.

Now this is not our usual routine.
 As I have mentioned before, if we are going to use

scooters and skate boards we generally go when the school kids are in school.

This was a Saturday, Thirty or forty youths, all dressed in matching outfits

doing very little skating and a lot of smoking and swearing.

They did not alter their behavior because I showed up one jot.

They used a lot of offensive swear words strung together
making absolutely no sense.

How do these guys actually communicate?

My boys and the ones who were with us, plus some others, maybe three,
headed to one little area away from the mob and minded there own business.

This was not a violent or threatening environment.

These are just lost souls hanging around in expensive skater boy clothing
 with costly equipment, lots of tools and a need to out-do one another.

SAD.

Next time one of my friends mentions how Johnny is hard to motivate,
I will compliment herthat he actually knows what an adjective is
and where to use it in a sentence,

 That he speaks to adults with respect.

Let's encourage one another on this difficult journey,
upstream against the current.

The other incident was even more deeply disturbing to me.

I was looking to google a scooter image to put on my son's birthday invitations.

There among all the nifty scooters and stunt pictures was the most

revolting sexual image I can image.

I will not describe it, but it caused me a great loss of sleep and has haunted my mind since then.

This has never happened to me before and I am devastated that a child, my child,

could be exposed to that type of debauchery.

We are careful with the internet and its usage here, but this was a totally innocent search.
It has rattled me.

We know that we live in an evil age. We know that parents all through the ages have struggled with the same doubts and fears that we have.

We live in a time where everything is instantly available and accessible and we often do not stop to think what the long term results may be. Train up a child in the way that he should go.

BUT GOD... is on his throne! Nothing is unknown to him.

Lord, give wisdom and strength to us to train and direct our children.
In your gracious sovereignty be pleased to call our loved ones to yourself. 
Help us to abstain from every appearance of evil and persevere to the coming of our
 Lord Jesus Christ.


(I will refrain from mentioning the macabre costumes in the neighbourhood on Saturday night and the absolute drivel  excuses I have read on some blogs regarding Hallowe'en.
Excuses why it is okay for Christians to do this stuff.)
 Exodus 22:18  Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.


It has been very discouraging to see this practice taking on here.
We have liberty in Christ to do that which is good and pleasing to Him!
For His glory and for our good.
Okay, so I didn't refrain, but I did restrain :-)