November 29, 2007 by pamela.

How will these things be, Lord? How will the end times be? I have often wondered. How will the church be deceived and what will come of the church in the last days?

So then, I read with… interest(?) no, sadness: this article on A Common Word Between Us and You and I was grieved with the truthiness of the letter, the error and the misrepresentation and twisting of Truth. The Lord God - is not a universal or common god of each religion as is claimed. It is at once untrue and impossible. And, further, the first two Commandments are not the same in the two different religions as the article states - neither can they be. The letter says that “God’s goodness is infinite and not bound by anything…” — I would say that God’s goodness is bound by Truth - God is not a man that He could lie.

But, while the article itself was grievous and all the subtle nuances surrounding it, the deeper regret is at least one of the signatories whose name is toward the end of the alphabet near the bottom of the page. Actually, I’m not really at all surprised by Hybels and Schuller… but that last one?

As I was saying yesterday… the lack of moral character, knowledge and reverence for the Word of God and faith in the only True and Living God through Jesus Christ our Lord, is evidenced more and more - this article is more proof of that.

“Everything must change.” that’s the new lie mantra… and you’ve got to wonder: Is it not grievous that the Truth is being exchanged for a lie? Where does the Bible fit in all of this and where is the Lord (of the shifters) in all of this?

“Shifts: Rediscovering Spiritual Formation: From Monastic Communities to the emergent church, spiritual formation continues to shift and change a whole new generation of Christians.”

And then there’s: Center for Action and Contemplation

And then there’s Summerhill…

And if that wasn’t enough, my friend sent me this article… for the mix of today’s tossed salad of news in the contemporary ‘church’ today.

wow.

\o/
/^\

Posted in The Church Today | Print | 4 Comments »

November 28, 2007 by pamela.

These verses continue to weigh heavily on my mind in the last couple of years and particularly in recent months as leaders of great multitudes wander from the Truth of the Scripture and the deity and supremacy of the Lord Jesus and of the Word of God. I meditate on verses of promise and trust that the Lord is not slack concerning His promises. As we live and move about in these days, I pray that none will be deceived by the foolishness that is called truth.

As we read in Ephesians 4.14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”

So much that is being taught sounds lofty and true… sounds like the Scriptures might sound. This is a very clever tool of the enemy… ever seeming like the truth. This is why we must know the Word of God… we must study the Word and be so familiar with it that we will be swift to spot counterfeits. We must watch the signs of the times, we must be as Bereans - with readiness of mind, search the scriptures daily to see whether things be as they are being taught or to compare what we see and hear with the Scriptures — if they are being (mis)represented. We mustn’t be as silly women and I do fear that the internet is a potentially great snare for women to be silly — to be tossed to and fro — to be led astray by all the many enticing tales. We mustn’t give attention to things that are counter to the Word and counter to the Truth.

When we see ministry out of sync with the Word or distorting the Truth of the Word, and the entertaining, lofty endeavors contrary to the Gospel, then we must be watchful that we not be led to discount the Word of God in favour of a personality — or be pragmatic concerning things that are contrary to faith. When emerging personalities smoothly entice us with mystical ways, interesting purposes and high sounding ideas, we must be very careful what’s set before us and measure our steps wisely… when heads of organizations or denominations make unholy alliances or indirectly infer that all roads lead to heaven: be not silly and be not tossed to and fro. There is but One. There is but one Way.

Stand. “…And having done all to stand. Stand therefore…” Take hold of it, know it, guard it, trust in it. Stand on the Truth. And be not silly.

2 Timothy 3.1-7
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

1 Peter 1.2-9

“…Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

 

Posted in devotionals, The Church Today | Print | 3 Comments »

November 24, 2007 by pamela.

But I do wonder what in the world I did when I didn’t have an internet cafe in my sunroom. When my tea time or coffee’s didn’t include ‘visits’ from such an array of ‘friends’ or when I didn’t have notes and pictures from friends and family each day. I wonder what in the world I did when I didn’t read story after story about what’s going on in the church today and all the teachings that are muddying the waters of the faith.

It’s frosty. The hydrangeas are all droopy. And blackened. Summer is a distant memory… and the boy who used a snowboard to slide down the slope of the field outside my window and called it ’sunboarding’ is now all bundled up and told me today that he was so happy to be able to go out ‘frostboarding’ as much as he wanted! I love that scruffy little gravelly voiced boy. I love that he is so clever and so happy each day. I love that he has a sweet imagination and that he loves life. I love that he daydreams and asks me if every one likes to daydream. I love that he exuberantly waits for the morning and loves to see the sunrise and delights in the phases of the moon with me.

Well… I guess I could have blogged more about these days… but I’ve spent far too much of my ‘computer time’ reading all the different things going on in the sphere and so…

Tomorrow we will have our church family here and I think Timothy will be sharing a bit more of his plans as a missionary to Ghana. He has many things to take care of before he leaves… and the blessing of the fellowship is essential. We believe the Lord has called him to serve and he is trusting in faith that the Lord is ordering his steps and provide for the work. Since Timothy was a very young boy he has known the Lord was calling him to serve as a missionary and so in obedience to that call, Timothy has been preparing to go…

A funny side note… For the meal tomorrow, Hannah requested cold cereal (well… it is her birthday wish after all). So… in addition to celebrating fellowship and the Lord’s supper, I think she’ll love it that we’re having cold cereal in her honour! I know, I know - I can’t believe I just typed the Lord’s supper and cold cereal in the same sentence. O, well… just keepin’ it real here. So, anyway… I’m guessing there will be some who won’t think cold cereal is as awesome as Hannah thinks it is, but I’m thinking there will be more than a few who’ll be pretty thrilled with the cereal extravaganza dining pleasure (her brothers are thrilled!). I’ll post pics later.

Posted in Family | Print | 5 Comments »

November 22, 2007 by pamela.

I did not cook a turkey today. And only tonight does that feel -so- strange. There is no turkey carcass in a stockpot simmering on the stove tonight. No scent of poultry seasoning - onion - garlic - sage - rosemary and thyme. There’s not even a hint, tonight, that those foods have ever been prepared in this old farmhouse. There is no mess tonight. There are no left-over’s in the fridge tonight . Our table didn’t look like this today and there were no tryptophan induced naps this afternoon. And tonight: No turkey - dressing - mashed potatoes - sweet potato casserole - jell-O salad - green beans - stuffing - gravy - cornbread . On what would’ve/should’ve been my thirtieth Thanksgiving turkey dinner preparation/presentation, another menu played out instead.

Sometime last week, Hannah thought maybe we could (gasp) do something totally radical this year and have a brunch instead of traditional Thanksgiving dinner… well, that resonated well around our home and we all agreed it was a fun plan. Well, it was a good plan. I wouldn’t say it was as delicious as some might think a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is, but it was fine. Different and fine. My husband, for one, was thankful. Bacon. Yeeeeessssssss. So, maybe no more bacon for a loooooooooong time.

But tonight, no left-over’s. For whatever reason, it was hard for me to get everything prepared and set out on time for our brunch this morning… I was close, but somewhat slow and the combination of different dishes was difficult to prepare simultaneously. Though I actually had made small quantities / samplers of each dish. We had french toast puff, cinnamon rolls, aebleskivers, waffles, cheese & ham, veggie-sausage, bacon, dried fruits and nuts, fruit platters, juice and coffeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Notice I didn’t say we don’t have any pumpkin pie. We actually do have lots of pumpkin pie(s!).

It is Thanksgiving after all.

Never fails: The paper was filled with ads! - ads! - and more ads! today.

Everything I never wanted before today! Everything I was content to live without throughout the past year - throughout my whole lifetime - was displayed in living colour pictures here in our home this evening and as suddenly as some of the pages were opened and turned, I found myself wanting needing things I didn’t even know I wanted or needed! I found myself suddenly contemplating getting up a 4am for the doorbuster sale of a lifetime. I found myself rationalizing that some of these so-worth-it items were n-e-c-e-s-s-i-t-i-e-s I just had to have!!!

O. But wait a minute. I don’t really want to get up at 4. And, besides, I don’t exactly have the money for those necessities. And… wait. I didn’t even know I needed - I didn’t even know I wanted those things. Wait… some things I didn’t even know existed before tonight. So… tonight I am figuring: if I didn’t need it this morning - if I didn’t want it this morning and if I didn’t even know of the existence of some of this stuff this morning… why in the world would I lose a minute of delicious sleep fretting over whether I could manage to get up at 4 in the morning and scurry out in the freezing cold to be there for the chance to be one the first hundred customers for this year’s fabulous doorbuster items (I didn’t previously know I wanted).

I don’t usually get a chance to have a picture with our oldest son…
So here’s one… a bear hug.

Posted in Family, Potpourri | Print | 6 Comments »

November 20, 2007 by pamela.

As if the variety of the previous Cookies-Cookies-Cookies entry was not enough… here’s a great page (and so pretty, too!) of cookies for you! Here’s a neat page: a Cookie Jar by Susan Branch! Now, today’s to busy to actually use these links, but you’ll know where to look when you start your cookie baking.

And… may I suggest that midnight is not a good time to start a baking project.  Especially cookies.

Usually.

Posted in Cookies 'n Cakes, Recipes | Print | 2 Comments »

November 19, 2007 by pamela.

I’m both humbled and honoured to receive this blog award - and, yes, I’m very surprised. I’m smiling as I have visited the site of the sister in the Lord who has given me this award. I smile bcz her stories and pictures are affirmations to me that the path the Lord has chosen for us is truly a blessed path — motherhood is a path paved by the grace of God, in His mercy and it is a life of blessing beyond description.

This “Mathete’s” award originates with Dan King and his blog: Management By God, he shares, “Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) is to make more disciples.” And so, in keeping with the intention of this award I am to give this award to five other bloggers whom I believe are making disciples through their blogs!

So, thank you, Tammy, at A Fruitful Vine, for this award, and with this recognition, I also thank you for your kind encouragement and I just want to say… keep goin’ you’re doing fine!

It would seem impossible to only mention just five of the blogs or websites that demonstrate dedication to proclaiming the Truth of God’s Word and so I will share a few sites, blogs and women that have been particularly encouraging to me through the years. These are but a few of the many who so frequently inspire me, encourage me to press on and to delight in the ways of the Lord. The sites I am including here have been a particular blessing to me in that they minister to such an array of interests I have and well relate to the things particular to different seasons of life all, though, in obedience to the Lord. I must say… I am also taught and encouraged by all the different blogs I visit from time to time… so many sweet sisters around the world. And for this list, I’m only mentioning sisters… I have decided not to mention in this brief list the many great blog sites for teaching the Word, apologetics, and discipleship (my dear-to-me-blogs link to the left shows more variety and great sites/teaching/encouragement).

Carla Lynne Joys in the Journey

Cindy Dominion Family

Georgene Walking with God

Lydia Home Living

Stacy Your Sacred Calling

Thank you for allowing me this moment to share a few things that bless me… I know they’ll bless you, too.

Posted in blog awards, Potpourri | Print | 1 Comment »

November 19, 2007 by pamela.

As I recall a very important turning point, nearly twenty years ago, I was lamenting to my husband how worried I was about the coming winter and my husband lovingly said to me, “Sweetheart, it’s a sin to worry.” O, that’s not the answer I was looking for. I think I wanted his conciliatory comfort and agreement. I even think I wanted him to lament the situation with me. But not really. For I really know I wanted to be right with the Lord - I wanted to have the right response of faith and not of unbelief. And I really know I wanted him to have the right response. It’s what I really always want from him. It was truly a loving thing to tell me — that it was a sin to worry — for it was the truth then, it is now and has been in all the years in between that day and this. In worrying, we take God out of the equation of our lives — we put Him in the passenger seat, the back seat or even out of our ‘car’ — and we live apart from Him, apart from faith and *in* fear. The close kin of worry is fear. And the author of fear is the enemy of God and of my soul.

A sneaky little word, though, has crept into my life many times over the years… it’s a word that occasionally means worry, occasionally it means afraid, occasionally it means nervous, and occasionally it means doubtful. I’ve had to keep this little word in check through the years, just like I have had to keep that little word, worry, in check through the years. The little word is: concern. Concern usually creeps in under a coat of unthankfulness. Walking hand in hand with doubt. Carrying lack-of-faith. Concern is a master of disguise - it’s the kinder, gentler word for worry.

You know, it’s the:
“I’m so concerned about __________.”
“I’m concerned that________ is (never) going to happen.”
“I’m concerned about you.”
“I’m only concerned about your health.”
“I’m just concerned that you won’t be able to do_________.”
“I’m only concerned about how we’re going to pay the bills. That’s all. Really.”

Matthew 6.25, 31
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”

“I’m just concerned about how things will go and I’m concerned I won’t know what to say.”

Matthew 10.19
“But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.”
Mark 13.11
“But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.”

So where does worry and concern fit in with, say… being thankful? If I am living, being, thinking, hoping THANKFULLY - then I can’t or won’t be thinking in the dangerous realm of worry - or even in that kinder, gentler realm of concern. I sure see through the years that when I am worried, anxious, concerned… over many things, I am never, or very rarely ever, in a prayerful, thankful or even joyful way. I have often said that faith and fear cannot be carried in the same bucket. And whatever’s in the faith bucket, the moment I decide to carry fear, I have nothing to do but dump the faith bucket and let it contain the fear. It’s a choice I make — a conscious choice to carry what’s not mine to carry; it’s a conscious choice to leave God out of my equation and attempt to work everything out myself. And I’m never thankful doing so - I may be a lot of things at the moment, but thankful isn’t one of them.

It being Thanksgiving week and all, as I was beginning today’s blog entry, my intention was to write about things for which I am thankful this year. But I thought maybe a ‘preface’ was in order. I needed a wee bit of reminding, anyway… for… why am I thankful and why mustn’t I be anything but thankful. So, another day of thinking: Thankful things — and I’ll put them here tomorrow. Don’t worry.

and.

be.

ye.

thankful.

Posted in Thanksgiving, devotionals | Print | 1 Comment »

November 16, 2007 by pamela.

I remember the night our son left home… I was nursing a newborn baby, the fragrance of the milky breath and tender cheeks and snuggly baby clothes was intoxicating. And as I sat holding that baby close to my heart, another ‘baby’ was walking out the door and I thought at that moment I would die. Maybe I even wished it would be so.

I had never known a deeper grief and a more paralyzing moment of despair. It was a strange mix of failure, disappointment, loss, hopelessness, regret, shame, remorse, shock, doubt, frustration, and sadness all wrapped up in a blanket — memories I still seemed to hold in my arms, yet the baby was no longer a baby - he was a young man - eager to seek his own way.

Time passed and as time has a way of doing, so did a lot of those feelings or, rather, their intensity lessened over time. And I more completely accepted responsibility that the initial shock had masked. Initially, I wondered, what in the world had I done or not done to deserve that or to have that happen. But time had a way of revealing things that I had blindly missed. And, thankfully, time sort of softens the rough edges and the jagged memories. A bit. Not quite a bit, but a bit, nonetheless.

Night after night as I would lie down in my bed and watch the memories play on the ceiling in the dark — my eyes hot with tears… and tears rolling down my face and into my ears, I would wonder how to make things right, how to correct the host of wrongs and the poor decisions. Night after night, season after season… the same thing. At first, I would practically jump when the phone would ring. I didn’t jump with delight, but with fear. Instantly that ring would trigger a wave of fear and dread. But my fears were not realized and my tears did not result in joy. But fears and tears turned to prayers through the years. Time softened my heart - revealed my failings and developed compassion for that prodigal son.

I would love to have had the next sentence read:

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father.”

And then, I wish I could tell you that Wes, seeing the son: “…when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

And then I wish I could tell you here that at that moment: “…the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.”

And that Wes’s response was: “Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”

And if any of our other children possibly felt jealous of all the loving attention, that Wes had said to all of them: ” Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. ” And if any were resentful - which I fully believe they would NOT be, that it would be said of Wes: “… therefore came his father out, and intreated him [them]…” And that he would continue reasoning: “Son [and family…], thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”

(This, from Luke 15. 13-32)

All of that did not happen here, yet.  But what I can say is this: There has never been a day where that son escaped the gaze or notice of the LORD and there has never been a day from that day to this that God was not sovereign, that He did not work or did not provide or did not watch over that son or this family. There has never been a time where the will and way of the LORD was not done.

And for that reason, while I no longer grieve in the outward manner I did, I no longer cry or worry in the same manner I did, there has never been a day where I did not have hope in the LORD for that son. For the LORD is faithful; and in Him I will yet hope more and more. I used to pray the LORD would do whatever it took to draw that son back to Himself.

I now pray: Lord, will You carry my boy in Your arms and will You be tender to him as you have been to me? Will you draw Him back to Yourself and bless Him - and if You bless him even half as much as You have blessed me, well then, even the ocean could not contain the blessings… for I know the love of God is stretched from sky to sky. And I pray, Lord, will You please go easy on the boy? I love him and I pray You will give him many days to give You great glory.

My prayer for mothers of prodigals… “Lord, will You carry these tender hearts and comfort and help them to see You, to seek You and to trust You. Lord will You comfort them in their distress and give them hope that can only be realized in knowing You. And, Lord, will You keep Your eye on that child that his life will not end in shambles but in giving You glory. Thank You, Lord, that You are only wise, only faithful, only good - and we praise You.”

Posted in My life, devotionals, Motherhood | Print | 5 Comments »

November 14, 2007 by pamela.

Sisters… I pray you will set about to redeem the time and walk circumspectly. Study the Bible - and then as you go about your life… be very careful to take what you hear and read and line it up against the Word of God. You will hear many doctrines, many traditions of men, many wonderful - unbelievable, delightful stories that will warm your heart and make you feel so good and happy. Be very careful to not get caught up in the snares of deception. The enemy is subtle - so subtle that you might begin to believe things you never thought you’d believe but the enemy has made them so sweet and sincere and familiar that it’s hard to distinguish real truth from real lies.

Numbers 23.19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

Be sure. Be very sure. There is only one place you will find the Truth or the basis of what you believe. You’re not going to find it in a message somewhere (though a message might be proclaiming the truth: be sure to prove all things and hold fast that which is good). You’re not going to find the Truth in traditions of men. You’re not going to find the Truth based on your feelings - or, rather, how you feel about what you hear somewhere. The Truth is in the Bible. And the Bible is very clear. And the Spirit of God is very clear. Be very careful what you read - where you read it and what you do with what you read.

Weigh everything in the balance of God’s Word. Read it. Know it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Live it.

1John 2.27 “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. “

Be very careful about the big tents. There are some very big shows going on around the world in some pretty big tents. And in the big tents there are a lot of messages being shared. Andthe big tents are attractive and attracting lots and lots of people. Don’t be deceived by numbers of people. Test what you hear. Listen and compare what you hear with what you read in God’s Word.

Watch.
Watch and wait.
Watch and wait and listen.

Read in 1 Kings, the story of Elijah. This portion is key: (1Kings 19.11-12)
“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. “

“…A still small voice.”  Listen for it.  Listen for the Voice of the Lord.

There are many things changing day by day… you will be amazed if you simply watch. If you watch and listen.

2Peter 3.2-18
“That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

You’re here… you’re other places on the ‘net. Be careful… be careful to not be lulled into thinking or ways that are contrary to the Word of God - the Truth of God. Be careful to not be enticed to believe things that are inconsistent with the Truth of God and the finished work of redemption.  Be sure to study to show yourself approved.

1Corinthians 2.9-16
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. “

Listen to what’s being taught (and heard and believed!)
Here’s one; a talk by Rick Warren.
And then think for a moment… are you being mislead by sweet, seductiv, enticing or convincing works and words? Here’s an article on “The Most Dangerous Thing in the World.” I’ll likely add some more… but this is enough for now.

Posted in Society, The Church Today | Print | 4 Comments »

November 13, 2007 by pamela.

I’m sort of stuck in neutral here - or am still drinking a cup of tea and mulling over Cindy’s ongoing blog entries and numerous(!!) comments from thoughtful readers. The original post was the springboard for a couple of my entries here and likely a few more. Now, from (her blog) was “Older Mothers of the World Unite,” which led to “Calling All Moms for Real Advice,” and then, today’s “Disciplining Children.” I don’t know of anything that gets women talking more than the multifaceted topic of discipline/child-training/pregnancy. Well, maybe… wifely submission. O, and dresses. Well, okay, and feminism.

And, after a comment I received here last night, I started thinking… not about what I hate to see younger moms doing but sort of in response that letter, I thought, well, what would I tell a young mom were my biggest mistakes? Or, rather, instead of sharing what I think is right, maybe I’d share some stuff I discovered along the way - some of my mistakes - and there’s not a top ten bcz, actually, mistakes, like sin, cannot be qualified or quantified exactly. Some things I thought were biggies - big mistakes - were actually not as big as I thought they were and a few things I didn’t think were all that bad were actually quite devastating. But I learned from them - or am learning from them.

So, here are some mistakes - ten of ‘em.

1. Chocolate Hazelnut decaf Stash tea.
2. Chopped walnuts in pumpkin-pie filling.
3. Not closing the car door properly after grocery shopping.
4. Getting a dog from the pound.
5. Buying an old, valuable antique sofa that just needed to be recovered (it had plastic legs - I discovered later) .
6. Allowing cream of wheat to dry on the highchair tray.
7. Not keeping nail-polish on a high shelf.
8. Vacuuming up powdered sugar.
9. Allowing a teen-age son to help me keep the very squeaky back door oiled with WD-40 so that it opened and closed quietly for me.
10. Confusing or thinking that outward obedience was synonymous with inward submission.

So there you go… ten mistakes of the many I have made. It may seem I made light of mistakes - I have a tendency to use humour to share -but not gloss over- things I have learned.

In that list, that last one is or was one of the most serious and painful mistakes I/we have ever made. Now, I must interject here that I did then and do now believe that God is, indeed, sovereign and that He allows and works all things together for good — for my good and for my children’s good.

There was a period of time where we so sought to have our children following the Lord and obeying His Word that we were looking for homeschooling materials and methods to better help us accomplish that. We were willing to do anything - whatever it took - to train them up to be obedient, to be faithful, to be exemplary in character and in deed.  It was, character first! to us, we were diligent to study - diligent to serve - diligent to strive for ‘mastery’ in education and skills. We consider that period of time to have been exceedingly valuable to us and is still benefiting us today. And you know why? Because we learned a very painful lesson about inward and outward discipline and appearance - and that we have a critically important job as parents to be sure of our children’s hearts and actions and we need to love each one of them in the way they, individually, need to be loved and nurtured. We learned some painful lessons about law and grace. We learned some very, very important lessons about virtual reality and literal reality - that seems isn’t the same as is. We learned that sometimes love is tough.

And so that is why, for me, one of the greatest mistakes I have ever made is looking on outward obedience and assuming sincere inward submission - both to God and to parents.

Now, that’s not the end of the story… because, God, being the loving, faithful, compassionate, merciful and gracious God that He is, could not - did not - leave us there. But He took us from there and has been leading us along the way through these many years. The squeaky back door? Well, that was ten years ago. It was a very important part of my life story - my/our parenting story - and God’s demonstration of faithful intervention on my behalf. You see, had I/we not had a wayward child, I/we might have been erroneously under the notion that *I* was/we were responsible for all the good things they were, are or did; I would, today, be an unbearable pharisee. I know, I know, to some I am unbearable - pharisee or no.

But just as I needed to learn what I learned in the valley after my husband’s recent heart attack, so also I needed to learn what I learned in the valley of being the mother of a prodigal. I love and appreciate my husband in ways I never have before and I love and appreciate my children in ways I couldn’t prior to having a prodigal and learning the invaluable lessons I learned. I do not wish for either of those two experiences for any other woman - but from those and other life experiences, I hope to encourage those who may never face them, those who have faced them or those who are in the midst of facing them. For, as I have said many times, sorrow skips no home and God wastes no thread.

Posted in My life, Parenting | Print | 6 Comments »

November 12, 2007 by pamela.

Yep - I let a typo become the title of this entry. Cindy’s original blog yesterday “Older Mothers of the World Unite” has been quite interesting to watch as comments have doubled overnight. I shared some things on her comments section and posted them here. Not as an indictment of mothers but an admonition to evaluate some decisions/activities. That said… I continue to mull over this matter today.

I say… mothers: Untie!

This, I say, for many reasons. Older mothers have been afraid to say things to their capable, confident, well accessorized, independent, younger counterparts. Now, at first blush, my description of the younger counterparts may seem critical and maybe even judgmental. O, not so. I actually marvel at the capabilities of the younger mothers - and am astonished at the proliferation of baby-childcare-childhood merchandise and training materials. But I also marvel at the independence I see and the sad consequence of that independence. I see many young mothers as unaware of their lack of skill or unaware of their self-centeredness or unaware of their marginalizing of their older counterparts. To many younger confident mothers, the older mothers are passé – obsolete has-been’s who aren’t really relevant because times have changed and the archaic ways have been replaced by the nouvelle motherhood – the, what I call: bigger, better, more motherhood. The “righter than you” motherhood.

Now, here is a potential for trouble – young mothers may feel unnecessarily accused or offended at this point and that’s not my intention. My intention is not to ‘slam’ young mothers or to reprimand or criticize. But to say: Mothers! Untie!

Untie! Old mothers… Older mothers… Younger mothers… Young mothers: Let us all not be so bound up in sanctimonious thinking that we forget where we are, where we’ve come from or where we’ve been.

So that, when a young mom says, for example: we’ll never spank our children! You don’t reply: “Then you’ll wind up with little terrors who will destroy the property of every home they visit and be miserable to spend time with.” Instead, maybe a better tact would be to demonstrate how and when and where and why to properly discipline and hopefully the overly confident- inexperienced young mother will take into consideration the biblical mandate to discipline properly and to love and respect properly – and quite possibly understand the reason Titus 2.3-5 is included in the Word. You will gain respect, you will impart understanding and wisdom and, more importantly, you will gain a loyal friend in that young mom.

So that, for example, when an older mom describes how to do something that goes against or doesn’t line up with contemporary conventional thinking, young moms don’t bristle and close their ears to other options – and old moms need to see there are some great ‘new ways’ of doing old things better and not be so callused, closed minded or hard hearted to new ways of seeing things. We need to see there may be new and better ways. We might need reminding that the old way of doing things just might still be the best way – and just because appliances and convenience have replaced many things – that doesn’t mean the old ways obsolete.

Just look at the number of so-called retro things are popular. Aprons, cookbooks, wheat-grinding, bread, clotheslines, soap making, herbs and tinctures, natural products, cloth diapers and on and on.

Untie! Young mothers… untie yourselves from the preconceived notions that the older mothers think they know everything and want to ruin rule your lives. Be taught! You’ll be teachers one day!

Untie! Young mothers… from the thought that generations before you are antiquated and this generation now (finally and fortunately) has things figured out. Learn from the old ways while you’re walking the new paths.

Untie! Older mothers… Untie from the old ways that aren’t profitable! Be teachable and adaptable to the new ways. Hold fast that which is good… (1Thessalonians 5.21 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”)

Untie! Older mothers… be what God has called you to be. Be it! Teach it! Live by example – and if your example isn’t so good right now – get it there… study, improve, correct, change, apply! Get your life in order, learn what you ought to know, be what you ought to be: that(!) the Word of God will not be blasphemed in or through your life – Let the Word be lived through your life!

Unite your heart to fear the LORD and to live in obedience to Him.

Let us learn from Titus 1.9 and 16 and 2.1: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers… They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate… But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:”

And older mothers: we need to be sweet. The younger generation needs an example to follow. Let’s strive together - not against one another. Let’s unite.

Posted in Society, mothering from the sidelines, Motherhood | Print | 11 Comments »

November 12, 2007 by pamela.

I can’t resist posting a couple of links…

Wes sent me several “Roger Bennett” links tonight. I thought I’d share. I was particularly saddened at the passing of Roger earlier this year as I especially like his music - his piano style and, additionally, was touched by his courageous and arduous battle against Leukemia. Here’s a tribute… Home Free - Roger Bennett.

And then one more… you’ll think: Wow! How’d they capture those shots?!? Well… take a look here ; photographs-taken-at-the-exact-right-time.

Okay… and one more:

Aprons are really making a come-back in some circles! Make it be so in yours! Here’s a sweet story I received - yep, about aprons:

Grandma’s Apron

The principle use of Grandma’s apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a holder for removing hot pans from the oven; It was wonderful for drying children’s tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken-coop the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids; And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled it carried out the hulls. In the fall the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.  When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that “old-time apron” that served so many purposes.”

 

“Grandma used to set her fresh hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughter’s set their frozen boxed pies on the window sill to thaw.”

 

Posted in Potpourri | Print | 1 Comment »

November 11, 2007 by pamela.

I was reading Cindy’s Blog and sort of felt compelled to leave a note for her in her comment section. Now, she didn’t need my input - surely all the other entries were sufficient, but I was compelled, nonetheless. She had set up her writing in such a manner as to almost induce others to think of their own ‘lists’ and it was very effective. So much so, that at this point I am thinking of many more entries… but I’ll just leave it at what I already posted. She titled her blog entry “Older Mothers of the World Unite. I originally typed Untie. so… here I go: Untied. Or United. Whatever.
I often think of her quote: “Ideas have consequences” and find myself saying that here at home from time to time.

So, this, quoted from Cindy’s site:

Since Amy (Pray for Amy. She is STILL pregnant.) sent even more young mothers over here I thought it would be FUN to get really honest. I thought maybe the older moms could tell the things that bug them when they see mothers with young children. I thought this would be a lot of fun and it would also be a way to plumb the ultimate depths of memory loss and truth telling. If there is one thing I have learned from blogging it’s that negativity sells

To get things rolling, I will list ten things I hate to see young mothers doing: (and then she listed them here) …”

And now, Here’s what I wrote in response to Cindy’s comments:

This is funny, Cindy… I was just having this conversation with an *old* ;o) friend of mine. I don’t know if I’ve got a top “Ten things I hate to see young mothers doing.”

When I see a mother with young children_________.

here goes:
1. …and the child is fussy, angry, whiny and the mother make endless excuses that or why he/she is so tired. (it’s your number 9 - but I suspect your list order changes as situations warrant.)

2. …and the toddler is wearing a diaper that is nearly down to his/her knees and is filled with about a quart or two of fluid. (o, and the mother says she likes how absorbent that brand of diaper is.) Ack!

3. …and the mother is *counting!* in some attempt to quell the disobedience(!?!?!) When? Surely not when she gets to ‘3′ or ‘10′ Young mothers: don’t count! Please. Teach counting at the table with pencil and paper, beans or chocolate chips. But don’t count as a method of discipline. There’s a proper method for that. Use it early (and often) if necessary.

4. …and the child is emptying the cabinets or shelves or whatever and the mother makes excuses for her child’s “curiosity” and “busyness.”

5. …and she asks cranky child in the shopping cart if they want to go home? It goes something like: “We are so going home if you don’t stop that. I shouldn’t have brought you here. I’m not going to buy you anything. I told you you can’t have it. Okay. but I am not getting you anything else. Do you want to go home. You are going to be in so much trouble. I’m going to spank you. Okay. You’re not getting these. I’m going to take you home.” They don’t want to go home, Mama. They want their own way. Don’t talk, Mama. Act.

6. …and they think it’s everyone else’s children who are acting up or being rude - and that the trouble surely could not have been their child’s fault. 0ooo. (take this from a mom of angelic and naughty ones)

7. …and the mama has been duped into believing the latest hype… and is worn out, unsure, is a over-confident yet insecure and stays neurotically busy doing all the right stuff… just right and on schedule, wants all the right equipment - wants all the right clothes - all the right play groups - the right books - the right educational toys - the right pediatrician - the right carrier - the right order, schedule, and terms and yet doesn’t realize it’s not all the ‘right stuff’ that matters most. Relax. Most all the stuff that ’seems’ most important just isn’t. Listen to an older mom: most all of that stuff doesn’t matter. What matters is: time with you… time hearing stories, making something, walking, talking, laughing, painting, colouring, praying, singing, mattering to you… that’s what’s important. Really.

8. …yep - flat headed babies.

9. …speak in third person to the child.
aiya!

But you know what I’m hating maybe the most? This trend I’m seeing in moms… it’s flippant or sarcastic or whatever - it’s a way young women are dealing with their families that is not nurturing and loving but is oftentimes offhanded, surly, using innuendos to make comments or requests. TV sitcom coarseness and mannerisms have crept into homes and many mother’s attitudes are not tenderhearted - gentle, kind, patient - but cocky, even caustic at times - about the ‘kids’ and about the fathers or husbands. Women have poor attitudes about their children, their husbands and their home-life.

So, number 10 - but probably number one… I’m not seeing the majority of young moms as joyful mothers of children (psalms 113).

But, Cindy, I’m pretty certain your readers are joyful - joy-filled mothers of children. I’ve seen this to be the case. Thanks for the good topics you bring to the table.”

So, this top-ten listing from older mothers could go on and on… so, if *you* feel like posting *your* top ten… go ahead, feel free to do so. This older mom has forgotten so much … maybe you have some better ones.

Posted in mothering from the sidelines, Motherhood, Potpourri | Print | 2 Comments »

November 9, 2007 by pamela.

That statement rings in my ears.

As I thought back on the Titus2 meeting last evening I was mindful of things similar to the title of today’s blog entry… things I had intended to write about this morning but now my train of thought has gone elsewhere. So I continue to mull this over. “… Lost time can never be redeemed.” And while that is true, I consider the thought or the truth or the hope that lost time can, in fact, be repaired by the great Redeemer - but truly there is great wisdom in that “lost time can never be redeemed” statement. I’ll share some ‘repair’ thoughts later.

But for now, I simply want to focus on the source of that quote - contained in a sermon I heard this morning.

I was gripped with sorrow for people I don’t know - have never met - people who are mourning the loss of the fine young man who spoke those words in that sermon at age seventeen. I marvel at the wisdom and accomplishment of the young man whose nineteen years on this earth came to an abrupt end as his life was suddenly taken this past week. I grieve for the mother and father of that precious son - what fine training he obviously received. What honour they have received in the bearing and training this fine son. What wisdom in youth! What strength of character! What knowledge and understanding: rightly dividing the Word of Truth! What a testimony of God’s marvelous grace. May God help and bless the Billings family.

I listened to the sermon he preached - and it, for me, encapsulated my hope for young men - our young men and the sons of my sisters in Christ. Were I to attempt to define what should be the goal of child training or bringing up young boys who would be men, it would be this - it would be a life totally and completely yielded to God, a life of steadfastness to the end - faithful to the end - loyal to the end - blessed and being a blessing.

Here is an early tribute by Doug Phillips to

Michael Billings; 1988 - 2007, A Son of Hope, An Unparalleled Defender of the Faith, and a Bright Shining Star in the Kingdom of God…”

When you listen to Michael’s sermon, you will see why Doug Phillips also wrote:

Michael was the oldest young man I have ever met and the single most passionate champion of truth to emerge from the ranks of the Vision Forum students. He died without regret, justified, uncompromising — a righteous man if ever we knew one. “

In the closing of the message, Life is But a Vapor, Michael preached that day, he admonished:

Fear God and Keep His commandments…
night is falling: you must seize the day.”

What a fine young man. What a testimony of a life fully yielded to Christ. What hope for us mothers who wonder how might we live today in the training of sons.

More in tribute to Michael Billings

Posted in Parenting | Print | 2 Comments »

November 8, 2007 by pamela.

Yes, with petrol and food.

I had waited long enough to buy gas… a sort of game of anxious anticipation: just how close to the “E” do I allow the needle to go before I dare to drive past another station or make a Costco trip.

Anyway, a couple of ‘comic strips’ came to my mind as I slipped my Costco-Amex card into the swiper and then, in anticipation of how much this fun venture was going to cost before I even went into the store with the cart (at $3.07 per gallon). I watched the price inch up to $100. and I just had to laugh.

Actually, I was sort of taken aback at the newest price of petrol. And milk. However - I did bear in mind that a gallon of gas (and a 4 2-gallon boxes of milk) is really still a slightly better value than a gallon of Starbucks mochas or lattes. But the ambiance - I told myself - the ambiance is just… not there (at the pump or in the warehouse).

I began to dream of the warm, comfortable Sbux store… the wonderful aroma of a “Peppermint Mocha” and red cups that just came out today…

And then reality struck: the intense click of the nozzle and the wafting aroma of gasoline interrupted those pleasant dreams.

Posted in Potpourri | Print | 3 Comments »

November 8, 2007 by pamela.

I received the following email a few years ago. Truer now:

Obituary for Mr. Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Mr. Common Sense. Mr.
Sense had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn’t always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. - Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.”

Still… may your day be blessed in the Lord…

Posted in Society, Homeschooling | Print | 1 Comment »

November 3, 2007 by pamela.

On Wednesday nights we have a Bible study and dinner with friends of ours. It’s something we all very much look forward to each week. This past week was no different - except for the fact that it was halloween [and Reformation Day, too, by the way]. And our friends live in a quaint neighborhood in the old part of town with streets named after each letter of the alphabet… house after house, alley after alley all neatly ordered over a hundred years ago. Lots of houses like that mean lots of ‘trick-or-treaters’ on that night. Our friend wanted to have us to there home instead of them coming to ours for that night so that he could talk to the beggers trick-or-treaters when they came to the door which, he knew, they inevitably would. It was a good time to

Isn’t it just ironic and silly that once a year children walk the streets in the dark and tap on stranger’s doorbells and beg for candy say trick-or-treat and expect to be treated with candy? Isn’t it just goofy bizarre that all the other days of the year, [we] parents tell children not to go out after dark or not to take candy from strangers (you never know what might be in there!) and not to beg for things from people - let alone strangers! And we tell them be real, don’t be insincere, candy’s not so good for you, don’t wear masks, don’t eat too many sweets, don’t be greedy — be kind to people don’t trick them — be authentic! And then one day a year that whole mantra is (seemingly) tossed out the window and is (probably) replaced with: be careful, watch for cars, stay in a group, say thank you and on and on. Still… going to homes of total strangers with the candy container (or the preferable pillow case), begging for candy to add to a whole mess of candy they begged received from other homes they had just come from. As an aside, I wonder, from the homes of local dentists, do children receive sticky candy or floss, toothpaste and toothbrush packets? I’m just thinking.

I still remember, probably 40 years ago, going from house to house… begging for more candy. I remember being thrilled and scared at the very same time. I remember avoiding the homes of the bad boys and being fearful of who might jump out of the bushes - but still thrilled for more candy and pushing aside fear, I would make the rounds of the neighborhoods. I won’t say things are different now than they were then - because they aren’t. Things were not sweet then and ugly now — but I will say, I do see things differently now than I did then. And it’s not only bcz we have children / grandchildren of our own now.

I think a lot of people have come into this same revelation of Truth and have questioned some of the so-called ‘innocent fun’ things of life, theme parks, movie characters and ‘children’s toys’ — that there really is darkness, there is a very, very dark side — and to these things there are consequences. I marvel over the these things… there is no good magic or there is white magic and black magic and we just stay away from black magic. That’d be sort of like saying there’s good evil and bad evil… we do the good evil but we stay away from bad evil. Evil’s evil - ‘good’ or bad… but the enemy sure likes to dress evil up and make it look ‘okay’ doesn’t he? Or any other bad thing… made to appear as ‘light’ — but is not.

Just another day of thinking about things. And writing them down.

But then, reality…
I need to get ready to go to our neighbour’s birthday party. It’s very important. He’s three after all.

Posted in Society, Potpourri | Print | 4 Comments »

November 2, 2007 by pamela.

Sharon sent this remarkable list out! Just click on any of the cookie names and Snap! just like that, you’ll have the recipe! O, heart healthy? Uh, no. ;o)

***Cookies ~ Cookies ~ Cookies… just for YOU!

1-2-3 Cookies 7 Layer Cookies Allie Nelson’s Famous Snickerdoodle Cookies Almond Crescent Shortbread Amish Sugar Cookies Andies Candies Cookies Angel Crisps Angenets Applesauce Cookies A