March 31, 2008 by pamela.

Over the years of blogging, I’ve become more reticent to share how-to-do-it-right parenting advice. I mean, who wants to be critiqued to death for suggesting an idea or giving advice that, in someone else’s home, might end up being the straw that breaks the mama’s back. So, I guess I try to give advice or encouragement from time to time that will not add to the load of cares or be another burden to bear, but rather to lighten the load and brighten the day. Even if, in the beginning, what I suggest or share seems to add to the already heavy load.  Now, I know blog entries on lots of things, including the emergent church or the dialectic, just might be seen as too heavy-handed or critical and that articles on political or economy or food or whatever seem to be too much. If that’s the case for you, then just click on that little red X in the upper right corner… maybe another day the serving will be a better dish for you.  I’m not a light thinker - I’m not just here for entertainment or, rather, to be entertained.  Life’s too long and too short for all that - but even still, I pray that the joy comes through.

But today I’d like to share a couple of things I will never regret doing as a mother or that we, my husband and I, will never regret implementing in our home. The first is daily Bible study and prayer. We have never had a day that we thought was a waste of time or worthless or whatever other negative. In all candidness, though, we have had days that were a struggle to finish. Now, that’s not a negative, but a reality. And the reality is this: from time to time we will be studying through a passage and what can only be understood as ’spiritual warfare’ seemed to descend upon our dining room like a dark cloud. It is on those days that Wes has had to stop and pray and ask the Lord to redirect or rededicate the thoughts and attention to His Word. It’s rare, but it happens. But, I digress. What happens most of the time is a meeting with the Lord and the illumination of His Word. And bcz we’ve done this through so many years, we’ve seen His hand, we’ve seen His way over and over again.

Whether we spend months reading 5 Psalms and a Proverb each day or whether we take a book and go through it or whether we just read through from beginning to end, each day we meet at the table and open the Word and take turns reading around. We do this even if we have ‘guests’ at the table or if we’re away from home. Truly, this is when we see that ‘home’ really is where the heart is.

The reading of the 5 Psalms and a Proverb goes like this: on the first day of the month (or whatever day it happens to be that you start), you read Psalm 1, then 31, thne 61, then 91, and finally, 121 and then Proverbs 1. On the second day: 2, 32, 62, 92, 122 and Proverbs 2 and so on, in this manner every day, through the month. On the 29th of the month you would skip Psalm 119 and save that reading for the months with 31 days - you would then, on the 31st of the month: read Psalm 119 and Proverbs 31. Doing this, you will read all the Psalms and all the Proverbs every month - five and one a day. The reading through will likely take quite a while… years, maybe… because of the springboard for discussions, family values, ways of doing things, traditions, etc., etc.

So I said I had a couple of things or pieces of advice or encouragement I think everyone should do. Lots of things that people are convicted to do are things that make some other people cringe or react negatively or defensively. See, that’s why I refrain sometimes. So… in those cases — when I’m just pretty sure that might happen, I just write or locate a pertinent article and put it somewhere on the website in the particular category it fits and then I just trust the Lord to lead a sister or brother to read and heed whatever He leads.

But for today, this is the kind of advice that can be given to all people in all places for all time - it’s not just a personal conviction - the daily reading of the Word - but is commanded by the Lord throughout His Word.

Okay, so here the other of the ‘couple of things.’ And these go hand in hand. We’ve had some of our greatest teaching times or springboards or greatest times of clarity and understanding come from having our children take notes or draw pictures of whatever is being read that day. The clarity comes from correcting a misunderstood word or phrase - such as Amelia’s, “Moses standing in the ‘Presents’ of God” pictures. She had that so clear in her mind and her drawing was so sincere - but it wasn’t accurate. Same as her “ark of the Covenant” pictures that needed to be corrected to show her that the “Ark of the Covenant” wasn’t filled with animals and stone tables… the animals were in *Noah’s* ark. However - the pictures stay in our minds as a very clear picture of standing in God’s presenCe - or the animals in the ark and the tables in an entirely different ark.

And that is a very clear demonstration to us all that we all need correction when we read something and come to an inaccurate conclusion. This might be done through using the concordance or the Bible Dictionary or the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary or Strong’s or whatever. But whatever the case, we have found that great teaching and learning happens in little bits, snippets of time, around the table. The youngers have pictures to remember and the olders have notes in their own hand at different ages… both are wonderful mementos of days gone by. I think they also serve as reminders that we have been this way before… even if we forget what we’ve read or let slip what we’ve learned - I think that’s one of the most damaging tools of the enemy - the nudging that maybe we’ve never read something or never heard something before. The notes and pics serve as reminders of what God has said.

The only reservation or word of caution I must give you in suggesting these two (what I consider to be) parenting ‘imperatives’ is this: be prepared to bite your cheeks when pics are drawn by imaginative children and you have to sit quietly listening to the interpretation you’re hearing (and then formulate an thoughtful reply and/or subtle correction to the understanding). Just so’s ya know.

Yep…  it’s one of those days.  Bcz…  last week was…  long.

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March 31, 2008 by pamela.

So, yesterday’s riddle as told by our niece who is an Orange County sheriff… about the woman who met her amazing dream man at her mothers’ funeral - but didn’t know his name or have his number. And then she killed her own sister… did you figure out why she killed her own sister a few days later?

Answer: She was hoping that the guy would appear at the funeral again. If you answered this correctly, you think like a psychopath. This was a test by a famous American Psychologist used to test if one has the same mentality as a killer. Many arrested serial killers took part in the test and answered the question correctly. If you didn’t answer the question correctly good for you.

If you still don’t know… then highlight the above to find the answer. I sincerely hope all the readers of this blog didn’t know the answer.

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March 31, 2008 by pamela.

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March 30, 2008 by pamela.

Once again, I’m thinking that the Pacific Northwest missed Al Gore’s ‘global warming’ memo — totally missed the memo. I’m thinking that those of us who were driving in white-out snow last night on I-90 really wondered aloud: global warming? what global warming?

Seems Mr. Gore has a new plan… almost sounds like a government program: we’re telling you there’s a problem… really, we’re telling you there is a problem and we’re going to through buckets of money at it and call it a national crisis demand more money to prove it. Meanwhile, a cold breeze blows and snow lines the lane. See more, here.

The Alliance for Climate Protection’s “we” campaign will employ online organizing and television advertisements… It highlights the extent to which Americans’ growing awareness of global warming has yet to translate into national policy changes, Gore said in an hour-long phone interview last week. He said the campaign, which Gore is helping to fund, was undertaken in large part because of his fear that U.S. lawmakers are unwilling to curb the human-generated emissions linked to climate change.’”

So… if you’re into putting your money where your mouth is — or not, as the case may be, you might want to consider thinking twice before you give into your child’s plea for a cardboard tray of chicken nuggets or toys in happy bags. Seems McD’s is in the news again for endorsing yet another questionable organization… so, you might want to stay home for some healthful, lower fat, lower salt foods, anyway. So, here you go: McD’s latest faux pas move.

Last week there was a blurb on The Drudge Report that there would be a Trucker’s Strike to protest the high price of fuel… I thought it was too far fetched… plausible, understandable - maybe, but still, it seemed to be extreme. Then I received several emails… some current and one from a few years ago (when everyone thought those prices were way too high - near the beginning of the latest US war). So, I checked Snopes and it was thought to possibly be a rumour. Rumour or not, ready or not, perhaps there just might be a Truck Drivers’ strike on Tuesday (which just happens to be April Fool’s Day). I’ve thought about that a lot… what would happen to Exxon if everyone just didn’t drive one or more given days — and, really, don’t you wonder why in the world the price of a barrel of oil has more than doubled in price in the last couple of years?!?! I’m just sayin’

This past week has been like a whirlwind — and not just last night’s snow, either — due to the death of our grandma, we have had lots of family here with us… lots of activity and things to do. Well, last night we came to the end of all the scheduled events and sort of flopped down in the living room to hear work related stories. So, I’ll let you in on one of them… A riddle.

Our (Orange County Sheriff) niece told us this riddle… and asked us if we could figure it out… and then told us if we got the correct answer — it would prove we were psychopaths! Only one of us got the ‘correct’ answer — I will not tell… but it was not me - :o)

——> A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met this guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing, so much her dream guy she believed him to be just that! She fell in love with him right there, but never asked for his number and could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister. Question: What is her motive in killing her sister?

Think.

I will tell you the answer tomorrow.

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March 26, 2008 by pamela.

Yes, today is the first day of my 50th year. And, as I alluded yesterday, I am most surprised I lived long enough to blog that line. Now, for those who do not know me personally or for those who do, my comments yesterday might be surprising. I mean, there is not really anything outwardly that would really indicate illness. Sure, twenty unnecessary pounds; sure, gray hair; sure, appearance of age and lack of aggressive physical fitness. But, for the most part, I just look my age — so no real indication of why in the world I never thought I’d be this age.

Well, I’ll tell you. As I have battled depression of sorts, and occasional hopelessness, regret and a host of other negatives through the years, it’s been a constant vigil to keep those thoughts at bay - to take captive those thoughts that exalt themselves against the Truth of God. I determine to be joyful; I determine to be optimistic — to press on, to look for joy, to see the King in all things.

Even in those things I write about that are not making the mark or that are falling short - I still look for the Lord in those situations. It may not seem like it… it may not seem loving to write about the compromises in the church today, it may not seem loving to point out church teachings and fallacies that are inconsistent with the Word of God. And, believe me, when I say joyful, I’m not meaning lighthearted, for I am anything but lighthearted about the atrocities of compromises in the church, in homes and Christian families. But I am joyful in Jesus - because I see all of these terrible things must mean one thing: the enemy is fighting the families — fighting the church and therefore fighting against God. And my joy comes from knowing Christ is and has the Victory. He is our peace.

So today’s the first day of my fiftieth year.

Wes took me on a morning date to Starbucks - to get a coffee, to talk, to reminisce and to celebrate the gift of one more year. Together. I loved it. I love him.

Here’s what was on my cup for this day:

The Way I See It #280

You can learn a lot more from listening than you can from talking. Find someone with whom you don’t agree in the slightest and ask them to explain themselves at length. Then take a seat, shut your mouth, and don’t argue back. It’s physically impossible to listen with your mouth open.
John Moe
Radio host and author of Conservatize Me.

 

So, on this, the first day of my fiftieth year, I want to begin by listening more. More and better. I want to listen at length — I want to listen at length to explanations at length. Well, except to gossip. I want to resolve to never listen to gossip. But other than that… I want to be characterized as a woman who listens at length.

Ah… the mail’s here… Birthday cards, birthday cards!! :o)

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March 25, 2008 by pamela.

I have one more day to be the age I never thought I be. And then tomorrow I will be the age I never thought I’d reach. For some reason, I don’t rightly remember why, I thought I’d never live past 39. And then I did. And now, I’m wondering how I got this far. It’s surely not my own doing - for I have been my own undoing. It’s surely not my dietary choices or physical fitness or any other personally inspired or responsible behaviour on my part, for I am one of the ‘least of these’ when it comes to consistent anything. I’m a short-term sprinter when it comes to diets, physical fitness or health regimens.

If it were good intentions that brought me here today, even those generally come to a failing point. Many roads are paved with good intentions and I certainly have a number of them. I think back on The Cambridge diet I did in 1982… I lost 30 pounds in thirty days. I know. Yikes. I drank a shake in the morning and evening. I had a bowl of soup at midday and several cups of water and a handful of supplements throughout the day. I bounced on a rebounder and that’s it. I was busy with two very small children… but that’s it. I never really gained much of that back… but then, I was doing such a great deal of physical work that it was sometimes difficult to take time to just do nothing much.

Then I think of all the different attempts to lose weight after each subsequent pregnancy… and I do lose weight. Not so fast and not so easily as before, but I do lose weight - but that only happens when I’m totally set and I don’t know why but I am only totally set ever several years - it’s the in between time that’s so disastrous! I always count on tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll get a handle on this weight reduction… Tomorrow I will really get serious. Tomorrow I will really get back to my T-Tapping exercising and I so will get my water intake up and my carb intake down. Tomorrow I work more diligently to eat to get my alkaline level up and keep my consumption of acid producing foods down. Yep - back at it tomorrow.

I have this weight chart… the idea of it is to demonstrate to me how great things are going by the downward line across the page. But I must tell you… I very nearly think I’m dead for all I see is a flat line. No, I didn’t say fat line (though, it’s inferred, I suppose). So the flat line has continued. Well, until recently. I am seeing a small decline. I used to measure success in inches and pounds. Now I do so in much smaller increments… and I say, this garment doesn’t feel as tight as it did before. O, o… that’s right, it’s from the grouping of larger clothes I have in my closet.

Tomorrow I’ll do my green drinks and walk. Tomorrow I will take my supplements and lemon & distilled water. Tomorrow I will get back on track - yes indeedy, I will. Tomorrow I will sprout some wheat, make some spinach salads and a bunch of other greens will go into my smoothie… along with that Total Tonic and wheatgrass juice powder. Tomorrow will be a great day for all of that. O, wait.

Tomorrow’s the day I never thought I’d live to see.

My mom’s in South America… and through the sweet joy and benefit of the internet, she sent me a pretty card. Sweet of her… but before she left, she gave me two very beautiful blue and white mugs with tea infusers and lids. I love blue and white anything. Anything blue and white or white and blue is my favourite - well, except on cheddar cheese.

And about that umpteenth and one diet? Yeah…I’m on it. Again.

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March 24, 2008 by pamela.

I have written about this reMARKable couple some time ago…  Andrew & Grace have faced an extremely arduous ordeal with  Andrew having cancer  in the last year.  Please, please remember him in prayer - that God would comfort him, ease his pain and, if it would be His will to heal him, pray God’s swift and merciful healing would be done in and through Andrew.

As you read the testimony of their lives in the blog entries of Grace’s Journal, you will be blessed by the faith and trust in the Lord and His sovereign grace.  They’re such a young couple… facing things in their young life - young marriage - young family - that most people never face in a lifetime.   When Andrew learned he had cancer in his mouth… he and Grace embarked on what has proven to be a very, very painful and difficult journey.

The story begins with January ‘07  journal entries.  The entries chronicle the highs and lows of the journey and throughout, you will see the tracing of the Hand of the Lord and His provision, His mercy and love.   And their deep abiding love for Him and one another.

Please join the many who are in prayer for them and also for their families;  thank you.    I suppose much prayer is needed on behalf of so many.  We have friends here locally who are very close to Andrew and Grace and so this is also a very heavy time for them as they watch and wait for updates.

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March 24, 2008 by pamela.

I’m mulling over lots of things today as I clean bookshelves and re-order the movies, dvd’s and cd’s. The dust on some of them gave me a bit more necessary information when I questioned: Do we watch this anymore? Did we ever watch this? And, as always, I walk down memory lane when I go through belongings I haven’t looked through in awhile. Today’s purging of outdated or unused materials is absolutely nothing at all compared to the great purge of sixteen years or more ago. At that time we made, for all intents and purposes, a virtual clean sweep of practically all the movies and music we owned. Really… and that day has been etched in our family’s history as: The Day Daddy Went to the Dump.

So I came downstairs to get a cuppa tea and write some notes when I happened upon an email from Vision Forum.   And after reading it I was left pondering several things - one, our departure from most all things Disney happened a couple of years before The Day Daddy Went to the Dump time period of our lives.

We had been to Disneyland the year before and came home with the overwhelming thought: hey, that place is not right… the whole premise is deceptive - but it was so fun - or was it?  Anyway, then it was around that time that The Little Mermaid had come out and in the stores were all things Mermaid.  And we got to thinking… is this what we want to say and do? Is this the right message?  Is this the right anything?  I will never forget Wes walking by the television set where The Little Mermaid was playing and he heard, at that moment, the intro to the movie:  “Ariel, the rebellious teenager…”   And at that moment, he said. “No.”  He did not want our daughters dressing like that, talking like that, looking like that, acting like that or —thinking— like that.

Those were hard days.  Hard days that were worth every heartache, misunderstanding, expense, etc., etc.  Because those days were the shaping of our family.  It was as if, in those days, a stake was driven into our family’s foundation and history and it was the ‘day of decision’ — one of those days where we said, from here on out, we are going to follow the LORD in what we say and do and what we see and hear - and it’s got to line up right.  We had been walking with the Lord and were believers, but I think we had allowed too much of societal norms to shape our home and teaching of our children.

Looking back now, I wish we had said more, done more, thought more, acted earlier on many things — one of which was the catastrophic influence of:  most all things Disney — even though I agree wholeheartedly with the “Examples of Good” in the following list I’ve quoted below.

But I think the whole “Disney issue” that people deal with now is much like other issues Christians face… we often wake up and smell the coffee quite awhile after it’s been brewed and quite awhile after it’s been cooking on the hotplate of the coffeemaker.  It’s often not until the smell of scorched coffee starts to assault out senses that we say - wow,  we can’t drink that!  I know, coffee’s a pretty bad analogy. But the point can be seen.

Think of all the things that you, now as a conservative Christian, may have, at one time or another, not been too offended about.  Okay… take music or movies or dress or dating, or public school or birth-control or careers vs. ’staying home’ or college away from home or whatever… what was passable or acceptable or even just accepted is now questioned in light of Scripture. I guess that’s really why I take such a hard stand and will continue to take such a hard stand against the merry-go-round of the meet-your-felt-needs- and the entertain-you-to-death church  trends  of the last 10-15+ years. It’s why I write about the things I do - because things are so subtly slipping into our homes and lives and they are really off — they are really contrary to the Word of God.

It’s not until that reality strikes believers in the face that decisions are reevaluated or wake-up calls are heard.   Just watch, it will not be too long before more in the church say:  Hey, this mysticism, this relativism, this conversation, this revisionist writing of the Bible, this carnal teaching, this denial of the omniscient, inerrant, omnipotent, Triune God…. wait, this… this… this just isn’t right.   When did this happen?   How did this happen?   And by then the church will have been carried away with all of that and more for  years.

Just consider the abortion industry. It was well into the practice that the wake-up call was heard - and believers began to gasp at the horrific atrocity of the death of innocent unborn babies and the highly profitable abortion industry. Things go on and people are told to mind their own business, don’t offend other people, don’t say things that will rock the boat. We’re told or conditioned to just be quiet and let people do what they want even though… well, you know… you and I don’t do those things… it’s not really for us to judge. and on and on.

I think that’s what’s gone on with the Disney lie all these years. And now, people are waking up to the fact that Disney, generally speaking, has been a promoter of all sorts of things that have become foundational teaching diametrically opposed to the Word and Way of the Living God and, subsequently:  society, traditions and cultural behaviours have been not only accepted, but endorsed as right or good.  And fun - because it’s… just Disney.

So, this from The Vision Forum… read more here. This is an excerpt from the letter I just received:

“Evaluating the Disney Legacy

These messages examine the Disney philosophy of filmmaking, the history of the Disney empire, and the impact of Disney’s many innovations on film and culture. Also included is an analysis of the philosophical and theological perspectives often presented in Disney’s children classics, both for good and for evil.

Examples of Good

· Walt Disney’s personal emphasis on the family as a basic unit of society.

· Appreciation for science, investigation, exploration, and innovation.

· Cultivation of virtues of heroic boyhood.

· Gratitude for the American legacy of freedom.

Examples of Bad

· Moralism without sound theological foundation.

· The “cutification” of witchcraft and evil.

· Reliance on pagan myth and fantasy, rather than biblical icons and worldview.

· Promotion of Darwinian evolutionism. “

Just think of situations where Disney has infiltrated or formed your thinking… you may not even realize it, but you might say, noticing the lateness of the hour: O, I need to leave… or O, the clock’s about to strike twelve, I’d better leave before I turn into a pumpkin.

But more, and probably worse, is that many of us have said, O, it’s okay, it’s a Disney movie… it’ll be okay. Disney used to be synonymous with family friendly. But was it really?

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March 24, 2008 by pamela.

http://teampyro.blogspot.com

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March 23, 2008 by pamela.

He is Alive!

What a beautiful, rainy, windy day this is! Many thoughts swirl in my mind as I consider the significance of this time of year. Ringing everywhere is the sweet refrain: He Lives! Songs of joy, songs of newness of life in Christ, songs of heaven. Do you long for heaven? I pray it’s your sincerest desire to see the LORD Jesus face to Face and to hear Him say: “…Well done, good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25.23)

I so desire to serve the LORD in a manner that brings Him glory and honor. As I think of you all and pray for you, I pray for the LORD to use me to encourage you if you’re needing encouragement and to inspire you if you’re feeling low. I pray that the LORD will be honoured and you will be blessed by what I share with you. Thank you for this privilege—it’s not taken for granted. Sisters, be encouraged—wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, you have a very important charge to keep—you’re a daughter of the King! If things have been hard lately, remember: He loves you and is working everything for good! I say this sincerely, because fiery trials and deep prunings bring forth rich fruit and the thorniest bushes have the most fragrant blooms. You’re a precious rose to the LORD. I am seeking to keep this in mind each day - being a precious rose – and each day brings many things that are heavy or misunderstood or cause misunderstandings, regret and sorrow - thorns and prunings.

It is humbling to me that we live in a time where we’re so abundantly blessed - we’re able to hear or read inspiring and educational messages, we’re able to own a copy of the Word and to freely read it, to take part in singing and listening to beautiful hymns and songs of worship and praise, and to join with brothers and sisters in the LORD for edification—to rejoice in our salvation. We’re so blessed to hear messages of hope and joy in our Saviour—messages regarding the gospel account of the life, death and resurrection of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. But… consider this: if Christ be not raised, then it’s all for naught, it’s a cruel hoax—-there is no point… there is no hope… there is no reason for us to gather each week for fellowship or on any day for that matter; nothing to celebrate. But God!

But God! But God who is rich in mercy - who redeemed us, who, while we were yet sinners, died for us! There is reason, a purposeful design… there is hope… our Savior lives! We have something to celebrate: we serve a Risen Saviour! Alleluia!

Revelation 19.6 –
“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”

Hebrews 12.2 –
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

There was a price to be paid for our sin. He paid. He paid it. He paid it all. “…for the joy that was set before him…”

And He said:

John 14.1-6 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The night of that day.

After my father died, several years ago now, I sat with him a long while… his head cradled in my arms; I watched as his life faded from his body. The urgency and the struggle of the previous moments had faded into a clinical, impersonal documenting of this significant event. Then it was quiet and was quite sobering to me to see the dramatic difference mere seconds had made… and then minutes passed. I wondered what must be occurring at that moment with the LORD. I was thinking of how at that moment my father was in the presence of the LORD. Alone, the room totally quiet following the disconnection of machines and the perfunctory documenting of his death, I made a mental note of everything around me and silently rejoiced in God my Saviour.

“We are confident, I say,
and willing rather to be absent from the body,
and to be present with the Lord.”

II Corinthians 5.8

When the LORD Jesus was on the Cross and then was taken down to be laid in the tomb… it must’ve been with the greatest sadness that they wrapped His precious body in the cloths… the sobering reality of what had just transpired must’ve been unbelievable—the helplessness unimaginable.

At the time, I was far from my own home and in the room I where I was staying at the time, through the warm night as I lay on the bed, I watched pictures of my father in the theatre of my mind and I cried… the making of memories had ended… all that was left now were the memories and the photographs that documented milestones along the way. No matter how long I waited or how much I wished for his return, it was finished. He would not come to life again… he would not return… it was final. It was many hours before sleep came, just before dawn… and then only for a very short while and I was up and on my way home. It was for real. The death was final. There would be no opportunity to see him again. I learned so much about the love of the Living LORD in those hours. I felt totally alone and the room was quiet. But. I knew I was not alone. I knew that because of what happened on the cross, I never walk alone.

When Mary came to the tomb early on the first day of the week, she must’ve been weary with grief, but still managing enough strength to do what must be done for a proper burial she mustered the courage fulfill her personal obligation. What an honour it would have been to assist in caring for the LORD in this way. What a breathtaking thing, then, it must have been for her to arrive and to see what she saw. Then later, can you imagine her astonishment at hearing the voice of the LORD say her name…

Mary… He was Alive!

Alive!

He IS alive!

And now looking back on Resurrection messages, I see even more how marvelous and miraculous is the message of the cross. Isn’t it incredible to think of the fulfillment of Scripture and the perfect fulfillment of every detail: proving Scriptural accuracy!? In the eyewitness account of His death, we read of the confirmations that He had indeed died and then reading further we know that He did indeed rise from the dead and was truly alive. We now benefit, not only in His having the price paid for our sins, but with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit…We know Him! We know Him and He knows us by name – He knows our hearts.

Romans 8.16 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God”

Having witnessed and experienced the momentary bewilderment of witnessing death and then to have watched the preparations carried out to confirm it…. And now to think that the LORD did in fact experience death, *yet* He lives! I can only bow my head and then look up and say, “thank You.”

I can only say, “thank You.”

He lives today! This is the Good News. He is Risen.

He is our Hope — Christ in you, the Hope of Glory!

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March 21, 2008 by pamela.

After seeing our family’s singing debut (with the happy birthday video we made for Timothy so could see & hear us singing to him from the other side of the world) our friend called me, Mama Lolli Pop.   I already have a mousy voice — but increase the speed of a video a few notches, and I really have a mousy-lolli-pop voice.

Well, then, I just had to share a pic that makes me smile - the lolli pop is totally and completely coincidental!! Samuel and Hannah had walked to First street… looked through some of the antique shops and ended up at Sammie Jo’s candy store where Samuel bought a lolli pop. It proved to be too much for him, so he passed it on to ‘melia. I didn’t realize she was hanging on to it when she went to take a rest… so, couldn’t pass up the photo op when I went in to check on her. so, I guess this makes her — baby lolli-pop?

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March 20, 2008 by pamela.

And thanks, for the memories.

Today would’ve been Mister Rogers’ 80th birthday. I didn’t grow up watching much television at all and so, not even Mister Rogers very often, and our children didn’t watch television and I don’t think our grandchildren watch ‘reruns’ of Mister Rogers. But I saw the show a number of times over the years — enough so, that I do remember many of the songs and remember them well enough to have the right inflection and timing. Do you remember the songs? Want to hear them again? “Hear” you go!

As a child, I remember going to our neighbor’s house and watching the show sometimes - that, and Sesame Street - which I pronounced, See-Same street, and was mockingly corrected for not saying it right. You know the: (ha ha ha) “You’re saying it wrong! Don’t you know how to say it?! It’s Ses-ah-meeeeeeeeeeee street (aha ha haaa)! ” If I have any phobias at all, by the way, it’s saying things incorrectly when correct pronunciation really matters. And to some children, correct pronunciation really matters.

I just try to handle situations the way Fred Rogers would’ve handled them with children and I think it all works out just fine. And that’s one of the things I most appreciated about the program — his loving enthusiasm and his kindness and patience. It was honour and gentlemanly behaviour that Fred Rogers demonstrated that also has stayed in my memories of him through the years.

I received an email that included some interesting bits about different men who are unsung heroes. I noticed that there were some amazing notes on Mr. Rogers. Sensational and unbelievable notes, really! And when notes are that amazing or unbelievable, they usually are the latter: un (or not) believable.

Though the notes in the emails had the heartwarming Mr. Rogers as trained US Navy Seal and listed the reason for his long sleeves and sweaters was to hide his the numerous tattoos he received in the military days, much of what was written and circulated in email was untrue. What’s true of him, though, is that he did spend his life attempting to make life sweet for countless millions of children — children who came to know and love their friend, Mister Rogers.

Fred Rogers warmed our hearts, this is true; but many details of his story, as told in the numerous email messages, are just tall tales. He actually graduated from Rollins College in Florida with a degree in music in 1951 and then began a broadcasting career — a career that would continue uninterrupted for 50 years, In that time he also studied for a Bachelor of Divinity degree and became an ordained minister in 1962. He didn’t live in fear of his past days or hiding a secret past as a trained Navy Seal killer. Mister Rogers was a truly a gentleman who devoted his life to encouraging the lives of children — this is how he’s remembered today.

So… it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood… where’s your sweater? Are you singing?

It’s a Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood
Fred Rogers

It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?…

It’s a neighborly day in this beauty wood,
A neighborly day for a beauty.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?…

I’ve always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So, let’s make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we’re together we might as well say:
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?
Won’t you please,
Won’t you please?
Please won’t you be my neighbor!

Posted in My life, News DuJour | Print | 2 Comments »

March 19, 2008 by pamela.

For many years now I have written about trends in the church, church growth methods and marketing strategies and what church growth strategists are saying and doing.

What was in this space for a few days were scans of postcards from local churches and I have removed them and I would like to apologize for posting them - for the intent was not more important than people.  It was not my intent to criticize a specific local church, but rather to use the example of the postcards to demonstrate methods or as an example of purpose driven or emergent church methods and it was not my intent to cut down specific persons. at all.

So.  I offer my sincere apologies to any who were offended by my posting of those post cards.   I pray to continue to be used of the Lord to share what’s going on in the church today and to encourage trust and faith in the Living God and following after Jesus, the Truth and the Word of God.  These are very, very remarkable days as we watch for His appearing.

He is alive.

with love, a repentant heart, and faith in the only One who is able to save;

sincerely —pamela

Posted in devotionals, The Church Today | Print | 5 Comments »

March 19, 2008 by pamela.

It used to be that when someone refused to waste a drop or when someone would save everything from produce baggies to cottage cheese containers to newspapers to bacon grease — people who never threw anything away after the originally intended use — they were thought to be products of the Great Depression and, as such, were tolerated (even if made fun of behind their backs) and “understood.” Then, time passed and folks were mocked for being pack-rats or hoarding things they’d never use — that, or they were secretly embarrassed over their hoarding and hiding and groups like clutterers and ‘messies anonymous’ spawned — along with the hoards of organization tips: through books, stores and products. Whatever the case, ‘depression mentality’ or no, there are just some people who have a propensity to stash stuff and never throw things out - you know, because they might — need — them someday. I know people like that. Really well.

Today, instead of being thrifty or careful to use and save items, there’s sort of a new generation of folks who save things to remake to use and reuse and reuse. Maybe they’re tight-wads, maybe they’re thrifty, but this tight-waddy-ness (you read it here first!) has led to some clever ingenuity. Consider ’shabby chic’ and all the retro-think and then think of eBay, Craigslist and Freecycle — to name a few. Thrift stores are the main sources of clothing for many people we know (including everyone who lives at this address). I think that’s sort of a combination of the signs of the times (save the planet - recycle - renew the earth) stuff and the Depression Era parents and grandparents passing on that gene.

Well, there was a point to this post. Really. I received an email with this tip for reusing a man’s dress shirt to make a toddler dress [look at all the great photos and tutorial!] . It’s so cute and so clever and sooooooo neuvo. So, you wanna see it? I’m thinking this is a keeper — something to try out! Other ideas are coming to mind! I’ll let you know if I do make it (and it’s worth showing)! :o)

I love doing this sort of thing! For example, recently I made kitchen curtains from a beautiful white-eyelet bassinet skirt that I cut it apart — I hated messing up the originally beautiful workmanship - but it wouldn’t have been any use to me as it was. So there I had plenty of fabric to use for the curtain, and it was just what I would have purchased and I got it for free!

I’ll bet you’re thinking of stuff you could remake… aren’t you.

Posted in Good Things & Gifts, Homemaking, Potpourri | Print | 3 Comments »

March 18, 2008 by pamela.

Every now and then a case comes along that punctuates the reality of ‘the marketing of evil.’ Though it’s been awhile since I read the book by David Kupelian, The Marketing of Evil, I’ve not forgotten the content nor has the impact of the book diminished - it’s interesting how the book shed a bright light on our society and the clever destruction or dissolution of foundational, Biblical and societal truths.

I happened to be browsing the Worldnet Daily site - browsing the news for the financial debacle of our nation and attempting to read something other than the egregious behaviour of mayors, governors and other elected officials and ‘religious leaders’ and happened upon an article about a librarian and an ongoing secsual harassment case. Seems that the librarian was recommending a book — the aforementioned, The Marketing of Evil, and was instantly verbally assaulted and accused of secsual harassment and a colleague even claimed that he no longer felt safe doing his job. Incredible. Over a book recommendation - a recommendation that was made bcz the required reading list was polarized that it needed an alternative.

This, from the WND site article:

As WND reported previously, one of the homosexual professors, J.F. Buckley, in a March 9, 2006, e-mail, reacted this way to Savage’s recommendation of Kupelian’s book: “As a gay man I have long ago realized that the world is full of homophobic, hate-mongers who, of course, say that they are not. So I am not shocked, only deeply saddened – and THREATENED [sic] – that such mindless folks are on this great campus. … You have made me fearful and uneasy being a gay man on this campus. I am, in fact, notifying the OSU-M campus, and Ohio State University in general, that I no longer feel safe doing my job. I am being harassed.”

Seriously, I’m floored at the lawsuits, the huge leaps and assumptions made by those who hate ‘conservative’ thought, hate moral absolutes and appear to hate Christians.  I’m also amazed that an adult man would be afraid simply based on hearing another man, a colleague, offer the title of a book that carries a differing opinion.   That man’s afraid (so he says) and yet he’s labeling his colleague phobic.   The line of reasoning is just preposterous.

It’s amazing and silly to me at the same time that when one says that something is not right, morally wrong or whatever — they’re instantly labeled homophobic. Same/afraid. Afraid of homo_______. Now isn’t that peculiar and actually quite ridiculous at the same time. Just because someone holds to something that’s contrary to a belief of another does not mean they’re *afraid* of that belief - but that’s dialectic praxis. Say something often enough and it will be believed or accepted. So… homophobia; that’s the label.

Well, that’s a stupid label and a very stupid assumption. It can only mean one thing and that is that there is nothing there. Bullies who have no merit to their fight always play rough and dirty, bullies always make baseless attacks — but they do have a reason for their bullying - they demand attention (and get it) and demand their way (regardless who they crush or how they crush them in the process) with total disregard for the Truth.

So the next time someone calls you homophobic when you say that some forms of conduct or behaviour or whatever are contrary to God’s design, just tell them the truth: you are not afraid of same_____ as homo = same / phobia = fear suggests. Don’t accept the branding - it’s done in ignorance and pride. Little children do that - they call names when they feel threatened or when someone doesn’t take their side. It is not being afraid of something that makes one state facts… it’s simply seeing things as God’s Word says they are — stating that something is simply contrary to God’s design and is abomination bcz it is contrary to His divine design.

The charges leveled and the demands made are not demands for tolerance, they’re demands for acceptance — acceptance and validation. Trouble is, there’s a huge difference between rejecting lies and rejecting people. I an reject a lie, a sinful behaviour, a way contrary to design, but that in no way means I am rejecting the person — else I wouldn’t be able to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

So, don’t wear or be offended by the ad hominem attack and label, homophobic, bcz you say something negative about the practice of homosecsuality or that it’s biblically wrong. That label is erroneous and ignorantly childish. You’ll still hear it, though, because it’s at the top of the agenda.

Posted in Books & Stories, News DuJour | Print | 5 Comments »

March 18, 2008 by pamela.

Wes reads great books to our family several nights a week. I love to listen to him read — he reads well, clearly, passionately, with enthusiasm and occasionally he’ll even give the characters’ voice. So he was reading to us last evening and the stark current reality of the long ago written story was astounding to me. The book is, The Shining Sword by Charles Coleman, originally written in 1956. It’s one of those timeless, classic books — sort of like John Bunyan’s, The Pilgrim’s Progress, that teaches deeply important Bible truths in such an engaging manner.

Each night as Wes reads, the children listen with rapt attention to the trials and conquests of Lanus and the use of the whole armour of God. I’m sure our children will not forget the value of the armour of God, His power and the enemy’s piercings of the sword and the value and protection of the armour given every believer and follower of Jesus Christ.

I think family story time is probably one of the most valuable and important investments parent can make. It’s just such an invaluable time — great training, great truths instilled, wonderful opportunities to dialog and compare and contrast what’s read with the Word of God and it’s just such a rewarding time each time the family gathers around to listen to papa read. I read to them, too — and they enjoy it, but there’s just something particularly wonderful about having papa read the stories.  I especially like it… his voice is soothing to me.

Posted in Books & Stories, Parenting | Print | 1 Comment »

March 18, 2008 by pamela.

I felt I ought to clarify, just a bit, my post of a few days ago: “One of the first gents of emergents” bcz I am concerned that I perhaps inferred favourable thinking regarding the “ministry” and work of Rob Nooma Bell. I have occasionally been thought of or called judgmental when I talk about or point out blasphemous or apostate or deceptive teachers and preachers. So, in an effort to be kinder, gentler, I think I just might have appeared to endorse the presentations, the ‘pastor’ and the work.

So, just in case there’s still a question, may I share some Scriptures that will shed light on the emergent gents and the work, the way and the deception at the core of those who rewrite Scripture, deny the power of the Gospel or deny the Truth or the only Way to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, or teach and spread cunningly devised fables, wise in their own eyes, calling evil good and good evil… that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter… woe unto them… This is the seductive, illustrious emergent conversation. This is a sign of the times.

Marvel not:

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1 John 2.18

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 John 2.22

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1 John 4.1-3

And no marvel; for Satan himself
is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11.14

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1.7-9

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
2 John 1.7

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Revelation 20.10

Posted in devotionals, The Church Today | Print | 1 Comment »

March 14, 2008 by pamela.

We’re sure missing our boy today… on his birthday, and every day. Hannah made a birthday cake for Timothy, put it on the Red Plate… we lit the candles and sang the ‘happy birthday song’ while the camera was recording. So, here we are, early this morning, singing to our boy… 7500 miles away.

Happy Birthday, Timothy. We’re missing you! From all of us, with love.

Posted in Timothy - Ghana, My life, Family | Print | 5 Comments »

March 14, 2008 by pamela.

There’s a whole lotta change going on… I’ll be posting a few pics from Phil Johnson’s site… Emergent-see—Motivational posters for the emerging  church  conversation  chaos.

http://teampyro.blogspot.com

Posted in The Church Today | Print | 2 Comments »

March 13, 2008 by pamela.

Give me Jesus.

Posted in My life, Family | Print | No Comments »

March 12, 2008 by pamela.

Wes’s dad died eight years ago and at his memorial service his own mother spoke of the son she loved, was so proud of and would greatly miss. She shared some poignant stories and a few humourous anecdotes that really engaged the crowd gathered there to celebrate his life that day in the church he had pastored for many years. She closed her remarks about her son saying, “Goodnight, son, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Well, today was that morning.  I’m sure: a glad and happy reunion.  The dear and precious woman we all call grandma passed from this life into the arms of the Lord; her hope, her strength and her Redeemer.    She longed for home — longed for heaven — longed to see Jesus face to Face.

Born in 1908, she was nearly 100 years old and lived a marvelous life of faith and joyful obedience to the Lord — much of her life in full time ministry.  The Lord was good to her… in and through her.  What a testimony to His merciful kindness, His faithfulness, protection and provision.  She was a remarkable woman, ever eager to share the hope of the Gospel, to visit and to help others — ever ready to host a prayer meeting or a Bible study and just as eagerly to listen to one in need, despair or rejoicing.

Her smile was a comfort and a consolation; her laughter was infectious and her zest for life contagious.  I loved her as my own grandmother all these years and she treated me as such… for I’m pretty sure she never distinguished the “in-law’s” any differently that her own grandchildren.  My mother-in-law is just the same toward me, too.  How grateful I am for my husband’s Christian heritage on both paternal and maternal sides of his family… how grateful I am for the loving kindness they’ve shown all these years… what a blessing and testimony they are to me - to our family.  Grandma loved us and prayed for us… for these two things I am eternally grateful and it is these two things that makes it bittersweet to say good-bye for now.

So… instead, I will say, O, what a day that will be when I see you again.  Until then, thank you, Grandma — for a life well lived, for an example to follow, for a promise to keep, for memories to treasure, for joys to remember, for the honour of being your family, for your loving kindness and tender concern for us, for our children and for our grandchildren.   I’ve loved you - and I will always.

Goodnight, Grandma, I’ll see you in the morning.

Posted in Family | Print | 1 Comment »