Weekend Daybook

My Weekend Daybook is intended to journal brief moments of my simple life, thinking that my dear grandchildren may one day be interested in knowing little tidbits about Nana.

(For some unknown reason to me, the font size on this post keeps changing to smallest in some parts. I've fiddled with it enough, so I give up. Maybe it'll straighten itself out after awhile.)





Outside My Window...
The grass has finally greened. I don't care for Bermuda grass. It takes too long to catch up to Spring.


Noticing the sound of... 
Violin music. I miss hearing the violin and cello being played at church by a couple of young moms. 


Looking forward to...
Being able to gather together again with our church family and speak to one another in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord (Eph.5:19).


Thankful...
That God works all things together for our good, for those who love Him, according to His purposes (Rom. 8:28). There's a lot of bad in this Covid-19, but there's much good that will come from it. I just read yesterday in the news that many parents are getting to know their children. 


Thinking... 
That getting to know one's own children is a blessing, indeed. Maybe these same parents will realize what they and their children have been missing all along. Hopefully, they will make provision to lessen their personal distance in the days ahead.


Brought a smile...
On my walk through the neighborhood, this chalk drawing greeted me....

It's a little difficult to see in the photo, but the words say "Faith, Hope, Love". One of God's touches of grace that reminds me that He loves us and all is well.










In the Sewing Room...
I've been in the sewing room quite a bit these past weeks. Besides making face masks and other quick projects, I've been making girls' dresses in anticipation of opening an Etsy shop someday. But I will need to get better at photography before I do, that's for sure. This photo really doesn't show how cute these dresses are. I have stacks and stacks of cotton fabric that I've enjoyed gathering from quilt fabric shops in our travels and day trips. I've made wall quilts and baby quilts out of some of it, and now I'm enjoying coordinating fabrics for the dresses. I'm calling my shop "Always Anna," after our granddaughter. I made dresses for our daughters growing up, and when I began making dresses for Anna, I decided to turn more of my fabric into little girls' dresses. It's just something I enjoy doing in my discretionary time. I've looked at the Etsy policies and they look rather daunting, but maybe I'll give it a go. I don't want to get into a lot of rigamarole, though, for just a few dresses. But I have made 25 so far! Well, actually more, but I give Anna a dress here and there. She loves to wear dresses, which inspires me!

Around the house... 
This greets me each morning as I open the cabinet door for a cup for tea...

His mercies are new every morning. 

And they truly are!


Learning...
To fill this down time with some pleasantries. Waiting can certainly be a challenge, but it has helped to do some things I've often said I never have enough time to do. Freedom to come and go will be welcomed with open arms, though, after this Covid-19 situation is lessened.


Reading...
The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life by Jeremy Pierre, Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

I'll do a brief book review on it after I've finished reading it, but if you'd like to read some sample pages, you can do so here. If you click on the image, it will take you to the publisher.

I'm a slow reader. I stop and ponder and mark statements that I'd like to go back and review later. Sharing a statement from the beginning of the book that I've marked:

"No one should treat people as merely rational beings in need of instruction, nor as merely emotional beings in need of healing, nor as merely decision-makers who need the right motivation. The truth is broader than each of these." (p.12)

Weekend Daybook

My Weekend Daybook is intended to offer brief glimpses of my simple life, thinking that my dear grandchildren may one day be interested in knowing little tidbits about Nana.


Outside My Window...
A mother out for an early morning walk with her little baby and big black labrador retriever. In the summer her other two children walk with her. She walks each morning. I offer a prayer for her little family and their unfolding day.







Noticing the sound of...
David Tolk's CD, In Reverence, playing on Spotify as I write. Peaceful instrumental music with piano, acoustic guitar, string quartet, oboe. Collection of inspirational hymns and original compositions.



Looking forward to...
My nephew's wedding next weekend in a little country church. It's been awhile since we've attended a wedding after our move here. I miss going to the weddings of children of longtime friends after being a part of their growing up years. Weddings are becoming more special to me because fewer couples are committing to marriage in these darkening days.

Thankful...
That Joseph and Stephanie have chosen to begin their marriage with their wedding ceremony in the church. Such a fitting beginning to a lifetime together.

Thinking...
That I don't understand how New York can celebrate killing a baby growing in the mother. It's, indeed, A Dark Day in New York State. How did New York and much of America get to this diabolical point? As Richard Phillips writes, it's the consequence of ideas.

"One essential answer is that attitudes and behaviors are formed from ideas. And behind the gleeful celebration of the slaughter of pre-born babies is the idea that there is no God. The chief doctrine of secular humanism - embedded in the very expression - is that life does not originate as the creation of a personal and moral deity. The consequence of this denial of God is not only the rebellious egocentricity by which men and women would terminate their own children for the sake of convenience but also the loss of the very idea of humanity.... As we witness the brutalization of our culture and tearfully wonder how our fellow citizens can celebrate such slaughter, the Christian response must include a commitment to speak truth fearlessly from God's Word."

Brought a smile...
Two little twins about 18 months old in the booth next to us as we were at our favorite pizza place last evening. Brother and sister, with a new bundle of joy waiting in their mommy's belly soon to join them. Brother and I exchanged greetings over My Beloved's shoulder. They seemed to me like a precious little family with much joy ahead of them.

In the Sewing Room...
Finished Anna's dress from the fabric she chose and added tulle as a border. Six-year-old Anna loves fancies. She likes to use my scarves as dress-ups when she comes to visit. :-)




Around the house...
He will cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you will find refuge.
Psalm 91:1


Learning...
Biblical hermeneutics as I read in preparation for the upcomimg class. Most of it is new to me, so I have to stay focused.
(on my bookshelf) ...



Reading...
Biblical Hermeneutics by Corley, Lemke and Lovejoy
Required reading for the class.


Interesting so far, and I'm learning much in its 400+ pages. In our SS class last week, the question was posed as to why most of us don't study the Old Testament as much as we do the NT. My thought was that we are no longer under law but under grace. However, the following clarification is percolating now in my thoughts.

Some have suggested that we should view the Old Testament as a book of law and the New Testament as a book of grace. However, such a characterization is a gross misrepresentation of the nature of the testaments. In reality, the Old Testament has a great deal to say about God's grace, and the New Testament is very concerned that the followers of Christ keep his law. Part of the misunderstanding comes from the fact that Judaism in the days of the New Testament had perverted the law. The Jewish legalism which Paul speaks against in Romans and Galatians is a corruption of the notion of law presented in the Old Testament. 

The Old Testament never construes the law as a means of establishing a relationship with the Lord or of achieving "salvation." The passages in Exodus which introduce the Sinaitic covenant make it clear that the law was based on the grace which God had already expressed to Israel.

.... The law communicated God's will for his people, and as such was a great act of divine grace.... As we attempt to interpret specific Old Testament laws, it is essential that we not lose the "big picture" provided by this canonical perspective. The basis of every law was divine grace, and the goal of every law was relational.

-from Biblical Hermeneutics in chapter 17 on "Interpreting the Law" by Robert R. Ellis

Weekend Daybook

Outside My Window...

I noticed robins today in the yard and several were strutting about in the street. It's not even January, but can spring be far behind?

Noticing the sound of...

Christmas carols/songs most of the week. Carols are beautiful, but I've tired of the jolly Christmas songs.

Looking forward to...

Losing the pounds I gained over Christmas. :-/ Gotta get back to walking.

Thinking...

About Christmas letters we received from old friends telling how they're enjoying their grandchildren living nearby. I am happy for them.

In the Sewing Room...

Got 6-year-old Anna's dress cut out from the fabric she chose from my stash when she last visited. She wanted each sleeve from a different fabric, but I think the ruffle sleeves will be alike. I hope she isn't too disappointed that I didn't use the pink star fabric. ;-0  If she lived closer, I would teach her how to sew. Distance is no friend to families. Missing so much. :'(

 
Learning...

To draft a sleeve for a pattern without sleeves. Haven't mastered it yet.

Around the house...

Got all the Christmas decor gathered up into one room. Back into the storage totes early next week.

In the Kitchen...

It needs a good cleaning. Maybe Monday before grocery shopping.

Pondering...
Our pastor's sermon this morning on Psalm 50 and how we tend to think about God. I've been a bit disheartened lately with missing my girls and grandchildren, and I needed what Pastor said today. Going to read it again tomorrow and give it more thought.

Thankful For...

Our pastor who faithfully preaches and teaches the Word.

Brought a smile...

My sister enjoying our drive through the Festival of Lights

Reading...

Just finished The Secret Garden. A beautifully illustrated edition.


At the moment a very good thing was happening to her. Four good things had happened to her, in fact, since she came to Misselthwaite Manor. She had felt as if she had understood a robin and that he had understood her; she had run in the wind until her blood had grown warm; she had been healthily hungry for the first time in her life; and she had found out what it was to be sorry for someone.

- Mary

Hoping that a very good thing happens to each of us in 2019. But we might not even recognize it, dear one, for God's ways are not our own. And as much as we long for our heart's desire, it may not actually be good for all those involved. Denial may be a severe mercy. God knows the beginning from the end. His thoughts are higher than ours. And so...I wait...until...time...is...no...more....

Weekend Daybook

My Weekend Daybook is intended to offer brief glimpses of my simple life, thinking that my dear grandchildren may one day be interested in knowing little tidbits about Nana.

Outside My Window...
It's sunny bright here today. Cool, but not cold. This is our 4th Christmas here in the South. I'm starting to get accustomed to Christmas without the hope of snow. 

Noticing the sound of...
The sound of Christmas songs from clear, melodic voices of 30-40 years ago. 

Looking forward to...
Our Christmas Eve service with our church family. There is truly only one central theme for us--the birth of Jesus. Emmanuel. God with us.

Thankful For...

God's gift of love that we celebrate at Christmas. Jesus redeems back to God those who believe that He came for that purpose. Otherwise, we are bound for an eternity without Him.

Brought a smile...
Took my mother to an appointment this week. We could hear the doctor before we saw him--his Christmas sweatshirt was laden with large jingle bells. I'm sure he brightened the day for many.
 

Pondering...

"Keep going to Jesus. As you grow in wisdom and self-control, you will become part of a constructive solution instead of a destructive force that makes things worse." David Powlison in Matters of the Heart.

So much better than becoming part of the fray, isn't it? 


In the Kitchen...

Making No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal cookies. My Beloved has discovered this year that he has become gluten intolerant, so baking mostly with oatmeal this Christmas. 

Sharing the recipe:
Bring the following to a boil for one minute: 
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup cocoa

Then remove from heat and stir in:
1/2 cup peanut butter until melted
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix in 3 cups quick (minute) oats

Drop from tablespoon onto waxed paper.
Let stand until firm.
 
Learning...
To bake with gluten-free flour. I've tried a few recipes, but the texture is much different, and I'm slowing learning its characteristics.

In the Sewing Room...

Been using my cutting table as our gift wrapping center. Got that cleared away and am beginning Anna's dress from the fabric she chose from my stash.

 














 
Around the house...
Plaid bows at the foot of the stairs for Christmas.

   














Thinking...
That smoking used to be the posh thing for women to show they've come a long way, baby (or so the ads proclaimed). Now it's drinking wine. (Even while quilting. Now, wouldn't that be a tragic way to ruin a beautiful, handmade quilt!) Many have paid more for their glamor than they expected. It seems there's always something that promises an identity. When, in fact, the opposite is taking place. Controlled by the nicotine or controlled by the alcohol. Always searching. Seeking only what Christ can provide.

Reading...

"Having begun the journey down the path of gender confusion, where does it end?

"What if a person does not feel like a person at all. Instead, they feel like an animal, or a mythical creature? This actully happned when a man had his nose and ears removed in pursuit of transformation.

"We live among a dis-integrated people in a disoriented culture. Most people are not integrated in their thinking and, therefore, are not integrated in their living. They can rationalize whatever works for them in the moment because they have no belief in, nor relationship to, anything or anyone who is not malleable. Ethics are situational and everything is negotiable. Everything is fluid including their identity, relationships, and moral behavior."


- Carmen LaBerge in Speak the Truth: How to bring God back into every conversation

Weekend Daybook

My Weekend Daybook is intended to offer brief glimpses of my simple life, thinking that my dear grandchildren may one day be interested in knowing little tidbits about Nana.

Outside my window...
Living in the South, we don't see it often, but this week we had about a half hour of big, fluffy snowflakes. I was inspired to put a picture on my computer desktop that I had taken a few years back in our backyard in WV when we awoke to a Nania morning.


Noticing the sound of...

Beautiful Christmas music as I write in the glow of the Christmas tree in the quietness of the evening. Occasionally we hear carols in the stores or the restaurants, but as we ate dinner out today, we commented that there was no Christmas music at all. It hasn't been that many years ago that carols were played in the marketplace (even if just to put shoppers in the spirit of giving), and we were wished a "Merry Christmas" as receipts for our purchases were handed to us. Now it's more "Have a good one." 

   

Pondering...

"If the saints were to lose the knowledge of their past misery, how would they "sing the mercies of the Lord for all eternity" as the psalm says? Nothing will give more joy to the City [of God] than this song to the glory of the grace of Christ by whose blood we have been set free."  - Augustine, De civitate Dei, quoted in Augustine on the Christian Life by Gerald Bray. 

It unsettles me a bit to think that we would remember the miseries of days here on the earth, but, yes, that remembrance would be cause for great praise to Christ who has redeemed us from eternal misery.

In the Kitchen...

Hamantaschen cookies.

Today was the last day in our Esther study and we talked a little about Purim. Hamantaschen is a traditional cookie that the Jews make for celebrating, so I found an easy recipe and made some for our Sunday School class. It's a buttery cookie with a fruit or poppy seed filling. I used apricot preserves. 

The cookie is named for Haman, who is the villain of the Book of Esther, and the ending of the word means "purse".  Hamantaschen is symbolic of the money Haman was going to give the king in gaining agreement to annihilate the Jews in the Persian Empire. But it was turned to the contrary, and the Jews destroyed their enemies instead.  Purim is still celebrated today to remember the relief they gained. The recipe I used for Hamantaschen can be found here.

 In the Sewing Room...

Still lying on the cutting table--fabric my little 6-year-old Anna chose from my stash for a dress that she asked me to make for her when she last visited.

Anna has a sense of style--she wants the bodice of the dress to be a different fabric than the skirt, and she wants sleeves this time, with each sleeve being a different fabric. And, oh, yes, a blue bow for it as well. She chose five fabrics for her dress and a bit of ribbon. 

Looking forward to...

Seeing how Anna's dress will come together. I may get to it after Christmas.

Around the house... 

A nativity beneath the tree -- our main focus at Christmas

Thinking...

About our Pastor's comments this morning about Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was not a perfect person because no one is besides Jesus Himself, but she apparently had her heart tuned and turned to God in faith before the angel appeared to her. And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." As a friend and were talking after church, she commented that Mary was already prepared to say, "Yes, Lord." She didn't say, "I'll think about it and get back to you." She already knew in her heart what she should do. 

My take away--be ever ready to do God's bidding. Being saturated with His Word prepares the heart.

Brought a smile...

Watching a couple of tall teenage boys goofing off with a couple of little preschooler friends after church. So it is with true church family. I do hope you have a church family, too, dear one.

The fruit of my hands...

This week my hands were behind the wheel several days helping my mother with her appointments and shopping. She is struggling with not being able to drive and having to depend on family at tlmes when she wants or needs to go somewhere. I tell her that if it was the other way around, she'd be doing the same for us. 

Thankful for...

Where we now live. To have family nearby is a blessing. Even though some days can be difficult, giving of oneself can be a blessing received. Our church family is another blessing. So thankful that God sent us there straightway.

(Recently Finished) Reading...

God and Politics in Esther by Yoram Hazony was a helpful read in preparing the Esther study. He takes a slightly different angle than is typical and examines the political intrigue in the Persian Empire. Hazony sheds light on what Esther and Mordecai were up against and how and why their strategies proved effective. 

The Book of Esther doesn't mention God, yet  the point is that when God seems hidden, He is still most active. The emphasis in God and Politics in Esther is a reminder that God expects us to take initiative in thwarting evil, standing firm in our faith, and identifying with our people.

Weekend Daybook

My Weekend Daybook is intended to offer brief glimpses of my simple life, thinking that my dear grandchildren may one day be interested in knowing little tidbits about Nana.

Outside my window...
Christmas decorations are going up. The nativity has been set in the front yard, a 4-ft wreath aglow with lights has been hung on the house, welcoming candles placed in the windows. Next door there are inflatables again this year, lying limp, sprawled across their lawn during the day outside our kitchen window. Non-inspiring.


Around the house...
We like to get fresh trees, so we stopped at a local Christmas tree lot and chose a thin-ish one. I decided this year to use mostly vintage items on it from over the years. We have several glass bulbs and a few other ornaments that we got our first couple of Christmases--almost 50 years ago.

Thinking...
About those inflatables. They're on a timer and begin to arise from the ground at 5:00. The family is gone during the day, and is greeted by its happy glow as they return home after dark. The plastic puddle is out of their sight during the day. But not ours. Ugh.

Looking forward to... 
Finishing the study/teaching prep on the Book of Esther and getting back to my counseling classes. I took a break these past several months to devote time to Esther, and alas, found when I got ready to register for more classes that I am now out of sync with the schedule. But these have been good months with great benefit, so I am content with my progress nevertheless.

Thankful...
For the opportunity to teach the narrative of Esther. It has been good to see how God worked in His providence to preserve the lineage of Jesus Christ, who came in the fulfillment of time as our Redeemer and Savior. AND to be reminded that He still works today--in the world and in my life. He works all things together for good for those who love Him, according to His purpose--and that is the key.

Learning...
That in ancient manuscripts Naman's tens sons who were hanged on the gallows were listed one per line, margin-justified.

Pondering...
The funeral of President George H.W. Bush this week and the honorable tribute paid to him. Thinking how the presence of the casket symbolized the dignity of the President and offered a focal point for others to convey their tribute to him as they viewed it, the representative of the one who was lying within. I thought how a diminutive urn with ashes could not rise to such an occasion, the earthly body simply burned in disregard.

In the kitchen...
Prepared a new-to-us meal this week from a friend's recipe book--Brunswick Stew. It's a blend of chicken, ground beef, and ground pork, with some ketchup and barbeque sauce to add some flavor. The recipe includes creamed corn, which My Beloved can't have, so I left that out. Took some to my parents, and they added the corn.

In the sewing room...
Nothing happening in there for awhile except for minor alterations. Thankful for my serger that makes altering hems a breeze.

Brought a Smile...
We live by a mostly unused railroad. The local railway club runs a train on holiday weekends, and all during December the Christmas train passes by with its festive lights. We often step out to the back porch as it passes, and our grandchildren help us wave when they are visiting. The engineer blows the whistle as he goes by. Hearing the whistle this weekend brought back the memory of the children when they were here in October waving at the Punkin' Pickin' Train.


Reading...

Esther's Gospel: The God Who Is There by Tim Merewin.

It's one of the books I've read for the Esther series. It isn't academic or a commentary, but rather gives points of application. Merwin also relates the Gospel to the narrative of Esther as it progresses.

Weekend Daybook

Outside My Window...
We've had a few snowflakes fluttering in the air the past couple of days. I miss the beauty of the new-fallen snow in West Virginia where we used to live.

Around the House...
I finally got the Christmas things put away and re-organized their corner of the attic. I left this guy out for awhile on the front door. For a few days, he's felt at home. Brrr!! It's cold outside!
 



















In the Sewing Room...
I tried another pattern for a little girl's dress, but it's not a pattern that I especially like working with. I didn't want the elasticized sleeves that the pattern called for, so I changed them. (They look a little crooked in the photo, but it's just how the dress is hanging.) It has three pleats at the neck edge, with binding around the neck. Finished the rickrack around that sleeves yesterday, and just need to add a button. I doubt tat I'll make another from this pattern.

 



















Thankful for...
Funerals and memorial services that turn our focus to the Giver of Life and remind us that those who know Jesus pass from this life into His forever kingdom.  

Noticing the sound of...
Beautiful music as two young grandsons played the violin and piano at their grandpa's memorial service today. They will miss his love and encouragement. 

Brought a smile...
The young brothers playing so tenderly. 

Pondering...
Continuing to read through Romans and stopping to ponder 8:16-18, where the Apostle Paul speaks of our "suffering with Him [Christ], in order that we may also be glorified with Him." His suffering was more than physical, as awful as that was. He also suffered emotionally with rejection and hatred, and He told His followers that we would be hated and rejected, too, simply because we follow Him and His way of living. Yet, the suffering we experience while here on earth will enable us to be glorified with Him when we are in His presence. 

Thinking...
I hope we or someone finds My Beloved's wedding ring. He lost it yesterday, and we've searched high and low in the house and retraced errands where it may have come off when he pulled his glove off his hand. An arthritic knuckle made it impossible to get off a few years ago, so he had it cut off, resized, and although it now fits over the knuckle, it can sometimes be loose on his finger. When the knuckle isn't swollen, the ring is more easily removed, and he thinks he must have pulled it off with his glove when he was running errands. This is the second ring he has had. It's just like the first that he cut off himself about the second or third year we were married. He had his car jacked up changing a tire, and when it slipped, he tried to steady the jack and caught his hand between the jack and the car. We still had that ring with our memorabilia, so he took it today to a jeweler to see if it could somehow be refurbished. It can.

Looking forward to...
Beginning some counseling classes. I should get the student link next week, and I'm hoping to complete the coursework within a couple of years, sometime before I'm 70. ;-)

Learning...
To just do it. I wondered if it was a bit late in life for me to do something like working toward another degree, but I felt the same way the previous time. I know that I don't recall things as easily as in the past, but I will just be faithful and see what God will do. And pray like crazy!

Reading...
 
I agree with Ruth...

"If you fear growing old — or the notion of it simply seems distasteful or immaterial to you — be assured that ignoring or resisting it will in no way delay its onset.  In fact, the more you try to disregard or suppress or belittle it, perhaps the more likely it is to shock and upset you when it arrives, whether that's a few short years from now or decades down the road. How much wiser to approach it with eyes and arms and heart wide open, with a healthy, broadly informed sense of expectancy instead of a dark and narrow dread."

- Ruth Myers
31 Days of Encouragement as We Grow Older

Weekend Daybook

Outside My Window...

Very, very cold in the South for this time of year, but I can imagine that it's warmer with the beautiful sunshine today.

Thankful...

That our daughter and her family were able to come for a visit the week after Christmas. It was to have been an extended family get-together, but our other daughter was sick. Thankful, though, that she is better now. 

Noticing the sound of...

The hum of the vaporizer. The air is so dry with the furnace running so much these days.

Looking forward to...

Meeting up with our daughter and her husband halfway in Knoxville later in the month for lunch.

Learning...

Not to dwell unduly on cares and concerns.

Pondering..

"The  Good News is packaged and marketed (using, uncritically, all the techniques of modern advertising) as a religious product offering 'peace of mind', 'how to get to heaven', 'health and prosperity', 'inner healing', 'the answer to all your problems', etc. What is promoted as 'faith in God' often turns out, on closer inspection, to be a means of obtaining emotional security or material blessing in this life and an insurance policy the next. This kind of preaching leaves the status quo untouched." 

~ Vinoth Ramachandra, in Gods that Fail.

In the Kitchen...

My favorite cookies were requested while the grandchildren were visiting. Sharing the recipe with you.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup butter

2 eggs, beaten

1 ¼ cup mashed bananas (2-3)

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 cup wheat germ

1.5 cup quick oatmeal, uncooked

1/3 cup raisins (I sometimes use Craisins)

1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cream sugar with softened butter and add eggs, bananas, vanilla. Sift flour with baking soda, cinnamon; then fold into mixture. Combine remaining ingredients. Add to mixture. Lightly grease cookie sheet. Drop by heaping teaspoons. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Makes about 30 cookies.

Around the house...

Almost finished with packing away Christmas.

Thinking...

I was reminded in my devotional reading this morning of why I don't vote for those who live in perversion, why they are not a positive influence in government. Reading through Romans 1 this morning and seeing in verses 18-32 that it is not only their sexual life that characterizes them. Through the writings of the Apostle Paul, God exposes the depths of their heart and their mind. There's quite a list of character qualities that they bring to the office to which they are elected. God says that He gives them over to their degrading passions. I don't know if that is a permanent state they find themselves in or not. Perhaps it's to bring them to the reality of where their rejection of God has lead them. I do know, though, that He is not willing that any perish.

Brought a smile...

My precious grandchildren whenever they visit, as most grandchildren are apt to do. :-)

Reading...
The NIV Application Commentary on Esther by Karen Jobes in preparation for a class I'll be teaching in the fall. The book of Esther doesn't tell us very much about the thoughts of Esther herself, so I'm finding Jobe's insights particularly helpful. Not only does she give the original cultural context of the book of Esther, she also builds the bridge to contemporary application. The book of Esther has been rather romanticized over the years, and Esther herself has sometimes been held up as a feminist role model. Jobes does none of that.

Image ~ Charles Dana Gibson

1867-1944, public domain