Our Reading Challenge

The New Book, George Goodwin Kilburne 1839-1924

This was our last week in the Spiritual Disciplines class, and we finished with discussion on learning for the purpose of godliness. While there are various avenues for learning, we were challenged to broaden our reading. None of us know it all, and there's much to be gained from those who know more than we do.

As someone mentioned in class, reading what someone else has written may help to change or solidify our own thinking toward biblical truth. We may be affirmed by what is written, or we may be challenged to seek answers to questions that arise with what the author is saying.

The goal in learning as a spiritual discipline is seeking out truth and understanding God's ways, growth in godliness. Whether it's a book on theology or a book on science, fiction or nonfiction, books can show us more about God and His ways. Just because someone's words are printed in a book, however, doesn't mean it's inherently worth reading. Some books aren't even contenders, so we must choose with discernment.

We were given a Reading Challenge handout in class composed of 104 book suggestions. I find the list to be especially helpful because there are no book titles, simply a variety of book types. For example: a biography, a book on science, a book from a theological viewpoint you disagree with, a book with an ugly cover, a photo essay book, and the list goes on.

That sounds doable to me. I'm a slow reader, so I'm not sure how long it will take me to finish the list, but I find the approach rather intriguing. If you'd like to see the list and consider the challenge, it's at Tim Challies blog site.

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 18:15 ESV 

Painting via Wikimedia Commons

public domain 

Sunday Ponderings

 Congregation leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen

Vincent Van Gogh 1884

  

Thinking about the speaker today at our church service and the pressures and hardships they face as believers and followers of Christ in the Pacific Rim in which they minister to the various people groups there. It is such a simple thing for us here in America to attend any church service we choose, yet we so often are slothful toward our corporate worship. I do hope you were able and chose to get up and go today, dear one.

But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house, 

At Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence of Thee.

Psalm 5:7

Weekend Daybook

Charles Dana Gibson, 1911

Outside My Window...

Someone mowing the lawn next door. May be getting new neighbors soon. The realty sign is gone.

Noticing the sound of...

Thunder in the distance

Thankful...

My brother, who was in the Air Force in Vietnam, was visiting a few days for Dad’s 91st birthday and took him to see the B-17 bomber Sentimental Journey while it was at a nearby airport on the Flying Legends of Victory Tour. Dad was allowed to get up into the plane (with help), and he and my brother spent some time reminiscing about their military days. It was a good day for them both. 

Brought a smile...

Thinking about my dad getting into the Sentimental Journey B-17
 
The fruit of my hands...
Took the meal for Dad's birthday. We had planned to have the party here, but My Beloved hasn't been doing well in the evenings for awhile.

Thinking...

That it will be a blessing to have Dad's devotional journal for the grandchildren when he completes it.

Hoping to...

Find out why My Beloved has been feeling bad for the past several weeks. Should be getting the report from his CT scan in a couple of days.

Learning...

How to find public domain images. The site I had been using had allowed use of their images with link backs, but it appears they've changed ownership and that has changed. I noticed that the site was functioning differently recently and dug deeper. I began to wonder why it was okay for people to pin the same images to Pinterest. Hmmm. Seems that's not so. Found this article. I've used some of my blogging time to replace some images. I think images enhance the message, but it's slow going.

Pondering...
"A durable yearning for learning characterizes all those who are truly wise."

Donald S. Whitney in Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. p.279

Tomorrow is our last class in this book. Much food for thought.

In the Kitchen...

White Bean and Ham soup simmering on the stove

In the Sewing Room..

Began a new pattern this week for a little girl dress. Don't really care for the sleeves, though, so I'll look for something different.

Around the house...

Not much going on except for typical keeping the pathways clear.

 

Reading...

Reaching the hearts of children isn't just for parents. This is a great resource for parents, grandparents, and anyone who has the privilege of touching a child's heart with gospel principles. If you click on the image, you can read the introduction and first chapter.

From One Generation to Another

Our Sunday School class had talked last week about the spiritual benefits of keeping a journal. Talk turned to letters and journals that some in the class have from family members passed down through the years and what a blessing they are. I got to thinking about my own parents and grandchildren and that I have many letters and a couple of my mother's journals from years past, but I don't have anything written by my dad.

So yesterday was my Dad's 91st birthday, and I gave him a devotional journal with a letter tucked inside. I began: Happy 91st birthday, Dad! I've been thinking about your life and faith and how God has been faithful to you through these many years. I've also been thinking how Elijah and Anna and Daniel could be encouraged by your example as they would learn how God has been faithful.... As they grow older they will face difficulties and challenges, as you have, and I'm sure that knowing how God has been faithful to Grandpa would be an encouragement to them as they face similar times....  

I know that whatever Dad may write in his journal will be a blessing to those who will read and ponder its pages. And his words will be treasured for generations to come.

One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.

Psalm 145:4

But God...

Goose Girl, Seymour Joseph Guy 1824-1910

A young friend and I were talking yesterday about the joys and challenges of parenting. She's one of those I've mentioned who finds joy in telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.  I've heard some mothers say that they don't like their children, and they'll be glad when they grow up and move out. That's a sad condition to be in, but I think most of us truly want what's best for our children. I know that there were times, though, when I fell into default mode of self, times when I didn't make good choices, or I simply didn't know what the better path was. But God does know the pathway. He laid it out.

"But God." That's the truth my friend and I rejoiced in as we talked about His faithfulness in our uncertainties or weakness, that in Him we aren't stuck with just what we ourselves know or can do. I came across that phrase again in my Bible reading today. But God, being rich in His mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us ... (Eph.2:4).

And who knows better how life is to be lived than the creator of life?! He is rich in mercy to redeem us from ourselves, from our mistakes, from our weaknesses. Why does He want to do that? Because of His great love with which He loved us. Awesome, isn't it?!

I know that I love my children and my grandchildren far beyond anything I could have ever imagined before they came along. If you're a mother or grandmother, you probably feel the same. Our love isn't perfect, though, but God's love is. So I prayed that God would give wisdom to train up my children in the [path]way they should go, and I now pray the same for my grandchildren. We don't see them often, but when they are with us, we want to be wise as we're entrusted with their care. I pray, too, that God would fill their parents with His wisdom as they live in a city that this day marks the 500th homicide in a little over 8 months. Much wisdom is needed.

For the Lord gives wisdom, out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. 

Proverbs 2:6-7

I do hope, dear one, that you are intimately acquainted with the giver of life. What a privilege and benefit to be able to seek His wisdom as we do this thing called parenting and grandparenting!

Then What?

The Letter, William K.  Blacklock 1872-1924

We know that the dread of what might happen is often worse than what actually does happen. But sometimes what we dread does come to our doorstep. Then what? Charles Spurgeon gives such good counsel that I want to share his words with you today. I hope it encourages you as it did me when I read it this morning, to look upon what arrives with a lively hope.

Psalm 112:7

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings.

Christian, you ought not to dread the arrival of evil tidings; because if you are distressed by them, what do you more than other men? Other men have not your God to fly to; they have never proved His faithfulness as you have done, and it is no wonder if they are bowed down with alarm and cowed with fear: but you profess to be of another spirit; you have been begotten again unto a lively hope, and your heart lives in heaven and not on earthly things; now, if you are seen to be distracted as other men, what is the value of that grace which you profess to have received? Where is the dignity of that new nature which you claim to possess? Again, if you should be filled with alarm, as others are, you would, doubtless, be led into the sins so common to others under trying circumstances. The ungodly, when they are overtaken by evil tidings, rebel against God; they murmur, and think that God deals hardly with them. Will you fall into that same sin? Will you provoke the Lord as they do? Moreover, unconverted men often run to wrong means in order to escape from difficulties, and you will be sure to do the same if your mind yields to the present pressure. Trust in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Your wisest course is to do as Moses did at the Red Sea, "Stand still and see the salvation of God." For if you give way to fear when you hear of evil tidings, you will be unable to meet the trouble with that calm composure which nerves for duty, and sustains under adversity. How can you glorify God if you play the coward? Saints have often sung God's high praises in the fires, but will your doubting and desponding, as if you had none to help you, magnify the Most High? Then take courage, and relying in sure confidence upon the faithfulness of your covenant God, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

~ from C.H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotionals

You can read more of Spurgeon's Devotionals here
 

Thankful Thursday ~ Some Young Women I Know

Not Too Much To Carry (1895) 
William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905)

Thankful today for some young women I know who are seeking God with all their heart, all their soul, all their mind. I hear them saying they are wanting God in all they do, through the joys and the struggles.

They are such an encouragement to me as I see their energies being poured out in telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.

I thank God for them, and pray that He will give them a spirit of wisdom through knowing Him. I pray that the eyes of their heart will be more and more enlightened in His ways, that they will find joy and gladness in their journey (Eph. 1:17-19).

I hope you know the God of their salvation, too, dear one, and that your days are being filled with joy and gladness through His power.

As Families Must Do

I mentioned the book, The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt: Letters from 1920s Farm Wives and the 111 Blocks They Inspired sometime last year. I picked it up again today as it caught my eye in my sewing room. I'm not a farmer's wife, but I have a dear friend who is, and she had sent me the book, knowing I like to quilt. She loves being a farmer's wife, and whenever I see it, I think of her. It includes letters from women who share the good things they experience about being a farmer's wife.

I think many of us share the same sentiments in regard to our own homes and desires for our children, be it on the farm or in the neighborhood. Sharing a brief excerpt with you today. I do have modern conveniences, but I still relate to this thought. I think you might as well. If you'd like to know more about the book, just click on the image.

We live in one of those much-talked-about homes where folks do not have all the modern conveniences but we do have good books, good music and a wealth of flowers and growing things about us. Above all else, we live together, working and playing and planning together, as families must do, if the love and unity of that family are to become an inspiration to its members and to the community in which they live. 

~C. McD. B., Marion County, Indiana in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt: Letters from 1920s Farm Wives and the 111 Blocks They Inspired

A Changed Vantage Point

When my mind begins to spin with anxiety, one of my go-to verses of scripture is Philippians 4:8--Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Oftentimes this is helpful because, for example, I may be thinking wrong thoughts. I'm imagining things that may not be true about a situation, and my imaginations bring about my anxiety.

But oftentimes, and today was one of those times, there is more that is needful. I could not think my way out of my anxiety. Sometimes when I feel anxious, I need to back up to verses 6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. There are times when I need to do more than cling to a Bible verse for my anxious thoughts. I need to talk to Father God about it.

I struggled today with something that I was asked to do, a situation that I thought would be stressful. I was anxious and uptight about it. I've been growing some in this area, to just do what needs to be done as if I'm doing it for Jesus, to give that cup of cold water. And I pray and ask God to strengthen me. 

But today he did more than that. He asked me if I would be a willing instrument in his hand to show his loving care to someone, if I would work alongside him to meet that need. That cast an entirely different light on the situation. What a privilege! My thoughts were no longer on what I was about to face, but rather on working alongside Father God. The situation was still somewhat stressful, and I came home tired, but He had changed my vantage point--from mine to his. 

Painting ~ Girl Reading in An Interior, Carl Holsoe 1863-1935

Recommending ~ Drive By Church History

My Beloved and I began listening to these mini lectures on church history in the car as we drove to the Red River Gorge about a month ago to meet up with our daughters and their families. We've continued to listen to them for a few weeks in the evenings after we settle down for the day. Finished them up last evening.

There are 47 15-minute "lectures" that are, basically, fast-paced discussions between host Todd Friel and his guests, Pastor R.W. Glenn and Dr. Peter Hammond. It's sort of a crash course filled with bits of historical context that I had no clue about and was done in a way that easily kept our attention. These are definitely not stuffy lectures. If you give a listen, be sure you aren't distracted, or you'll miss a thing or two at the bat of an eyelash.

As our thoughts turn toward the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, these lectures have been extremely helpful to my own understanding of the history of the church from the Resurrection of Jesus through the past 21 centuries. They've also given me a greater appreciation for those who have stood strong in the faith amidst persecution and conflict.

The "lectures" are chronologically organized into four "Acts":
Act 1: Establishing the Foundation (Centuries 1-5)
Act 2: Wandering from the Truth (Centuries 6-15)
Acts 3: Reforming (Centuries 16-18)
Act 4: Defending the Truth (Centuries 19-21)

You can also find some video clips on YouTube, if you're interested. Todd Friel also has a TV and radio program, so just google Drive By Church History if you'd like to take a listen, or click on the image and it will take you to Answers in Genesis where you can purchase it. But I remind you, do turn your listening speed up. 

Weekend Daybook

Outside my window... 

As I looked out the upstairs window one morning recently, I saw this trail of who-knows-what coming from the brush between our back yard and the railroad grade beyond, leaving its trail in the dewy grass. The trail came to our back porch, wrapped around the house, and across the side yard to the sidewalk. Apparently, it was on its way across the street to the creek down the way a few yards. Possibly an armadillo dragging its tail behind him. I've not seen a live one since we've been here, just those who didn't quite make it across the road at night. I don't know much about them, but do know that they're not liked very much here because they can carry leprosy and they root around in people's gardens. 

Noticing the sound of...

Our neighbor's teenage son mowing the neighbor's lawn between us who moved. The house sale is pending, so we may be getting new neighbors soon.

Thinking...

About these few weeks with three consecutive hurricanes coming into the US, and others active around the globe. Some have suggested God's judgment. I don't know, but certainly we all need to seek God's protecting hand and consider how quickly life itself can be taken away from this earth. Then where will we go? I'm headed Upward and Homeward. I hope you are as well, dear one. If you aren't sure about where you'll be going, you learn how to be headed for safety at Revive Our Hearts.

In the Kitchen...

Lemon scones for my mother's tea party tomorrow afternoon. Made a double batch.

Hoping...

That the friends Mom invited are all able to come.

Thankful...

That my mother has been feeling strong enough to plan and prepare for her tea party.  

In the Sewing Room...

Spent Monday watching sewing videos from Craftsy. They had a 24-hour span of free all-you-can watch viewing. 

Around the house...

Hung a picture by the stairs that we'd had at the foot of the stairs back home. Wasn't sure for awhile if it would go well here, but I think it does. :-)

Brought a smile...
A young mom out jogging with her three little ones early this morning, one in a stroller. Whispered a prayer for their day, that it would be filled with joy and gladness. I thought of my own years with my little girls. Sweet thoughts.

Learning...
More about the Reformation and its upcoming 500th anniversary.

Pondering...
How do the Disciplines of silence and solitude help with Christlike tongue control? ... When you practice silence and solitude, you find that you don't need to say some things you previously thought necessary. In silence we learn to rely more on God's control in matters where we would normally feel compelled to speak, or to speak too much. We find out that He is able to manage situations in which we once thought our input was indispensable. (Donald Whitney, in Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life)

Reading...

And learning about astonishing animal migrations. If you're interested, you can read the article by clicking on the image. 

Just A Fidget Spinner ~ With Lights

Sisters, Frederick Morgan (1847-1927)

I took my sister to a medical appointment today, and we stopped for lunch and did a little shopping afterward. I've mentioned before that she can go nowhere unless someone in the family takes her. She is dependent on those who love her, and when I picked her up, she was eager for the day.

Our first stop--a shoe shop for me to look for a pair of flats, and I asked if she needed any shoes. No, she got a new pair of walking shoes when she was out with Jeanne. So off we went to look for a plate rack for re-organizing one of my kitchen cabinets. I had commented to her that if she saw something she'd like to get, just let me know. Her first thought was getting something for our Dad for his upcoming birthday (91!), but we didn't see anything at Bed, Bath & Beyond for him.

Then her eye caught sight of a Fidget Spinner as we were leaving. She had seen one that we had gotten for our Elijah when he was visiting a couple of months ago, and she wanted one herself. But, alas, these were smaller and didn't light up. She really would like to have one like Elijah's that lights up. So we were on the look-out the rest of our shopping trip.

I've seen them practically every place I've been the last several months, but there were none to be found in the stores where we were stopping. When it was time to admit defeat and go home, she just said, "That's okay. Would you get me one for my birthday?" My heart was pricked. The only thing she wanted on this shopping trip was a Fidget Spinner with lights. I remembered that we got Elijah's at Walmart, so her spirits rose again as we headed there on our way home. Up and down the toy aisles we went. There they are! But they don't have lights. Maybe they have some near the check outs. Let's go see. Oh, yes! And they have lights, and her favorite color blue! So ended a happy shopping day for her. Satisfied. Content. Thank you, Father God, for your faithful love and provision.

Just a Fidget Spinner with lights is all Dorothy wanted. How different than the gal I saw this week wearing a t-shirt that said, "Enough is Never Enough." Yes, my sister is simple-minded, but I think she is probably more content with what she has than most of us are. So we came home with her Fidget Spinner with lights and my two pairs of shoes. And I felt so extravagant.

Thankful Thursday ~ God's Lavish Grace

Thinking back on the discussion in our Bible study group this morning, and how thankful we all are that our eternal destiny doesn't depend on what we must do or accomplish to secure a place in heaven with Father God.

We talked through the first half of Ephesians 1, about God's plan for redeeming mankind back to Himself, how He predetermined even before the foundation of the world how it would all be made possible--through Jesus Christ. It is in and through Him that we are presented "holy and blameless before Him." If I were on my own, I surely couldn't make it. None of us could.

Thankful that through Jesus Christ, God has brought me into his family. Why? "According to the kind intention of His will." He just wanted to do it! He so kindly and benevolently wants us to be brought back to Himself that He even made the way for us to come, "according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us." That thought is compelling! He lavished His grace on us. And we didn't even ask for it, and we certainly haven't deserved it.

It was so good this morning to be reminded of God's marvelous grace and love toward us all. I do hope you know that He loves you, too, and wants to bring you to Himself. Do go to Him, dear one, if you haven't already. 

Painting ~ La Lecture 1892, Pierre-Auguste Renoir 1841-1919

It Matters Not

The First Birthday Party 1863, Frederick Daniel Hardy 1826-1911

It matters not how little or how much of grandeur, of luxury, of costly adornment there may be. Money and art can do many things, but they cannot make a home. There may be more of the spirit of a true home in a lowly cottage or in the one room where poverty finds a shelter, than in the stateliest mansion.         

~ J.R. Miller, in Home-Making

We Ask The Same

Sharing a thought from my quiet time today. The teacher of the class I'm taking on Spiritual Disciplines at church encouraged us a few weeks back to pray the Psalms as we read through them. He suggested, for example, that since today is the 5th to read Psalm 5, 35, 65, etc., adding increments of 30 for that day's reading. As we read, we are to express some of the thoughts in the Psalms as prayers. I think this approach to prayer has opened my eyes and heart to much that could and should fill my prayer life.

As I read today through Psalm 35, where King David is praying for rescue from those who seek his demise and destruction, my thoughts went to our own nation's leader. While I'm not comparing our president with King David (but keep in mind that KD had his own set of weaknesses and wrongdoings), and I am sometimes myself bewildered by our president's words and actions, I pray that God will strengthen him in his inner man and draw him to Himself so that he may govern in wisdom.

Some are reacting with hatred, malice, and maliciousness. The acid that overflows the hearts of those who spew it will eventually destroy them. I pray that it will not also destroy those of whom they often speak against, those "who are quiet in the land."

King David implored God not to keep silent. We ask the same of Him today.

Do not let those who are wrongfully my enemies rejoice over me;
Neither let those who hate me without cause wink maliciously.
For they do not speak peace,
But they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land.
And they opened their mouth wide against me;
They said, "Aha, aha, our eyes have seen it!"
Thou has seen it, O Lord, do not keep silent;
O Lord, do not be far from me.
Psalm 35:19-22

Painting ~ Camille Monet Reading 1873, Pierre-August Renoir 1841-1919

Craftsy Class Marathon

Craftsy offered a 24-hour all-you-can-watch free online video classes today, so I watched and listened and sewed and learned a lot of new-to-me techniques. I didn't do the entire marathon, but I did put in as much time as I could.

If you aren't familiar with Craftsy, it's an online platform for classes, tutorials, projects, and supplies for just about anything creative you can imagine. Most of the classes I've taken have been sewing, quilting, cooking, and baking, but they have many more to choose from, like gardening, art, knitting, photography, woodworking, jewelry, weaving, spinning, upholstery, furniture upcycling, and on and on. 

Classes are taught by well-known experts in their field and have downloadable materials lists and class information. Once you purchase the class, you can watch anytime forevermore. If you'd like to know more, you can click on the image and it will take you to Craftsy. Hint: If you decide to take a class, begin with just one. They frequently offer sales on classes, and once you're on their email list, you'll be getting offers you just might not be able to resist!

Weekend Daybook

Outside my window...

Yesterday was a wonderful welcome change, cool and misty. Today, although the calendar does say September, the temperature still says summer, up to a little past 80 today. Eager to get decorating for autumn, but here int he south, autumn comes a little later than I'm accustomed tos, so I'll hold off awhile.

Thankful for...

Medicines that help My Beloved get well. Diverticulitis can be such a pain. 

Learning...

Tomorrow in our Sunday School class--learning more about fasting as a spiritual discipline. It's something I don't know much about. Looking forward to being enlightened.

Pondering... 

As our delight in God is the measure of our holiness, so our delight in sin is the measure of our sinfulness. -- John Flavel

Around the house...

Laundry and the upstairs cleaning today. Alternating upstairs and downstairs on cleaning days is my new plan of attack. I think it's going to be a better fit for me right now.

Thinking...

About those who have been helping with rescues and relief in Hurricane Harvey. So many compassionate people helping those in need, like Mattress Mac who opened his furniture store to shelter those in need. Truly a wonderful story of someone showing God's love and care. Many others brought boats and whatever they could to help in rescues. Others of us sending financial aid. We donated to Home School Foundation to help homeschoolers buy curriculum and materials when they get back on their feet. So many ways each of us can help, even if we don't have a million dollars to give.

Brought a smile...

Mattress Mac :-)

The fruit of my hands...

Made a couple more 18" doll dresses that match the little girl dresses I'm making. So cute and tiny!

Looking forward to...

Starting a new dress pattern for little girl dresses after I finish the doll dresses that match the first pattern.
 

In the Kitchen...

Worked up a new 3-month meal plan this week and added a few new recipes to try. I just plan for dinners, and I don't tie myself to it, but it sure helps when it's time to think about what to have for dinner that day or when it's time to grocery shop. I've been doing this for years, and it does take some time and effort to plan, but then there are three months of a little ease worked into kitchen duties. I do a five-week plan that I use for three seasonal months. Autumn meals are my favorites--soups and stews, apple and pumpkin desserts, fresh baked breads when it doesn't matter that the kitchen gets a little toasty. Mmmm.

Reading...

Ordered these freezer meal books to help my mother get ready for the in-home meal preparation help that's coming next week. Not only do they have recipes, but hints and tips about what foods are good for freezing or not. The author breaks down the preparation into steps that are helpful to those who are just beginning. Going to use some of the recipes myself and try a little more freezing. :-)

Image of woman writing~ Valerie...Charles Dana Gibson 1911