Silencing the Innocent

To quote the popular cultural buzz phrase, "Yes, we can!" We can lift the ban to funding abortions overseas and pretend their is a middle ground in the abortion arena. Consider the recent inference by a key politician, "less babies helps the economy." 

It's a sad commentary in our nation when leaders make decisions and policies that destroy life. In Proverbs 19:21, we read, "Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand." There is great comfort in this verse and its reality. 

Turning back a couple of chapters, I read this reminder in Proverbs 16:1-5, 

The plans of the heart belong to man,

    But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,

    But the LORD weighs the motives.

Commit your works to the LORD

    And your plans will be established.

The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,

    Even the wicked for the day of evil.

Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD;

    Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

Total of abortions since the 1973 Roe Vs. Wade decision has been approximately 49,551,703. Click here to read the full decision that killed a generation of people 36 years ago. Remember that the total amount of abortions does not include the ones that perhaps were done but not reported.

God's truth will prevail. Meanwhile, we recommit ourselves to pray and intercede for our nation and her leaders. We'll stand up and speak up when called upon in all reverence and meekness.

(graphic courtesy:  www.heartlight.org)

Making Music in our Hearts!

Yesterday, I was feeling congested and just awful. In the midst of sneezing and wheezing, God blessed me with a beautiful serenade from our sweet daughter. She was upstairs in her room singing songs to our Heavenly Father.

I must admit that I had a huge smile on my face and my heart was just overflowing. I thought of my late Mom who taught me many of the songs I heard Christine singing. I know that she would be so proud of her granddaughter. 

In Ephesians 5:19, Paul writes, "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord."

To the right, is a picture of one of our favorite children's songbook we highly recommend.  --->

We interrupt this church service . . . for Doctrine!

I've heard well-meaning preachers say, "doctrine isn't important." Or "it's too much for the person in the pew to understand." Now the emphasis is on 'new theology,' that downplays the value of scripture and makes emotional and experiential Christianity paramount.

Perhaps, the passage in Jude 3, "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints," is considered optional by some. 

Interesting enough, as I'm writing this entry, Rob and I are watching the DVD, Luther. Luther said, "My conscience is captive to the Word of God, here I stand, I can do no other, God help me."

Then, I clicked on to Steve Camp's blog, CAMPONTHIS, and read his posting for Tuesday, January 6. It's entitled, "Doctrine Isn't A Four Letter Word . . ." Please click here to read the brief posting, but profound entry. 

We Thank You!

A Picture Says It All!

Blessed is the nation who God is the LORD,

the people who he has chosen as his heritage.

Psalm 33:12 (ESV)

Gratitude for President George W. Bush!

The months during the Presidential election and the days leading up to the Inauguration,  have given me cause to ponder the state of our nation. A blessing that has come through these events is a renewed commitment to pray for our nation and those who lead our nation.

The part of the Inauguration that the media seemed to have little or any interest in was how President Bush and Laura exited their role with such dignity and humility. Since I'm a Texan, it was important for me to find coverage of President Bush's return to Texas. I was blessed by his kind remarks and I truly believe them to be sincere. There was not a hint of resentment towards the negative media and his critics. 

Which brings me to explain how today's entry was conceived. I follow a friend's blog, "Twilight Vespers." This morning, I clicked on to it and read Tuesday's entry, "3051." At first, I didn't understand the rationale for such a title until I read the complete entry.

As I read it, along with one of the comments that had been posted to this entry, my appreciation and gratitude deepened for President Bush. Rob and I had discussed been how history will view his presidency. We both agreed in time, history will be kind and we will see the good that was done. 

To read my friend's article, please click here. Do take the time to read it along with one of the comments that was posted to this entry. You will find a detail list of what was accomplished during Bush's presidency.

Ultimately, we all will have to answer to God whether we believe in or acknowledge Him. I believe the reason why President Bush can transition to private life is because he did his very best as unto the Lord. In stating this, I do not agree with everything that was done. Nonetheless, there are many things we can all appreciate and respect.

Truth will prevail and God is our defender! I believe President Bush understands that truth and lives it.

Thank You President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush!

Thank you President Bush and Mrs. Bush for your service these past eight years. You have represented the office of the President and the role of the First Lady with great dignity, grace and strength. We will continue to pray for you both.

God bless you both!

Blessings from a fellow Texan!

(graphic courtesy from www.heartlight.org)

A Prayer for President Obama

Dr. Al Mohler's latest blog entry begins like this, "Our Father, Lord of all creation, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: We pray today with a sense of special urgency and responsibility. We come before you to pray for our President, Barack Obama, and for those in this new administration who now assume roles of such high responsibility.

Click here to read the complete article from January 2009. . ."

A Must Read - Inauguration Week

I follow a blog called, "Twilight Vespers.  Please click here to read the January 16 posting entitled, "Inauguration Week."

Thanks Rochelle for sharing these insights about President Abraham Lincoln.

(graphic courtesy:  www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents)

Lord, Heal Our Land

This year, we've been studying American History and how our nation was founded. Back in September, our family was blessed to attend the Restoration Celebration at Montpelier and learn more James Madison's role in the writing of our Constitution.

We are most blessed to live in a such a historical area of our United States. Just recently, we watched the Adams Chronicles and gain some more insights to the Adams and their specific role in American History.

Along with reading about the pivotal men in our nation's early beginnings, we have read about some of the earlier First Ladies. We have gained a greater appreciation for their sacrifices. These were real people who paved the way for our freedoms we now enjoy.

Even Christine is aware of how our culture is literally trying to root God out of the fabric of our nation. It truly saddens her heart. Yet God will not be mocked and He is still in control. We must remember this truth.

So as we embark on a new chapter in our nation and President Obama takes the oath of office Tuesday, we as believers in Christ have a wonderful opportunity to intercede for him and for all our leaders in our nation.

We are reminded of the verse from 2 Chronicles 7:14, 

If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

We as the body of Christ can unite in prayer, in humility and in repentance for our nation. Will you answer this call?  Click here for this poignant reminder.

What do the Heavens Declare?

Today we've been working with Christine helping her fine tune her presentation for Classical Conversations this Friday. Her topic is, "What do the Heavens Declare?" 

This will be her 8th oral presentation this year and she is making excellent progress. It can be daunting to speak in front of ones peers. Whether she appreciates the experience now, we know that in the years to come, she will reap the benefits.

A side benefit is helping her with her display board. As you can ascertain, the pictures from NASA, the Hubble Telescope and from Google Images have been so incredible.

Tuesday evening as we were taking Rob his dinner, God provided an incredible and beautiful sunset for us to observe. More importantly, it made an impression on Christine. What a wonderful opportunity to see first hand the majesty of our Creator God.

The song, "God of Wonders," continues to resound in my heart and mind. If you're not familiar with this song, you can click on the picture at the beginning of my side bar or go to You Tube to view it. I am confident you'll be blessed.

(graphic courtesy www.heartlight.org)

Just Think About It!

Every good gift and every perfect gift 

is from above, coming down from 

the Father of lights with whom 

there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

(graphic courtesy www.heartlight.org)

We're To Pray!

In 10 days, the 44th President of the 

United States will be sworn in. 

Here is a reminder from God's Word 

as to what we are to do.

(graphic courtesy from www.heartlight.org)

A New Year . . . Dressed Up & Where To Go?

As December came to a conclusion and 2008 in the history annuals, I too thought ahead as to what would be different for me personally in the near year of 2009. Initially I had thought, oh 2009 will be so much better. Until, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the abundant blessings that God orchestrated in my life and that of my family. No, 2008 was not a perfect year but it was the days that the Lord had designed and made for me and our family.

A favorite blog of mine is "Windows to My Soul," by Vicki Gaines. This morning read her most recent entry entitled, "Changing the Focus."  Please click here to read her entire article. Her insights are enlightening and I am certain you will be encouraged as I was.

(graphic courtesy of www.heartlight.org)

Living Out . . . In Every Thing Give Thanks!

We read in I Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Easy to read and easy to quote, but how about living it out? Oftentimes, that is very difficult.

Recently, my daughter and I have experienced some health issues. We shared with her that this is an opportunity for you to grow in your faith. I might add it has been a challenging time for our whole family.

Whatever challenge you or I encounter, our Heavenly Father is faithful and we can still experience joy and peace even when things are out of sync. Late this afternoon, the Lord saw fit to bless us with good news regarding some of these health issues. 

We conclude our evening with hearts full of joy! We are grateful for the many folks who have prayed with us along the way and who are continuing to pray.

Facing The Giants!

Tonight Christine and I watched "Facing the Giants." In light of some health issues both of us are facing, Rob thought it a good idea for us to watch it. Each time we watch it, it's like watching it for the first time. The message that we are not to fear life's giants and that our God is greater than any we encounter, resounds loud and clear in our hearts and minds. Along the message that we can praise God even when trials come our way that are difficult. We have a God who can do anything. It's always good to be reminded of these truths. 

In Ephesians 3:20-21 from the Amplified Bible, we read the following, 

"Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super-abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]---To Him be glory in the church and 

in Christ Jesus 

throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it)."

This is a wonderful DVD to own and watch with your family.  If you do not own it, we highly recommend that you purchase it.

Please click here to see a clip from a major scene in the movie.

May God use this movie in each of your lives as a reminder of His all sufficiency and great power!

The Twelve Ways of Winter . . . How to Winterize You & Your Thyroid

Like so many women and men today, I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism," which means my thyroid is under active. Plus I have a thyroid condition called, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Currently I am on the medication, Synthroid. It has side effects such as muscle and joint pain which I do not enjoy. However, we're exploring other types of treatment plus the possibility of changing my endocrinologist who does not have the gift of "listening to her patients and is against more natural forms of treatment." 

However, back in November, I switched to the generic form and lost a lot of hair volume. Found a new pharmacist would listened and switched me back to the brand form. Asked a couple other pharmacist as to why this occurred. They both shared that there is a small window of treatment in using thyroid medications.  According to them, due to the fact that my thyroid has been regulated on Synthroid, I need to stay on it. So much for saving money.

Meanwhile, I continue to research and read books on the thyroid.  Here is a very good article to read if you are experiencing thyroid problems or know someone is.  It's entitled, "The Twelve Ways of Winter . . . How to Winterize You and Your Thyroid" Please click here to read this whole article.

In conclusion, the key ingredient to thyroid disease is drawing near to my Heavenly Father, staying in His Word and seeking His wisdom. This whole situation causes me to continually rely on the Lord and not my own understanding. Yet it is discouraging at times but God is greater than all of this!

End of the Year Reflections

For our family, 2008 was a year of changes. Sometimes when one is in the midst of those changes and life's challenges, it is easy to overlook the positive and the blessings. So as I started to ponder the events of 2008 in my personal life and that of my family, here are some of the blessings we received this year. This is not a final account of them, but the ones that have come to my heart and mind as I'm blogging this afternoon.

Rob

* Faithful to lead us in family devotions.

* Taught an 8 week Apologetics class at New City Fellowship

* Led a weekend Apologetics Conference at the Pittsylvania Baptist Association, in Danville, VA

* Teaches at the Fredericksburg Bible Institute on Thursday evenings

* Thankful for speaking opportunities. 

* Blood pressure is becoming regulated.

* Prayer Request - more speaking engagements in the area of Apologetics.

Christine

* Played Upward Basketball between January and March.

* In May, Christine completed book 3 in T-n-T.

* Played the piano several times at Greenfield Assisted Living.

* Had a Spring piano recital.

* Continues to make excellent progress in her piano and music skills.

* Began Classical Conversations this Fall and is enjoying it.

* Gave 7 oral presentations in CC and continues to improve each time.

* Memorized 12 weeks work of facts for CC this Fall.

* Enjoys reading and being read to.

* Enjoys spending time with friend, Rachel.

* Enjoying AWANA at Trinity Bible Church and her 3 leaders.

* Had her 1st hair up do for Christmas Piano Recital.

* Played Away in a Manger & The Little Drummer Boy at recital.

* She had own personal fan club of 8 friends attend to cheer her on.

* She was literally on cloud nine.

* A favorite pastime is going bowling.

* Wants to learn to play tennis.

* Prayer Request - that she take ownership of her faith and grow more in Christ. 

* Health Prayer Request for Christine - last night, we noticed that her hair has thinned significantly. Pray for an appointment to be available when we call. For peace for Christine as she doesn't like going to the doctor.

Myself

* Completed the book, "Self Talk, Soul Talk," by Jennifer Rothschild

* Blessed to serve with Bev, our good friend and with Christine ministering at Greenfield Assisted Living for almost 2 years.

* Continue to experience issues with thyroid. 

* Restructured my blog; blogging more; fun outlet

* Best year homeschooling Christine. 

* Enjoying CC with Christine

* We attend a Sunday evening class "Theology 101," while Christine is in AWANA.

* Was blessed to participate in our Christmas Eve by playing the piano.

* Prayer Request - to grow closer to the Lord; improve health via exercise and better eating habits. That I will be consistent in my teaching of Christine and to disciple her as well.

Memories Made As A Family

* Enjoyed the Restoration Celebration of Montpelier on September 17. Heard Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. What an incredible day and memorable day that was.

* Have been more faithful to our family devotions.

* God moved us to a new church this past fall.

* Started some new traditions as a family at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

* Prayed for the folks who sent us Christmas cards nightly.

* This year, we made filling our stockings extra special.

* Prayer Request as a family is summarized in Colossians 4:6, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. {NKJV}

Happy & Sad Events (for our favorite sport teams)

* Will watch NFL playoffs. Hoping for a total PA Super Bowl!  This is a biggie since I am not normally a fan of PA teams.  

* Bruins are playing well - as of 1/4/09

* Both Rice & UH won bowl games; who would have thunk it?

* Texans end their season, 8-8; much improved; maybe next year in the playoffs

* Patriots fall short, no playoff bid; Cassel did an outstanding job!

* Texans beat Titans, 13-12 &  Cowboys beat Giants, 20-8 (Dec 14) - good week for Texas Pro Teams!!!

* Celtics beat the Lakers!!!!  They are NBA World Champions!

* Patriots lost to Giants in the Super Bowl, 17-14 back in February 2008.

So as we concluded 2008, did we accomplish all we wanted to do?  No. Did we made some mistakes along the way? Yes. Is God still on His throne and faithful to every detail of our lives?  We rejoice in what He has done and look forward to what He will do in 2009!

If you want to be encouraged, take time to enumerate the various events in your life and family's lives this past year, I promise you will see with fresh eyes just how marvelous the Lord has been to you. I can testify to that reality for that is what happened as I sat down to write this entry.

 

He is enough!

Kathy, Rob & Christine

Jeremiah 29:11-13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:6

New Year's Greetings!

Here's wishing each of you a most blessed New Year for 2009! Thankful for 2008 and the lessons learned and blessings received.

Our heart's desire for 2009, click here!

Resting in His incredible love! ~ Kathy, Rob & Christine