This is often a topic of conversation...so seeing this on Friday night was pretty funny.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
DG 2008
The conference is over. (insert sad face here)
It was incredible...and yet again, I am overwhelmed with all of the information I have received over the past few days.
But, I do get to see John Piper in a couple weeks in Chicago, so that is something to look forward to :)
I'll share more of our time in Minneapolis later...here are some links if you want to listen to the speakers and/or read some summaries on what they spoke about.
I definitely recommend you listen to Bob Kauflin and Mark Driscoll!
Sinclair Ferguson: 20 Resolutions on Taming the Tongue
Bob Kauflin: 3 Ways Singing Serves the Word
Mark Driscoll: Pray More Than You Criticize
Dan Taylor: 12 Reasons Story is the Best Way to Think of the Life of Faith
Paul David Tripp: Diagnosis adn Deliverence in this Deadly War of Words
John Piper: 5 Benefits of Christian Eloquence
It was incredible...and yet again, I am overwhelmed with all of the information I have received over the past few days.
But, I do get to see John Piper in a couple weeks in Chicago, so that is something to look forward to :)
I'll share more of our time in Minneapolis later...here are some links if you want to listen to the speakers and/or read some summaries on what they spoke about.
I definitely recommend you listen to Bob Kauflin and Mark Driscoll!
Sinclair Ferguson: 20 Resolutions on Taming the Tongue
Bob Kauflin: 3 Ways Singing Serves the Word
Mark Driscoll: Pray More Than You Criticize
Dan Taylor: 12 Reasons Story is the Best Way to Think of the Life of Faith
Paul David Tripp: Diagnosis adn Deliverence in this Deadly War of Words
John Piper: 5 Benefits of Christian Eloquence
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Works for me Wednesday...FREE STUFF!
What works better than free stuff!!
Free Sample of Johnson's Baby Shampoo (USA)
Free Mary Kay Signature Ultimate Mascara Sample (USA)
Free Sample of Bear Naked Fruit & Nut Granola (USA)
Free Kashi Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookie (USA; 10/15/08)
Free Sample of Betty Crocker Creamy Butter Potatoes (11/30)
Free Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis (12/31) (you will need to use a different email than the one used for the potatoes)
Free Fruit Roll-Up Sample (Expires 11/30/08)
John Freida Full Splendor Shampoo and Conditioner
Free Ice Cream Cone on B-day @ Marble Slab (12 & Under)
Free Crest Whitening Expressions toothpaste
Free Sample of Huggies Diapers
Free 'Barack Obama is a Pain in My Gas' Bumper Sticker
Free Mini Mr Clean MAGIC ERASER (USA)
Free Mary Kay Signature Ultimate Mascara Sample (USA)
Free Sample of Bear Naked Fruit & Nut Granola (USA)
Free Kashi Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookie (USA; 10/15/08)
Free Sample of Betty Crocker Creamy Butter Potatoes (11/30)
Free Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis (12/31) (you will need to use a different email than the one used for the potatoes)
Free Fruit Roll-Up Sample (Expires 11/30/08)
John Freida Full Splendor Shampoo and Conditioner
Free Ice Cream Cone on B-day @ Marble Slab (12 & Under)
Free Crest Whitening Expressions toothpaste
Free Sample of Huggies Diapers
Free 'Barack Obama is a Pain in My Gas' Bumper Sticker
Free Mini Mr Clean MAGIC ERASER (USA)
We're going on a trip!
I don't know if I'll be blogging much over the next few days, since we'll be in Minneapolis attending the Desiring God Conference!
I need to finish up packing today...along with a few household odds and ends that need to get done.
John's brother and his wife will be watching the kids for us...well, everyone except Paysie-girl :)
We'll be landing in Minneapolis late tomorrow afternoon and will be getting back to Tennessee, late Monday night.
Prayers are appreciated!
I can't believe it's been a year since the last DG conference!
I need to finish up packing today...along with a few household odds and ends that need to get done.
John's brother and his wife will be watching the kids for us...well, everyone except Paysie-girl :)
We'll be landing in Minneapolis late tomorrow afternoon and will be getting back to Tennessee, late Monday night.
Prayers are appreciated!
I can't believe it's been a year since the last DG conference!
A conversation
Yesterday, while we were doing our Bible lesson for the day, Nolan began asking me who from the Bible is in heaven.
It went something like this:
N: Mommy, is Noah in heaven?
Me: I believe so.
N: Is Ham in heaven?
Me: I don't think so.
N: Cause he was going to hell, right? with Cain?
Me: Yep.
N: How about all the Israelites? Are they in heaven?
Me: Not all of them...some of them are!
N: How about Zaccheus?
Me: I think he's probably in heaven.
N: How about Gideon?
Me: Yep.
N: Okay, good. When I get to heaven, I want to meet Gideon and tell him that I have a brother named Gideon too!
It went something like this:
N: Mommy, is Noah in heaven?
Me: I believe so.
N: Is Ham in heaven?
Me: I don't think so.
N: Cause he was going to hell, right? with Cain?
Me: Yep.
N: How about all the Israelites? Are they in heaven?
Me: Not all of them...some of them are!
N: How about Zaccheus?
Me: I think he's probably in heaven.
N: How about Gideon?
Me: Yep.
N: Okay, good. When I get to heaven, I want to meet Gideon and tell him that I have a brother named Gideon too!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Who What Why How Where When
For our family devotions, we are teaching our children the catechism for young children. It is a repetitive process of asking questions and asking our children for the answers.
I just discovered a new cd that has just been released by Perimeter Church that has taken the first 21 questions of the catechism and put it to music!
I am excited to receive our copy!
You can listen to some samples here.
To purchase it, click here.
I just discovered a new cd that has just been released by Perimeter Church that has taken the first 21 questions of the catechism and put it to music!
I am excited to receive our copy!
You can listen to some samples here.
To purchase it, click here.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
My First Fashion Show
Do you remember when you were a little girl (I apologize if you are a man, you can stop reading now if you want), and the most fun about playing with your Barbie dolls was getting them all dressed and doing their hair? And the most fun about playing house was that you got to dress up your dolls in their cute little outfits and pretend to change their 'dirty' diapers?
Well, I don't need to pretend anymore.
Here is Paysie in her first jean skirt, complete with tights, the shirt finishes this 'fall' look.
Here she is in her pretty pink dress that she wore to church this morning, complete with designer booties from Gramma in Maine.
How can we leave out this adorable outfit to proudly display the very fact that she has daddy wrapped around her little finger!
This light sweater dress (bought at a consignment sale for a mere $1.50) is perfect for cool yet not cold autumn days.
This little get up is in honor Auntie Mary who is a lover of strawberries...
We couldn't leave out my ladybug dress from Auntie Erin...
Please note that all outfits are 3-6 months or 6-12 months. Paysie is now wearing size 2, yes, you heard right, size 2 diapers. My little girl is growing up!
Well, I don't need to pretend anymore.
Here is Paysie in her first jean skirt, complete with tights, the shirt finishes this 'fall' look.
Here she is in her pretty pink dress that she wore to church this morning, complete with designer booties from Gramma in Maine.
How can we leave out this adorable outfit to proudly display the very fact that she has daddy wrapped around her little finger!
This light sweater dress (bought at a consignment sale for a mere $1.50) is perfect for cool yet not cold autumn days.
This little get up is in honor Auntie Mary who is a lover of strawberries...
We couldn't leave out my ladybug dress from Auntie Erin...
Please note that all outfits are 3-6 months or 6-12 months. Paysie is now wearing size 2, yes, you heard right, size 2 diapers. My little girl is growing up!
Cooking with the boys
We had some friends over for dinner last night!
On the menu was bbq pork chops, seasoned green beans, cinnamon apples, my special mashed potatoes, rolls and a summery salad! It was delicious!
For dessert, we made lemon squares and cheesecake swirl brownies!
My boys love to help me cook...here they are eating their apple snakes, as I peeled and cut up the apples!
On the menu was bbq pork chops, seasoned green beans, cinnamon apples, my special mashed potatoes, rolls and a summery salad! It was delicious!
For dessert, we made lemon squares and cheesecake swirl brownies!
My boys love to help me cook...here they are eating their apple snakes, as I peeled and cut up the apples!
God’s High Call for Women
Although women have traditionally fulfilled supportive roles in serving the church and gained their greatest joy and sense of accomplishment from being wives and mothers, the feminist movement has successfully influenced many women to abandon these divinely ordained roles.
Unfortunately, this movement has made headway even in the church, creating chaos and confusion regarding the role of women both in ministry and in the home. Only in Scripture can God’s intended design for women be found.
The Old Testament and Women
In the creation account of Genesis 1, God’s first word on the subject of men and women is that they were equally created in the image of God (v. 27). Neither received more of the image of God than the other. So the Bible begins with the equality of the sexes. As persons, as spiritual beings standing before God, men and women are absolutely equal.
In Genesis 2, there is a more detailed account of the creation of the two equal human beings that reveals differences in their God-given functions and responsibilities. God did not create the man and the woman at the same time, but rather He created Adam first and Eve later for the specific purpose of being Adam’s helper. Eve was equal to Adam, but she was given the role and duty of submitting to him. Although the word “helper” carries very positive connotations — even being used of God Himself as the helper of Israel (Deut. 33:7; Ps. 33:20) — it still describes someone in a relationship of service to another. The responsibility of wives to submit to their husbands, then, was part of the plan from creation, even before the curse. The first books of the Bible establish both the equality of men and women and also the support role of the wife (see Exod. 21:15, 17, 28–31; Num. 5:19–20, 29; 6:2; 30:1–16).
Throughout the Old Testament, women were active in the religious life of Israel, but generally they were not leaders. Women like Deborah (Judges 4) were clearly the exception and not the rule. There was no woman with an ongoing prophetic ministry. No woman was a priest. No queen ever ruled Israel. No woman wrote an Old Testament (or New Testament) book. Isaiah 3:12 indicates that God allowed women to rule as part of His judgment on the sinning nation.
Jesus and Women
In the midst of the Greek, Roman, and Jewish cultures, which viewed women almost on the level of possessions, Jesus showed love and respect for women. Though Jewish rabbis did not teach women and the Jewish Talmud said it was better to burn the Torah than to teach it to a woman, Jesus never took the position that women, by their very nature, could not understand spiritual or theological truth. He not only included them in His audiences but also used illustrations and images that would be familiar to them (Matt. 13:33; 22:1–2; 24:41; Luke 15:8–10) and specifically applied His teaching to them (Matt. 10:34ff.). To the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), He revealed that He was the Messiah and discussed with her topics such as eternal life and the nature of true worship. He also taught Mary and, when admonished by Martha, pointed out the priority of learning spiritual truth even over “womanly” responsibilities like serving guests in one’s home (Luke 10:38).
Although men in Jesus’ day normally would not allow women to count change into their hands for fear of physical contact, Jesus touched women to heal them and allowed women to touch Him (Luke 13:10ff.; Mark 5:25ff.). Jesus even allowed a small group of women to travel with Him and His disciples (Luke 8:1–3), an unprecedented happening at that time. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene and sent her to announce His resurrection to the disciples (John 20:1–18), despite the fact that women were not allowed to be witnesses in Jewish courts because they were considered liars.
In Jesus’ treatment of women, He raised their station of life and He showed them compassion and respect in a way they had never known. This demonstrated their equality. At the same time, however, Jesus still did not exalt women to a place of leadership over men.
The Epistles and Women
In the Epistles, the two principles of equality and submission for women exist side by side. Galatians 3:28 points to the equality, indicating that the way of salvation is the same for both men and women and that they are members of equal standing in the body of Christ. It does not, however, eradicate all differences in responsibilities for men and women, for this passage does not cover every aspect of God’s design for male and female. In addition, there are many other passages that make distinctions between what God desires of men and what He desires of women, especially within family and within the church.
The Family
While Christian marriage is to involve mutual love and submission between two believers (Eph. 5:21), four passages in the New Testament expressly give to wives the responsibility to submit to their husbands (Eph. 5:22; Col. 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Pet. 3:1). This voluntary submission of one equal to another is an expression of love for God and a desire to follow His design as revealed in His Word. It is never pictured as demeaning or in any way diminishing the wife’s equality. Rather the husband is called to love his wife sacrificially as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25) and to serve as the leader in a relationship of two equals.
While husbands and fathers have been given the primary responsibility for the leadership of their children (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 1 Tim. 3:4–5), wives and mothers are urged to be “workers at home” (Titus 2:5), meaning managers of the household. Their home and their children are to be their priority, in contrast to the world’s emphasis today on careers and fulltime jobs for women outside the home.
The Church
From the very beginning, women fulfilled a vital role in the Christian church (Acts 1:12–14; 9:36–42; 16:13–15; 17:1–4, 10–12; 18:1–2, 18, 24–28; Rom. 16; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 1:5; 4:19), but not one of leadership. The apostles were all men; the chief missionary activity was done by men; the writing of the New Testament was the work of men; and leadership in the churches was entrusted to men.
Although the Apostle Paul respected women and worked side by side with them for the furtherance of the gospel (Rom. 16; Phil. 4:3), he appointed no female elders or pastors. In his letters, he urged that men were to be the leaders in the church and that women were not to teach or exercise authority over men (1 Tim. 2:12). Therefore, although women are spiritual equals with men and the ministry of women is essential to the body of Christ, women are excluded from leadership over men in the church.
Men and women stand as equals before God, both bearing the image of God Himself. However, without making one inferior to the other, God calls upon both men and women to fulfill the roles and responsibilities specifically designed for them, a pattern that can be seen even in the Godhead (1 Cor. 11:3). In fulfilling the divinely given roles taught in the New Testament, women are able to realize their full potential because they are following the plan of their own Creator and Designer. Only in obedience to Him and His design will women truly be able, in the fullest sense, to give glory to God.
Adapted from the Grace Church elders’ distinctive on “The Role of Women.”
Unfortunately, this movement has made headway even in the church, creating chaos and confusion regarding the role of women both in ministry and in the home. Only in Scripture can God’s intended design for women be found.
The Old Testament and Women
In the creation account of Genesis 1, God’s first word on the subject of men and women is that they were equally created in the image of God (v. 27). Neither received more of the image of God than the other. So the Bible begins with the equality of the sexes. As persons, as spiritual beings standing before God, men and women are absolutely equal.
In Genesis 2, there is a more detailed account of the creation of the two equal human beings that reveals differences in their God-given functions and responsibilities. God did not create the man and the woman at the same time, but rather He created Adam first and Eve later for the specific purpose of being Adam’s helper. Eve was equal to Adam, but she was given the role and duty of submitting to him. Although the word “helper” carries very positive connotations — even being used of God Himself as the helper of Israel (Deut. 33:7; Ps. 33:20) — it still describes someone in a relationship of service to another. The responsibility of wives to submit to their husbands, then, was part of the plan from creation, even before the curse. The first books of the Bible establish both the equality of men and women and also the support role of the wife (see Exod. 21:15, 17, 28–31; Num. 5:19–20, 29; 6:2; 30:1–16).
Throughout the Old Testament, women were active in the religious life of Israel, but generally they were not leaders. Women like Deborah (Judges 4) were clearly the exception and not the rule. There was no woman with an ongoing prophetic ministry. No woman was a priest. No queen ever ruled Israel. No woman wrote an Old Testament (or New Testament) book. Isaiah 3:12 indicates that God allowed women to rule as part of His judgment on the sinning nation.
Jesus and Women
In the midst of the Greek, Roman, and Jewish cultures, which viewed women almost on the level of possessions, Jesus showed love and respect for women. Though Jewish rabbis did not teach women and the Jewish Talmud said it was better to burn the Torah than to teach it to a woman, Jesus never took the position that women, by their very nature, could not understand spiritual or theological truth. He not only included them in His audiences but also used illustrations and images that would be familiar to them (Matt. 13:33; 22:1–2; 24:41; Luke 15:8–10) and specifically applied His teaching to them (Matt. 10:34ff.). To the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), He revealed that He was the Messiah and discussed with her topics such as eternal life and the nature of true worship. He also taught Mary and, when admonished by Martha, pointed out the priority of learning spiritual truth even over “womanly” responsibilities like serving guests in one’s home (Luke 10:38).
Although men in Jesus’ day normally would not allow women to count change into their hands for fear of physical contact, Jesus touched women to heal them and allowed women to touch Him (Luke 13:10ff.; Mark 5:25ff.). Jesus even allowed a small group of women to travel with Him and His disciples (Luke 8:1–3), an unprecedented happening at that time. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene and sent her to announce His resurrection to the disciples (John 20:1–18), despite the fact that women were not allowed to be witnesses in Jewish courts because they were considered liars.
In Jesus’ treatment of women, He raised their station of life and He showed them compassion and respect in a way they had never known. This demonstrated their equality. At the same time, however, Jesus still did not exalt women to a place of leadership over men.
The Epistles and Women
In the Epistles, the two principles of equality and submission for women exist side by side. Galatians 3:28 points to the equality, indicating that the way of salvation is the same for both men and women and that they are members of equal standing in the body of Christ. It does not, however, eradicate all differences in responsibilities for men and women, for this passage does not cover every aspect of God’s design for male and female. In addition, there are many other passages that make distinctions between what God desires of men and what He desires of women, especially within family and within the church.
The Family
While Christian marriage is to involve mutual love and submission between two believers (Eph. 5:21), four passages in the New Testament expressly give to wives the responsibility to submit to their husbands (Eph. 5:22; Col. 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Pet. 3:1). This voluntary submission of one equal to another is an expression of love for God and a desire to follow His design as revealed in His Word. It is never pictured as demeaning or in any way diminishing the wife’s equality. Rather the husband is called to love his wife sacrificially as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25) and to serve as the leader in a relationship of two equals.
While husbands and fathers have been given the primary responsibility for the leadership of their children (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 1 Tim. 3:4–5), wives and mothers are urged to be “workers at home” (Titus 2:5), meaning managers of the household. Their home and their children are to be their priority, in contrast to the world’s emphasis today on careers and fulltime jobs for women outside the home.
The Church
From the very beginning, women fulfilled a vital role in the Christian church (Acts 1:12–14; 9:36–42; 16:13–15; 17:1–4, 10–12; 18:1–2, 18, 24–28; Rom. 16; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 1:5; 4:19), but not one of leadership. The apostles were all men; the chief missionary activity was done by men; the writing of the New Testament was the work of men; and leadership in the churches was entrusted to men.
Although the Apostle Paul respected women and worked side by side with them for the furtherance of the gospel (Rom. 16; Phil. 4:3), he appointed no female elders or pastors. In his letters, he urged that men were to be the leaders in the church and that women were not to teach or exercise authority over men (1 Tim. 2:12). Therefore, although women are spiritual equals with men and the ministry of women is essential to the body of Christ, women are excluded from leadership over men in the church.
Men and women stand as equals before God, both bearing the image of God Himself. However, without making one inferior to the other, God calls upon both men and women to fulfill the roles and responsibilities specifically designed for them, a pattern that can be seen even in the Godhead (1 Cor. 11:3). In fulfilling the divinely given roles taught in the New Testament, women are able to realize their full potential because they are following the plan of their own Creator and Designer. Only in obedience to Him and His design will women truly be able, in the fullest sense, to give glory to God.
Adapted from the Grace Church elders’ distinctive on “The Role of Women.”
Free Magazines!
Here's what you do...go to One Step Ahead and create a registry. It can be a wishlist or a holiday list...whatever you want.
The moment you add the first item to your list, the next page that will open up will give you the option to receive one of three magazines, free, for a year!
You'll have the option of Family Fun Magazine, Cookie, or Wondertime.
Enjoy!
The moment you add the first item to your list, the next page that will open up will give you the option to receive one of three magazines, free, for a year!
You'll have the option of Family Fun Magazine, Cookie, or Wondertime.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I apologize
In church tonight, my delicate little girl decided to interrupt my women's class with the sound that can only come from a diaper.
Do I really need to say anything more?
I deeply apologize for the interruption.
Do I really need to say anything more?
I deeply apologize for the interruption.
Haddon is potty trained!
Yay! Can I please hear a round of applause for my three and a half year old?
I can hear what you are thinking...well, isn't it about time that he be potty trained anyways???
Um, yeah. But you see, the thing is just a couple months ago, he was terrified of the toilet. He was so afraid of even standing up to it.
Just a short week ago, he was happily filling his diapers until they overflowed...and I mean OVERFLOWED! Have you ever held a diaper that weighs 10 pounds?
I have...okay, I exaggerate, but you get the idea.
So last week, as if I didn't have enough on my plate...what, with a newborn eating round the clock, with it being the first week of homeschooling my first grader and kindergartener...I decided to toilet train a child that would really have been completely satisfied living in diapers for the rest of his life.
After day one, I really thought he just wasn't going to get it. The day was filled with accident after accident. I was beginning to run out of underwear for him.
Then, an amazing thing happened. He woke up the next day and something clicked overnight. He didn't have an accident all day! This pattern has continued regularly since! He's even waking up dry! (Folks, in this house, with this boy, that has NEVER happened before!)
If you are wanting to potty train your child...here is a word of advice: Wait until they are ready.
A wise woman once told me this...You can begin toilet training your child at one or two, and they will be completely toilet trained at three, or you can just wait until they are three, and they will be potty trained overnight.
I am more than halfway through with this whole potty training business...and I love being able to say that I have more children that are trained to use the toilet than I have in diapers! That is definitely a first!
I can hear what you are thinking...well, isn't it about time that he be potty trained anyways???
Um, yeah. But you see, the thing is just a couple months ago, he was terrified of the toilet. He was so afraid of even standing up to it.
Just a short week ago, he was happily filling his diapers until they overflowed...and I mean OVERFLOWED! Have you ever held a diaper that weighs 10 pounds?
I have...okay, I exaggerate, but you get the idea.
So last week, as if I didn't have enough on my plate...what, with a newborn eating round the clock, with it being the first week of homeschooling my first grader and kindergartener...I decided to toilet train a child that would really have been completely satisfied living in diapers for the rest of his life.
After day one, I really thought he just wasn't going to get it. The day was filled with accident after accident. I was beginning to run out of underwear for him.
Then, an amazing thing happened. He woke up the next day and something clicked overnight. He didn't have an accident all day! This pattern has continued regularly since! He's even waking up dry! (Folks, in this house, with this boy, that has NEVER happened before!)
If you are wanting to potty train your child...here is a word of advice: Wait until they are ready.
A wise woman once told me this...You can begin toilet training your child at one or two, and they will be completely toilet trained at three, or you can just wait until they are three, and they will be potty trained overnight.
I am more than halfway through with this whole potty training business...and I love being able to say that I have more children that are trained to use the toilet than I have in diapers! That is definitely a first!
Monday, September 15, 2008
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Sunday, September 14, 2008
Resurrection Letters, Volume 2
Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a big Andrew Peterson fan!
We have had the opportunity over the years to see him perform several times, as well as meet up with him and the crew several times. God has really given him the gift of words...and we are blessed that we can listen to those words in song.
You can preorder his cd right now for $15, and he'll send you two!
To give you an idea of what you'll be getting...here is a link that will let you listen to his new cd in its entirety.
Resurrection Letters, Volume 2
Hosea is an incredible song....my favorite...at least today!
Enjoy and let me know what you think!
We have had the opportunity over the years to see him perform several times, as well as meet up with him and the crew several times. God has really given him the gift of words...and we are blessed that we can listen to those words in song.
You can preorder his cd right now for $15, and he'll send you two!
To give you an idea of what you'll be getting...here is a link that will let you listen to his new cd in its entirety.
Resurrection Letters, Volume 2
Hosea is an incredible song....my favorite...at least today!
Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A quote
"There may be Arminians here, but they will not be Arminians there; they may here say, "It is of the will of the flesh," but in heaven they shall not think so. Here they may ascribe some little to the creature; but there they shall cast their crowns at the Redeemer's feet, and acknowledge that he did it all. Here they may sometimes look a little at themselves, and boast somewhat of their own strength; but there, "Not unto us, not unto us," shall be sung with deeper sincerity and with more profound emphasis than they have even sung it here below. In heaven, when grace shall have done its work, this truth shall stand out in blazing letters of gold, "Salvation is of the Lord."
-Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Voddie Baucham on Sarah Palin
I can't say that I disagree with him.
From his blog
Did McCain Make a Pro-Family VP Pick?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Conservatives are all aglow as John McCain pulled off an apparent coup d’état this week by naming Sarah Palin as his choice for Vice President. Bob Unruh, writing for the conservative Christian web magazine, Worldnet Daily may have put it best when he opened his column:
Pro-family advocates and Republicans are saying presumptive GOP nominee for president Sen. John McCain may have checkmated Democrat Sen. Barack Obama with his choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential running mate.
Everyone from Liberty Counsel to FRC is raving about the political genius displayed by Mr. McCain. It seems Christian conservatives have received the bone they were hoping McCain would throw their way in order to alleviate doubts about his conservative bona fides.
While I agree that from a political standpoint Mr. McCain made a brilliant political move, I am not so sure his pick can be portrayed as “pro-family.” It is true that Mrs. Palin is ardently pro-life –a distinction bolstered by the fact that she has five children, and chose not to abort a Down Syndrome baby—and she is also a fiscal conservative, a Washington outsider, and she hunts wolves from helicopters! What more could the Neocons ask for?
Unfortunately, Christians appear to be headed toward a hairpin turn at breakneck speed without the slightest clue as to the danger ahead. I don’t see this as a pro-family pick at all! Moreover, I believe the conservative fervor over this pick shows how politicized Christians have become at the expense of maintaining a prophetic voice. I believe that Mr. McCain has proven with his VP pick that he is pro-victory, not pro-family. In fact, I believe this was the anti-family pick. I say that for at least two reasons.
NOT A PRO FAMILY JOB
First, if Mr. McCain was pro-family, he would want to see Mrs. Palin at home taking care of her five children, not headed to Washington to be consumed by the responsibilities of being second in command to the most powerful man in the world (or serving as the Governor of Alaska for that matter). Let me also say that I would have the same reservations about a man with five children at home seeking the VP office. It’s not exactly a pro-family job.
FRC’s piece on Mrs. Palin links to a Wallstreet Journal article outlining her political career. While many Christian conservatives are highlighting Palin’s toughness, integrity and obvious conservative credentials (more conservative than McCain, in fact), they also seem to be ignoring several red flags.
For example, the Journal article, in an effort to highlight Palin’s ‘eco-friendly’ lifestyle, uncovers a disturbing trend that plagues far too many young women with families. The article refers to Palin’s habit of “driving herself to and from work every day from the Anchorage suburb of Wasilla, about 45 miles away.” Does this bother anyone else? Lets say the Governor averages sixty miles per hour on her daily commute (which I seriously doubt). That adds seven and a half hours per week to what one would assume is already a fifty to sixty-hour workweek (at least that if she is as driven as the article implies). This is supposed to be pro-family?
Perhaps the most disturbing revelation in the article is Mrs. Palin’s recent decision to travel for work (against her doctor’s orders) in the final days of her pregnancy. According to the article:
“Gov. Palin's opted to board a jet from Dallas in April while about to deliver a child. Gov. Palin, who was eight months pregnant, says she felt a few contractions shortly before she was to give a keynote speech to an energy summit of governors in Dallas. But she says she went ahead with it after her doctor in Alaska advised her to put her feet up to rest. "I was not going to miss that speech," she says.”
She put her child at risk, not for an official, necessary, or emergency duty as the Governor of Alaska, but because she simply “was not going to miss out on that speech.” A speech! The more I learn about the choices this woman has made, the less inclined I am to see Mr. McCain’s choice as pro-family. She may be the best working mother in America, but the evidence is questionable at best.
NOT A PRO FAMILY MESSAGE
Not only do I believe that a pro-family candidate would prefer to see Mrs. Palin at home taking care of her children, I believe a pro-family candidate would also avoid validating and advancing our culture’s desire to completely erase gender roles. Much of the discussion about Mrs. Palin’s candidacy centers around her opportunity to “break through the class ceiling” and be a “role model for young women.” The same was said of Mrs. Clinton’s candidacy in the Democratic primary. But what does this mean?
Are we really saying that we want to completely erase the distinctions between men and women. Do we really believe that it is good for our country to promote the view that women are merely men who happen to be biologically capable of having children (when it does not interfere with career advancement, of course)? I don’t think so. What do we do with the Bible’s admonition in Titus chapter two? Are Christian conservatives saying that Paul’s instructions concerning women’s duty to be “keepers of their homes” has somehow been overturned in light of recent discoveries? Or are we saying that pro-family means one thing when we’re in church, but something else when we’re trying to beat the Democrats?
Let me be clear. I am not arguing that it is always wrong for a woman to be engaged in affairs outside the home. I agree with Albert Barnes who wrote:
This does not mean, of course, that they are never to go abroad, but they are not to neglect their domestic affairs; they are not to be better known abroad than at home; they are not to omit their own duties, and become “busy-bodies” in the concerns of others. (Barnes’ Notes on the Bible)
My point is simple. The job of a wife and mother is to be a wife and mother. Anything in addition to that must also be subservient to it. There is no higher calling. Moreover, I believe Paul’s admonition should lead us to reject any notion of a wife and mother taking on the level of responsibility that Mrs. Palin is seeking.
My heart breaks for her. She has been blessed beyond measure with five incredible children, but she is running hard after what the world says is ‘something more.’ I fear she will regret this some day. In fact, I believe she already does. I can’t imagine her going to sleep at night without a nagging doubt in the back of her mind as she thinks about the time with her children that she will never get back.
My heart breaks for her children. Their mother, by all reports, is an incredible, intelligent, energetic woman with a great deal to offer. Unfortunately, right now she is offering it to the people of Alaska, and the people of the United States of America when her first priority is to offer it to them. God designed them to flourish under the nurturing care of their mother, not some surrogate.
My heart breaks for her husband. Mrs. Palin is not even supposed to be the head of her own household (Eph. 5:22ff; Col. 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1-7), let alone the State of Alaska, or the United States Senate (The VP oversees the Senate). He should be shepherding her, but instead she is ruling over him (Rom 13:1-7; 1Pet 2:13-17). How difficult it must be for him to walk the fine line of bowing to the culture that is stealing his bride while still trying to love his wife and lead his family.
My heart breaks for the so-called Christian right. All the usual subjects have been falling all over themselves to praise Mr. McCain and justify their blind allegiance to the Republican Party in an effort to secure more “pro-family” judges. They want to protect marriage from redefinition by the homosexual movement, and they are willing to redefine marriage (and motherhood) to do it.
Ironically, the Neocons are merely using Mrs. Palin as a political pawn. She is beloved because she gives them the coveted “moral high ground” in the upcoming debates. Read recent articles and the goals become clear. We must win on abortion. She makes it hard to argue for it. We must win on the race/gender issue. She gives us a woman to their ethnic minority. We must win on being young and hip. Obama is 47; Palin is 44. We must win the “change” argument. Obama is new to Washington; Palin has never served there. Checkmate!
Unfortunately, this political pawn represents a fatal flaw worldview flaw. In an effort to win the pro-family political argument, we are sacrificing the pro-family biblical argument. In essence, the message being sent to women by conservative Christians backing McCain/Palin is, “It’s ok to sacrifice your family on the altar of your career; just don’t have an abortion.” How pro-family is that?
VB
From his blog
Another review of The Shack
By Joe Holland
You can read it here.
He tackles the argument "Well, it's only fiction", as well as a few others.
Well worth reading!
You can read it here.
He tackles the argument "Well, it's only fiction", as well as a few others.
Well worth reading!
Monday, September 8, 2008
First day of homeschooling
Today is the first day of school for Nolan and Gideon. Haddon wants to participate, so we can say that he is in preschool. For the time being, that pretty much means that he's listening in on what the other guys do and gets a special notebook to doodle in.
Nolan has entered into first grade, and Gideon into Kindergarten. I can already tell that this year will be much different from last year. Nolan entered Kindergarten already reading and writing and knowing basic math skills. Gideon never had the interest that Nolan did, so he is entering school without the same knowledge.
Needless to say, while Nolan has zipped through Spelling and Phonics (he already completed the first week of Phonics), Gideon has sat with his dry erase board practicing writing his letters. We are currently at J.
This year will be much more organized and regular. Last year, I was able to skip a couple days a week because Nolan was always so far ahead, and we were able to do other activities instead. I'm thinking that these first few months will be the hardest as we try to get into a groove and work on Gideon's reading!
It didn't take long for the complaining to start. But they are excited to learn new things.
It's nice to get back into though...it should be an interesting year!
In case anyone was wondering, the curriculum I am using is Covenant Home Curriculum. I highly recommend it and have enjoyed using it!
Nolan has entered into first grade, and Gideon into Kindergarten. I can already tell that this year will be much different from last year. Nolan entered Kindergarten already reading and writing and knowing basic math skills. Gideon never had the interest that Nolan did, so he is entering school without the same knowledge.
Needless to say, while Nolan has zipped through Spelling and Phonics (he already completed the first week of Phonics), Gideon has sat with his dry erase board practicing writing his letters. We are currently at J.
This year will be much more organized and regular. Last year, I was able to skip a couple days a week because Nolan was always so far ahead, and we were able to do other activities instead. I'm thinking that these first few months will be the hardest as we try to get into a groove and work on Gideon's reading!
It didn't take long for the complaining to start. But they are excited to learn new things.
It's nice to get back into though...it should be an interesting year!
In case anyone was wondering, the curriculum I am using is Covenant Home Curriculum. I highly recommend it and have enjoyed using it!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Paysie's two week update
I headed over to the pediatrician for her two week appointment on Wednesday! She is doing great...which I knew already, of course :)
Here are her current stats:
8 pounds 14 ounces (up from 7 pounds 10 ounces, two weeks earlier)
20-3/4 inches long (up from 20 inches at birth)
By two weeks, the goal is to get back to your birth weight (which was 8lbs3oz), so she is excelling in the weight gain dept :) On the charts, she is in the 50-75% for her weight and 75% for her height.
Our next appointment is at eight weeks, where she'll get her first round of shots :(
Overall, she is fitting right in. It's amazing that she will be only be three weeks old on Monday, yet it feels like she's been here for a lot longer! I really can't imagine my life without her :)
She is sleeping fairly well. She maybe wakes once or twice throughout the night and takes 4-5 hour long stretches. She nurses, then goes right back to sleep.
Things are good here. The boys adore her and it's funny cause I am still getting used to having a girl! I have to keep myself in check, cause I find myself calling her bud or dude, lol.
I thank God every day for my family...I don't think my life could get any sweeter!
Here are her current stats:
8 pounds 14 ounces (up from 7 pounds 10 ounces, two weeks earlier)
20-3/4 inches long (up from 20 inches at birth)
By two weeks, the goal is to get back to your birth weight (which was 8lbs3oz), so she is excelling in the weight gain dept :) On the charts, she is in the 50-75% for her weight and 75% for her height.
Our next appointment is at eight weeks, where she'll get her first round of shots :(
Overall, she is fitting right in. It's amazing that she will be only be three weeks old on Monday, yet it feels like she's been here for a lot longer! I really can't imagine my life without her :)
She is sleeping fairly well. She maybe wakes once or twice throughout the night and takes 4-5 hour long stretches. She nurses, then goes right back to sleep.
Things are good here. The boys adore her and it's funny cause I am still getting used to having a girl! I have to keep myself in check, cause I find myself calling her bud or dude, lol.
I thank God every day for my family...I don't think my life could get any sweeter!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Colon Cleansing
I bet you never thought I'd be posting about this!
Now, I want to say upfront, that I haven't bought this kit, nor do I plan to in the future...though there does seem to be some fantastic results with some great pictures to match!
You see, a few days ago, while on the web, the sidebar had an interesting title about the health of your colon. I can't remember exactly what sort of catchy title they had, but it was enough to make me click on it.
I wasn't quite prepared for what came next!
This is the page that I arrived at.
It's amazing how quickly one's life can change in a blink of an eye.
I dare not post those images on my blog....and I can't really say that you will want to see what is on that page, but those photos will haunt you for the rest of your life. Every time I close my eyes, that is what I see.
The product itself is intriguing, though I don't think I have the courage to actually go through with it.
If by chance you have ever 'cleaned your colon', please tell me about it. You can even remain anonymous if you want.
Now, I want to say upfront, that I haven't bought this kit, nor do I plan to in the future...though there does seem to be some fantastic results with some great pictures to match!
You see, a few days ago, while on the web, the sidebar had an interesting title about the health of your colon. I can't remember exactly what sort of catchy title they had, but it was enough to make me click on it.
I wasn't quite prepared for what came next!
This is the page that I arrived at.
It's amazing how quickly one's life can change in a blink of an eye.
I dare not post those images on my blog....and I can't really say that you will want to see what is on that page, but those photos will haunt you for the rest of your life. Every time I close my eyes, that is what I see.
The product itself is intriguing, though I don't think I have the courage to actually go through with it.
If by chance you have ever 'cleaned your colon', please tell me about it. You can even remain anonymous if you want.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Just a quick sneak peek
Today, Paysie girl and I had a photo shoot. I took lots of pictures...and when you take enough pictures, you are bound to get a few good ones!
I find that without the natural light, she doesn't photograph true to life...so here ya go.
Get a good look at those blue eyes...I think I'll keep her!
Now I just need to choose (from the lot of 'em) which one to use for her birth announcements...
I find that without the natural light, she doesn't photograph true to life...so here ya go.
Get a good look at those blue eyes...I think I'll keep her!
Now I just need to choose (from the lot of 'em) which one to use for her birth announcements...
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Free Samples
I know it's been awhile since I've linked up to free stuff, so have at it!
Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes
Tampax Pearl
Gain w/Baking Soda laundry detergent
John Freida Full Splendor Shampoo and Conditioner
Playtex Sport
Free Harajuku Lovers Fragrance Sample
Free Head & Shoulders Shampoo & Conditioner
Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes
Tampax Pearl
Gain w/Baking Soda laundry detergent
John Freida Full Splendor Shampoo and Conditioner
Playtex Sport
Free Harajuku Lovers Fragrance Sample
Free Head & Shoulders Shampoo & Conditioner
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Obama Hymn
Is it any wonder he is almost considered the next messiah?
They are calling themselves a church...
They are calling themselves a church...
17 and pregnant...
I'm sure you've all heard by now that Bristol Palin is 5 months pregnant. It is something that the McCain campaign already knew before deciding on choosing her mother as the VP candidate.
The problem I have is that the media wants this to be a black mark against the McCain/Palin ticket.
I see it differently.
I remember hearing Obama say something that was startling:
I guess it comes down to the Republican ticket choosing life vs the Democratic ticket that feels like a baby is a punishment. In 8 years, we won't be hearing about Obama's oldest daughter being 5 months pregnant...because that child would have been aborted before we ever knew of his or her existence.
Should the unmarried get pregnant? No. But when they make mistakes...like we ALL do...should they get looked down on because they aren't choosing the easy way out?
I'm happy that their daughter is keeping her child. She has a tough road ahead of her, and with her mom being in the public eye and is being scrutinized more than ever, Bristol will definitely feel the effects.
I will continue to pray for our country, the election, the candidates, and a 17 year old girl who has been blessed with a child. All children are a gift from God...regardless of the circumstances. Let's try to remember that.
The problem I have is that the media wants this to be a black mark against the McCain/Palin ticket.
I see it differently.
I remember hearing Obama say something that was startling:
“Look, I got two daughters — 9 years old and 6 years old,” he said. “I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby."
I guess it comes down to the Republican ticket choosing life vs the Democratic ticket that feels like a baby is a punishment. In 8 years, we won't be hearing about Obama's oldest daughter being 5 months pregnant...because that child would have been aborted before we ever knew of his or her existence.
Should the unmarried get pregnant? No. But when they make mistakes...like we ALL do...should they get looked down on because they aren't choosing the easy way out?
I'm happy that their daughter is keeping her child. She has a tough road ahead of her, and with her mom being in the public eye and is being scrutinized more than ever, Bristol will definitely feel the effects.
I will continue to pray for our country, the election, the candidates, and a 17 year old girl who has been blessed with a child. All children are a gift from God...regardless of the circumstances. Let's try to remember that.