Precious to you who believe!

October 27, 2009


We have need of Him . . . when we are dark—to enlighten us;
when we are dull and lifeless—to quicken us;
when we are weak—to strengthen us;
when we are tempted—to support us;
when we have fallen—to raise and restore us;
when we are disquieted with fears—to encourage us;
when we are full of doubts and perplexity—to comfort us and give us peace;
when we are staggering at the promises through unbelief—to increase our faith.
As none but Christ can do these things for us—He must be precious to our souls. "Yes, He is very precious to you who believe!" 1 Peter 2:7 (John Fawcett 1740-1817)

Just out of reach

October 22, 2009

It took Mocha about 10 minutes to realize this Tree Frog was going to remain... just out of reach :).

If Mocha only knew Psalm 37:4...

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Only aim to glorify Him in it!

October 19, 2009

One of my favorite authors is Octavius Winslow. You can find many of his writings on GraceGems. Learning to be content in all seasons and not being anxious in all seasons require much grace and truth! Mr. Winslow sets my thoughts aright this evening! Thank you Mr. Winslow :).


From Octavius Winslow, Morning Thoughts on Psalm 31:15,
"My times are in your hand."


Let this precious truth divest your mind of all needless, anxious care for the present or the future. Exercising simple faith in God, "Do not be anxious about anything." Learn to be content with your present lot, with God's dealings with, and His disposal of, you. You are just where His providence has, in its inscrutable but all-wise and righteous decision, placed you. It may be a position painful, irksome, trying, but it is right. Oh, yes! it is right. Only aim to glorify Him in it.


Wherever you are placed, God has a work for you to do, a purpose through you to be accomplished, in which He blends your happiness with His glory. And, when you have learned the lessons of His love, He will transfer you to another and a wider sphere, for whose nobler duties and higher responsibilities the present is, perhaps, but disciplining and preparing you.


Covet, then, to live a life of daily dependence upon God. Oh, it is a sweet and holy life! It saves from many a desponding feeling, from many a corroding care, from many an anxious thought, from many a sleepless night, from many a tearful eye, and from many an imprudent and sinful scheme. Repairing to the "covenant ordered in all things and sure," you may confide children, friends, calling, yourself, to the Lord's care, in the fullest assurance that all their 'times' and yours are in His hand.

Consider it pure joy

October 17, 2009

Having a rough go physically has me aware of my desperate need to count it all joy in trials. Graham Kendrick's song lyrics are speaking Truth to me tonight!


Though trials will come
Don’t fear, don’t run
Lift up your eyes
Hold fast, be strong
Have faith, keep on believing
Lift up your eyes
For God is at work in us
Moulding and shaping us
Out of his love for us
Making us more like Jesus


Consider it joy, pure joy
When troubles come
Many trials will make you strong
Consider it joy, pure joy
And stand your ground
Then at last you’ll wear a crown
Joy, pure joy
Consider it joy, pure joy
Joy, pure joy
Consider it joy, pure joy

Patiently trusting him
Ready for anything’Til we’re complete in him
In everything more like Jesus
Consider it joy, pure joy

NJ/Philly Part 1

Here are a few pictures from our trip up north. Our first stop was Villas, NJ where Mom and Fred are staying. Fred has been working on renovating a home he purchased in the 70's in hopes to live there someday. Bill spent the week helping -which was such a joy for him! Mom, Miri and I tootled around town, hung laundry, took Miri to the beach and read each day. On Thursday we went on a wonderful excursion! (More pictures later)

Saturday afternoon we headed to PA. Covenant Fellowship Church was celebrating their 25th anniversary as a church and were having a celebratory program Saturday night! Several of the bands from different decades came together to play songs from their era... and I was a part of the 1980's band. What a joy it was so see such dear friends and celebrate God's faithfulness!

Here are a few pics. There are more to come!

Home!

We're just back from a wonderful week in NJ visiting my Mom and Fred! We also had such a joyous time at Covenant Fellowship's 25th anniversary celebration! Pictures will follow once I get some sleep :).

A Letter from 1764


A letter from 1764 brought me comfort today! (A John Newton letter that is) I am battling with something that isn't going my way. There are negative consequences on the outside- revealing fears on the inside. Speak to me John Newton!!


September 1764


My dear Madam,

I understand something of your warfare. Paul describes his own case in few words, "Conflicts on the outside, fears on the inside." Does not this comprehend all you would say? And how are you to know experimentally, either your own weakness—or the power, wisdom and grace of God, seasonably and sufficiently afforded—but by frequent and various trials? How are the graces of patience, resignation, meekness and faith, to be discovered and increased—but by the exercise of trials?

The Lord has chosen, called, and armed us for the fight! Shall we wish to be excused from the battle? Shall we not rather rejoice that we have the honor to appear in such a cause, under such a Captain, such a banner and in such a company?

God has graciously provided:

a complete suit of armor, formidable weapons, precious balm to heal us—if we receive a wound, and precious cordials to revive us—when we are in danger of fainting!

Further, we are assured of the victory beforehand! O what a crown of glory is prepared for every conqueror, which Jesus, the righteous Judge, the gracious Savior—shall place upon every faithful head with His own hand!So let us not be weary and faint, for in due season we shall reap! The time is short! In a little while, the struggle of indwelling sin, and all the conflicts surrounding us, shall be known no more! "Be faithful, even to the point of death—and I will give you the crown of life!" Revelation 2:10