January 11, 2009

We know God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

A very helpful quote was shared at caregroup tonight from Jerry Bridges book Trusting God. So often we find our current trials and tribulations quite distasteful and it difficult to imagine how our trials can possibly be worked for good. Jerry Bridges writes:

"While growing up in Texas, I enjoyed my mother's buttermilk biscuits made from 'scratch' every morning for breakfast. But there was not a single ingredient in those biscuits that I would have enjoyed by itself. And even after they were mixed together, I would not have cared for the raw biscuit dough. Only after they were mixed together in the right proportions by my mother's skillful hands and then subjected to the fire of the oven were they ready to be enjoyed for breakfast."

"The 'things' of Romans 8:28 are like the ingredients of the biscuit dough. By themselves they are not tasteful to us. We shun them. And we certainly shun the heat of the oven. But when God in His infinite skill has blended them all together and cooked them properly in the oven of adversity, we shall one day say, it is good."

Thank you Lord for working ALL things for our good and Your glory! We can fully trust you in all things!

January 11, 2008



I woke this morning with my heart heavy for Jake. How does one process such a personal 'failure' apart from the Gospel? O Father- draw him to Yourself!



"Bewildered and oppressed by the multitude of anxious thoughts within you—is there not a danger of being so absorbed by the care as to overlook the Caretaker.. to forget the heart's ease in the overwhelming of the heart's anxiety? Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you!" Octavius Winslow



The Father cares for you Jake!

January 7, 2009

I am excited to begin reading The God of all Comfort by Hannah Whitall Smith. I am hoping to follow it up with her other books! I read The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life- her most famous work- years ago and look forward to re-reading it. I just discovered she has authored over 23 books!

I would love to hear if anyone has Mrs. Smith favorites to recommend!




Hannah Tatum Whitall Smith
February 7, 1832–May 1, 1911

January 6, 2009

January 4, 2009

We had a glorious 4+ days in Orlando! We arrived Sunday night at the Davis family home. The Davis's amazingly offered us the use of their home while they were in the Carolina's. How we thank God for them! After unpacking- we headed to the VanLue's for a quick visit. Jon and Julie had just started their courtship so we wanted to hear all the details :). The next day my cousin Ryan and wife Tracy and girls (who were in FL on vacation) took Miri to Disney. She had such a blast! The rest of our time was spent with a few more treasured times with the VanLue's, a fun evening Christmas caroling with Todd Twining, a wonderful yet quick visit with Mom and Fred and then we were back on the road heading home. Here are a few pics!