Tried With Fire

Our follies past forgive; Our souls divinely cheer; And help us more to thee to live, Dear Lord, in this new year. Samuel Medley

Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you . 1 Peter 5:7 With the approach of 2012, I found myself getting anxious about what the year might hold. This verse and this sermon from Spurgeon pointed my gaze in the right direction. Believe in an universal Providence, the Lord cares for ants and angels, for worms and for worlds. He cares for cherubim and for sparrows, for seraphim and for insects. Cast your care on Him, He who calls the stars by their names, and leads them out by numbers, by their hosts. Why do you say, O Jacob, and think, O Israel, “my way is passed over from God, and He has utterly forgotten me?” Let His universal Providence cheer you! Think next of His particular Providence over all the saints. “Precious shall their blood be in His sight.” “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” “We know that all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Let the fact that while He...

Teddy Bear's voice makes me think of Edward G. Robinson on helium. Here's a 2nd video with subtitles. Someone must have the gift of porcupine tongue interpretation.

Here I raise my Ebenezer... ~ A relatively uneventful year in comparison to previous, which was a welcomed change. ~ God's provision. Even when I forget and revert to panic-mode, He reminds me of His faithfulness to the widow and orphan. ~ The first year without any court dates. It is a relief to have that behind us. ~ Health and strength at the half-century mark. ~ Abundant grace with my ex-husband's remarriage. God has given us a burden for their restoration and/or salvation. Because of my daughter's good relationship with them, there is still an open door for the gospel. ~ My daughter. Familial ties are wonderful, but how much sweeter when the Lord binds us too. ~ A long visit with family. I'm especially thankful for God's keeping of my parents. ~ Meeting internet friends face to face: Trisha  and baby Jedidiah, Corey ,  Vicki , Elizabeth and Tony, Christine , Ruth, Trina, Stephanie , Teresa , Diana and family, and Melissa . ~ Growing relat...

From R. C. Sproul in December's Tabletalk Magazine: "The New Testament puts a priority on the church's concern for widows and orphans. Widows and orphans are human beings who have suffered broken families not through divorce but through death. Obviously, the church's concern must extend beyond those whose brokenness has been caused by death. Anyone who is involved in a broken family relationship needs the ministry and care of the church... Divorce can no longer be seen simply as an extreme case of marital failure. Since it has reached not only epidemic but pandemic proportions, it cries out for the application of the means of grace to those who suffer as a result of it." Having been through this trial, I can attest to needing the care of the church. I have been blessed by brothers and sisters who did not see me as a charity case, but loved me and ministered the gospel to my family in word and deed. Here are some ways I have been helped, and I share these ho...

Here's my initial book list for 2012: The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. If I read one chapter a week, I should finish it in less than 2 years. Total Truth  by Nancy Pearcy. I skimmed the intro and I'm hooked. In Christ Alone  by Sinclair Ferguson. John G. Paton, Missionary to the New Hebrides by John G. Paton, edited by his brother, James Paton. God's Wisdom in Proverbs by Dan Phillips. Christ and Him Crucified by Jon Cardwell. How the Gospel Brings Us All the Way Home by Derek Thomas. What is the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung & Greg Gilbert. What Did You Expect? by Paul Tripp. The Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung for Sunday devotional. 365 Days with Calvin edited by Joel Beeke for daily reading. I'm sure others will be added as time goes on. Plus I also have a quasi-research project requiring some reading. What's in your book queue for 2012?

Here are my top 10  books for 2011 : 9. & 10.  Think by John Piper & Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know and Doesn't by Stephen Protheroe - I'm putting these together as a pair. From the Christian perspective, Piper deals with the misconception that thinking deeply about what we believe is mutually exclusive to our heart's affection towards God. Rather than pitting one against the other, we need both. Protheroe does not claim to be a believer, but he documents the historical move away from doctrine in evangelicalism to a least common denominator, an experience.  (Very interesting when an unbeliever sees things more clearly than believers.) It's worth reading these together. 8.   Don't Call it a Comeback  by Kevin De Young, et. al. - Almost a mini-course in systematic theology plus social issues facing believers today. Great resource for any age but particularly for younger believers. 7. Living for God's Glory, An Introdu...

 God bless you this Christmas as we remember Jesus' first advent and eagerly await His second!     

This week's list: ~ Worshipping God through the reading of the word, singing Christmas hymns, and the gospel-implications of the incarnation. We had our Christmas service last night, and it was a wonderful time. ~That my daughter is with me this Christmas. We finished decorating the tree last night. She is in the middle of a cold, so I hung the ornaments while she directed from the couch. ~ Looking forward to worship this Sunday and then time with Cindy and Tim's family. ~ These verses: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”)  For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is a...

That's my daughter's description of the Osteen book . Sadly fitting, no? I was flipping through it yesterday and didn't know whether to laugh at the sentimentality or be angry (righteous anger I hope) and cry over the false gospel being presented.  If this book was billed solely as self-esteem psycho-babble, no problem. It is what it is and doesn't pretend to be otherwise. However, what raises my ire is attaching "God" and "Jesus" to this drivel.  I use quotes, because the "God" Victoria Osteen describes doesn't exist in the Bible. "God" is your big daddy in the sky who's madly in love with you. And hey, who cares about repentance.  Who needs it because what do we have to repent of? Sin is just a mistake or a failure, the inability to believe in, love, and applaud ourselves. We're all fine because "forgiveness" is cheap and easy, like an eraser that makes all our failures magically disappear. As for a gr...

My friend, Corey AKA The Ink Slinger , interviews Pastor Jon Cardwell about his life and his new book Christ and Him Crucified . Check it out and enter the giveaway.  It ends December 23, so don't dawdle.

Atheists Bemoan the Commercialization of Meaninglessness  at Tom in the Box. Absolutely hilarious. Why Lie to Your Kids About Santa? at the Cripplegate. 5 Thoughts on Christmas from Frank Turk. A repost worth reposting. Finally, R.C. Sproul, Jr.'s wife Denise died of leukemia. She leaves behind her husband and 8 children, ages 2-18. My friend, Teresa , posted this article by R.C. Jr. which was written earlier this month: "It is a good and proper thing that I should, and you as well if you are willing, pray that God would make Denise well, that He would allow us to grow old together. It is, however, a better thing to pray that I would be a faithful husband to my love, and a faithful father to the children He has blessed us with. It is less important that He believe me and my conviction, that the kingdom would be better with her here. It is more important that I believe Him and His promise that the gates of hell will not prevail (Matthew 16:18) , and that He who h...

I'm posting today at  Daily On My Way to Heaven  as part of the series,  Celebrating the Excellencies of His Name .  I hope you will stop by and be encouraged in the Lord.

Behold! the grace appears, The promise is fulfilled! Mary, the wondrous virgin, bears, And Jesus is the child. To bring the glorious news A heavenly form appears; He tells the shepherds of their joys, And banishes their fears. "Go, humble swains, " said he, "To David's city fly, The promised infant born today Does in a manger lie." "With looks and hearts serene, Go visit Christ, your King"; And straight a flaming troop was seen; The shepherds heard them sing: "Glory to God on high, And heavenly peace on earth; Good will to men, to angels joy, At the Redeemer's birth!" In worship so divine Let saints employ their tongues; With the celestial host we join, And loud repeat their songs: "Glory to God on high, And heavenly peace on earth; Good will to men, to angel joy, At the Redeemer's birth!" Isaac Watts

Therefore, let us observe how God hears our prayers, that so, we may be suitably thankful. This will strengthen our faith in evil times when we can thus plead with God. Hear, Lord! Heretofore I came before thee, though weakly, yet with a broken heart, and thou didst hear me then. Thou art still a God hearing prayer, therefore, Lord, look upon my estate now and help me. Seeing, then, God hears our prayers, let us think of this glorious privilege, that we have liberty to go to the throne of grace in all our wants. The whole world is not worth this one privilege. Joisah's Reformation , Richard Sibbes, Banner of Truth Trust, pgs. 125-126.

This is what we gave away... Lest you think I was purveying bad theology, this was inside the dust jacket... So you can give away a good book and scare your friends at the same time!

The last miniature roses This week's thankful list: ~ Small group Christmas party and white elephant tonight. I'm looking forward to fun, food, and fellowship with these special brothers and sisters. ~ Grace to be deliberately gracious rather than ungracious in a difficult situation. ~ Being reminded again of God's mercy in opening my heart to the gospel. ~ That there's still time for His mercy to extend to others. ~ Time to ponder the Incarnation and specifically Jesus as our high priest.  There aren't enough words to thank God for what our Messiah has done. ~ Life goes on. Not in denial, but because something or rather Someone defines me more than past trials. Joy does come in the morning, even if the night seemed so long, and it's an everlasting joy that can't be taken away.

Visit Fundamentally Reformed for info on the  12 Days Before Christmas Book Giveaway !

A not so nice cup of cocoa While drinking your cocoa, test your English pronunciation. (Thanks to Diana via FB.) Addendum: "If teachers taught, why didn’t preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?" More here .

My friend Christina has interviewed Simonetta Carr, author of a series of Christian biographies for children. Her subjects have included Calvin, Augustine, and Athanasius to name a few. Visit Heavenly Springs  to meet Mrs. Carr and a chance to win a book!

Paul Tripp - On how he's changed through marriage from Crossway on Vimeo . ht: Take Your Vitamin Z via Thirsty Theologian I wished I had heard these tough words when I was young. But even if I had, would I have believed it? Maybe but probably not because of my faulty views regarding the depravity of mankind and the necessary and often painful process of progressive sanctification. This leads me to wonder if most of my wrong ideas about myself and relationships can be traced back to a wrong understanding of the gospel. But when you think about it, if we get the gospel wrong, we get everything wrong.

Gerhard van Honthorst (1590-1656) Let earth and heaven combine, Angels and men agree, To praise, in songs divine,  The incarnate Deity; Our God contracted to a span, Incomprehensibly made by man. He laid his glory by, And wrapped him in our clay; Unmarked by human eye, The latent Godhead lay; Infant of Days he here became, And bore the loved Immanuel's name. Unsearchable the love That has the Saviour brought; The grace is far above Or man's or angel's thought; Suffice for us, that God we know, Our God was manifest below! Charles Wesley

We can serve God freely and boldly, even though our consciences accuse us and we know we are full of sin. How is this possible? Well, we are not grounded upon our own merits but purely upon the mercy of God. Because of this, we know that God accepts our works, even though much is wrong with them. God thus says by the mouth of the prophet that he will receive the service we render as a father accepts the works of his child (Mal. 1:6)... In speaking of the days of gospel grace, our Lord says that he will accept our service just as a father accepts the obedience of his child, even if what is done is of no value. He shows himself bountiful and kind to us by accepting what we do as if it were fully pleasing to him, even though there is no inherent merit or worth in our works. Thus, we can have the freedom and the courage to serve God, knowing that God will bless all that we do for him because whatever is wrong with our offerings is washed away in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. From 365...

It's still technically Thursday... ~ Replaced duct work just in time for the recent cold snap. God's timing is perfect even over necessary repairs. ~ Change in my work schedule which forces me to get up early every morning. This is good for self-discipline. It will also save some mileage and time each week too. ~ Silicone adhesive nose pads. It makes all the difference in the world to see out of the correct part of one's bifocals. ~ Admonition to stop talking and just do something, especially in regard to regular time in the word and prayer.  I'm thankful for a sister in Christ who tells it in love but tells it like it is. ~ The grace to repent, believe, and move forward in obedience with the knowledge that what God started, He will finish for His glory.

Congratulations to Christina! You've won the Justification by Faith Alone CD set. Thanks to everyone who entered. Lord willing, there will be more giveaways in 2012, so stay tuned!

to enter the drawing for the Justification by Faith Alone CD set.  The providential winner will be drawn tomorrow night. Here are 2 more giveaways: My friend, Trisha, is giving away a copy of Andrew Peterson's CD Counting Stars. The drawing will be December 9. Jeff, The Lighthearted Calvinist, is giving away 3 copies of the original Against Calvinism . This isn't the book by Roger Olson, but a tongue-in-cheek apologetic for Calvinism by three amigos   blind mice  Calvinists - Jeff , Jon Cardwell , and Eddie Eddings . He will post "the three winners decreed in eternity and revealed in time and space on December 25."

There is, therefore, an element in the Gospel narratives that stresses that the coming of Jesus is a disturbing event of the deepest proportions. It had to be thus, for He did not come merely to add something extra to life, but to deal with our spiritual insolvency and the debt of our sin. He was not conceived in the womb of Mary for those who have done their best, but for those who know that their best is "like filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6) - far from good enough - and that in their flesh there dwells no good thing (Rom. 7:18). He was not sent to be the source of good experiences, but to suffer the pangs of hell in order to be our Savior. In Christ Alone by Sinclair Ferguson, Reformation Trust, pg. 17.

At this time of year, we ponder the wonder and the magnitude of the Incarnation.  I hope you will join my friend Becky and other sisters who are   Celebrating the Excellencies of His Name , a series of posts which consider the names of Jesus. 

Ere the blue heavens were stretched abroad, From everlasting was the Word; With God he was; the Word was God; And must divinely be adored. By his own power were all things made; By him supported all things stand; He is the whole creation's Head, And angels fly at his command. Ere sin was born, or Satan fell, He led the host of morning stars; (Thy generation who can tell, Or count the number of thy years?) But lo! he leaves those heavenly forms; The Word descend and dwells in clay, That he may hold converse with worms, Dressed in such feeble flesh as they. Mortals with joy behold his face, The eternal Father's only Son; How full of truth! How full of grace! When through his eyes the Godhead shone. Bless'd angels leave their high abode, To learn new mysteries here and tell The loves of our descending God, The glories of Immanuel. Isaac Watts

For the last giveaway this year, I will be giving away a CD set of  Justification by Faith Alone by R. C. Sproul. These excellent talks by Dr. Sproul include historical background on the reformation as well as a very clear explanation of this crucial doctrine. To enter the giveaway, please fill out the form below. (U.S. addresses only please.) The providential winner will be picked on December 7.

Today's list: ~ The morning light. ~  Mental focus to catch up with work and a very accommodating employer. ~ God's providence over unexpected home repairs and a reliable contractor, a brother-in-Christ, who I can trust. ~ Renewed minds to think on the Word of God. ~ Renewed hearts to love the God we see in His Word. ~ The life-changing, knowable gospel of Jesus Christ. ~ To be able to pray that others would believe this gospel.

I don't have much time for a long post as there's a pile of work almost as big as the pile of leaves in the yard. But... We had a wonderful with family over Thanksgiving.  It was relaxing visit with tons of good food. I always seem to get back in touch with my Chinese stomach when I go home. We were able to meet Vicki ( A Good Finish ) on the way up. On the way home, we were able to say "hi" to a brother from our church who is working as Santa at the Christiana Mall . However as much as I love my family, it's good to be home. It was good to sleep in my own bed, pet the bunnies, sort through the emails, and catch up with the blogsphere. I'm looking forward to seeing some of my church family tomorrow night and on Sunday morning. I realize more than ever the theological differences with my family over some pretty basic doctrines. On the one hand, I'm oh so very thankful they are believers, but my love for them and for biblical truth wouldn't be wo...

Sweet the name of Christ must be, From and to eternity; For it pleased the Father well. Fulness all in Christ should dwell. Jesus is his name, and Christ; He my Surety is, and Priest; He has saved my soul from sin, And I stand complete in him. Head o'er all is Christ to me, And I shall his glory see; Therefore in his name I'll trust, And of him will make my boast. All a hungry soul can want, Jesus' name will richly grant; Not a blessing God can give, But with Christ the church shall have. May I ever here confide, Let whatever ill betide; And if sufferings must ensue, Gladly bear those sufferings too. May this name be all my choice; If reproached, let me rejoice; And with pleasure keep in view, What the Lord for me went through. William Gadsby

Source: Mochimochi Flickr Pool

 - I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2

One of the neat things about the Internet is being able to connect with like-minded believers near and far. It's an added blessing to be able to meet face-to-face. The Lord was so kind to give us the opportunity to meet Vicki from A Good Finish . We enjoyed wonderful fellowship over Darjeeling and pumpkin bread.     

Fact: It's hard to believe this is Thanksgiving week. Fact: Our weather has been like a yo-yo. I was raking leaves in short sleeves yesterday and got some mosquito bites. Fact: After raking 7 huge bags, I looked up at my oak tree and saw all the green leaves still hanging on the branches. Fact: If my neighbor is right, I will be raking until next summer. Fact: I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving with family this year. Fact: This may be on the menu as well as a turkey: Fact: Blogging may be more sporadic this week. Fact: There's something even better than food, family, parades, football (which I don't watch) and Black Friday (which I will avoid like the plague). Fact: I'm grateful to be able to thank God for His unspeakable gift! Fact: I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving. Visit Larri at  Seams Inspired , to join in the Monday Facts fun.

How sweet and precious is the name Of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Lamb, To sinners in distress! A name just suited to their case; Pregnant with mercy, truth, and grace, With strength and righteousness. His name, as Jesus, suits them well; He saves from sin, wrath, law, and hell, From guilt and slavish fears. His name is Wonderful indeed; An able Counsellor to plead; Just suits a case as theirs. Immanuel! thrice-blessed name! The God, we trust is still the same! An endless Father, He; A most illustrious Prince of Peace; A Tower, a precious Hiding place; Is Jesus Christ to me. Yes, if his name be Lord of Hosts; Of his almighty power, I'll boast; He all my foes shall quell; He's all the helpless soul can need; No ointment put on Aaron's head, Could give so sweet a smell. In him the Gentile church shall trust; Of him shall sing; of him shall boast; On him cast all their care; He is their God, and they shall know What his almighty power can do, Nor death, nor danger fear. Wi...

From An   Exposition of Hebrews  by A.W. Pink on Hebrews 10:24 ~ "And let us consider one another:" let us diligently bear in mind and continually have in view the good of our fellow-pilgrims. The term "consider" is very emphatic, being the same as in 3:1, where we  are bidden to "Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession Christ Jesus." Here it signifies conscientious care and circumspection over the spiritual estate and welfare of other Christians. They are brethren and sisters in Christ, members of the same family: a tie far nearer and dearer than any earthly one unites you to them and them to you. "Consider" not only their blessed relation to you, but also their circumstances, their trials, their temptations, their infirmities, their needs. Seek grace to be of service, of  help, of blessing to them. Remember that they have their conflicts too, their discouragements their falls: "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down a...

It's a rainy and chilly morning. The temperature dropped 20 degrees overnight, and the trees have started dropping leaves with a vengeance. But this is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. So here's my thankful list this week: ~ A hot mug of tea. ~ Watching the rain and the falling leaves from the warmth and shelter of a home. ~ A manageable yard to rake. ~ Seeing Titus 2 in action on Tuesday night. I'm thankful how the Lord is deepening the relationships of the women in the church. ~ Sharing a Thanksgiving meal with brothers and sisters tonight. ~ Anticipating time with family over Thanksgiving. ~ Listening to R. C. Sproul on justification by faith. ~ These verses: But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of ...

It's been good to learn a little church history through the lives of the Women of the Reformation . It's given me a lot to ponder when I contrast my life with theirs.  So many things now seem trivial and meaningless after reading about women who were burned at the stake for refusing to take mass and agree to the doctrine of transubstantiation.  Everyday life in itself would have been a challenge in the 1500s. There was no sanitation, clean water, electricity, and refrigeration. Medical care was barbaric. You had to grow up fast because life was short and life was hard.  There would have been plenty of good excuses for not occupying one's self in the Word or in prayer due to daily cares. But somehow these women made a way because it was so valuable to them. I'm still haunted by the story of Joan Waste , a young blind woman who would pay what she could to have the Word read to her because she loved it so much. That very love led to her martyrdom. I can't help bu...

In our day, we think we have the right to formulate our own opinions of God from whatever source we choose. Calvin would disagree. Men's conceptions of God are formed, not according to the representations He gives of Himself, but by the inventions of their own presumptuous imaginations ... They worship not God, but a figment of their own brains in His stead. And from his biographer: The basis of Calvin's theology, therefore, is the belief that through the Bible alone can God be known in His wholeness as the Creator, Redeemer, and Lord of the world. He is not so discernible in any other place - in the creation, or in man's conscience, or in the course of history and experience.  And since, if we are to know God, we must go to the place where He is to be found, it is to the Scriptures that we must go, and there we shall find Him as He is. If a man asks us to meet him in Piccadilly Circus, it is there (if he will and can keep his word) that we shall find him, and not in Trafal...

Let's get those gray cells moving this morning... Fact: A fun quiz - jelly bean flavor or Yankee candle fragrance ? Fact: According to man's finite understanding, the universe is this big. Fact: Here's another fun site demonstrating the scale of God's creation. Fact: Do you know the most common words in the English language?  Find out here . Fact: If you think church history is boring, check out the Women of the Reformation series. You won't be disappointed. Fact: Here's book giveaway at  The Old Guys  that will definitely stretch your brain cells -  Overcoming Sin and Temptation  by John Owen. Have a blessed Monday! Visit Larri at  Seams Inspired , to join in the Monday Facts fun.

O what matchless condescension The eternal God displays; Claiming our supreme attention, To his boundless works and ways. His own glory He reveals in gospel days. In the person of the Saviour, All his majesty is seen! Love and justice shine forever; And, without a veil between, Worms approach him, And rejoice in his dear name. Would we view his brightest glory, Here it shines in Jesus' face; Sing and tell the pleasing story; O ye sinners saved by grace; And with pleasure, Bid the guilty him embrace. In his highest work, redemption, See his glory in a blaze; Nor can angels ever mention Aught that more of God displays; Grace and justice Here unite to endless days. True, 'tis sweet and solemn pleasure, God to view in Christ the Lord; Here he smiles and smiles for ever; May my soul his name record; Praise and bless him, And his wonders spread abroad. William Gadsby

From Thomas Reade : Nothing is so calming and comforting to the Christian pilgrim, as the assurance of Divine Guidance in every, even the most minute circumstances which befall him. Without this perception of his heavenly Father's care, a thousand intricacies must beset his path. He must be staggered at almost every step. But when he beholds, by faith—the unerring hand of infinite wisdom, wielding the stupendous machine of human events—causing everything to promote the spiritual good of His people—then he quiets himself as a little child, and can say with cheerful resignation, "Father, not my will, but yours be done."

This week's list: God's providence over everything, even cars. I noticed a strange sound when I started the car recently. I had delayed dealing with some car issues in the past and suffered the consequences, so I took it in for a diagnosis. The bad news is the steering rack is leaking and needs to be replaced. The good news is the problem was found now, not while stranded in the middle nowhere with a burnt-out power steering pump.  The repair bill won't be fun, but God has made provision for that too.  It may be odd to give thanks for this, but I'm grateful for things breaking down at just the right time and location, so I know they need to get fixed. There's no man in the house to depend on, and I'm fairly ignorant in these areas. So it's a comfort that God's loving providence extends to the realm of car troubles. Late night talks with my daughter. I'm tired but it's worth it. We've discussed some tough topics this week, but I'm than...

Congratulations to Trisha, the providential winner of John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology ! Thanks to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for more giveaways, God willing.

Our small group has been reading Love or Di e by Alexander Strauch, which deals with the loss of first love. In Revelation 2: 5, Jesus gives a command to the church in Ephesus to repent, and Strauch breaks this down very specifically (pgs. 21-22): "Through repentance, the church in Ephesus, would demonstrate that it accepts Christ's evaluation of its fallen condition, that it has judged itself according to Christ's Word to be sinful and deserving of divine discipline (1 Cor. 11:31-32), that it grieves over its loss of love and displeasure to Christ (2 Cor. 7:8-10), that it is turning away from sin and returning to its past life of love, that it will, by God's grace, take appropriate action (2 Cor. 7:8-12)." Repentance is not a vague acknowledgment but ownership of sin and a change of heart and mind that manifests itself in changed behavior. It's an imperative, not a suggestion.

Fact: I like turning the clocks back rather than forward. Fact: I can always use an extra hour of sleep. Fact: It's nice to wake up and not feel as though it was still the middle of the night. Fact: Did you know the day daylight savings ends has a name? It's called... ht: Thirsty Theologian Fact: It will soon be time to put away the lawn mower. Of course I will be trading that for a rake. Fact: We have four sweet gum trees and an abundance of gum balls. We saw a squirrel actually eating the little nuisances. I'm hoping the other squirrels will join in the bounty and save me some raking. Fact: I do this every morning. Fact: And this... Fact: It's not too late to enter the Calvin giveaway . The winner will be drawn Wednesday morning. Fact: Time to put the kettle on and start some work. Have a blessed Monday! Visit Larri at  Seams Inspired , to join in the Monday Facts fun.

Whom the Lord Jehovah loves, He in various ways reproves; 'Tis his settled wise decree, That his sons chastised shall be. Them to wean from self and sin, Try the grace he works within; Strip them of each idol god; Make them prize the Saviour's blood; Teach them what and where they are; Draw forth patience, faith, and prayer; Make the closer cling to Christ, And in him alone rejoice; These are ends he has in view, And he'll them accomplish too; Nor shall our poor peevish heart Make him from his purpose start. Yet his love and grace are such, He will ne'er afflict too much; But in every chastening prove His paternal care and love. Father, make us clearly view What thy love designs to do; And in every trying case, Trust thy faithfulness and grace William Gadsby

Apple custard coffee cake (ht: Hollie ) This confection didn't come out of the oven but off the needles yesterday... Cupcake hat It's a very quick knit and a good companion for baby blanket #7. The hat is a tad large even with scaling down the pattern. The wee one may have to grow into it or share it with her big sister. 

This week's list: ~ New bifocals.  I'm thankful for glasses and being able to read without holding a book at arm's length. It was so nice to use the sewing machine and actually see what the needle was doing. If you haven't reached this sign of maturity yet, don't laugh. Your time will come and you will be thankful for reading glasses. :-) ~ Autumn weather. We haven't had our first hard frost yet, but the leaves are slowly beginning to change. ~ Everyday discussions with my daughter about life, doctrine, world views, etc. Teen years can be a challenging time, so I'm thankful to God for the openness of our relationship. ~ The decrees and the love of God and situations that bring home these truths. Life would be fearful. Trials could result in bitterness and rebellion against God, if not for the knowledge of His fatherly care and sovereignty.

While working on my post for Women of the Reformation , I was surprised at the minimal information available on Idelette Calvin. There's next to nil about her life prior to her marriage to John Calvin, and the most written about her by her husband is on the event of her death.  If there had not been mention in Calvin's correspondence, Idelette would have lived, died, and been forgotten. The part of my brain that has been influenced by feminism more than I would like to admit began to spew out a few toxic thoughts such as:  "It's not fair." " If Calvin has his moment in the limelight, shouldn't his wife have the same? " "Isn't her role just as important?" This is the message that is fed to us 24/7. We live in a day where what's good for the gander is good for the goose. We live in a day of his and hers pulpit ministries. We live in a day where it's our right and duty, as women, to exert ourselves as much as possible in ...

My post on Idelette Calvin is today's woman of the Reformation . In honor of this series, I'll be giving away John Calvin - A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology . This book is an excellent introduction to the life and ministry of John Calvin. Edited by Burk Parsons, it includes contributions by John MacArthur, Phil Johnson, Joel Beeke, Jay Adams, Sinclair Ferguson, Michael Horton, and others. Please fill out the form below to enter the giveaway.  The providential winner will be drawn on November 9th. If the winner lives in the continental US, I'll send you a hard copy of the book. If you live outside the US, you will win an e-book version. <p><p>Loading...</p></p>

I had an encounter with a Jehovah's Witness this morning. I had seen them in the neighborhood earlier, so I knew it was a matter of time before the doorbell rang. I even had a tract ready to give them in exchange for their Watchtower Magazine. I was up front about what I believed, especially the trinity. The gentleman honestly admitted they do not believe in the trinity and became a tad more insistent once he knew where I stood. He also put his magazine away, figuring I wouldn't be swayed, and refused to take the tract. After a few minutes, neither of us were getting anywhere. I ended the conversation by politely telling him he wouldn't be able to convince me otherwise. We'll see if our address gets taken off their list in the future. Either way, I need to do some homework and be better prepared the next time.

Fact:  Happy Reformation Day! ht: Justin Taylor Fact: The Women of the Reformation  series starts today. Be sure to check it out! Fact: Yesterday was quite full with Sunday school and worship in the morning. We did Zumba for 2 hours in the afternoon to raise money for breast cancer research. The evening ended with a church fellowship at our pastor's house including hot dogs, 'smores, and singing around the fire pit. In honor of reformation day, we sang A Mighty Fortress is our God . Fact: We had a great time at the costume party this past Saturday. The Queen of Hearts' tart was beautiful and delicious. But you can't go wrong with Nutella and mascarpone mousse. I must  get that recipe as well as her pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Fact: The elves have discovered a new substance called polyester with which to make their cloaks. It's a derivative from Treebeard's ancestors and the long dead trees of Fangorn. Mr. Underhill Fact: It takes one skein of ...