Tried With Fire

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.