ME1 - We Have a Winner!

I promised that I would give the answer to Saturday’s riddle today and I’m here to do that and to announce that there is a winner. The answer is “fingers” and even though it was ever so hesitantly, our friend Sara was the first to say it. Mark and Beka got it too (but too late) and I’m proud of them that they figured out the “Let your fingers do the walking” part from the old yellow pages ads. (See line 5.) So, here’s how it goes:

Count on us, if ever need be,
Flexible and useful, so are we.
Always available, if ask you would,
Helped small men and great men who knew we could.
In times past, tramped to find what you need,
Now call on helpers who have much more speed.

Who are we?

Line 1. Some people still resort to counting on their fingers. Sometimes I do.
Line 2. Mine aren’t as flexible as they used to be, but for most people they are.
Line 3. Is there anything more available?
Line 4. Whose fingers haven’t helped them, no matter who they might be? (Unless, of course, there’s a handicap.)
Line 5. I already mentioned that one.
Line 6. Not too many people use the yellow pages anymore. We just let our fingers call on computers to find what we need.

Okay! I promised an “ad” for the winner, so here goes: Sara is a sweet young lady, about to graduate from high school which she does at home. She has a blog over at Xanga which she calls “Princess” (the meaning of her name). She posts hymns and songs, Scriptures, cute pictures, and she tells about some of the goings on in her life. Her blog reflects a young woman of God, seeking to glorify Him. Go visit her whenever you can!

Next week or so, maybe we’ll try something else to work that old soft mass in the skull, hopefully to make it more useful for God.

For Johnny and Others

Johnny Farese is a man with a wonderful ministry. He has his own website which contains a wealth of useful information, and he faithfully emails devotionals, prayer requests, and various announcements on behalf of and to the Christian community on a daily basis. I don’t have the figures on how large his mailing list is, but I know that it’s HUGE. The thing that makes all of this so remarkable is that Johnny is completely bedridden and immobile with a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Actually, he uses speech recognition software to operate his computer. What a blessing this man is to so many of us.

I am one of those on his mailing list and get several emails a day. His name in my inbox is a staple. There have been a couple of prayer requests recently that have darkened our sunny days with the velocity of a summer thunderstorm. I know they have mine.

A few weeks back prayer was asked for a young couple who were married just last year. The husband’s oral cancer has spread and it all can’t be removed.

This morning, a woman was killed in an automobile accident, leaving a husband and two children and her father and mother, who some time ago had also lost a son in a car accident.

Also, on one of the blogs which I read, we were informed that a young wife, the mother of a one year old, has learned that her leukemia has returned. There are apparently few options left for her.

I don’t know any of these people personally, but it’s been hard to stop thinking about them. I know, too, there are many more in similar situations that I’ve not heard about. God knows them. He knows exactly who they are and what they are going through. These are the things that none of us can explain and we have to leave these dear people in His gracious hands. Thank the Lord for the privilege of prayer.

I had wanted to post a hymn this week and I can think of no better one than “Be Still my Soul”, one of my favorites. Instead of posting it, though, I’ll refer you to the Cyber Hymnal to read the words and hear the tune, as my eyes are very tired and I can’t really type any more. This hymn is dedicated to Johnny Farese and the three families mentioned. May they know the truth of the words:

Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.

Mind Exerciser Number One

Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart? Job 38:36

I’ve begun to notice a few bloggers who are adding to the brightening of our days by including fun stuff from time to time. Thanks to those of you who are contributing to our well being in this way.

I recently have had the urge to make my own little offering towards brighter days for folks who might come to visit here. Actually, I need to admit that part of the reason for this desire is that it would be an excuse for me to indulge in what is something of a weakness, or passion, or whatever you might call it: I love puzzles, riddles, mysteries, fables or almost anything that requires “figuring out.” Not only do I like to do them or read them, but also to write or rewrite them. I guess you could say these are favorite pastimes.

So, from time to time, I’m going to post one of these aforementioned items to help exercise your brains a little. Please give it a try—partly for fun and partly because it could lend itself to a sharper mind to better serve your God. Some of these writings will have only one correct answer—some not. Aesop’s Fables have always been favorites. It’s fun to adapt them a bit to teach Biblical principles to children (and to us). Sometimes I want to give that a try also. I’m not sure how often to do this—maybe weekly or bi-weekly. We’ll see how it goes. Maybe I’ll end up being the only one who enjoys it!

Here’s the first one—a riddle. I am looking for one particular answer. The first person who gets the right answer gets. . . . . . . . . . no prize! But I’ll post the answer next Friday and if there’s a “winner”, I’ll give their blog a short “ad.” If they have no blog, that’s okay too. My daughter, Mrs. S, (The High Calling) is disqualified on the riddles—she’s heard too many of them before. Okay, see what you think:

Count on us, if ever need be,
Flexible and useful, so are we.
Always available, if ask you would,
Helped small men and great men who knew we could.
In times past, tramped to find what you need,
Now call on helpers who have much more speed.

WHO ARE WE?

Note: FIRST right guess is “winner.” Try something else if you see your answer there already, just in case. No sense duplicating another answer.

Sneaky Nutrition - "Skinny Pancakes"

Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

Pretty soon, we’re all going to be teaching Selena and her friends about their need to share. So I was thinking about the fact that as our children grow older, one of the best ways to teach them about sharing is by example. Then I wondered “What do I have to share with my friends?” and I thought of something.

From my kitchen to yours—enjoy these pancakes one day soon. These have always been a favorite at our house, formerly being called the “skinny pancakes”, now referred to as the “cottage cheese pancakes.” I particularly like them because you can sneak in lots of nutrition to start your day. Don’t tell your kids (or your husband either for that matter) that these hotcakes are good for them, but they are:

1 cup low fat cottage cheese (with added calcium)
3 eggs
¾ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup wheat germ
¾ cup fat free evaporated milk, undiluted
½ tsp. vanilla
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 Tablespoon sunflower oil
2-3 Tablespoons ground flaxseed (optional)

Mix in blender and pour onto hot griddle. This makes about four servings.

Don’t make a big deal with your family that they’re getting an abundant supply of protein, calcium, fiber, Vitamins A, D, and E, but they are. Don’t dare mention words like folic acid, magnesium, phosphorous and iron to them. It might scare them off. Just set it before them and watch them savor all that good stuff their bodies need. And when spring and summer come and you dump some fresh strawberries or blueberries on top, whatever you do, don’t say you’re adding Vitamin C and antioxidants! Just do it and let them enjoy!

Let me also share a portion of one of the songs from our “Verses and Hymns for the Very Young.” These are good words to teach your children at mealtimes:

Father we thank thee for the night,
And for the pleasant morning light;
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the day so fair.

~ Rebecca J. Weston, 1885

A Rose as a Reminder

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love….Jeremiah 31:3

Today, as he has done countless times before, my bridegroom of over thirty-six years brought me home a dozen red roses. I was as completely delighted as I was when I received the first dozen years ago. And as always, the beauty of these precious flowers will continue to brighten my heart, even as their beauty fades in a week or so.

I thank the Lord for these lovely roses, because they are a reminder to me of the affection behind them, which hasn’t faded since that hot day in June when we made our vows. When they become drooped and wrinkly, the love behind them will stand firm. It’s a bit like what my dear hubby and I see when we look in the mirror. We see physical beauty that has started becoming more drooped and wrinkly. But the beauty of the love for one another that was given by a kind and merciful God will continue to be fresh and vibrant.

I’ve put one of the twelve roses in a little vase in my office as a reminder of my bridegroom’s fidelity. And I’ll think too, when I look at it, about my beloved Heavenly Bridegroom who has given to both my husband and to me a love and devotion that is more lovely than roses…and is everlasting.

Brrrr! It's Cold!

Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word.
Psalm 148:8

Yay—it’s winter! It’s finally here! I repeat, winter is finally here! It’s bitter, bitter cold out there and I am so glad to report that our area is having real winter temperatures. We’re still lacking in the snow area, but at least we can experience the deep freeze. Fro (my dog) and I just came in a bit ago after going out to replenish the seed for the birds (actually Fro acts as the “bouncer” to throw out the squirrels who faithfully visit). Even though I almost had my head bitten off by the cold, it was fun. All of my little feathered friends came rushing to our restaurant, which had begun to run out early in the day. They were so happy to see me and it was enjoyable seeing and hearing them fluttering about, especially my favorite patrons, the cardinals and juncos. I even put out some suet, which is a favorite when the temps plummet.

Almost six months ago exactly, I wrote a post on one of the hottest days of the year. Selena had not been born yet. Even though she thankfully has arrived safely, the thoughts expressed then still apply now. I was recently reading in my daughter’s science book about the earth’s orbit of the sun, and how our view of this great created fireball changes as we take part in the spectacular event, year after year. Again, what I said six months ago still applies as our planet reaches almost exactly the other extreme from then.

I was reminded of that post (Whew! It’s Hot!) as I came running inside today. I thought about it when the cold pinched my cheeks and as I watched and heard my little feathered customers come rushing over to enjoy the buffet being set out for them. Some of them won’t make it until spring, but many of them will survive to do the bidding of their Creator to multiply. It’s amazing that they will live through cold like this, but actually, all of these things are just further proofs of the One who “upholds all things by the word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:3)

Remember that, friends, the next time the cold takes your breath away or the heat saps your strength. If it’s acting like winter where you are—enjoy! Remind me of this when the thermometer approaches one hundred again.

Ye creatures in the sea
And creatures on the earth,
Your mighty Maker praise
And tell his matchless worth;
Praise him, ye stormy winds that blow,
Ye fire and hail, ye rain and snow.

Blessed Challenge

Guess what? Selena and her parents come to our church now! This is the latest big and surprising development in our lives. We were not really expecting this and need I say how thankful PopPop, Nanna and Auntie Nee are to our merciful God for bestowing this blessing.

So this means that our grandchild and her special friend are now “members” of the same fold. Our dear friend Beka had Sunday School nursery duty yesterday and took a bunch of pictures, so I’m sharing one of them with you who come to read. In a small group like ours, this has been quite a development to have our infant nursery congregation doubled. (We also have a couple of somewhat regular visitors that come to see us from time to time.)

I was thinking about the blessed challenge God has put before those of us who work the nursery (one we’ve had countless times before)—the beloved task of helping their parents in the training of these little ones in beginning steps leading to God. By the way, I have another book to recommend: it’s called Leading Little Ones to God by Marian M. Schoolland and it’s been another greatly treasured one in this household. You might also want to look into this wonderful book that can be read to your very young children.

Anyway, I hope we can be a help. Maybe we can help teach them the Word of God when we can and under the right circumstances, such as helping them to understand that they must be “kind one to another” when they either snatch or don’t want to share the blocks. Or help them to love the hymns when we sometimes resort to singing, albeit off tune, to distract them or entertain them. Or even help them learn to obey when sin rears its ugly head (and you can be sure it will).

Having been so excited almost five months ago over their births, may the Lord give us joy in serving Him by finding ways in the coming years (hopefully) to begin to teach these two sweet little girls something of the New Birth. Maybe He’ll even send us more sweet little souls. Thank the Lord for giving us such a blessed task!


Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
Look upon a little child;
Bless me and remember me;
Saviour, let me come to Thee.

Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb,
In Thy gracious hands I am;
Make me, Saviour, what Thou art;
Live Thyself within my heart.

I shall then show forth Thy praise,
Serve Thee all my happy days;
Then the world shall always see
Christ, the holy Child, in me.

Lost and Found Treasures

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

About twenty-three years ago, my husband and I attended a rather small church during what was for us a transitional time in our spiritual lives. Our oldest daughter was three years old then. While we were there, the pastor gave out a little booklet to all of the families who were either members or regularly attended. This was the first that we ever encountered this piece of writing, and let me tell you, it is one of the most precious treasures that we’ve ever had. Actually, it’s an article written by my favorite preacher/writer, J.C. Ryle, who wrote it more than one hundred years ago. Please let me recommend it to all of you mothers, or will be mothers. It’s entitled “The Duties of Parents” and of all the books on parenting that I’ve read, it’s the best. (Well, that’s my opinion anyway.)

A couple of years ago, I bought several extra copies to have on hand and give out. Well, I lost these treasures somewhere in my house. I’ve been searching high and low for them for a couple of weeks now, wanting to give a copy to our daughter who, as you know, has recently ventured into that high calling of motherhood. I have been so frustrated, searching the house like the woman looking for her lost coin in Luke 15. I am happy to report that the search is over. Rejoice with me—I have found my lost treasures! They were packed away in a container in a closet where they had no business being, but that’s another story.

You know how much I love my granddaughter and you know how much I want to see her soul claimed by Jesus, so you shouldn’t be surprised that it’s my intention that her parents will soon be in possession of this precious little masterpiece. Sure, it was written long ago, but its message is timeless. Listen to the conclusion of this booklet, and I’m sure it will whet the appetite of many of you moms and grandmoms. If so, I urge you to get a copy, so that Mr. Ryle’s counsel given long ago will reach your households in this needy century.

“Now the Lord teach you all that sin is that abominable thing which God hateth. Then, I know you will mourn over the sins of your children, and strive to pluck them out as brands from the fire.

“The Lord teach you all how precious Christ is, and what a mighty and complete work He hath done for our salvation. Then, I feel confident you will use every means to bring your children to Jesus, that they may live through Him.

“The Lord teach you all your need of the Holy Spirit, to renew, sanctify, and quicken your souls. Then, I feel sure you will urge your children to pray for Him without ceasing, and never rest till He has come down into their hearts with power, and made them new creatures.

“The Lord grant this, and then I have a good hope that you will indeed train up your children well,--train well for this life, and train well for the life to come; train well for earth and train well for heaven; train them for God, for Christ, and for eternity.”

--John Charles Ryle
(From “ The Duties of Parents”)

Winter Anyone?

Today, something exciting happened in our region, folks. It snowed. Yes, we got our first snowfall of the season. Want to know how much? I’d say about one half inch or so. A quarter inch might be more like it. Well, I have to say, I was happy to see it, as it was an assurance that it is winter after all. This isn’t true of other areas in the country, but around here it’s been so mild that at times we go out and forget our coats. After needing one for about six to seven years, I finally got a new dress coat and haven’t felt like wearing it. It just hasn’t been cold enough on Sundays in my estimation.

The really funny thing is my husband. Last year, he bought a snow blower. It’s a beautiful one and he was pretty excited when he got it in November of 2005. This may not be totally accurate, but I think he’s used it once. The sad thing is that when we had that one huge snowstorm last winter, my poor hubby had some kind of physical ailment and some neighbors were kind enough to do the shoveling for us. So he missed his big opportunity! You know how our men folk are when they get a “new toy” of some sort. I get so amused when I see that almost spanking new blower sitting unused in the garage. I got so “tickled” today when I got this funny little picture in my mind of the poor man out there blowing the half inch of snow in a desperate attempt to make use of his investment. (This didn’t really happen. At least not yet.)

I guess everybody can figure it out that I have too much idle time on my hands tonight. The picture above is in honor of winter. The one we haven’t been having so far. Well, January isn’t over yet and there’s still February.

Yummy!

So…finally!! After at least a month of looking hungrily at other folks stuffing food into their mouths, Selena at last got to eat something (cereal) from a spoon. Last night was her first experience, and from the reports I’m getting, does she love it! If she’s like the rest of her family (on both sides), she’s GOT to love to eat and so far it seems that she’s following in the footsteps of the rest of us.

So, here she is, eating her first breakfast of what we call “solids.” Yum Yum. Now for a lifetime of all kinds of good stuff! Wait until she gets to the steak and potatoes and collard greens and roast pork and potato chips and apple cake and watermelon and so on. I know, I named all of her nanna’s favorites. But I’m sure she’ll love these things just as much as the rest of us. (I guess I should feel guilty for not naming more of the really good choices, like oatmeal, beans and carrots. But I’m expecting better things for her in those categories.) Anyway, enjoy, Selena!

On the wall of our kitchen, is a hanging from my cross-stitching days.
Maybe someday I'll hear this poem from the lips of our little granddaughter:

God is great. God is good.
We thank Him for this food.
By His hand, we are fed,
Give us, Lord, our daily bread.

New Year, Old Hymns

Well, the year 2006 is all done and gone. The new year is here. May it be a blessed one for you and your family.

Yesterday at church we spent the whole day focusing on the hymns of the Church of Christ. We thought about the rich inheritance that we have in them, learned the Scriptures that apply to them, and heard many interesting facts about many of their authors. Then, last night, we had a precious time singing many of them at our pastor’s home as we closed out the old year. I’m sure it’s well known to many folks about my love for the hymns and that next to the Word of God, they are the dearest writings to me. So yesterday was an especially blessed day for me.

Our pastor made up a little booklet which we’re each going to keep with us this coming year and it contains selected hymns that we as a congregation are hoping to incorporate into our hearts. It is called “Hymns for 2007 – A Rich Heritage of Hymns for the People of God” for our church family. It contains 27 of them that he has selected for us. But these are just a sampling of thousands that have enriched God’s Church.

If you are like me and love hymns, think about memorizing some words from these treasures from God. Most of those who wrote them are long gone to glory, but they have left us riches that we can sow into the hearts of others, especially our children. Let’s use these words given by our Lord to people like Isaac Watts, Fanny Crosby, Charles Wesley, Frances Havergal, and countless others to glorify His name. (And as we were reminded, there are a few modern day authors, such as James Montgomery Boice that are also worth our attention.) Let’s use their words to give us comfort, joy, hope, repentance, and so much more. Let’s pass them on here and abroad!

I thought it would be nice to start off the year with the first hymn in our little booklet, which is one of the two which we will be singing in January. I hope it is an expression of your joy in our wonderful Lord:

Come we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song of sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.

Let those refuse to sing,
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King,
May speak their joys abroad.

The men of grace have found,
Glory begun below;
Celestial fruits on earthly ground,
From faith and hope may grow.

The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets,
Before we reach the heavenly fields
Or walk the golden streets.

Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground
To fairer worlds on high.

~ Isaac Watts, 1707

Merry Christmas

Many of you know that this has been a year of much joy and celebration in our family over the birth of our first grandchild. That has been our big blessing this year and it continues to be. Babies are such a delight, and of course most of the last twelve months have been filled with first the anticipation of, and then the arrival of, this precious gift from our heavenly Father.

But what words can I find to express my thankfulness for the best gift of all, which was given so many years ago? The baby that came then came into circumstances which were much humbler than that of our granddaughter and of most other babies born in this country. During these days of holiday excitement and much spending, let’s reflect on that child who came. Let’s remember who He was, God in the flesh. Let’s think about the lowly manger and the stable and His willingness to become a helpless little human being. Let’s not forget that He was a King and was altogether holy, but yet came to us in the very way that He did and for the very purpose that He did. Every day, let’s try to never lose sight of the fact that this little infant grew up and accomplished what He did with His life and in His death. Then, all of you who know Him, rejoice and celebrate with me!

Best wishes for the season to all!!!

Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven
Who is God and Lord of all,
And his shelter was a stable,
And his cradle was a stall:
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour Holy.

~Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848

The Threads of His Weaving

Just stopping by quickly, here. Once again, I know several people going through difficult times and they are on my heart. Streams in the Desert is one of the best devotionals to read in the midst of trials, and I thought I would post today's poem for anybody who may be struggling with life right now. But it's a good reminder for us all:

The shuttles of His purpose move
To carry out His own design;
Seek not too soon to disapprove
His work, nor yet assign
Dark motives, when, with silent tread,
You view some sombre fold;
For lo, within each darker thread
There twines a thread of gold.

Spin cheerfully,
Not tearfully,
He knows the way you plod;
Spin carefully,
Spin prayerfully,
But leave the thread with God.

Thanks Joni

His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things…” Matthew 25:21

I don’t know if any of you have read Joni Eareckson Tada’s book of devotional readings entitled More Precious Than Silver, but if not, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. I gave this book as a Christmas gift to my daughter a few years ago and earlier this year I borrowed it back. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it off and on since then.

Anyway, the December 6th entry really hit home today. It was entitled “Faithfulness” and so much truth is packed into it. I can only go into a little here, but Joni was speaking about those godly folks (and we all know of some) who serve the Lord with little reward on this side of heaven. Pastors of small congregations, missionaries in jungle villages, elderly saints in nursing homes, and teenagers who maintain their integrity and purity are all given as examples in this sweet little writing.

We all know folks like these, who quietly do their service for Christ, with very little recognition or “success.” But get this: As Joni says, “Success isn’t the key. Faithfulness is.” I’m sure glad to be reminded of that, aren’t you? Keep on laboring friends! Someday we’ll hear that “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Did you hear me, weary mothers? Did you hear that Sunday school teachers? How about you who are tenderly and kindly caring for an aging parent, with little help or relief? How about those of you caring for a sick or handicapped child? And the many grandmoms who are consistently and tirelessly praying for your children and grandchildren? What a reminder! Someday, we’ll hear that “well done.” Keep pressing on!

Baby Update

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Isn’t it amazing how quickly babies change and grow? This time, it had been eight days without seeing Selena (a long time) and she seems like such a big girl now. Well, like a big girl baby. We’ve been noticing this for a while, but especially so yesterday. She’s giving huge smiles, does her own version of “talking”, which she does a LOT, loves to play with her hands and feet, and all of the other neat things that “older” babies do. So our newborn is gone.

I’m so thankful to see her growing, even though something makes me want to grab the reins so that it doesn’t happen too fast. The older she gets, though, the better she can learn about God, so that’s good. And I’m happy to see and hear that she’s already being taught about Him.

And guess what? Not too long ago, we were surprised to find out that Selena and her parents are moving to a new house, which is quite a big thing for them. But that’s not the best part for PopPop and Nanna and Auntie Nee. The nicest part of this surprising news was that they’ll be closer to us. Actually, the distance has been cut just about in half! So with God blessing my hubby and me in these later years with a granddaughter, He is even bringing her to a location that is a good bit easier for us to get to. And it will be easier for her to come see us now.

Our Lord has been so kind these past several months, and I’m rejoicing in his goodness to His undeserving children.