Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

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Psalm 25

1 Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

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Lamentations 3:22 "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."

Today, like many days, I spent too much time on the Internet reading blogs written by people I don't know. My finds today were much more interesting than they usually are. Actually, I wasn't intending to spend several hours reading through random blogs. I started by reading some of the articles found on the Biblical Womanhood site. I love this site and find myself making frequent visits here.

While I was reading through all the blogs, comments, articles, etc., I came across this interesting article from ABC News. The article is about a family of 10 in Tennessee who consider themselves to be part of the "Quiverfull Movement." The article and site explain the movement, so I'll let you read about it on your own. I would highly recommend you read the article and watch the video of the news story. I found it to be very encouraging. It isn't very common to hear of families who truly believe God is sovereign in all parts of their lives, especially concerning their family. It is even more uncommon to hear of these families being interviewed, and these stories being reported, on national television.

More than just their beliefs about the sovereignty of God in family planning, I was extremely encouraged to hear (in the video of the interview) the father say that he and his wife are attempting to bring their children up "in the fear and admonition of the Lord." I was shouting "Amen" as I heard him say the most he wanted for his daughters is for them to grow up to be godly women, fulfilling their biblical roles of wives and mothers. The family is just a great example of what God teaches and commands for men, women, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, and children. How earnestly I pray that the Lord bless me as I attempt (though feeble my attempt may be) to know and carry out my role now. Lord willing, one day I will be able to carry out the role of a wife and mother, doing so after the teachings of the Scriptures.

Soldier of Jesus Christ

I have recently been reading Lyle W. Dorsett's A Passion for Souls: The Life of D.L. Moody. As the title eludes, it is a biography of D.L. Moody's life. Moody was a man of God dedicated to the work of His Creator.

Currently, I am about 150 pages into it, and I am thoroughly enjoying what I'm reading and learning. Last night I was reading the chapter entitled "Trial by Fire," about a time in Moody's life when he experienced a season of trials and tribulations. At the close of the chapter, the author relates the great blessing Moody received when he was able to pass through the trials and enter the next step of his life. Here's what Dorsett wrote about such a time:

"...Moody's recent experience with the Holy Spirit set him free - free from the mania that sees every great need as a call. Time would reveal a liberated Moody. Every need could not be a call. Never again would he go off on his own to do kingdom work and ask God to support it. Instead, he would listen for the Lord's call to him personally, and then he would go forth and obey those marching orders. In the past Moody had fallen into the habit of making decisions about kingdom work, and then in prayer asking God to back these plans. As an experienced Civil War missionary he had seen enough of war to know better. Soldiers do not arise in the morning, making plans, and then call upon their commanding general to provide supplies. On the contrary, loyal troops get up, receive the orders of the day, and then go out in obedience, assuming their needs will be amply supplied to accomplish the objective." (p. 157)

As I was reading, pondering, and reflecting on Moody's experience, my thoughts turned to my own life. How often I find myself planning my day, week, or even life, then asking the Lord to bless and back my plans! What a mixed up and unfaithful way to go about life. I often fail to remember that God is in control of my life; He's the one planning my day, week, and life. I need to be praying that He would bless me with the strength and diligence to follow after His plan. And when I fail to do so, I need to be begging for His forgiveness and mercy.

I've often heard (and seen) the cute saying, "God is my co-pilot." I recently saw a twist to this statement, which was, "If God is your co-pilot, you're in the wrong seat." What a clever, but true statement. If we are going through life with the attitude that God is our co-pilot, we ought to pray for the Lord's forgiveness and hand over the wheel. Get out of your seat and humbly let God take control.

In I and II Timothy, Paul writes to followers of Christ, giving them the title of "soldier of Jesus Christ." Oh how I long and strive to be a loyal soldier: waking in prayer, asking the Lord for my orders for the day, then to follow through in obedience, praying and trusting that the Lord will supply my needs to accomplish His work.

Psalm 16:11 "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Jeremiah 10:23 "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."

1Thessalonians 3:11 "Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you."

Yarbrough

Take My Life And Let It Be

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
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The words to this hymn were penned by Francis R. Havergal (1836-1879) on February 4, 1874. The tune, "Yarbrough" was written by William Batchelder Bradbury (1816-1868).

Here's what Miss Havergal had to say concerning the inspiration for this hymn:

"Perhaps you will be interested to know the origin of the Consecration hymn 'Take my life.' I went for a little visit of five days [to Areley House]. There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted, but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer 'Lord, give me all in this house!' And He just did! Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit after I had retired, the governess asked me to go to the two daughters. They were crying, &c; then and there both of them trusted and rejoiced; it was nearly midnight. I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration; and these little couplets formed themselves, and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with 'Ever, ONLY, ALL for Thee!'"

While the composition that is found in the Number Eleven Old School Hymnal is slightly different than what Miss Havergal wrote, the meaning and depth remain unchanged. It's the prayer and desire of my heart that these words might come alive within my soul. Lord, I give my life to Thee, Thine forever more to be.

***Information taken from: Wholesome Words: Christian Biography Resource and The Cyber Hymnal

Sew Happy

I'm sew excited about the gift my family gave me for Christmas.... a Janome sewing machine! I've been wanting a sewing machine for quite a while. I can't wait to use my new machine. When I spent the week with my grandparents (a short review is on the way...), my grandma and I worked together to create a skirt. She taught me some valuable lessons. Thankfully, my grandmothers on both sides of the family are seamstresses, so I will have plenty of opportunities for special sewing days.

This year, my siblings and I decided to get a picture taken for our parents. It had been years since we had a picture made of the four of us. We got together over Thanksgiving break to have the picture taken, and managed to keep it a secret until today! Here's a picture of my parents opening their gift:

Here they are after they got over the initial shock and surprise:

I'm not sure what Tasha's laughing so hard about, I guess I missed it while I was taking the picture.

Here's a good shot of the picture. I am so thankful the picture turned out as great as it did. Our family is not keen on having their picture taken, so a picture this good is a rarity.

I hope the Lord has blessed each of you with an equally wonderful Christmas!

Celebrating the Birth of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ

Luke 1:46-55

(46) And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
(47) And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
(48) For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
(49) For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
(50) And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
(51) He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
(52) He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
(53) He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
(54) He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
(55) As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

Christmas Past

To send a little holiday cheer your way, I would like to share this snapshot of a past Christmas in the Corn Family. This picture is one of my favorites of Isaac and me. It was taken in 1987, when I was nearly 1 year old, and Isaac was 1 1/2.

May you have a blessed and wonderful Christmas.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse,
freeThine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

On the Road Again (Or.... In the Air Rather)

In the morning I will be taking the last of my final exams, then quickly heading to St. Louis to jump on a plane. I will be spending 6 days in Biloxi, Mississippi with my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and two adorable cousins. This will be my first time visiting the area since Hurricane Katrina hit last September. I'm anxious to see the area, but prepared to be saddened by the scene. My grandpa has told me about the destruction of the old plantation houses along the coast. I can remember taking long drives along the coast to view the beautiful homes. I will be sure to take pictures and post them upon my arrival home.

My wonderful Grandma Kate and Grandpa Lester.

My energetic cousins, Alec and Adam.

One down...Three to go

I just got back from my first final of the week. Thankfully, it wasn't too bad. It was actually a lot easier than I was anticipating, which is always good! I figured up that I spent over 20 times as long studying for the final than the amount of time I spent taking the final. It's good to be over-prepared, right?

I have two finals on Wednesday and one on Thursday, then I'm done!!!! What a great thought.

I was able to get a few hours of sleep before I had to take it. The wonderful weekend we enjoyed was definitely worth the lack of sleep. Stay tuned to Strem's blog for pictures and a complete recap of the weekend. It definitely was a blessed time in worship and fellowship with God's people. Thank you for all the prayers concerning our safe travels and my final. God is gracious!

Amazing God

I just returned from having lunch with my good friend, Elise, and I want to share with you how amazing, awesome, and merciful God is. You see, Elise was in a serious head-on collision last Wednesday evening. She was traveling at approximately 60 mph when she was hit by a car also traveling about the same speed. After spinning around several times and hitting another car, Elise landed in a ditch on the side of the road. When the ambulance arrived on the scene they had to cut her out of her car and rush her to the emergency room.

Here's where I tell you how amazing God is. Elise survived the accident with only minor injuries. Her left leg is swollen, she has staples in her knee, and several bruises on her body. When I visited with her today, she showed me pictures of her car. The roof was torn off, the front was mangled beyond recognition, and glass was shattered all over. The hole that Elise occupied didn't look big enough to contain even a small child. The deflated air bag was resting against the back of the seat. How Elise survived the accident with only minor injuries is beyond my understanding. The only answer I can give is that God was completely protecting her that night. He had his loving embrace around her and, by His grace, she is alive today.

I am thankful that I serve such an incredible God. I am thankful for friends, like Elise, who continuously praise His name. In the several times I've spoken with her since the accident, Elise never fails to give glory to God, for by His grace she is alive and well today.

Psalm 107:1 "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;"

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Early this afternoon Kelsie, Shelly and I headed up north to Lincoln, Illinois to attend the annual Christmas in the Chapel. This is a performance that Lincoln Christian College puts on each year around Christmas time. Each year the story is different, yet the underlying theme of Christ's birth, life, and death frames the storyline. This year's story, entitled "Do You Hear What I Hear?" revolved around a young girl who grew up being known as "The Voice of Christmas" in her town. As she grew older her passion for Christmas faded when her closest companion, her grandmother, passed away. The girl was transported to the magical city of Rhapsody, where she learned the reason and Song of Christmas. The story had a dual meaning, as the town and the townspeople represented sinners searching for the Song, Christ Himself. I realize my description doesn't do justice to how spectacular the show was. It was well worth the 3+ hours of travel time!

Here are the lyrics to the main song of the performance. I really enjoyed listening to the words and thinking about the meaning of the song. I thought you might enjoy reading and pondering with me.

Can You Hear?

Written by Geron Davis

Ev'ry road I walked had led to nowhere
Ev'rything I tried had turned out wrong
It seemed I'd lost a reason to get up ev'ry morning
I had lost all hope and lost my song

Circumstances said I wouldn't make it
That was all before I met the Man
Who put His arms around me, I hear Him say, "Forgiven"
And I knew I'd never be the same again

Can you hear my freedom Song?
Can you hear victory won?
No more walking on my own, no more facing life alone
No more struggling with guilt and despair
New life begins, can you hear?

Ev'ry debt was cancelled in the pardon
That Jesus purchased on a rugged cross
When He cried, "It is finished," Satan's rule was over
As perfect love restored what had been lost

The curse of sin and death completely broken
The bells of freedom's Song began to ring
Hopelessness was ended, a brand new day was dawning
With the resurrection of the King

Can you hear my freedom Song?

Can you hear victory won?

No more walking on my own, no more facing life alone

No more struggling with guilt and despair

New life begins, can you hear?

And now my heart is getting restless
I'm longing for the day He'll come
When we've fought the final fight
And our faith has been made sight
And the bells of freedom's Song begin to ring

Can you hear my freedom Song?
Can you hear victory won?
No more pain and no more fears,
No more death and no more tears
No more walking through the night
For the Lamb will be our Light
No more sin and no more burdens to bear
New life begins, Can you hear?

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake...

Monday evening, Shelly and I headed to campus for CSF (Christian Student Fellowship). Due to Sacred Harp, Thanksgiving break, and various other reasons, it had been nearly a month since I had joined the CSF group for bible study. I was looking forward to seeing everyone, yet feeling reserved about the topic we were to discuss: politics & religion. To be quite honest with you, I was dreading it. I'm not very interested in politics and I don't care to listen to people have heated debates about political issues. This is what I was envisioning the bible study to be. Shortly after arriving and getting the discussion started, the Lord quickly rebuked me and my feelings changed. The study and discussion was one of the most insightful experiences at CSF for me. I experienced an "Aha! Moment"... a "God Moment" ... the light bulb was turned on, my heart was stirred, and I left with a greater understanding of the Scripture than I entered with.

Last week, Michelle posted an entry entitled "Relationship Between Submission & Protection." You can read that entry HERE. In the entry, she focused on the need for those in authority to provide protection to those who are to submit. While this is a difficult topic for most, especially when talking about a wife submitting to her husband, I have often struggled with my duty to submit to the governmental authority over me. Just what exactly does this word "submit" mean? What is considered "submitting?" Do I have to give up my rights and beliefs to "submit" to the government? These are all questions that I have entertained in the numerous attempts to grasp this concept.

Thankfully, the Lord blessed me to be able to answer some of these questions and better understand what the scripture calls us to do in reference to the government. As Michelle identified in her blog, when under authority (whether it be government, church, parent, husband, etc.) we have to submit.

In I Peter 2:13-14, Peter instructs us to be submissive to the government: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."

Throughout the last twelve verses of the I Peter chapter 2, Peter gives us 5 reasons to be submissive to the government.

1. (verse 13) "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake"

• We are to submit to the government because it is pleasing and honoring to the Lord.

2. (verse 15) "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men"

• By submitting to the government, we put to silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. In I Peter 2:11-12, Peter makes reference to this: "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."

3. (verse 20) "...but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God."

• In the world, we may act in a way that seems good to us, because we fear God, but to others it may not appear good. When we are faulted for this, we are commanded to take it patiently. When we do so, it is acceptable with God. If you are faulted for wearing a shirt or reading a book that proclaims the name of Christ, our responsibility is not to fight back with the thought that it is our right. Instead, our responsibility is to be patiently silent, for this is acceptable with God.

4. (verse 21) "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps"

• Christ suffered for our sakes, and we are commanded to follow after the steps of Christ, which means that we too are going to have to suffer persecution in life. We are promised this numerous times in scripture. Romans 8:17 says, "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." Likewise, Philippians 1:29 promises, "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"

5. (verse 23) "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously."

• When we are put under the subjection of opposing authority, we can be comforted in knowing that we are committed to the ultimate Judge. Praise be to our God who judges righteously and eternally reigns on the throne!

When my eyes were opened to the depth and meaning of these passages, the Lord blessed me to better understand how God calls us to respond to the government. Our duty is not to actively stand against political injustice, propose laws that promote Christian behavior, or peacefully practice civil disobedience to laws that infringe our rights to practice our faith publicly. Our pursuit as Christians should NOT be to establish a Christian government.

For me, this was hard to completely understand and grasp. Honestly, I'm not even sure that I still do. I know I've read these verses several times before, but they never quite had the same impact on me. In society and in Christian circles today, we are often told to "stand up for what we believe in." (Thanks in part to the VeggieTales.) I would say that I now have to disagree with this catchy phrase.

I realize that some of you may be reading this thinking that I am a little behind in the times, considering that I am just coming to this realization. I suppose I might be a little behind. I also suppose that, had I understood this earlier, I might not have had so much trouble submitting to those in authority over me. I am just thankful to God for making this clear to me now. Just because I have a better understanding of my duties doesn't mean that it will be a breeze for me to fulfill this role. However, I will proceed in prayerful diligence as I strive to honor God and submit to every authority, "for the Lord's sake."

Romans 13:7 "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

Thanksgiving

Psalm 100

(1) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. (2) Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. (3) Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (5) For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

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Thanksgiving is....

Thanksgiving is a

time of gratitude to God,

our Creator and Provider,

whose guidance and care

go before us...and whose love

is with us forever.

Thanksgiving is a time

to reflect on the changes,

to remember that we, too,

grow and change

from one season of life to another.

Thanksgiving is a time

of changing seasons,

when leaves turn golden

in Autumn's wake

and apples are crisp

in the first chill breezes of fall.

Let us remember the true meaning

of Thanksgiving.

As we see the beauty

of Autumn, let us acknowledge

the many blessings

which are ours...

let us think of our families

and friends..

and let us give thanks in our hearts.

~~Author Unknown.~~

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:65-80

(65) Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. (66) Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. (67) Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. (68) Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. (69) The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. (70) Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. (71) It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. (72) The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

(73) Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. (74) They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. (75) I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. (76) Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. (77) Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. (78) Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. (79) Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. (80) Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

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The Lord has really placed this passage on my heart in the past few days. I keep reading it over and over, and each time I feel the Lord speaking to me. I feel David's words becoming my very own prayer to God. Verse 66 has especially been popping off the page at me: "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments." How I long for 'good judgment and knowledge!"

I've also been encouraged by verse 75: "I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." Thankfully, our God is perfect and all-knowing in His actions. We can receive comfort in knowing that the trials and afflictions we go through "worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

Praise God for his tender mercies and abiding compassion!

Pictures of Folklore Village

Michelle recently posted a blog about our weekend in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, where we attended a Sacred Harp Singing at the Folklore Village. I agree with what Michelle had to say about the weekend...the singing, the people, and Folklore Village. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place with wonderful scenery.

I don't have any pictures from the actual singing, but I have these of Plum Grove Church, Farwell Hall, and the snow-covered trees. The pictures don't do justice to how beautiful that part of Wisconsin is.

The front of Plum Grove Church

The church was built in 1882, and moved to its current location in 1993.

This is a view of Farwell Hall as we're climbing up the hill.

A view of the scenery - - there were numerous pine trees covered with snow - - very picturesque.

One last picture looking over the rolling hills. You can see Farwell Hall to the right and an old silo to the left.

Bible Game

This is a little game we played at bible study last night. Just match the bible characters to the most appropriate song according to their stories.

Characters:

A.) Noah
B.) Esau
C.) Daniel
D.) Peter
E.) Adam & Eve
F.) Lazarus
G.) Esther
H.) Job
I.) Moses
J.) Samson
K.) Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego
L.) Jonah
M.) Elijah
N.) Methuselah

Songs:

1. Great Balls of Fire
2. I Feel Pretty
3. Stayin' Alive
4. Hair
5. Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head
6. Got a Whale of a Tale
7. Born to be Wild
8. Up, Up, and Away
9. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
10. I'm Sorry
11. The Happy Wanderer
12. Strangers in Paradise
13. The Second Time Around
14. I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues

In a Poetry Mood

This is the result of several hours of boring lecture today...

A Season of Change

Falling, falling down,
Cast upon the ground’
Orange, red, yellow, brown
Strewn out all around.

A leaf, an acorn
Crunch beneath my feet’
The path is well worn,
Steps without a beat

An end, a transition,
a beginning, new birth;
Life ends and life begins.
A time of change has come.

A spiritual change,
A new man put on;
Fall down at His feet,
Follow His teaching.

His path I trod daily,
Diligently striving.
May His will by my own,
And never more wander.

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Light to Guide

Waves of doubt,
Covering, blinding, misleading.
Don’t know where to go,
Can’t see the road ahead.

My heart is weak,
As a fatigued child;
Worn from the world,
Tugging and tearing.

A glimmer of hope,
A ray of light;
Light to guide my way,
A way of hope and trust.

His hand brushes mine,
I clasp on tightly;
He leads the way,
Down the road unseen.

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Holy One

Rejoice, rejoice;
Praises aloud;
Lift up your voice,
Join with the crowd.

He is worthy
Perfect, complete
High above all,
None cam compare.

I worship you,
I praise your name.
Refreshed anew,
Never the same.

Come Holy Rain,
Pour out your love,
Down upon me,
My soul washed clean.

My Thoughts on Justification by Faith

Thank you to those who have joined in the discussion concerning my previous post. I have been reading My Utmost for His Highest as my nightly devotional for about two months now. This piece, "Justification by Faith," was the devotional for October 28, and it has been on my mind since I read it that night.

When reading it the first time, it took me a while to fully comprehend all that Chambers is trying to convey. It is one of the deeper subjects that I have read thus far of his devotionals. Overall, I am very pleased with what he had to say, and I do believe it is a great devotional. As it has been stated in the comments to the other post, I would like if Chambers would make further comments on the actual subject of justification by faith. Bro. Joseph made this comment: " I would prefer greater clarification on the actual subject of justification by faith to make it clear that our "right relationship" with God as children is prior to our belief. Belief or assent effects my "relationship" with God only from the standpoint of my obedience and ability to manifest what He has already worked in me. " I agree with his statement, and also wish Chambers would have made more clarification about that.

The following sentence is another that I found to be interesting: "The Spirit of God brings justification with a shattering, radiant light, and I know I am saved, even though I don't know how it is accomplished." We know how we are saved and justified...through Christ's death on the cross. I think a better way to say this would have been..."I know I am saved, even though I don't know why it was accomplished."

My main reason for posting about this devotional was that I was very pleased with what Chambers had to say. In previous devotionals, and ones I have read since October 28, Chambers makes statements that seem very contradictory to what he said in this particular one. In"Justification by Faith," Chambers seemed to make it clear that our salvation and justification are already accomplished...completely finished...and there is nothing we can, or have, to do ourselves. He does not seem consistent with this belief in all of his devotionals.

While the piece was somewhat difficult to understand, I think it is a good explanation of doctrinal truths that are often difficult for me to put into words.

Feel free to make more comments and add your thoughts into the discussion!

Justification by Faith

From My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers:

"I am not saved by believing - - I simply realize I am saved by believing. And it is not repentance that saves me - - repentance is only the sign that I realize what God has done through Christ Jesus. The danger here is putting the emphasis on the effect, instead of the cause. Is it my obedience, consecration, and dedication that make me right with God? It is never that! I am made right with God because, prior to all of that, Christ died. When I turned to God and by belief accept what God reveals, the miraculous atonement by the Cross of Christ instantly places me into a right relationship with God. And as a result of the supernatural miracle of God's grace I stand justified, not because I am sorry for my sin, or because I have repented, but because of what Jesus has done. The Spirit of God brings justification with a shattering, radiant light, and I know that I am saved, even though I don't know how it was accomplished.

The salvation that comes from God is not based on human logic, but on the sacrificial death of Jesus. We can be born again solely because of the atonement of our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creations, not through their repentance or their belief, but through the wonderful work of God in Christ Jesus which preceded all of our experience (see 2 Corinthians 5:17-19). The unconquerable safety of justification and sanctification is God Himself. We do not have to accomplish these things ourselves - - they have been accomplished through the atonement of the Cross of Christ. The supernatural becomes natural to us through the miracle of God, and there is the realization of what Jesus Christ has already done - - "It is finished!" (John 19:30). "

Romans 5:10 "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."

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I welcome your thoughts, opinions, questions, remarks, etc. I'm not going to state mine just yet, as I don't want to taint the discussion or lead it a certain way.

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