Visions of Virtue

~Happy Thanksgiving~

2010-11-24T18:56:00.001-08:00

"How good it is to thank the Lord, and praise to thee, most High accord,
To show thy love with morning light, and tell thy faithfulness each night;
Yea good it is thy praise to sing, and all our sweetest music bring."

"O Lord, with joy my heart expands before the wonders of thy hands;
Great works, Jehovah, thou hast wrought, exceeding deep thine ev'ry thought;
A foolish man knows not their worth, nor he whose mind is of the earth."

"When as the grass the wicked grow, when sinners flourish here below,
Then is there endless ruin nigh, but thou, O Lord, art throned on high;
Thy foes shall fall before thy might, the wicked shall be put to flight."

"The righteous man shall flourish well, and in the house of God shall dwell;
He shall be like a goodly tree, and all his life shall fruitful be;
For righteous is the Lord and just, He is my rock, in him I trust."

~The Psalter, 1912~

A blessed Thanksgiving to all!!!

Syracuse Zoo

2010-09-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, David and I decided to spend an afternoon at the Syracuse Zoo! The day was warm and sunny. The pictures below do not cover even half of all the animals that are at the Zoo. These are the animals that really caught my eye. God's creation is indeed marvelous! Enjoy!

Trust

2010-08-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

"My soul wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."

~Psalm 62:5-8~

Hoopes Park

2010-08-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, David and I had an evening out together. These are always such special times. After we had dinner he took me to this park for a lovely walk. (I might add that this is where his dad proposed to his mom, so it holds a special place in the hearts of the entire family.) Enjoy the photos!

My Apologies!!

2010-07-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight at prayer meeting, I was reprimanded by a dear sister in Christ for not posting anything on my blog for a very long time! It has been way too long, so here I am back at it! I intend to do a picture post for some of the things I've been up to this summer. For now, I'm just going to share a hymn, that I've song most of my life that is now one of my favorites.

God, my King, thy might confessing, ever will I bless thy name;
Day by day thy throne addressing, still will I thy praise proclaim.

Honor great our God befitteth; who his majesty can reach?
Age to age his works transmitteth, age to age his power shall teach.

They shall talk of all thy glory, on thy might and greatness dwell,
speak of thy dread acts the story, and thy deeds of wonder tell.

Nor shall from mem'ry's treasure works of love and mercy wrought;
Works of love surpassing measure, works of mercy passing thought.

Full of kindness and compassion, slow to anger, vast in love,
God is good to all creation; all his works his goodness prove.

All they works, O Lord, shall bless thee; Thee shall all thy saints adore;
King supreme shall they confess thee, and proclaim they sovereign power.

~Richard Mant, 1824~

A Comfort

2010-03-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

"Father, I know that all my life is portioned out for me;
The changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see:
I ask thee for a present mind, intent on pleasing thee.

I would not have the restless will that hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do, or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child, and guided where I go.

I ask thee for the daily stength, to none that ask denied,
A mind to blend with outward life, while keeping at the side,
Content to fill a little space, if thou be glorified.

In service which thy will appoints there are no bonds for me;
My secret heart is taught the truth that makes thy children free;
A life of self-renouncing love is one of liberty."

~Anna L. Waring, 1850~

Emotional Purity

2010-03-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking alot lately on the subject of emotions or romantic feelings. It is very distressing to see almost all relationships being ruled by emotions instead of on the basis of getting to know the person better and loving that individual for who he really is.

I have spent the past three years of my life getting to know someone and loving him for who he really is. I know that if I had allowed my emotions to get involved too soon, it more than likely would have hurt both of us, and we would not be enjoying the relationship we have today. This wasn't the easiest thing in the world to do, but we both knew that we needed to keep our emotions in tact, not only for ourselves, but for the other person.

Here are a few excerpts from a well known book that I personally have found so helpful on this subject:

"When we find ourselves attracted to someone, we need to make building a deeper friendship our first priority. Too often we believe that relating in a romantic, exclusive realtionship will automatically mean we'll be closer and know each other better. But this doesn't always happen. Although romance can be a more exciting level of relationship, it can also foster illusion and infatuation, obscuring the true character of each person invloved. Remember, as soon as we unleash our emotions in romantic love, our objectivity begins to fade. For this reason, we need to focus on developing a closer friendship with a potential partner before introducing romance."

"It will take patience and self-control not to express your feelings prematurely, but it's worth it. 'I want you to promise.....' says the maiden in Song of Songs 8:4(NLT), 'not to waken love until the time is right.' The Wycliffe Bible Commentary says, ' Love should not be stirred up before its proper time, because the love relationship, unless carefully guarded, may cause grief instead of the great joy it should bring to the human heart.' Proverbs 29:20 states, 'Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.' Don't play the fool in your relationships by speaking too soon. If you're pursuing a deeper friendship, the other person will already have an idea that you're interested, and you can't avoid this. But expressing these feelings in words often 'awakens love' before it's ready."

"I Kissed Dating Goodbye" ~Joshua Harris~

David and I were only able to do this by the grace of God. It is only through Him that we are who we are!!

Reflecting on God's Promises

2010-02-28T14:43:00.000-08:00

Today's message for the afternoon was delivered by a dear brother from Montville, NJ, Kenny Harris. He said at the start that we were going to do some spiritual muscle building by reflecting upon just a few of the promises of God. I thought I would share a few of my favorite promises that have been such a comfort and help to me.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6~

"Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." ~Psalm 37:4~

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." ~Matthew 6:33~

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to his purpose." ~Romans 8:28~

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:6-7~

"And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands; in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the cirumcision of Christ; buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." ~Colossians 2:10-12~

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~1 John 1:9~

Have a blessed Lord's day!

I'm Blessed!!

2010-01-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

I realize that it has been a while since I have posted anything. The holidays can certainly cause one to neglect other things. I have decided to post what has been on my mind lately....actually for a very LONG time!!

To those of you who know me know that it is not a "what" that has been on mind but rather a "who" that has been on mind for a long time! I am blessed indeed in the relationship that I have with David. I just want to take a few minutes to express just a few things that I love about him.

I love that he would rather talk to me for an hour and a half on the phone than watch a footabll game on television.....even when he's been looking forward to it all day!!

I love that he would drop anything to talk with me when I am going through a hard time and just need to talk....even when I can't talk beacuse I'm all choked up.

I love that he wants me to tell him if anything he does bothers or annoys me, and is not offended when I do.

I love that he is willing to just listen to me go on and on about things.......even when they are "girly" things that he doesn't quite understand but wants to!!

Last, but not least, I love him for the faith he has in our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus. We have acknowledged so many times to each other that it is only by His grace that we are who we are. It is only by His love and grace that we have been able to go this far in our relationship, and Lord willing, go farther.

Pastor Byerly once asked me, "You're in love, aren't you?". My response was, "Oh, yes, and it's wonderful!!". The Lord has truly blessed me with this young man. His heart is worth more than all the riches in this world. I love you, David!!

Her Dominion

2009-12-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago I started this book. A dear sister in Christ recommended it to me. I have been truly blessed and inspired by it. Here is an excert I read last night that really "wowed" me:

"The mother is the hub of the home, holding all the spokes in place. Without her being at the post, the family spins out of control and falls apart. When her husband hears the predawn alarm clock, she knows he's emotionally emboldened by her tenderly squeezing his arm in appreciation.

From then on, she's the nucleus of the day's family activity. She needs to nurse feed one, rouse out of bed another, review a spelling list with yet another, change a diaper, prepare a breakfast, pray God's blessing on the day, tie shoes, write out a check for a class trip, pack a lunch, check on progress regarding an upcoming book report, read and comment on a verse from Proverbs, discuss a peer conflict while chauffeuring to school, pick up Dad's suit at the dry cleaners, shop for groceries and household items at the store, sign up for soccer at the Recreational Department, read a story before putting one down for a nap, teach one phonics sounds and letters, make beds and clean up the kitchen, show how to sweep properly, search the internet for good pictures of frogs, deal with a lying problem by spanking, talking, and praying, and prepare lunch.

That's just the morning.

Then in the afternoon, she's called to teach lyrics of a song about a pirate named Patch, take a field trip to the park down the street, talk about sharing apple slices with others, explain to her child why he's not permitted to throw tantrums like the others in the park, catch and analyze a grasshopper's physiological structure and functions, return home for a naptime preceded by a storybook, sit down for personal devotions and prayer, call an appliance repairman about a strange sounding washing machine, drive to school and talk with a teacher about a child's performance in math class, talk about the day on the drive home, purchase a well-fitting pair of soccer cleats, assign and supervise the weeding of the flower garden, give out popsicles to the handful of neighborhood children playing in the yard, prepare dinner, embrace her husband and briefly share mutal experiences of the day, enjoy a nutritional supper and discussion together as a family, sit and listen to her husband lead in family worship, direct the clean-up after dinner, help with math homework, bake a batch of sweet-smelling chocolate chip cookies, wash bodies in the bathtub while singing about a pirate and a Savior, rock a little one in a chair, rub a back in bed while giving advice about an argument that took place during recess, pay bills on the internet, wash, fold, and iron shirts, counsel her husband about a relational conflict at work, and enjoy her husband rubbing her arm in bed.

With this, I've just skimmed the surface of her day. Remove the hub of her tireless labors, and her family flies apart, her husband is a frazzled wreck, and her childrenare greatly diminshed individuals." ~Mark Chanski~

This is a woman's dominion! God has called her to rule over her home and children. What a privilege!! Why don't woman see this?!?!?

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and praiseth her." ~Proverbs 31:27-28~

Take It To the Lord!

2009-11-30T08:11:00.001-08:00

As I was going through a difficult time last week, a person very dear to my heart encouraged me with this hymn. I was reminded again of how often we fret and worry about something when instead we should be approaching the throne of grace and taking it ALL to the Lord in prayer.

"What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."

"Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged: take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness-take it to the Lord in prayer!"

"Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our Refuge- take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there."

~Joseph Scriven c. 1855~

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

"We thank you all our God with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done, in whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms, hath blessed us on our way,
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today."

"O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in his grace, and guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills in this world and the next."

"All praise and thanks to God, the Father, now be given,
The Son, and Him who reigns with them in highest heaven,
The One Eternal God whom earth and heav'n adore;
For thus it was is now, and shall be evermore."

~Johann Cruger, 1647~

Oswego-8, Morrisville-1.....WE WON!!!!

2009-11-24T12:27:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to attend my first hockey game! I will admitt I was a bit unsure about the entire thing, but because I was going with my "special someone" I thought I would give it a wirl. College hockey is VERY civil!! I had soooooo much fun and can't wait to go again someday!! Here are a few pictures:

The student section. At least two of them were sain! Can you spot Kevin and Matt? (if you know them!)

Preparing the ice.

My wondeful boy and I!!

The refs coming onto the ice. They have alot more courage than I ever imagined!!

The Lakers!!! (our team!!) Woohoo!!

The Mustangs. Boooo.....

The goalies.

This dude was amazing!!

Whizzing around on the ice. They go so fast!! They can't even be thinking about skating. It has to be a second nature for them!

Saluting both the American and Canadian flags. Most of the Lakers' players are from Canada. Their national anthem is beautiful.

They were aloud to shove each other around and into the wall, but the weren't aloud to trip each other with their sticks. I did see one case of that, though! It was sooo funny!!

Push, shove, push, shove, push, shove.....

We WIN!!!!!!

This poor kitty being brainwashed! Whether he knows it or not he IS a Lakers' fan!!

The evening was definitely one to remember! And no, I don't want to take up hockey, although it does look really fun, doesn't it?!?!? :)

Chaste

2009-11-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

" To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." ~Titus 2:5~

Chaste: 1. Pure from sexual intercourse; virtuous; continent. 2. Pure in thought and act; innocent; free from lewdness and obscenity, or indecency in act or speech; modest. 3. Pure in design or expression; correct; free from barbarisms or vulgarisms; refined.

Yesterday I heard a sermon on this verse, and this word and its definition seemed to pop out at me. The one preaching brought to attention that the young woman who is chaste is deemed a stranger in this world, but in the same breath she is respected for her character and worth. She is not wimpy, yet she has a meek and quiet spirit.

All of you young women who are reading this, and young men, too, are you looked upon as strangers in this world for being chaste? If so, you are pleasing God!! This brings Him delight. The world may be frowning, but He is smiling.

I experienced one of the greatest joys yesterday evening. I had a young man (you all know who he is!) tell me he loved me because I was not like the girls of this world, because I was chaste and considered weird and out of place in this world. Although he didn't use all of these exact words, that is what he meant. I thought I was going to cry!

It as all totally worth it!! You may think others don't notice. They do! Even more importantly, God notices. Remember...

" Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised." ~Proverbs 31:30~

My Chains Fell Off

2009-10-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

And can it be that I should gain an int'rest in the Saviour's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him, to death persued?
Amazing love! How can it be that Thou my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis myst'ry all! Th' Immortal dies! Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine!
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father's throne above (so free, so infinite His grace!)
Humbled Himself because of love, and bled for all His chosen race:
'Tis mercy all, immense and free; for, O my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eyes diffused, a quick'ning ray. I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head, an clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th' eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

~Charles Wesley~

Don't Open Your Mouth!

2009-09-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

One of our patients brought this into work. He said he spotted it while waiting for a truck to be unloaded where he works. He was, I think, getting impatient and when he saw this he burst out laughing. He just had to have a copy of it.

(I didn't burst out laughing when I read this. Instead, I was quite convicted!)

When to Keep Your Mouth Shut

1. In the heat of anger.

"He that is soon angry dealeth foolishy: and a man of wicked devices is hated." ~Proverbs 14:17~

2. When you don't have all the facts.

"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." ~Proverbs 18:13

3. When you haven't verified the story.

"At the mouth of two witmesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death." ~Deuteronomy 17:6~

4. If your words will offend a weaker brother.

"And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?" ~1 Corinthians8:11

5. If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your family and friends.

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: WHO DID NO SIN, NEITHER WAS GUILE FOUND IN HIS MOUTH: Who, when reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. ~1 Peter 2:21-23~

6. When you are tempted to make light of holy things.

"Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few." ~Ecclesiastes 5:2~

7. When you are tempted to joke about sin.

"Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour." ~Proverbs 14:9~

8. If you would be ashamed of your words later.

"All the words of my mouth are in righteousness: there is nothing froward or perverse in them." ~Proverbs 8:8~

9. If your words would convey the wrong impression.

"He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit." ~Proverbs 17:27~

10. If the issue is none of your business.

"The heart knoweth his own bitterness: and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy." ~Proverbs 14:10~

11. When you are tempted to tell an outright lie.

"Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee." ~Proverbs 4:24~

12. If your words will damage someone's repuation.

"An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire." ~Proverbs 16:27~

13. If your words will damage a friendship.

"A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends." ~Proverbs 16:28~

14. When you are feeling critical.

"Therewith bless we God, even the Father, and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God." ~James 3:9~

15. If you can't speak without yelling.

"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." ~Proverbs25:28~

16. When it is time to listen.

"A wise man heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not a rebuke." ~Proverbs 13:1~

17. If you may have to eat your words later.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." ~Proverbs 18:21~

18. If you have already said more than one time (then it becomes nagging).

"A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping." ~Proverbs 19:13~

19.When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person.

"He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him." ~Proverbs 24:24~

20. When you are supposed to be working instead.

"In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury." ~Proverbs 14:23

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from trouble." ~Proverbs 21:23~

He Leadeth Me

2009-09-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

"He leadeth me : O blessed thought! O words with heav'nly comfort fraught!

What'er I do, where'er I be, still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

Sometimes 'mid scenes of of deepest gloom , sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,

By waters calm o'er troubled sea, still 'tis his hand that leadeth me.

Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine , nor ever murmur nor repine;

Content, whatever lot I see, since 'tis my God that leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done, when by thy grace, the vict'ry's won,

E'en death's cold wave I will not flee, since God through Jordan leadeth me."

"He leadeth me, he leadeth me; By his own hand he leadeth me:

His faithful foll'wer I would be, for by his hand he leadeth me."

A Day at the Lake

2009-09-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Daddy, Mother, Alexandre and I spent a lovely afternoon at Glimmerglass State Park. It was the most beautiful day to go. We all had such a relaxing time. What a perfect way to end the summer. In January, while the snow is blowing and the temperature is below zero(!!), I will remember this day!

The lake was so pretty. It sparkled and glittered. It brought to mind "The Laking of

Shining Waters", like any Anne of Green Gables fan would do!!

This is my favorite!

This is Mother backing the truck, with the canoe, down to the boat launch. I thought she was doing a pretty good job of it!!

The peanut gallery watching as Mother backs the truck up. You can only imagine what they are thinking!!

What is a day at Glimmerglass without the bikes?!?!? To any of you, who go regulary to the park and are able to bring your bikes, I would highly recomend that you do this. It is sooooo much fun to bike here!

Alexandre and I canoeing towards the lake. (He needs some practice!) And to those of you who are wondering if we tipped it (you know who you are!!), we did NOT!!

My dear mother and I. I love the shades!! Don't we look, well.......beachy!!

Swings!! YAY!! The sign on the playground stated that it was designed for 5-12 year olds. Bummer........

......but we couldn't resist!! I look 12, right!?!?

Look at those legs!! They look like two q-tips shooting into the sky!

Biking! This was about the only time this kid was behind me. He may not be able to canoe but he sure can ride a bike!

Isn't that neat?!?!? We are not very far from the oldest covered bridge in the U.S. Woohoo!

It's so much fun to walk through, or would you say on, or would you say under?

Bare piggies!! I love this part of summer! Warm sand in between my toes. Don't get that sensation in January.

The water was a bit chilly, but once you got in it was quite refreshing. I had a hard time getting out!

Well, that is it until next summer. I'm so gald we were able to do this. A day at the lake is such a wonderful way to enjoy God's creation. I thank Him and praise Him for giving us such a glorious day. :)

Faithfulness

2009-08-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

I was totally unaware that Pastor Byerly would be preaching on faithfulness when I posted yesterday! Hmm......interesting. Anyway, he preached on the characteristics of a faithful man who would be qualifying for the ministry, but these characteristics can be applied to all of us- husbands, wives, parents, children, employees, etc. Here are a few of them:

1. A faithful man gives and keeps his promises.

2. A faithful man is humble.

3. A faithful man is fervent in prayer.

4. A faithful man will guard his flock (speaking of a pastor to his sheep).

These four were the main topics, but under these Pastor brought up faithfulness in regards to puncuality, money and finances, marriage, and the church. The appeal to be unfaithful is strong in our day. We need to look to Christ for faithfulness and follow his example. May we all strive to be faithful men and women in an unfaithful world.

"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fall not; as thou hast been thou for ever will be.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth , Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and great hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see: All I have needed Thy hand hath provided-Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!"

~Thomas O. Chisholm~

"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.

~Lamentations 2:22-23~

A Faithful Wife

2009-08-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

I happened upon this poem while browsing through a book of poetry compiled in the late 19th Century. It's an inspiration to me, and also something that we do not see much of anymore in our day and age. Enjoy!

"In youth I saw but a maiden fair; and finding beauty I sought no more,
But loved and wedded as youth will dare, and little knew of the prize I bore.
Proud was I 'midst my fellow men, dear to me was my young wife then.

But as life advanced and cares came thick-on every side came pressing round,
Till my wearied heart grew faint and sick-ever her at my side I found,
With words of counsel wise and free; dearer still was she then to me.

Her hair is gray, and her sweet blue eyes, though loving still are no longer bright;
And I list not now for her thoughts so wise; but for stronger ties our hearts unite.
Dear through life has she ever been: dearest now at its close serene."

~Author Unknown~

Sweet Words

2009-08-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

"All the way my Saviour leads me-what have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt his tender mercy who through life has been my Guide?

Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in him do dwell-

For I know, whatever befalleth me, Jesus doeth all things well."

"All the way my Saviour leads me, cheers each winding path I tread.

Gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living Bread.

Though my weary steps may falter, and a thirst my soul may be,

Gushing from the rock before me, lo, a spring of joy I see!"

"All the way my Saviour leads me-O the fulness of his love.

Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father's house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,

This my song through endless ages: Jesus lead me all the way!"

~Fanny J. Crosby~

Baltimore Woods

2009-07-28T14:33:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday David and his brothers took me for a lovely hike in these woods. We had so much fun!

The path.

My boy and I:)

Kevin and his "walking stick".

Two of my "other" brothers. :)

There was a beautiful flower garden at

the beginnig of the woods.

Blacked Eyed Susans

Bee Balm

It was a great afternoon and I hope to do it again someday.......:) Thanks guys!

Beautiful!!

2009-07-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pieces of music. Such feeling and emotion. Totally Beethoven!! Enjoy!

Lost-A Boy!

2009-07-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

Not kidnapped by bandits and hidden in a cave to weep and starve and raise a nation to frenzied searching. Were that the case, one hundred thousand men would rise to the rescue, if need be. Unfortunately the losing of this lad is without dramatic excitement, though very sad and very real.

The fact is his father lost him. Being too busy to sit with him at the fireside and answer his trivial questions during the years when fathers are the only great heros of the boys, he let go his hold.

And his mother lost him. Being so much occupied with teas, dinners, and club programmes, she let the maid hear the boy say his prayers, and thus her gripp slipped and the boy was lost to his home.

Aye, the Church lost him. Being so occupied with sermons for the wise and elderly who pay the bills, and having good care for dignity, the ministers and elders were unmindful of the human feelings of the boy in the pew, and made no provision in sermon or song or personal contact for his boyishness. And, so the Church and many sad-hearted parents are looking earnestly for the lost boy.

Anonymous

Peter Marshall's Challenge

2009-07-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

(I know quite a few of you have already read this , but I'm going to post it anyway.)

Peter Marshall, one-time chaplain to the U.S. Senate, exhorting American women, said the following:

The modern challenge to motherhood is the eternal challenge-that of being godly women. The very phrase sounds strange in our ears. We never hear it now.
We hear about every other kind of women-beautiful women, smart woman, sophisticated women, career woman, talented women, divorced women.
But so seldom do we hear of a godly woman-or of a godly man either, for that matter.
I believe women come nearer fulfilling their God-given function in the home than anywhere else.
It is a much nobler thing to be a good wife than to be Miss america.
It is a greater achievment to establish a Christian home than it is to produce a second-rate novel, filled with filth.
It is a far, far better thing in the realms of morals to be old-fashioned than to be ultra-modern.
The world has enough women who know how to hold their cocktails, who have lost all their illusions and their faith.
The world has enough women who know how to be smart.
It needs women who are willing to be simple.
The world has enough women who know how to be brilliant.
It needs some who will be brave.
The world has enough women who are popular.
It needs more who will be pure.
We need women, and men, too, who would rather be morally right than socially correct.
Let us not fool ourselves-without Christianity, without Christian education, without the principles of Christ inculcated into young life, we are simply rearing pagans.
Physically, they will be perfect. Intellectually, they will be brilliant. But spiritually, they will be pagan. Let us not fool ourselves.
The twentieth century challenge to motherhood-when it is all boiled down-is that mothers will have an experince of God...a reality which they can pass on to their children.

The first time I read this I was brought to tears. In the world's eyes, the wife and mother at home is despised and looked down upon, but in God's eyes she is doing what he has called her to do. Lord willing, I hope to be a wife and mother at home. I think it the highest calling a woman can possess on this earth. The happiest and most content women I know are homemakers. That should tell you something!!
I except Mr. Marshall's challenge. Who will join me?

Did you ever wonder why???

2009-07-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

(I found these from Sarah's Promise, too. I think they'll tickle your funny bone!! They did mine!)

...why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?

...why you don't ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?

...why doctors call what they do "practice"?

...why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor, while dish soap is made with real lemons?

...why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?

...why there isn't mouse-flavored cat food?

...why they don't make the entire plane out of the material used for the indestructable black box?

...why they are called apartments when they're all stuck together?

...why they call the airport "the terminal" if flying is so safe?

In case you need further proof the the human race is doomed because of stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.

On a Sear's hairdryer: "Do not use while sleeping." (and that's the only time I have to work on my hair).

On a bag of Fritos: "You could be winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside." (the shoplifters special).

On a bar of dial soap: "Directions: Use like regular soap." (and that would be how???...)

On some Swanson frozen dinners: "Serving suggestions: Defrost." (but, it's "just" a suggestion).

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert(printed on bottom): "Do not turn upside down." (well...duh, a bit late, huh)!

On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding: "Product will be hot after heating." ( and you thought?...)

On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do not iron clothes on body." (but wouldn't this save me more time?)

On Boot's Children Cough Medicine: "Do not drive a car or operate macinery after taking this medication." (We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5-year olds with head colds off those fork lifts.)

On Nytol Sleep Aid: "Warning: May cause drowsiness." (and... I'm taking this because?)

On most brands of Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only." (as opposed to...what?)

On a Japanese food processor: "Not to be used for the other use." (now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)

On Sunsbury's peanuts: "Warning: Contains nuts." ( talk about a new's flash.)

On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts." (Step 3: maybe, uh..fly Delta?)

On a child's Superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly." ( I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)

On a Swedish chainsaw: "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals." (...was there alot of this happening somewhere?)

The 7 Ups

2009-07-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

I found this while reading a magazine we used to subscribe to called, "Sarah's Promise".

1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day.

"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance;
but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!...for what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do
not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity let us do good..."
Galations 6:9-10

5.Look Up!!...to the Lord.

"I can do all things through Christ who stengthens me." Philippians 4:13

6.Reach Up!!...for something higher.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

7.Lift Up!!...your prayers.

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phillipians 4:6

Graduation Parties!!

2009-06-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I was blessed to have been able to attend two graduation parties of three very dear friends. Even though it rained we all still had fun. (The first five photos are from Josh and Drew's party and the second five are from Caroline's party.) Congratulations to all!!

Josh(one of the graduates) and I.

Crazy guys!!

The other graduate, Drew.

Karica and I (it has been way too long!)

Someone doesn't like pictures!!

Six of the dearest people I know!! :)

Guys......

The beautiful and might I add scrumptious cake.

Sweet Abigail

Lovely Wildflowers

'Tis The Season...

2009-06-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

for graduations!! We have two graduation parties to attend this Saturday. Actually three, because one is a combined party. I'm so excited!! It is such an exciting time for graduates. God has so much planned for them that they don't even know about. Here are a few of my favorite scripture verses that I would like to share with them(and all of you!):

" Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Committ they way unto the Lord; and He shall bring it to pass." ~Psalm 37:4-5~

" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6~

" To everything there is a season , and a time to every purpose under the heaven." ~Ecclesiastes 3:1~

Happy Graduation!!

Christ Must Be Center

2009-06-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

This is taken from a small book called "Secrets of Happy Home Life", written by J. R. Miller in the late nineteenth century. I have been challenged by his words and hope, if the Lord wills, to establish a home such as this with someone who has Christ as the center of his life.

"What are some of the secrets of happy home life? The answer might be given in one word-Christ. Christ at the marriage altar; Christ on the bridal journey; Christ when the new home is set up; Christ when the baby is born; Christ when a child dies; Christ in the pinching times; Christ in the times of plenty; Christ in the nursery, in the kitchen, in the parlor; Christ in the toil and in the rest; Christ along all the years; Christ when the wedded pair walk toward the sunset gates; Christ the sad hour when farewells are spoken and one goes before and the other stays, bearing the unshared grief. Christ is the secret of happy home life."

Proverbs 31:10

2009-06-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

" Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."

There are becoming fewer and fewer virtuous women in this country and in the world. Young women don't care any more about being chaste, modest, pure, discrete, etc. It is my desire to be the opposite of these young women and to be what God wants me to be-virtuous. For her price is far above rubies. Think about that for a minute. Young women of virtue are more valuable than a precious stone? Wow!! I want to be called virtuous. Will you join me?