a wonderful encouragement

Yes, I know that I haven’t posted in 2 months just like I said.  Lameeeee-o.  And really, this post has nothing to do with what’s going on in our lives as far as activities, but I thought it might be an encouragement to some.

I’m reading 2 books right now:  Knowing God by J.I. Packer and The Autobiography of George Muller.  Both of them I am reading quite slowly so as to apply what I’m learning to my life.  I have been “slow” in my prayer life recently and due to an assignment from our care group leader that asked us to list the roles we have and goals we had this summer in regards to those roles, I decided to read these 2 books as part of my goal to grow more in communion with God and pick up my prayer life.  Anyway, I wanted to post these two paragraphs from George Mullers’ book because I think that it is both convicting and encouraging at the same time.  Hopefully you think so too!

These paragraphs come at the end of a chapter highlighting Mr. Mullers’ testimony and subsequent growth (or lack thereof)….

“I was growing in the faith and knowledge of Jesus, but I still preferred reading religious books instead of the Scriptures.  I read tracts, missionary newsletters, sermons, and biographies of Christian people.  God is the author of the Bible, and only the truth it contains will lead people to true happiness.  A Christian should read this precious Book every day with earnest prayer and meditation.  But like many believers, I preferred to read the works of uninspired men rather than the oracles of the living God.  Consequently, I remained a spiritual baby both in knowledge and grace.

The last and most important means of growing in the Lord, prayer, was also something I greatly neglected.  I prayed often and generally with sincerity.  But if I had prayed more earnestly, I would have made much more rapid progress in my faith.  Despite my slowness to grasp spiritual principles, however, God showed his great patience toward me and helped me to grow steadily in Him.”

First of all, who of us can’t relate to the first point in some way?  Even when we are reading the Word everyday, it’s much easier to sit down with a book!  But God doesn’t call us to only know about Him, He calls us to know Him.  Period.

Secondly, well, it’s pretty self explanatory.  All of us can agree on this point about prayer.  Praise God for his patience and faithfulness to continue sanctify and show us abundant mercy!

Psalm 119: 103:  ‘How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!’

Simple thoughts.

They’re popping out everywhere

So, just found out something about these two crazies:

One of them is gonna get fat.

(In a cute, baby belly kinda way)

Praise God!  Congrats Pete & Naomi!

15 things you’ve missed in 2 months. whoops.

1.  An official Marine!  Graduated, home, training, now stationed in CA.

2.  Eric trying his hand at making crepes.  Delicious!

3.  A birthday for sweet Keely.  Two.  She wants you to think she’s really this sweet.

4.  The last snowfall of the season.  Not so great for sledding…we were the only ones out there.  Brave…or lame.

5.  A wonderful, beautiful wedding.

6.  A big girl potty.

7.  Sibling bonding time.

8.  My life, as I know it, being over.  A.K.A. Crawling.

9.  Mischief.

10.  Boy time at FanFest at Camden Yards.

11.  A little crafting of Calvary for Easter.

12.  A pregnancy!  Woot Woot!

13.  Growing…

14.  Growing…

15.  Growing…

Hopefully we’ll be able to keep up the posting a bit better than every 2 months.  But, probably not.

Humpty Dumpty strikes again.

So while the kids were taking a bath tonight, Ez came out with this one:

Ezra:  (laughing hysterically at Keely)….MOMMY!  I’M CRACKING UP AT KEELY!

Me:  (laughing that my 3 y/o just used the phrase “cracking up”)  I know, you’re silly!

Ezra:  I need glue!  Get me glue!

Me:  Huh?  Glue?  Why?

Ezra:  Cause I’m CRACKING UP!!!

Genius.  Pure genius.

Wow.

So, through catching up on some blog reading while the kids are somewhat quiet in their rooms (supposedly “sleeping”), I picked up some interesting information from Tim Challies blog.  Basically Lifeway Christian Bookstores are starting to label some books in their repetoire with the phrase “Read With Discernment.”  Now, I am not a big Lifeway Books fan basically because they carry a lot of shall we say “bad” books.  Meaning, unbiblical.  So, when I read this little tidbit about them labeling books with this “Read With Discernment” phrase, I was intrigued.  Low and behold, the authors that are labeled with this phrase are none other than Rob Bell, Brian McClaren, and Donald Miller.  Go figure, right?  Praise God!  If Lifeway Books, who sell study bibles by Joyce Meyers (!!!), are putting the “Read With Discernment” phrase on these emergent guys, doesn’t that say something?

Here’s the link to WHY they’re doing this.

wow.

Hard at work.

My favorite pic of the week:

We didn’t teach him this, really.

Ezra:  “Mommy, you’re my favorite, best girl!”

Me:  “Aw, thanks Ez!  Why did you say that?”

Ezra:  “You’re my favorite, best girl because when you growed up, you’re gonna be a man.”

Growing the next generation of chauvinists right here in MD.

Plenty.

So, I just finished another book to add to my New Years Resolution list.  Yes, its taken me awhile to finish this book…but wifely duties and a good bout of the stomach flu will thwart anyones good intentions to read.  Anywho, the book is called “Plenty… One man, One Woman and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally” by Alisa Smith & J.B. MacKinnon.  Disclaimer:  I am already half obsessed with food and wanting to make all different kinds of foods organic, sustainable and local (though my living situation and budget do not allow it at this time!), so I might be a little biased.

Basically it’s a book about this couple who decide to eat only things that are locally cultivated within 100 miles of their Vancouver, BC home because of varying factors that I need not go into now.  Its very well written, humorous at times, inspiring (to those food types who are prone to question foods origins etc), and not preachy.  Very environmental-hippie-but-not-wanting-to-be-hippie kind of book.  I must say that it can be a little arduous  to get through some of the geographic explanations and histories at times, but I think part of that is because I know nothing about Canada or the Pacific Northwest in general.  The second half of the book was a fly-through.  I also liked how even though it talks some about evolution, that it gave me more of a sense of the beauty of God’s creation and provision for us.  Anyway, there you have it.  Recommended.

Why we love the age of 3.

Ezra:  “What’s that sound?”

Grammom:  “What sound?  The clock?”

Ezra:  “The clock?  Yeah, the clock.  But the hands aren’t moving.”

Grammom:  “Well, the hands move very slowly, it’s hard to see”

Ezra:  “Whats that other sound?”

Grammom:  “Uh, I don’t know.  Gilligan maybe?” (the dog)

Ezra:  “No,  not Gilligan….I think it’s the sound machine in my brains.”

Comes with the Season

A Child and his/her puke. I hate it. Cant stand it. Keely’s puke wasn’t too bad, real watery, not much substance. Lila’s puke was a little worse, mainly formula and baby cereal, but she only hurled a couple times. Ezra however, his body really gets into it. All the food from the past week is apparently still in there and wanting splash on the floor.
It’s just that season I guess.

Some RV Fun

So we picked my bro up from the Marines in South Carolina this past week, and we all rode home in an RV on Fri. It was late at night after about 10 hours of driving that we resorted to entertaining ourselves this way: (the better part is in the middle, involving the cookie)

MY reviews.

So since Eric has posted some reviews, I guess I must as well….

Why Were Not Emergent:  A fast read and a very good semi-in-depth view of the Emergent church and culture.  Has actually caused me to pray more for friends that I know and people in general that are hooked into an emergent church or are being led astray by the Rob Bell/Brian McClaren type of “theology”.  Not that it’s all bad about the emergent church, there are definitely some good things as well.  Recommended in general, but even more so if you are a working person (as opposed to being at home with your kids) since there are a lot of evangelistic opportunities and this seems to be a huge trend.

Uprooting Anger:  A good read, but not anything I haven’t heard or read before.  Recommended to help get to the heart of anger issues in the light of scripture.  (Though if you’ve been in our church for some time, it won’t be anything new, but nevertheless a good reminder)

Faithful Preachers:  I really enjoyed this book.  It’s three biographies  (and 3 sermons from each of the men)of three different African American preachers from the late 18th and 19th century.  A sobering look at the importance of character and education that pastors should be aspiring to with God’s grace.  It made me extremely grateful for the men that pastor our church and how they not only keep the gospel central, but also their reliance on God’s grace to help them to shepherd our congregation so as to present us without blemish before the Lord.  Highly recommended.

So far that’s it…the book I’m working on now is totally unrelated–it’s actually about food.  Go figure.

In more unrelated news, Eric comes home tonight with Nick and the rest of the family!  woo hoo!

History repeats itself

Read it.

My Brother Nick

Tonight my brothers, Ryan and Josh, are driving down to South Carolina with me to see our youngest brother Nick graduate from Marine Boot Camp. He’s a Marine now, and I am very proud of what he has done and what he will continue to do. I can’t wait to see him! My parents are also going down along with many other members of our family. I hope he knows and feels our support for him. I’ll be glad to bring him home so that my kids can see their uncle Nick. They def missed him, they would pray for him, sing random senseless songs for him, play with the GI Joes and say that they are uncle Nick. I’m excited about this week. I love my brother.

Reading On

After a brutal game of Othello, where I showed no mercy to Amanda, we both finished our latest reads for the year.

Mine was Everyday Talk. It’s a book on parenting that I thought was pretty helpful. There were a lot of examples that were used that  served me in making it more practical. Though the times that there weren’t any examples seemed to be the times I needed them the most. The best chapter was called “Big sins, Little Sins”, and will hopefully prove to be very beneficial. It was a helpful easy read, but it seemed to be only that one chapter that left a mark.

This Sunday

…I cried purple tears…

The Man Himself

So….yesterday was cool. Amanda and I went out for a “breakfast date” to a somewhat nearby little coffee shop. We were sitting on the couch inside the shop enjoying the espresso when in walked Terry O’Quinn the actor who plays John Locke on LOST!!! As you know we’re big fans, so I got uber excited. I drank my coffee really fast and decided that I needed to go say something. I went up to him and talked with him for a min, and then he wanted to say hi to Amanda because she was still sitting on the couch, and he talked to us for like 3 min. He was very kind, had nice teeth, no scar, and maybe gave us a clue.

That was pretty exciting for us! Now we really cant wait to watch our new BFF in the premier next week!!

He wasn’t  like this, he was just getting coffee so he was a bit cleaner and nicer.

How I wish I felt at all times.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (at least in Baltimore)

The Night Before Festivus

‘Twas the night before Festivus, when all through Charm City
Ravens fans were stirring and even felt giddy.
The jerseys were hung by the chimney with flare,
In hopes that Joe Flacco soon would be there.

The fans were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of the playoffs danced in their heads.
And when we awoke and January 10th was the date,
We just settled down for a winter’s tailgate,

When out in the end zone there arose such a clatter,
The opponent looked over to see what was the matter.
The season had boiled down to one single game
as the players were looking for more than just fame

And what to my wondering eyes looked intense,
For it was Ray Lewis…and the Baltimore defense.
A terrifying unit, so lively and quick,
They’ll hit you, they’ll haunt you, or even grab the pick.
More rapid than wolves these hunters they came,
And Ray whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

“T-Sizzle! now, JJ! now, Bannan, Haloti!
On, Trevor! on Leonhard! on, Reed and Samari!
To the top of the mountain! to the top of the hill!
Knock them out! Get the ball! Now in for the kill!”

And then, the offense, led by a menacing line,
Came onto the field and was ready to fly.
A three-headed monster was at running back,
led by McClain, a big rumbling mack.
And Mason the veteran, with his shoulder so sore,
Kept reining in passes, one, two, three, more!

And finally, a sight so perfect, so new;
a quarterback to be proud of, a little like Johnny U.
Joe Flacco was ready to take the city by storm,
his cannon for an arm much better than norm,
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And led them downfield, the fans going berserk.

The Ravens were ready to give such a gift
to the fans of Baltimore who needed the lift.
Coach Harbaugh exclaimed, while his team looked so sleek,
“Happy Festivus to all, and we’ll see you next week.”
(From an email I recieved)
GO RAVENS!

Reviews on Books I’ve Read?

Ummm…prob won’t happen. I mean, it could, but realistically… probably not. I can at least recommend them or not.
Amanda and I are keeping a running list of the books we’ve read this year on the right of the page.
So, I’ll do the three I’ve read so far.

• The book on Jed (Johnathan Edwards)- First off its a big book. One of the bigger ones I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed it though. Read mostly like a novel which made it easier. Got a little tough towards the end (a lot of political things going on, but it was helpful to learn). I would Def recommend it to anyone wanting a in depth look at Jed or for anyone just wanting a good bio. Read it.
• The Book on the Emergent Church – Very helpful in understanding what their movement is all about, and why its so messed up. It should also help with your discernment. I would recommend to anyone wanting to know what the hoopla is over Rob Bell, and why he and all who follow him need our prayers. Read it.
• The Gospel and Evangelism Book – Nice small easy read. You’ll prob finish in two or three sittings. Pretty basic stuff, mostly clarifying misunderstandings. Helpful. Challenging. Read it, it wont set you back much financially or in time.

New Years Resolve

Here is my new years resolution. I wasn’t planning on making any (Don’t aim, can’t miss).

So far I’ve already done one (I really just finished it though, I had started it in ‘08)! Pretty sure I won’t get 52, but if I end up reading 20-30 that would be pretty sweet.

The hard part is…applying all 52 books. Plus you also have at least 52 sermons. Any conference teachings. Any additional teachings that a friend says “You really gotta listen to this!” And finally, all that you read from the Word! You could be looking at 250-400 points of application for 2009. If done faithfully, our 2010 resolution might be to start changing water into wine for more people.

Late night conversation with my honest wife

Amanda: “I think I’m hungry”

Eric: “Well, lets go eat something”

Amanda: “Lets”?

Eric: “We are “One Flesh”

Amanda: “Well, your half is bigger.”

Only in Baltimore

will you find a demonic looking angel and a beer can angel at Christmastime.

More pictures from the lights in Hampden this year:

Watch out Rob Bell!

If you want a good laugh, head on over to Naomi’s site and watch this video.

Annoyance and the old self-righteousness…ugh.

All I have to say is that as I was browsing Facebook tonight looking at old/current friends pages (that would confess a saving faith in Christ) the quote that is on the sidebar of this blog kept coming to mind:

“We are not only to renounce evil, but to manifest the truth. We tell people the world is vain; let our lives manifest that it is so. We tell them that our home is above and that all these things are transitory. Does our dwelling look like it? O to live consistent lives!” – Hudson Taylor

Hopefully, that conveys my thoughts for tonight.