16 August 2009

This will only take 10 minutes . . . please watch this short video featuring Voddie Baucham.
It only gets better as the (condensed) sermon unfolds.

“All things were created through Him and all things were created for Him. The ultimate purpose of all things is to bring Him glory and honor, and that He might have the supremacy in all things.

So, who am I? The crown and glory of the creation of God. Why am I here? To bring glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ! That’s why I exist. That is why you exist.”

– Voddie Baucham

How thankful I am for the grace of God! How thankful I am for the sacrifice of Christ on the cross to pay the debt for my sins — a debt I could never pay back!

[4] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, God's Creation, Inspirations

14 August 2009

(this is not a clue . . . or is it?)

[17] Comments » | Categories: God's Creation, Inspirations, Photography

12 August 2009

“When we proclaim the truth, we should always keep in mind that it is God who changes minds and hearts, not any eloquence or persuasiveness that we possess. We mustn’t let fear or frustration keep us from being bold and loving in our proclamations. . . . we may never see the impact of our witness this side of heaven . . . continue reading.”

– Jasmine Baucham at Joyfully Home

“Every minute of the day we are teaching our children volumes about being a wife and mother just as our husbands teach by their example what it is to be a father and leader of the home. . . . Remember in your heart that one of the key ways to begin to change your home and culture around you is by beginning with yourself . . . continue reading.”

– Mrs. June Fuentes at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
(from her series on The Christian Mother)

[4] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Inspirations

10 August 2009

“Cutting in the Butter”

August is a busy month this year! The Lord has blessed our family with a large and exciting project which we will be spending the majority of our time on for the next several weeks. I think you all will really like it . . . but it isn’t ready to be unveiled yet.

In the meantime you can enjoy the photos that I post as you eagerly await the announcement!

So you don’t miss out on our new adventure, stay updated by subscribing here!

[9] Comments » | Categories: Family, Food, Inspirations, Life

7 August 2009

Momma, Sarah Mae, Myself, & Breezy (Photo by Jesse)

Last weekend we had Sarah Mae (from Like a Warm Cup of Coffee) and her family over from Wednesday through Sunday morning. It was a wonderful weekend of rich fellowship and getting to know one another in person. We originally met Sarah online through our blogs over a year ago, and we were blessed to actually meet her in person – and get to spend a whole weekend with her family!

Ella holding Daddy’s hand . . . how sweet! (Photo by Breezy)

After they arrived Wednesday evening, we talked and got to know each other a little better. It is interesting how strange it is to finally see someone “move” who one has only seen in pictures. It was also a relief (not that we had any doubts) to find that we all got along splendidly! What kindred spirits they are!

Journeying through the Creation Museum.

Thursday we ate, talked, watched Return of the Daughters►, ate, and talked the rest of the day away. On Friday we all drove down to the Creation Museum► and spent the day there. It is always so good to go through there (no matter how many times!), and we were able to help watch over the children so that Jesse and Sarah Mae could soak it all in.

Sweet little Caroline in Maggie‘s arms. (Photo by Breezy)

One of the special parts about their visit was having children in the house – it was wonderful to get to practice our “mothering skills”! Children are such precious blessings from the Lord, and it is amazing to see them grow and learn – just like we do in our daily walks with God!

Sarah Mae and Myself (Photo by Momma)

We spent Saturday much like Thursday, but in addition to that we worked on Sarah’s new blog design ►. Sunday morning was their departure time. It was sad to see them go, but if they did not go we would not be able to visit them, nor could they visit us again.

We loved listening to and learning from Sarah Mae, in her gracious and joyful manner! What a blessing this dear family has been to ours! They are forever friends . . . always there, always in our hearts.

To read more about our visit, you can read Sarah’s Post ►,
Momma’s Post ►, and Breezy’s Post (coming soon).

[13] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, God's Creation, Inspirations, The Home

29 July 2009

[12] Comments » | Categories: God's Creation, Inspirations

27 July 2009

In her book, Hidden Art►, Edith Schaeffer explains:

“All art involves conscious discipline. If one is going to paint, do sculpture, design a building or write a book, it will involve discipline in time and energy — or there would never be any produce at all to be seen, felt or enjoyed by ourselves or others.“

How true this statement is! Without perseverance, and a great deal of discipline, art cannot be produced to its greatest potential! If we rattle-tattle around and do not diligently strive to make progress, how will our talents ever develop?

Art can be beautiful. Art can be ugly. What are we striving for in our art? What are we spending our time creating? Are we producing work that honors our Creator (who created beauty), or work that dishonors our Creator? What is the motive of our art?

We must create art that glorifies God. Our motive should not be selfish gain, money, praise, or anything other than to point to our Lord. It is He that created us, and why would we wish to do anything that would displease Him and bring shame to is His Name?

Just as art requires “conscious discipline”, so does our motives. It is only by God’s grace that we breathe, that we see, that we hear, that we feel, . . . and that we create. It is He that gives us those talents, and the patience to cultivate and grow them. No matter how “good” our art becomes, may we never refrain from giving God all the praise.

As we create art around us (and as we do everything), let us forever keep at the forefront of our minds that our motives (in everything) should always be to glorify God!

[7] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, God's Creation, Handmade, Inspirations, Life, The Home

16 July 2009

In 1982, soon after my parents met.

“I’m not planning on getting married,” to which my mother replied, “I’m moving to Chicago next month for college.”

This was one of their first conversations, but it was not their last. My parents “fell” in love. My mother did go to college, but returned home after staying only four months because she missed my father (I don’t think it was because she missed her job a McDonald’s).

My parents were married about a year later. I am so very thankful for God’s grace in their lives, and the miracle He performed. They were not Christians, but later in life He saved them, calling them into His service.

Breezy and I have been blessed to be raised in a Christian home, where we have grown closer as a family as we have grown closer to our Lord and Savior. I praise God for my parents and how He has used them to teach and train us — all in the fear of Him.

I am inspired by my parents. I am inspired by the way my parents serve, the way they study God’s Word (and share with us), and the way that they fear the Lord and not man. I will be forever grateful for my faithful parents!

“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
And his children will have refuge.” – Proverbs 14:27

In 2009, now married for 26 years. (Photo by Breezy)

I love you Daddy and Momma!

[14] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Inspirations, The Home

6 July 2009

This morning, Momma picked our first harvest of green beans from our boxes. The plants are happy and healthy (though a bit short), and are producing delicious-looking beans. And that color of green is downright charming!

Yesterday, I rebound (using the Zutter binder) an older copy of Hidden Art by Mrs. Edith Schaeffer. I wanted it in notebook form so that it would be quick to flip through and I could easily take notes. I did do something silly with the binding (as in punching the holes on the wrong side of the book), but it just reminds me that I’m not perfect and how much I need my Savior — even in the little things!

As to my recovery, I am doing very well indeed! Friday was the first day that I was able to bearably go without pain medicine, and I have been feeling progressively better each day. Now, I am nearly back to normal (minus four wisdom teeth). Thank you all for your prayers!

[14] Comments » | Categories: God's Creation, Handmade, Inspirations, Life, The Home