Little French girl tells a story...

I love the imagination of children. In fact, besides reading stories, one of my favorite things to do is write down their stories. If I have a smaller group of children in class, after they do their art project I ask them to tell me about it, and write then I write it down. Here is the story of a little french girl. Curious how Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, witches, alligators and hippos allergic to magic can all fit into one story? Well, listen to Cupucha. If you'd like to see the story come to real life, watch this video here made by her mother.

Information Overload

Information overload is the only way I can explain what I’ve been feeling about my information intake concerning abortion. I’ve been reading books, articles, statistics and state laws. I’ve been following tweets, youtube videos & organizations. I’ve taken a tour of a Pregancy Care Clinic, and learned about local Planned Parenthoods. There’s been so much I’ve wanted to share…

So here goes. Each month, I will post one to two arguments that ProChoicers have against abortion. (A few of the arguments have always secretly been in the back of my mind.) There tends to be more than one good answer to each argument so I will probably have three or more parts to each argument. These will only be summarized answers from Randy Alcorn’s “ProLife Answers to ProChoice Arguments.”

If you don’t have this book already, (it’s recently been expanded & updated) I’d highly recommend you add it your Amazon Wish List as a great resource to have.

Before I get started, let it be noted that this is mostly directed for the church, to be a blessing of information (however, if you are not a follower of Christ, please follow along-may you be drawn to not just be ProLife but to Life Everlasting in Christ). Why for the church? Because I believe that Christians are called to care for the “least of these” and by caring for them we welcome Jesus. Also, if it’s true that God knits us together in our mother’s wombs and we’ve been created in the image of God-then abortion should be truly & deeply offensive to us- since it is God who gives and takes away-not man. Finally, like a baby in the womb that is weak and needy, and in danger of his/her life being snuffed out-so was I. I was weak and needy, headed on the path to destruction, and God saved me through His son Jesus Christ. The gospel is seen in standing up for the weak & needy-and that’s why we are called to be for life-because God has given it to us abundantly.

The First argument I will be posting next week is: What about a woman who is pregnant due to rape or incest?

God of My Fathers

I've really been lovin' Girltalk. If you don't follow it already, I highly recommend it. Yesterday they posted their "Friday Favorite" which was a CD by Andrew Peterson. Though I definitely like the song that was mentioned I thought I'd post this one called "God of My Fathers" I don't even have children but it made me cry listening to the lyrics and praying about future children. Whether you are a parent or not I'm sure this song will bless you. My favorite parts are emboldened.

God of my fathers
Huddled in the harbor
Every man an ocean from his home
Their captors could not keep them
When they heard the drums of freedom
The dream of a kingdom
In a land they've never known

And God of my fathers
Strangers in this country
Pilgrims on these dusty roads
Across the great plains
In the bellies of the steel trains
To stake a new claim
In that wilderness of hope

Like my fathers I am looking for a home
Looking for a home beyond the sea
So be my God and guide me
Till I lie beneath the hills
Then let the great God of my fathers
Be the great God of my children still

God of my grandfathers
Gone these many years now
I guess they're shining like the sun
And I envision them
Grinning at the finish
And they smile and they smile,
'Cause they love to see me run

Chorus

Now we're counting stars and counting sand
Little feet and little hands
We're counting joys
We pray you'll know them
As you knew us when you wove us
As you hold us
Hold them, please hold them

Like their father, they are looking for a home
Looking for a home beyond the sea
So be their God and guide them
Till they lie beneath these hills
And let the great God of their father
Be the great God of their children
Let the great God of my fathers
Be the great God of my children still

Yellow water with a brown spot

So last night I was babysitting and I don't know why but this little toilet just really made me laugh. The toy? A miniature toilet for a doll house. When you first pick it up, you see it's cute and pink. It even has a miniature roll of toilet paper hanging off the side! (why are small things so cute?) Inside the toilet bowl, there is blue water inside. But watch out! When you push down on the little nob, there's a surprise! The flip side of the blue water is yellow water with a brown spot in the middle! Did you hear me? I said YELLOW WATER with a BROWN SPOT in the middle! So much for being cute and dainty! That's what barbies do (or should I say "doo"?). Anyways, I first took the picture because I knew my husband would love it, but then I thought I'd share with you guys out there too! Here are the pictures:

What are some funny/shocking/interesting/crazy toys you've seen?

Don't Waste Your Sports

For literally half of my life I've played soccer. From being a blue Smurf when I was 4 to playing for my High School team when I was 16 I've played, goalie, defense, forward, etc. But that time has passed. I'm not longer in organized sports. So when I see a sermon titled "Don't waste your sports" (by C.J. Mahaney) featured on "Girltalk" I assume this is maybe something I could pass along to my husband. I mean my husband is the one who follows football and plays each week with his friends-not me. But after an encouraging comment from a woman that was blessed by the sermon, I thought I'd take a look for myself...

When I was younger I never thought of playing sports for the glory of God. I wasn't much of a ball hog but when others were- I was sure to complain instead of be humble. And I know I didn't have a filter for what my coaches were telling me. "Use your body!" was a common one in soccer. (Hmm...maybe that's how that girls arm broke?) So looking into the past, listening to the sermon really brought some things to light. But it also made me think about the future. After all, I wasn't driving myself around to all those games and practices. It was my parents.

In the future, when I am taking my kids to soccer practice, will I talk to them about playing soccer for the glory of God? Will I tell my children that we don't have to be obsessed with the game, but enjoy it, for the glory of God? Will my children know the importance of giving glory to God when they make an excellent play? And being a humble teammate for the glory of God?

Well I don't know the future. But I certainly hope so.

There is a book but here is the sermon.

Most of All, Jesus Loves you! by Noel Piper

Most of All, Jesus Loves You by Noel Piper is a short simple sweet and most of all TRUE book. Kids know that their parents love them, or their grandparents love them, or that that aunts and uncles love them, but how often do they hear that Jesus has a greater love for them? What a great message to share within Christian families! I could see how it would be a great book to read before saying goodnight. There's not more than 1 line on each page, making it really excellent for toddlers and younger preschoolers. An extra thing that I really love about the pictures is that the people are diverse.

It's a little too short for older 4 and 5 year-olds in my class. They were surprised the first time I read it to them. They said, "That's it?" or "That was short."But it was still good for them to hear: nobody has greater love than Jesus. I highly recommend this book. I saw it on amazon for .17 cents. It's also, a great book for Sunday school classes and Christian Preschool Centers.

Down Syndrome, Prenatal Tests & Abortion

Did you know that 92% of pregnancies diagnosed with Downs Syndrome are aborted? 

Maybe it's because my own mother was a nurse, but as a child when I saw a person with a bit of a flatter face, those precious "almond shaped" eyes, and lips that characterize the facial features of a "downs" child, I didn't have to ask my parents "why do they look different?" I knew. But with that kind of abortion rate on these precious children, I can't help but wonder, will my children know & recognize the face of a child with Down Syndrome? Will I have opportunities, like my own mom did, to tell me how loving and affectionate these children are? Or will Down Syndrome children be so rare, that they never have a chance to wonder-let alone ask?

One thing that has contributed to this high statistic is that younger women are having tests done on them that typically were more routine for high risk pregnancies (i.e. older women). Now, the tests that were once designated for high risk pregnancies, are starting to be more routine for all pregnancies (as far as them being offered-that is). The test is a bit invasive (amniocentesis, chrionic villous sampling, percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling) so that probably scares some women from getting the test. However, I was reading "The Works of God" today (a blog on disability) and found out that a newer test is coming to reality. Now in the near future this test won't include needles going through abdomen walls to obtain fluids from the amiotic sac, or blood from the umbilical cord. Now it will simply be a blood test.

In his post, John Knight explains that he is not against tests that are for "knowing things about a child before he or she is born" because he recognizes that this, "can be very helpful in serving the child's medical needs." Knight says that he's more concerned with the doctors, insurers, and medical systems that tend NOT to have the best interests of the child with Down Syndrome in mind. In fact, a doctor in the article says, "some doctors who do routinely deliver a prenatal diagnosis also admit to purposely describing Down Syndrome in negative terms." Knight thinks it will help to give Doctors better training on their information of the syndrome, but more importantly focuses on what the church will do. Knight closes by asking these questions:

Will we stand for these parents and their children?
Will we present a different view of disability to every member?
Will we raise up a generation of doctors that battle for the unborn?
Will we trust God to supply every need?

I pray that these precious children, that God knew before the foundations of the earth, that he knit together in their mother's womb, will come to have life to the fullest with Christ-that their opportunity to live will not be cut short, by the ease of a test, and any ill motives of the medical world. I pray that my own children will have an opportunity to see God's own handiwork in the face of a child with Down Syndrome.

To read all of John Knight's post go here.

Also here is a trailer for an excellent episode about a 50 year old woman with Down Syndrome from Joni & Friends Television Show 

To watch the entire episode go here.

Calming the Baby Beast

Funny little baby getting down in the car-seat! Happy Monday!

Trees aren't the only ones worth saving

It all started working with the kids at a homeless shelter….

There, God planted in me a passion learn more about kids and off He sent me to CSUF to get a BS in Child Development.

Then a passion for the first 5 years of life grew in me, from there God opened a door to be a preschool teacher.

Then a passion for talking to children about the Gospel grew in me, and God gave me the resources to learn how to do it.

Then he showed me that children are a real gift from God, they are a heritage, and then He gave me passion for adoption.

As God grew me in my understanding of His adoption of me, He grew an understanding about orphans that I never knew before.

He showed me the connection between adoption and abortion….

Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. In the past I’ve never cared about this day-I never even knew about it.

Now I know.

Now I know that ProChoice is really ProAbortion.

Now I know that black babies are targets for abortion.

Now I know that my children will not recognize the face of a downs child.

Now I know that abortion is a cry against God to be God.

For as Job says “the Lord gives and THE LORD TAKES away.”

Our generation wants to go on walks for people with aids and breast cancer, they want to raise money & awareness for debilitating diseases.

Our generation will lay down their lives for neighborhood parks, and national forests.

But who will do it for the unborn?

Who will pursue the life of a child and protect them from their very own mother, the grandmother, the boyfriend, or the abortionist?

After all, as a slogan that I recently read says, “Trees aren’t the only ones worth saving.” 

Millions Die, Saint Cries

Tomorrow is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Below are remarks from Mother Teresa to a U.S. President, first lady, members of congress and others who were prochoice. She gave this at the National Prayer Breakfast in 1994 and it is a timely speech to remember:

“I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself. And if we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill on another?...

Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.

Many people are very, very concerned with the children of India, with the children of Africa where quite a few die of hunger, and so on. Many people are also concerned about all the violence in this great country of the United States. These concerns are very good. But often these same people are not concerned with the millions who are being killed by the deliberate decision of their own mothers. And this is what is the greatest destroyer of peace today-abortion which brings people to such blindness.

And for this I appeal in India and I appeal everywhere- “Let us bring the child back.” The child is God’s gift to the family. Each child is created in the special image and likeness of God for greater things-to love and to be loved. In this year of the family we must bring the child back to the center of our care and concern. This is the only way that our world can survive because our children are the only hope for the future….

Jesus said, “Anyone who receives a child in my name, receives me.” By adopting a child, these couples receive Jesus, but, by aborting a child, a couple refuses to receive Jesus.

Please don’t kill the child. I want the child. Please give me the child. I am willing to accept any child who would be aborted and to give that child to a married couple who will love the child and be loved by the child. From our children’s home in Calcutta alone, we have saved over 3000 children from abortion. These children have brought such love and joy to their adopting parents and have grown up so full of love and joy….

We can keep the joy of loving Jesus in our hearts, and share that joy with all we come in contact with. Let us make that one point-that no child will be unwanted, unloved, or killed and thrown away….

If we remember that God loves us, and that we can love others as He loves us, then America can become the sign of peace for the world. From here, a sign of care for the weakest of the weak-the unborn child-must got out to the world. If you become a burning light of justice and peace in the world, then really you will be true to what the founders of this country stood for. God bless you!”

*Originally found in Randy Alcorn’s ProLife Answers to ProChoice Arguments.

Note: Do I agree with everything she said? No, I only agree with everything Jesus says.  Her message is a strong & moving one though-“Save the children!” she pleads to the President and First Lady. THAT is a boldness and sincerity that I wrongly thought was only a “social issue” to debate in High School. I’ve been very wrong.

Pro-Choice or Pro-Life: what are you & more importantly w h y?

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is this weekend.

Are you Pro-Choice or are you Pro-Life?

Are you Pro-Choice because we live in America and America is all about choice?

That’s not good enough.

Have you ever seriously considered the objections Pro-Lifers have?

Well, it’s time

“Pro-Choicer”,

Here’s a good start.

It’s a two minute video about Abortion from objective resources.

It’s a good time to figure out what you believe and why.

 Pro-Lifers,

Are you Pro-Life because you are a Christian and that should be your position?

That’s not good enough.

Have you ever considered how to answer these objections:

“What about cases of rape?”

                        or

“What if the mom is in danger?”

Well, it’s time.

“Pro-Lifer”,

Here’s a good start.

It’s a two minute video about Abortion from objective resources.

It’s a good time to figure out what you believe and why.

Get a book.

Get some facts.

Go to a website.

Get informed.

Teaching God's word to little ones

As much as of "re-education" that God is giving me on Child development, there are still always things that only reinforce what I've learned in college. For example, when learning about literacy for children, we learn about the types of books that are appropriate for children (colors, amount of words, durability, etc.)  during different stages of development. Even more specifically, good stories ("good" as far as christian books are concerned, will be quality books that give solid truths) that will promote an interest in reading (more specifically God's word) .

When trying to give children a lifetime interest in reading, you start with story-telling or reading aloud (b/c they can't read yet), and though you don't have to be an amazing story teller for children to enjoy stories, there are some things you can do to keep their attention. Obviously, your tone & voice inflection is important. It was always repeated to us J REPEITION builds confidence in little readers. Saying the same story the same way with the same pauses, and same exclamations really help. As they start to tell the story by memory with you, they will feel like they are story-telling as well and look forward to the story if they can know what is coming next. You may even hear them around the corner going through each page and saying the story the same way you do. Then there is movements and even props that sometimes help keep kids attention for books.

Reading stories and rhymes are probably one of my favorite things to do with preschoolers! If you are trying to teach your toddler God's word go to 7 Ideas for Teaching Toddlers God's Word by Desiring God. Some of the things I mentioned are in there, plus more! Another good idea that would get children interested in God's word is having a Bible story-book on tape/CD that they could listen to in the car or when they wake up or when they go to bed. The Jesus Story Book Bible Deluxe pack comes with a CD to follow each of the stories.

The Lightlings by R.C. Sproul

Another children's book by R.C. Sproul. I don't have this one yet, but you can be assured it's on my amazon wishlist! 

Watch the Promo with Sproul himself!

"It's Abstract."

All of January I am filling in for a teacher that is recovering from surgery. Though I truly miss the kiddos in my regular class, I am definitely enjoying being with this group of kids. Especially, one in particular…  

From time to time there is usually a kid a or two that you know if the show “Kids say the darndest things” were still on these kids would totally make Bill Cosby laugh. Well that’s Katie! Whenever she’s on the playground it’s a treat to be in her area because I know the things she’s saying will entertain me. So let me share some things she’s said with YOU:

Me: Katie needs a little help cleaning in the kitchen area

Katie: Yea a woman like me can’t do it ALL by myself!

Mom was about to take her art project home….

Katie: Mom, I wasn’t finished with that.

Mom: Okay I’ll leave it here.

Katie: (shaking her head) She just doesn’t get it

After eating birthday cookies with her classmates:

“My birthday is a big hit!”

(Grandma brought in the cookies)

“My grandmother has excellent taste.”

After putting on a princess dress & shoes…

“I got my trick or treat costume. Kids are gonna FREAK OUT when they see I’m givin’ out candy!”

Another day after putting on a princess dress….

Katie: Trevor, will you dance with me?

Trevor: No.

Katie: Okay this is the last time I’m going to ask. Will you dance with me?

Trevor: No.

Katie: Okay this is really the last time I’m going to really ask you. Will you dance with me?

Trevor: No.

Me: I wonder if any of the boys are coming today?

Katie: I hope not because they are noisy. I told them ‘how would you like it if I went to Crescent City where it’s quieter?’

A song by Katie called “The Rocks”

It’s a lifetime of liiiife.

It’s a liiifetime of cake.

And it’s a lifetime of snowman.

Me: why did you name it “The Rocks”?

Katie: because it ROCKS to have your own song.

A picture by Katie:

Me: Tell me about your picture.

Katie: It’s Abstract

Me: Well, what does that mean?

Katie: It means ya don’ have to paint any in particular.

My art teacher in college would have loved that. Preschoolers pick up more than their ABC's at this age. They can learn what an organic shapes are, they can understand what a term like "abstract" means and apply it too. This is a special age where they are soaking things up. It should be no surprise to me that kids say things like Katie but every time it continues to crack me up. Well, Happy Monday! And if you have the day off like I do...ENJOY!!!

Finished Apron!

Last April I started learning to sew with my friend Katrina. She was very patient with me each time as I kept forgetting what to do. Now finally eight months later we finally finished!

Beginning 

Final Product

Katrina's: Look at those wonderful buttons!

And there is the professional seamstress!

My buttons

Ta Daaaa!

Adoption Waiting Lists in the United States?

Like I mentioned yesterday, Justin Taylor's blog is a great resource! He always has things on there that I seem to really care about! Yesterday he posted a possible misconception about "Adoption Waiting Lists in the United States?" From the post it would seem that if you aren't looking for the typical baby (that they mention) then the waiting list won't be so long. Very interesting...

Blogs I follow

I have a long list of blogs that I follow. When I first became a part of the blogging community I followed all without really filtering any :/ Then I started realizing that my google reader was getting pretty out of control. However, I think I am getting the hang of this. Now that I have more clarity on the purpose of my own blog and the passions of my own heart, I keep up with blogs that are both good resources and edifying. Besides the friends that I keep up with, below are the “big” blogs that I follow and a brief reason why I follow them. (All these guys are reformed).

Justin Taylor’s “Between Two Worlds”

He must put out a couple posts a day. They are usually short & simple and he always gives tons of resources on books (including childrens), culture, blogs, videos, music, conferences and interviews. I like that because there tend to be a lot of posts, they are usually short, to the point, and helpful.

The Resurgence

This again has great resources. They mostly relate to pastors, but I find good articles for my husband a lot of the time as well as great wall paper from time to time :)

John Knight’s “The Works of God”

John Knight leads the disability ministry at Bethlehem (John Piper’s church) and this is the website for that ministry. There are many posts about God’s sovereignty over not just disability but tragedy/calamity as well. I got a free book once from a post of his. Many times there are posts that give good resources for blogs on adoption or other disability blogs as well as book reviews that relate to God’s sovereignty or disability.

Albert Mohler

Albert Mohler is great resource for seeing things like homosexuality, politics, the changing family, world religions, science, culture & media through a biblical world-view. He often discusses how the things happening in our world will or can impact the Christian, and the responses that God calls his people to. 

What are some good ones that you always go back to?

Paul Tripp Resource is on sale!

Friends if you are looking for a great parenting resource for yourself or for your church. Check this out! Paul Tripp has a DVD set out called "Getting to the heart of parenting." It's normally about $60.00 bucks but is 75% off until next tuesday (that's only $15.00)! I've read Tripp's "Age of opportunity" a book on parenting teens, and he had amazing and encouraging things to say. Pass it along to people who may be interested!

From the Pipers on sitting together at church

Last week I came across this amazing article by John & Noel Piper on Families sitting together during a worship service. It goes through some great topics that parent’s may ask themselves before they attempt the task of keeping their children with them during the service. They address how it is NOT an excessive expectation, and that NOT everything goes over their heads. The Pipers discuss how sitting together as a family in a worship service can create a “sense of Awe” if parent’s are “going hard after God.” What really stuck out to me was the modeling that Piper talked about.

In the article John Piper says some things that make me think. If we taught children that only true happiness is found in Jesus, then when they see their parent’s head (along with the congregation) bowed in earnest prayer before communion, and that their faces are illuminated with joy during worship…maybe, just maybe, there’s something of deeper value to be found in the pews with parents than in the classroom of a Sunday school teacher.

“…The greatest stumbling block for children in worship is that their parents do not cherish the hour. Children can feel the difference between duty and delight. Therefore, the first and most important job of a parent is to fall in love with the worship of God. You can't impart what you don't possess….

…Children should see how Mom and Dad bow their heads in earnest prayer during the prelude and other non-directed times. They should see how Mom and Dad sing praise to God with joy in their faces, and how they listen hungrily to His Word. They should catch the spirit of their parents meeting the living God…

…A deep sense of the unknown and the mysterious can rise in the soul of a sensitive child in solemn worship—if his parents are going hard after God themselves. A deep moving of the magnificence of God can come to the young, tender heart through certain moments of great hymns or "loud silence" or authoritative preaching. These are of immeasurable value in the cultivation of a heart that fears and loves God…”

There are some really great practical ideas on dealing with younger children in a service, and even preparation leading up to the church service.

At least a little curious to read the article? Go here.

Please note: I myself am a Sunday school teacher. I agree that there will almost always be a need for Sunday school-for infants and toddlers especially. New families, new believers, unbelievers will come to the church the children of those families may not be able to sit still. It would be better for the parent’s to learn about Jesus and how he relates to parenting than for them to be distracted by their children. I humbly submit these are all beliefs that I’ve had no life experience to try this with. However, I do trust that people like the Pipers, David & Sally Michael, and tons of others speakers I’ve heard on the topic-who have had more years of experience in both parenting and Children’s Ministry. 

Just the Way I Am by Krista Horning

Have you ever thought about the sovereignty of God in relation to disability? Does he really make people that way? Did he plan for it? Is it true of all people that God knit us together in our mother's womb? It is true-even of those with disabilities? Just the Way I Am by Krista Horning is about God's good design in disability. God is sovereign and here is a book that that talks about it. It's simple enough for children to understand and healing for families dealing with disability.

In a world where 90% of pregnant women (whose babies are) diagnosed with Down Syndrome choose to abort, we may start to see these children become fewer and fewer. Teaching our children that God made people this way, and that the weaker parts are INDISPENSABLE is so important! Let this be a book in your home library to teach about God's sovereignty. Read it to children in your life. Bless hurting families with the truths in this book. Here is John Piper's endorsement:



Also here is a short review on the book from the Desiring God blog.

Buy the book here (they don't sell it on Amazon).

A puritan prayer on the family

As I read this prayer from Valley of Vision I thought of  both my immediate family and our future family. Here is some of it for you to read and maybe even pray through.

O God, I cannot endure to see the destruction

     of my kindred.

Let those that are united to me in tender ties

    be precious in thy sight and devoted to thy glory.

Sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion,

     instruction, discipline, example,

     that my house may be a nursery for heaven,

     my church the garden of the Lord,

        enriched with trees of righteousness of

            thy planting, for thy glory;

Let not those of my family who are amiable, moral,

     attractive,

     fall short of heaven at last;

Grant that the promising appearances of a

       tender conscience,

     soft heart, the alarms and delights of thy Word,

     be not finally blotted out,

     but bring forth judgment unto victory

        in all whom I love.

Isn’t it beautiful? I love the part about the house being a “nursery for heaven.” 

Zach Galifinakis meets Preschool

This is so funny! I love the preschoolers responses to him. That's exactly how preschoolers are! If you ask a group question to each of them, they always say what the person before them said! Happy Monday friends!

A New Year's Resolution

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions. Partly because there’s something in me that doesn’t want to do it just because that’s just what you do for the New Year. But also I don’t want to fail.

However, a couple of books have really been making me consider making a resolution or two.  Firstly, "The Autobiography of Madame Guyon" (about a catholic woman from the 16^th century) and second is "The Valley of Vision". Madame Guyon endured a lot of suffering (and I’m only half way through her life) yet she always saw it as the hand of “Providence” when she was enduring it. Eventually, her mother-in-law and husband forbade her to pray longer than 30 minutes and when she could it was the most precious time to her. She was delighted for any spare moment she had alone so that she could speak to her “Sovereign.” She speaks so much of it. I have to say being in the sad state of my prayer life that I am in, it was more depressing to read than it was exciting. In her passion for sweet moments with God, my time with God was revealed for what it was-not very passionate at all.

 Along came another book in the mail “The Valley of Vision.” In only two days of reading through some of the puritan’s prayers in this book I am once again saddened by the lack of enjoyment and passion I pursue to be with my Sovereign.  John Piper once talked about how when he was young he’d wondered how wise he’d be in 30 years. If my prayer life continues in this trend I dread seeing my life in 30 years! So maybe a resolution is appropriate. After all, my husband says it not a resolution for the sake of having a resolution, but a goal for the purpose of having something to hold myself accountable to, for a way to evaluate where I am (how much I don’t treasure Jesus) and where I want to be (or how much I want to know Jesus and treasure him more).

I picture the puritans along with Madame Guyon full of peace, joy and contentment because of their rich moments in communion with the Savior. In one particular puritan prayer, the Christian prays, “Help me never to expect any happiness from the world, but only in thee…for I can only be happy if employed for thee…” Nothing else can make me happy, like Jesus. Therefore, I must spend time with him!

Resolution: to be joyfully delighted in prayer to my Savior.

Page CXVI- Hymns III

Page CXVI has a third album out and they are streaming it for free. I love the first song "Be still my soul." Enjoy the music and share these wonderfully rich hymns with your friends!

To purchase your own copy go here.

The Poison Cup by R.C. Sproul

tThe first time I picked this book up I couldn't put it down. I was in the children's section and sat right down on one of those mini chairs and read it all the way through! R.C. Sproul has children's books! I thought. Through the story Sproul focus's on the atonement and what Jesus had to suffer for his people. This is a quality book you will want to read your children. Check out the trailer:



If you go here you can buy the book. If you'd like to purchase the animatic DVD go here.

A puritan prayer for the new year

Our friends Christy & Giulian recently sent us a gift in the mail. It was such a blessing, because just the other day I tried to buy it and it didn't work out. What is it you may ask? :) It's a book called "The Valley of Vision"-a book of puritan prayers. As I've been going through the book I came across a beautiful one that is perfect for this new year. May it be the cry of your heart as it was for the puritan:

O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me

except the days are passed in thy presence,

in thy service, to thy glory.

Give me a grace that preceeds, follows, guides,

sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,

   that I may not  be one moment apart from thee,

   but may rely on thy Spirit

       to supply every thought,

       speak in every word,

       direct every step,

       prosper every work,

       build up every mote of faith,

       and give me a desire

           to show forth thy praise;

           testify thy love,

           advance thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters

      of this year,

    with thee, O Father, as my harbour,

              thee, O Son, as my helm,

              thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,

          my lamp burning,

          my ear open to thy calls,

          my heart full of love,

          my soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me,

           thy comforts to cheer,

           thy wisdom to teach,

           thy right hand to guide,

           thy counsel to instruct,

           thy law to judge,

           thy presence to stabilize.

May thy fear be my awe,

           thy triumphs my joy.