32 Years and Counting

A Romantic Stroll by Brent Heighton

My DH and I celebrated our 32nd Anniversary today! 

The Lord has been with both of us from the very beginning and it's only by His wondrous grace, mercy, guidance and strength that we have been able to weather the various storms that have come our way down through the years . . .

I don't know how many more years He may give us on our journey together, but I'm so thankful for each and every moment of every day as my heart echoes those tender words of promise from long ago ~ I DO, all over again :)

A Special Wedding

 

Our *baby*, our only daughter, married her beloved on 11.11.11 ~ which has made that day of Remembrance special in more ways than usual.  I joked with her that neither of them will have any reason for NOT remembering their anniversary :)

It was a very special day for everyone!  Both the bride and groom have only their maternal grandmothers still living and both were there to be a part of it.

After a honeymoon in a hot, tropical destination, they soon return to their 100 year old home which the groom purchased before he ever met her and has gutted and rebuilt ... because they will be a bit closer to us than she was before, my DH and I hope to visit them in the spring :)

Does What I Believe Make a Difference?

Until Then Sweet Rose by John Waterhouse


Our conduct has a direct influence

on how people think about the gospel.

The world doesn't judge us by our theology;

the world judges us by our behaviour.

People don't necessarily want to know

what we believe about the Bible.

They want to see if what we believe

makes a difference in our lives.

Our actions either bring glory to

God or misrepresent His truth."

~ Mrs. Carolyn Mahaney ~

"Let your light shine before men in such a way
that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

~ Matthew 5:16 ~

31 Years and Counting

My DH and I just celebrated our 31st Anniversary!

The glorious words of this hymn echo our hearts as we remember and rejoice that the Lord Himself is a partner in our marriage and leads and strengthens us throughout our lives together. 

All the way my Savior leads me;
  What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
  Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
  Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
  Jesus doeth all things well,
For I know, whate'er befall me,
  Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior 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 my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
  Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
  Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me;
  Oh, the fullness of His grace!
Perfect rest to me is promised
  In my Father's blest embrace.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
  Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
  Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
  Jesus led me all the way.

My Work

~ MY WORK ~

I have the greatest work in the world;

The job of rocking a baby to sleep,
That of guiding his tottering feet,
A baby's clothes to launder and fold,
A precious life to shape and mold,
A drink to give from a little cup,
At night his toys to gather up,
Hurts to heal and fears to quell,
A baby to keep clean and well,
A stack of diapers to put,
Oh, what a happy worthwhile day!
I am a "Mother."

I have the greatest work in to world;
A husband to encourge when things go wrong,
When he comes from work to greet with a song,
Denims and shirts to wash and mend,
A helping hand, when needed, to lend,
Three times a day is meals to cook,
To strive to be my best to look,
His back to rub at the close of the day,
For his faithfulness to God I pray,
When hubby's in the field I take lemonade,
for all these tasks his love has Paid.
I am a " Wife."

I have the greatest work in the world;
Ahome to keep happy, clean and bright,
Make things go smooth and strive for the right,
Jams to cook and jellies to make,
Cookies and pies and bread to bake,
Washing, ironing, and sewing to do,
So many tasks, will I ever get though?
Lettuce to was and peas to pick,
floors to scrub, lost items to seek,
Dishes to wash and windows to shine,
These and mony more tasks are mine.
I am a "Homemaker."

Help me, Father, to faithfully work,
Forgive if I unconsciously shirk,
give me the patience and love I pray,
To keep myself in duties' way;
With all the hustle that each day brings
May I not neglect the needing things;
Each day to spend time alone with Thee
That Jesus Christ be seen in me. 

Thank you for husband, our home, our girl and boys;
Thank you for love which brings me much joy.
Thank you , Lord.

~ Mary Lou Burkholder ~
 

Cherish a Habit of Goodwill

from my personal collection of old cards 


"Kindness does not require us
to be blind to facts or to live in fancies,
but it does require us
to cherish a habit of goodwill,
ready to show pity if sorrow appears,
and slow to turn away, even if hostility appears.

~ Alexander MacLaren ~

A Joyous and Triumphant Wedding

I'm sure others have already seen or read this but I only came across it this week and it was so inspiring and touching that I wanted to share it!

On Valentine’s Day 2002, Katie Kirkpatrick, then a freshman at Rochester College (a small Christian collage in Rochester, Michigan ), was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. 

Undaunted, Katie strove to keep up with her studies, but she suffered another setback in 2003 when she was diagnosed with an inoperable lung tumor wrapped around her pulmonary artery. Nonetheless, in 2004 the resilient Katie took part in champion cyclist Lance Armstrong’s Ride for the Roses cancer fundraiser.

On January 15, 2005, 21 year old Katie -- the girl “with a contagious smile and unrelenting optimism” who had been battling cancer for 3 years -- married 23 year old Lapeer County sheriff’s deputy Nick Goodwin, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, at Church of Christ in Hazel Park, Michigan.

Her name is Katie Kirkpatrick, 21 yrs old. Next to her is her fiancé, Nick, 23. Katie spends hours in chemotherapy. Here Nick awaits while she finishes one of the sessions...

Even in pain and dealing with her organs shutting down, with the help of morphine, Katie took care of every single wedding plan. Her dress had to be adjusted several times due to her constant weight loss.

An expected guest was her oxygen tank. Katie had to use it during the ceremony and reception. The other couple in this picture is Nick's parents, very emotional with the wedding and to see their son marrying the girl he fell in love when he was an adolescent. 

Katie, in a wheelchair, listening to her husband and friends serenading her

In the middle of the party Katie had to rest for a bit and catch her breath. The pain doesn't allow her to stand for long periods of time.

Katie died just 5 days after her wedding at the McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan

The photos and text are from snopes.com which verified Katie’s story. Photos were taken by Romain Blanquart..

Brunch for 2

A special vacation brunch for 2 

was enjoyed today and it was delicious!

The Ornament of a Meek and Quiet Spirit

Daydream by Paul Miller 

"Likewise ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, 

that if any obey not the word,
they also may without the word,

be won by the *conversation of the wives,

while they behold
your chaste * conversation coupled with **fear. 

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning
of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, 

or of putting on of apparel -- 

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, 

in that which is not corruptible,
even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, 

which is in the sight of God of great price."

1 Peter 3:1-4

*conversation means manner of life or behaviour
**fear means respect 

The world may scoff at this teaching and society might try to tell me that it renders me at *odds* with being a modern woman but my joy comes from knowing that in the sight of God, it is of great price!

Blessings,

A Scary Experience!!

My husband virtually saved my life yesterday!!

After chewing a piece of BBQ'd steak the way I always do, I swallowed it and for some strange reason, it wouldn't go down!!  I tried swallowing a few more times but nothing budged.  So, I took a drink of water and tried to remain calm . . .

The water came dashing back out and splashed on the table ... the passage was completely blocked and I couldn't speak ~ I was C H O K I N G

My DH jumped up and thumped me on the back while he kept saying that he didn't know what to do.  I sputtered a bit and was still choking.

He realized that he was going to have to THUMP REALLY HARD on my back several times and FINALLY the piece of meat was dislodged and came flying out of my mouth!!!

I was breathing too fast by then and my throat was a bit sore but I was so thankful for his quick thinking and his physical strength and to the Lord for sparing me ~ I guess it was still not my time to be called home.

I'm going to have to learn what to do in similar circumstances because I really don't think I have the physical strength to thump someone hard enough on the back and I've no idea how to do the Heimlich maneuver that is supposed to be used in cases like this!

The Happiness of Life

Daydream by Paul Miller courtesy of AllPosters

"The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions
--- the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss or smile,
a kind look, a heartfelt compliment,
and the countless infinitesimals
of pleasurable and genial feeling."

~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge ~

A Happy Marriage

Garden of Eden by Briton Riviere at All Posters

"The great blessing of a happy marriage I think,
is that a man and woman have time
to discover each other and cherish each other
more as time goes on."

~ Gladys Taber ~

An UNordinary Monday

My husband gets today off so I'm on my way to do errands as well as actually get a few groceries in the daytime . . . since the end of September I've had to go after supper because I usually don't have the car anymore!

Mind you, I don't want to be gone too long otherwise how do I enjoy the day with him!??

Blessings,

Our 30th Anniversary

My dear husband and I celebrate our 30th Anniversary today

and in many ways,
it doesn't seem like that much time has gone by ...

A part of 1 Cor. 10:13 really touched my heart this morning:
~ but GOD is faithful ~

because
He has been the strength and stay of our relationship
and has brought us through so much,
and He continues to this very day.

In a heartbeat, I say I DO, all over again :o)

A Sweet, Beautiful Home

Cozy Dining Room by Alison Griffin

Home is the true wife's kingdom.

Very largely does the wife hold in her hands, as a sacred trust, the happiness and the highest good of the hearts that nestle there. In the last analysis, home happiness depends on the wife.

• Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere.
• Her hands fashion its beauty.
• Her heart makes its love.

And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine, that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay, to be . . .

the light,
the joy,
the blessing,
the inspiration,
of a home.

The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies.

A true mother is one of the holiest secrets of home happiness.

God sends many beautiful things to this world, many noble gifts; but no blessing is richer than that which He bestows in a mother who has learned love's lessons well, and has realized something of the meaning of her sacred calling.

~ J. R. Miller, "Secrets of Happy Home Life, 1894" ~

With society's beliefs and practices bombarding us on every side and the rising up of *so-called Christian feminism*, I think it's important for every Christian woman to be reminded of the principles God has laid out in Scripture for our guidance and encouragement and to realize, that there is immense blessing when we follow His leading ... not our own and certainly not the teachings of a society that wants nothing to do with Him.

Blessings,

The Autumn Days of My Life

May I Have One Too? by Meunier


My little house is very still.
No sounds of running feet
Echo through the quiet rooms ---
The silence is complete.

The swing outside is empty,
The sandbox put away.
There are no scattered toys to show
That children are at play.

My little house is very clean ---
No crumbs upon the floor,
No finger marks upon the walls,
No smudges on the door.

But my little house is lonely.
It misses all the noise.
The bustle and excitement
Of lively girls and boys.

~ Alice E. Chase ~
[I have left off the last 2 stanza
as they were not applicable in this case]

This month was the 1st time in almost 29 years that there were no children, tiny or grown, in my home, needing my care and attention and although I dearly miss those days, I realize that the Lord always has something else around the corner!

The days of being needed for every little trauma and boo-boo that come into my child's day may be in the past, but the times of being needed for advice, counsel and company will never be complete, this side of eternity and for that, I am thankful.

As I mentioned before, my husband has recently begun working days after an almost 5 year stint of nights and commutes a total of 2 hours daily which means that I no longer have a car at my disposal.

My sphere of *apparent usefulness*, at least in my eyes, has decreased much more than I ever expected.

Though my immediate circumstances are being altered, isn't that what happens to all of us, whether we have children or not; whether we are women or men!?

Although I am not fond of change, it's something that is necessary in my life as a Christian for God is changing me and moulding me more each day into the image of His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am thankful that the Lord is in charge of EACH CHANGE that HE ALLOWS to take place in my life. That in itself, gives my heart peace about what is taking place, in spite of how it appears to my natural eye, which is so short-sighted.

I am learning to lean more on Him and to take even more delight in my home and making it a refuge for my husband when he arrives home from a very long day at work and a long drive afterward. We now have more time for each other and after all, the Lord brought us together before He ever blessed us with little ones to care for :o)

I am more dependant on where my own 2 physical feet can carry me in terms of visiting and such and now when I bake or cook, I am even more conscious of wrapping up and freezing for taking to others when I DO have the car :o)

I guess I am in the AUTUMN days of my life . . . and with the Lord on my side, I am content with where He has placed me and remind myself to keep my eyes focused on Him and His will for each individual day :o)

Blessings,

Amazing Grace

This has been a week of tragedy as well as great triumph ... of sadness mingled with joy and most of all, a week that has displayed God's amazing grace!

As I understand, the dear family who have suffered such a tragic loss have felt the love and strength of God in the moments of their days ... and that is after all, exactly what He has promised ~ strength for the day, not days in advance ... and He has proven this over and over again during this past week.

Over 150 dear saints of God have visited them in their home and prayed with them and helped in any way they could. Their unsaved neighbours in their apartment complex are witnessing the love and mercy and grace of God in action and as we all know, actions speak louder than words!

As some have commented -- a tragedy such as this always leaves unanswered questions for those left behind -- my understanding is that these dear ones want to concentrate on the glory that is the Lord's in the midst of all these happenings . . .

The prayer from the hearts of those whose lives were touched by this dear young man is that all would be drawn closer to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and be more yielded, for His glory, that lost souls might be awakened to their own need of Him for eternity.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

My thanks once again to each one of you who has lifted up in prayer, this family as well as my daughter ~ your care and compassion on their behalf is a testimony of the love of our Lord which has been shed abroad in our hearts.

Blessings,

A Heart Rooted in Her Home

The Morning Room by Patrick William Adam

"In contrast to the wise woman,
the foolish woman is not content to be a keeper at home.
She is not satisfied with where God has put her.

One of the things the feminist movement has done so successfully
is to stir up discontent in women with being homemakers
and to convince them that other pursuits
can increase their sense of self-worth …

Fueling discontent and pushing women out of their homes
in search of greater meaning and satisfaction
has resulted in off-the-chart stress levels for many women
who can no longer survive without pills and therapists …

The greatest spiritual, moral, and emotional protection
a woman will ever experience
is found when she is content to stay
within her God-appointed sphere.

This does not mean that she never leaves her house,
but rather that her heart is rooted in her home
and that she puts her family’s needs
above all other interests and pursuits."

~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss ~
Biblical Womanhood in the Home, Crossway, 2002, p. 91, 92.

Blessings,

The Sweetest Ingredients in the Cup of Life

The purest happiness of an earthly nature,

is that which springs up in a comfortable home,
where there is a loving union of hearts
between man and wife.

The tender sympathies,
the delicate affections,
the minute attentions,
the watchful solicitudes,
the ceaseless kindnesses of marital love,
-- are the sweetest ingredients in the cup of life,
and
contribute a thousand times more
to earthly enjoyment,
than all the possessions of wealth,
and all the blandishments
of rank, station, and fashion.

~ James, "The Widow Directed to the Widow's God 1841" ~

Journal for Women: Men & Adultery

In visiting some of my favourite blogs, I came across this post by Mrs Julie Fink and because it is so prevalent in today's society and sadly, even amongst Christians, I wanted to share it ~ Journal for Women: Men & Adultery.

It is a very delicate subject and Mrs Fink, with the Lord's help, has dealt with it very carefully, scripturally and kindly and it's worth the read.