quotes about love with pictures of the kids

Posted on November 13, 2014 by Shanda

“Our days are happier when we give people a piece of our heart instead of a piece of our mind.” anonymous

Sarah is outside. She saw the frost on the grass and asked for boots. I keep looking out the door to check on her, in fact I just sat down after leaning outside and calling her name. “I’m right here,” she answered in her little girl voice. “Okay! What are you doing?” “I’m tasting frozen stuff,” she replied while taking long licks from a bark-less stick. “Tastes like sugar! Wanna taste?”

We are thankful that we don’t have to go anywhere today. On Monday, we took Caleb to his Doctor’s check up. On Tuesday, I took David to an orthodontist appointment. He will be getting braces soon. Yesterday, we went to Community Bible Study for the day. Tomorrow we are serving Rich’s team a lunch here at home and going to the hair salon. But today? Today is gloriously free. I like being busy, but I like having mornings in my pj’s, too, tip tapping on the old keyboard, saying hello to anyone who may stop by here today……..

Veteren’s Day was Tuesday and the children were home from school. In the afternoon, I took my camera outside.

I recently read a wonderful book titled, The Greatest Thing in the World, by Henry Drummond. It was a book from our bookshelf, but it’s also a free book on the kindle. I underlined quite a lot of quotes that I wanted to share with pretty pictures. (pretty pictures that capture moments, not an entire day, we were not without a few ugly moments, too, but all in all the day was a wonderful one…..I love having all the children home).

“Have you ever noticed how much of Christ’s life was spent
in doing kind things–in merely doing kind things? Run over it with
that in view and you will find that He spent a great proportion of His time simply in making
people happy, in doing good turns to people.”

****

“Where Love is, God is. He that dwelleth in Love dwelleth
in God. God is love. Therefore love. Without distinction,
without calculation, without procrastination, love.”

“The most obvious lesson in Christ’s teaching is that
there is not happiness in having and getting anything,
but only in giving.”

“It is better not to live
than not to love.”
(Luke 17:2)

Do not grudge the hand that is moulding the still too shapeless image
within you. It is growing more beautiful though you see it not, and
every touch of temptation may add to its perfection.
Therefore keep in the midst of life.
Do not isolate yourself.
Be among men, and among things, and among troubles,
and difficulties, and obstacles.”

“Talent develops itself in solitude, character in the stream of life.”

“We love Him; we love all men. We cannot help it. Because
He loved us, we love; we love everybody.
Contemplate the love of Christ, and you will love.
Stand before that mirror, reflect Christ’s character,
and you will be changed into the same image from tenderness to tenderness.”

“Now abideth faith, hope, love, but the greatest of these is love.”

“You will give yourselves to many things, give yourselves first to love.”

“You will find as you look back upon your life
that the moments that stand out,
the moments when you have really lived,
are the moments when you have done things
in a spirit of love.”

“The test of religion, the final test of religion,
is not religiousness, but Love….not what I have done,
not what I have believed, not what I have achieved,
but how I have discharged the common charities of life.”
(yes!)

***

It’s taken me hours to write this. Sarah came inside and we read some library books together. Now she is in the bath. I’m sitting cross legged on the closed toilet watching her play. Grace’s rabbit is in the bathroom with us enjoying some time out of her cage. She keeps trying to arrange a towel into a nest with her front paws and teeth.

The sun is shining and soon Sarah’s frost will be melted away.

gentle mothering, resting, & walking

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Shanda

Retire O my soul!

from the busy world,

and employ thyself about that

which thou wast created:

The contemplation of God.

Thomas Ken, 1637-1711

Being satisfied in God is our calling and our duty. ~Piper

Put the glory of Christ on display
by pursuing your JOY
in the HOLY JOY
of your beloved.
~Piper

…let me not wander…
…open my eyes…
…make me understand…
…incline my heart…
…turn my eyes…

from Psalm 119

Oh my friends, I have missed being here, I could have used my iPhone to post a note but I truly believed that the computer fix would only take a couple of days. Thankfully, it is has been repaired and my husband went to pick it up for me on Saturday.

How have you been? Here at our place we have been enjoying yet another beautiful autumn season, and the trees are almost bare. There are still bits of color, however, in the few remaining leaves and bright red berries.

Rich was gone the week after Aunt Colleen and Uncle Roger left and whether I was over tired or it was just the wrong time of the month, it was a tough week for me, I found myself a tad short tempered.

Finding myself being *a little too harsh* with a couple of the children that week convicted me once again of my firm belief in gentle mothering. It’s been a nice reminder to keep my eyes on my heavenly Father; he is kind, loving, patient, understanding, and a protector of the weak ones, and that is how I ought to be for my own children. I am thankful for forgiveness and the opportunity to continue nurturing my children, instead of using harsh words and being impatient. The reality is, we will all have tough days now and then, but in general a loving approach to motherhood is what we strive for.

Feeling so rushed and busy also got me to thinking about REST, and amazingly enough the Lord (gently) led me to a wonderful book that described rest, not only as mere contentment in a quiet place, stagnant, but contentment and calm IN THE MIDST OF STORMS because I trust God. This is completely possible in Christ and I think we all know of the supernatural calm in storms that we see in the believers around us who are in various trials.

“Two painters each painted a picture to illustrate his conception of rest. The first chose for his scene a still, lone
lake among the far off mountains. The second threw on his canvas a thundering waterfall, with a fragile
birch-tree bending over the foam; at the fork of a branch, almost wet with the cataract’s spray, a robin sat on its
nest. The first was only Stagnation; the other was Rest. For in rest there are always two elements–tranquility and energy,
silence and turbulence, creation and destruction, fearlessness and fearfulness. This it was in Christ.”
Henry Drummond

I read that quote on the way to church yesterday, and then the sermon that was preached was also greatly encouraging. The title was “Remembering God, or Regularly Scheduled Neglect of a belligerent World for the sake of our own Soul…..” and the main points were from Psalm 119, a long and complex musical poem written by a psalmist who spent much skill, time, and deep contemplation in writing it, by the inspiration of God. The angels long to understand the Scriptures, do I? Do I take the time in deep thought about my God and His Word?

“The Scriptures are to be treasured as from God.”

Listening to the sermon made me think of the book I just read about Grandma Gatewood, a 67 year old mother of 11, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who walked the appalachian trail three times (at the age of 67 and older). In the book, the merits of long walks and hikes are explained. One of the benefits of walking is that it is good for mental health, and the fresh air and easy pace contribute to deep thinking and alone time…..Grandma Gatewood readily admitted that those long weeks of walking were among the very best weeks of her life. What better way to spend time alone with God, in walking outdoors in his very creation?

In short; I am currently enjoying: a renewed spirit within me, a desire to allow the Lord to keep my soul in rest even as I busily care for my family, and a determination TO WALK MORE.

On Saturday Rich and I took the children (Jacob, Grace, Caleb, Seth, and Sarah) on a four mile walk all the way to the local diner, over back roads. David was tired and Ethan had a report to write, so the two of them stayed at home.

It was a beautiful morning to walk and it took us a little over 2 hours.

a fun place to rest

happy little Seth

Caleb in the trees

someone’s pretty flowers by their mailbox

a bright red barn

cherries

bittersweet

cute pumpkin people on someone’s front steps

view from a small bridge

the prize was a nice big lunch at the diner

After Rich ate, he ran the 2 miles back home (on the main roads) to get the truck. The little ones didn’t have the strength to make another long walk back home.

In other news:

my son Jacob, and his girlfriend
at the homecoming dance on Saturday night.

*****

Have a wonderful day my friends!

“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.” Psalm 119:90

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our heats through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

you are loved.

Les Mis quotes, photos of bugs and things, & thoughts

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Shanda

“One day he sprained his ankle in his effort
to avoid stepping on an ant.
Thus lived this just man.”
Les Miserables

“Does not this comprehend all, in fact? And what is there left to desire beyond it?
A little garden in which to walk,
and immensity in which to dream.
At one’s feet that which can be cultivated and plucked;
overhead that which one can study and meditate upon:
some flowers on earth,
and all the stars in the sky.” pg 37

“The most beautiful of alters
is the soul of an unhappy creature
consoled and thanking God.” pg 15

“Be it said in passing, that success is a very hideous thing.
Its false resemblance to merit deceives men.” pg 34

“He had nothing of the prophet and nothing of the magician about him.
This humble soul loved, and that was all.” pg 37

“The sadness which reigned everywhere was but an excuse for unfailing kindness.
Love each other;
he declared this to be complete,
desired nothing further,
and that was the whole of his doctrine.”

“When the heart is dry, the eye is dry.” pg 60

Hello, my friends.
How are you today?

I’m having fun carrying my camera around outdoors.

Yesterday, I shared some wild clover from my bouquet, with Grace’s bunny. She also enjoyed some parsley from the garden.

Every once in a while I take a picture indoors, too. Because my cats like to pose for me.

The children are on their third day of school. It is going well. When they get home they like to swim.

Does anyone want to read Les Miserables with me?

Grace fell in love with the movie a while ago and I finally sat down to watch it with her a few weeks ago.

I was astounded by the story, the music, the messages.

I’m currently on page 64 out of 908.

*It begins with the Bishop, and I have found a new kindred spirit. I love the Bishop!*

By “reading the book with me” what I mean is this: You read your copy and I read mine, at our own pace. If anything strikes you, a quote, an idea, share it with me in the comments at any time and I will respond to you. Also, I will share quotes as I go along, too. Thank you, dear reading friends.

Have you seen the movie? I watched it again with Rich on Friday and he was touched by it, too.

He calls the book a doorstop.

*****

Sarah is feeling a little bit under the weather today so we are cozied up on the couch watching The Little Mermaid. It has been a bright, cool morning but is starting to heat up. The sky is blue and cloudless. I can feel the seasons change, from summer into fall, in the typical New England fashion. It’s a rich, contemplative time of year, I find myself wandering outside a lot…breathing in the air, looking at everything around me, listening to the cricket’s buzzing sounds, thinking about things or nothings. Yesterday evening Seth and I took a blanket outside to watch the clouds turn pink. As soon as we got comfy he popped right back up and asked, “Do you mind if I play catch with myself?”

I have to do a little house cleaning this morning before the children get home from school. I have started up my school year habit of making everyone’s bed while praying for that person. (recommended) Rich should be home by 5 and we are hosting a dinner/Bible study evening here later on.

My favorite moment of the week? Standing in the driveway on the first day of school watching and waiting for Seth’s bus to bring him back home, and then when it came, watching him get off and run to me. My heart! I cried a little. He was dear, and he was back home with mama.

Have a wonderful, blessed day dear ones! You are loved.

The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never,
I nothing lack if I am his,
And he is mine forever.

Henry Baker, 1868 (old hymn)

a beautiful day, part 2

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Shanda

Such is Isaac’s lot in life, to be the “baby” of our family….I am sure that for him it is sometimes the cause of frustration, to more than likely be treated always as “the younger one”. But, for the rest of the family, having a baby such as Isaac to enjoy and be proud of has been a source of joy and gladness. I was almost 12 when he was born, and oh how big sister doted on her baby brother. I had begged mom to “have another baby!” and the Lord had answered the desire of my young heart. I have three other younger siblings, but they arrived during my even-younger years, so that there is a hazy mist covering over much of those memories. But with Isaac, I can remember clearly many parts of his babyhood, and childhood.

All this to say, as his big sister, I delighted in his wedding. I felt proud and cheerful, as I witnessed his joy in his beloved bride, Cassandra. The two of them are a lovely couple. She looks at him, and he looks at her, with love, friendship, and peace. As they are both Christians, their relationship is full of the Holy Spirit, and His fruit. I was talking to a friend at church the day after the wedding and he spoke from his heart when he said he looks forward to seeing great things from Isaac and Cassandra’s marriage. Not that they are any more special than any other Christian couple, but it is what Christ himself does for all relationships in this world that makes life, and living in Him, and because of Him, beautiful. To follow His ways, the Scriptures, and to let those truths grow in us, is the way to LIFE abundant.

My dear friend Joanna was the master of this woodland photo shoot, her pictures will be the perfect ones, I almost feel guilty in sharing my own because they are a poor reflection of the magic she can do with her camera. If and when she posts her final product online, I will be sure to share the link, or to share them here, with her permission, on my blog. I think she was up on a ladder during this portion of the shoot. I was holding it with one hand, and my camera in the other. We opened the shoot with a prayer of God’s blessing on these images, that Isaac and Cassandra would look back on this day and see in the pictures exactly what they were feeling in their hearts.

Even though Joanna and I kept our camera’s eye on them the entire time, and we four all had fun together, the two of them truly had eyes only for each other, which I noticed and found so dear. They talked to each other, but it was mostly Isaac keeping up the banter, helping his Cassandra to feel relaxed, with an honest smile on her face (it can be awkward to keep smiling for pictures!)

Which is why I especially love this next picture, because they are in their own little world…….talking a little bit, leaning in close, and she looks a little puzzled, all in good fun.

Then, to face the camera with their smiles::

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 11-19

Looking at these photos, and meditating on love this morning, has refreshed my heart to do good for my own family. I hope and pray that my friends who visit this blog here today will also feel those same emotions, and make this day a beautiful one for the ones you love. Light the candles, cook the food, share a hug, snuggle up to a child, read good books, enjoy God’s creation…..a phone call, an email, ANYTHING to show that particular loved one that YOU CARE, can be done at anytime, and the amazing part is, it does good for your own soul, as well. “It is more blessed TO GIVE…….”

This world can truly be a lonely land, and one good word, or even a smile, is sometimes all it takes to put an extra bounce in someone’s step. To be an encourager is to spread God’s love in this dark place……….

YOU ARE LOVED.

TOMORROW I WILL SHARE THE REST OF THE PICTURES FROM ISAAC and CASSANDRA’S beautiful day.

vacation Bible school

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Shanda

The children were taught to notice “God sightings”, specific times during the day when they were aware of God helping them, showing them something important, teaching them, or keeping them safe. Each footprint on the map represented one “God sighting”….and by the end of the week the footprints went all the way to the promise land.

Caleb is standing with his cousin, Makayla, my brother Nathan’s daughter.

This is Gregory (Makayla’s brother) with Seth. They are both starting Kindergarten this fall.

The leaders all dressed like the Biblical Israelites.

My Aunt Mary did the decoration design, and Aunt Colleen was on stage leading the songs, stories, and announcements.

Roger and Dawn are Colleen’s in-laws and I stayed at their place during the week; I have known them throughout my whole life.

“God saves us–so trust God!”

“God gives us strength–so trust God!”

“God guides us–so trust God!”

“God gives us what we need–so trust God!”

Roger and Dawn helped my cousin Katie’s boys with a tambourine craft.

Cousin Erika was in charge of the weaving…my Sarah is in the picture, in the pink shirt.

Pretty yarns and colors. Sarah asked me to help her finish one of her weavings and then proceeded to tell me I was doing it wrong.

Outside games.

Sarah told me (she remembered later on, in the bathroom) that they played a game with toilet paper, they put the toilet paper on their backs, so silly!

The children each had a bandana to wear. Seth wore his on his ears. I watched him concentrate on making a necklace. He strung beads and a bell on a string. Guess where it is now? Dangling from my rearview mirror….because he gave it to me. Thank you, Seth.

Seth is such a busy boy that it amuses me to see him still and quiet. Look at his crossed ankles….. and there’s Grandma Dawn again. I guess she helped out all over the place.

On the last day some men brought exotic animals to show the children. Caleb was thrilled.

He was thrilled because he got to touch a snake. He is passionate about snakes.

He stayed with the snake until he had to leave for another activity.

To say he was thrilled is putting it mildly.

Then, it was his turn to do some more weaving with Erika. Also pictured: my cousin Marissa in yellow, Erika’s son Jack, and my cousin Molly in the striped dress.

You can say that this VBS was a family affair. We got to spend time with Judy P, Mrs. Butler, Pastor and Mrs. P, Cassandra P (my future sister in law), Deb V, Candy L, Pam H, Uncle Rog, Aunt Carol, Carol A, Fran, Stacie and Jamie S, the Smiths, and so many other old friends! Oh it was wonderful.

The songs are always a highlight of Vacation Bible School. Seth (in striped shirt) did all the motions and dancing along with everyone else. The songs were played up on big movie screens so the children could watch them and do the motions along with the people in the video.

This one was my favorite::

Thank you to everyone who made the week a wonderful time for all! I spoke with Franny H and we both agreed it should last two weeks! 😉

leslie’s lilies

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Shanda

We surprised Rich’s Dad and step-Mom with an impromptu visit one day last week after Vacation Bible School. Leslie was busy moving furniture around, polishing her beautiful wooden floors when we knocked. Missy the dog welcomed us, too. The children love Grandma Leslie and running down to the barn to see the animals. We let them go while Leslie showed me her flower beds.

She has big bright lilies growing, all different kinds. We put Sarah in the middle of them for a picture.

Leslie has the most motherly instincts of anyone I know. She has one grown son, and when he was born he brought to fulness the maternal instinct in her heart which has blessed everyone in our family….she’s quiet and kind, lovely and caring. I looked at her as she described the spring in which she had a blue bird raise babies in a nest on the property, and how she herself “helped the mama bird take care of her babies”, and it just struck me again what a gift she is, and such a good example for me as a mother. After I spend time with her I remember to slow down and nurture life and all the living things that cross my path, whether my chickens, my pets, my flowers, or/and most of all– my children.

“See how the lilies grow….” Matthew 6:28

To Love the Flowers

Whilst I was ruminating about Leslie, and maternal instincts, and love and flowers….my darling daughter Grace spoke next to me on the couch. She was reading her summer book, Les Miserables, and wanted to share a part with me, and would you believe, it was about a colonel who loved the flowers;

“Under the Empire, between two wars, he had found time to marry Mademoiselle Gillernormand. The old bourgeois, thoroughly indignant at bottom, had given his concent with a sigh, saying: ‘The greatest families are forced into it.’ In 1815, Madame Pontmercy, an admirable woman in every sense, by the way, lofty in sentiment and rare, and worthy of her husband, died, leaving a child. This child had been the colonel’s joy in his solitude; but the grandfather had imperatively claimed his grandson, declaring that if the child were not given to him he would disinherit him. The father had yielded in the little one’s interest, and had transferred his love to the flowers.” page 385

“The plot of earth which he called his garden was celebrated in the town for the beauty of the flowers which he cultivated there. These flowers were his occupation.” pg. 383

“He was in his alleys from the break of day, in summer, planting, cutting, hoeing, watering, walking amid his flowers with an air of kindness, sadness, and sweetness, sometimes standing motionless and thoughtful for hours, listening to the song of a bird in the trees, the babble of a child in the house, or with his eyes fixed on a drop of dew at the tip of a spear of grass…….” pg. 384

Isn’t that inspiring? People are made to love and care for SOMETHING, ANYTHING. What a beautiful way to live.

When Rich’s Dad got home he took Seth and Sarah down to the barn with him. They each got a tractor ride, too (see the tractor on the far left of the photo?)

Grandma Leslie gave Sarah a juicy peach after carefully washing it off for her……

*****

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. (including your children)
The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
make your requests known to God.
And the peace of God
which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and minds (and linger in your homes)
in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7

verse

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Shanda

I took Caleb, Seth, and Sarah back home to NY state this past week while Rich took our other children to Christian camp in New Hampshire.

While I was away, I did some antiquing with Aunt Colleen and found this small yoke for five dollars.

I looked up Bible verses that mention the word “yoke” and settled on the phrase “Christ has set us free.” from Galatians 5:1.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

This is what it looks like from a distance. I will enjoy looking at it and remembering the miraculous freedom Christ has provided for souls.

now I see

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Shanda

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.

My heart is so full that tears are ever ready today, after a weekend back home in my hometown. I saw old familiar faces, felt their arms of love around me, heard words of encouragement and truth, celebrated young love, sung to favorite songs on the radio played loud, attended church, ate Country Store subs made by someone who knew who I was “back then”, travelled those old roads that lead back home, to the farm land, the parents, the aunts, the cousins, the friends.

Sadly, I was without my Rich, my companion and friend, lover, bed mate, and The One who has put me by his side for the last 21 years. He was here at home with the little ones, but never far from my thoughts as I drove Grace, Sarah, Jacob, and Emily to NY for Cassandra’s bridal shower. I sat behind the wheel and away we went on Saturday morning….driving around three hours to the church for the shower. Emily said, she loved road trips. And when she said that, it reminded me to enjoy it, too!

Once we arrived, Jacob and Emily walked on foot to the pizza place that Rich and I used to go to on dates, for lunch, and to the High School to explore the playground and stream (the school I attended, and Rich, too). So crazy fun to see Jacob doing just the things we used to enjoy. With his girlfriend. (!!)

Grace, Sarah, and I had a wonderful time at the bridal shower, held for my future sister in law, who is marrying my youngest brother, Isaac.

“to love another person is to see the face of God” ~ Les miserables

Isaac and Cassandra are so sweet together!!

After the shower, we picked up J and E and went to my mom and dad’s house for the rest of the day.

Jacob stayed the night with them while I took the girls to the Comfort Inn to sleep.

Sunday morning we checked out of the motel and went to church, meeting Jacob there.

It was so wonderful to sit next to Colleen, Jacob, Emily, Sarah, Grace, and Madeline for the service. Church was a beautiful experience, to be back in my original church family made me remember so many things, and a wave of nostalgia swept over me.

After church we picked up subs and went back to mom and dad’s where we sat on the front porch and ate our food, while the rain poured down. Emily and Sarah jumped in warm puddles in their bare feet.

We stayed until 6pm, and drove back home Sunday night, arriving safe and sound (and with a gorgeous golden sunset) at 10:30pm.

I saw a very cool fly from the blueberry patch at my parent’s house. It was actually holding a tiny green bug in it’s jaws. I’ve come to learn that if an insect stays still, and lets me get close, it’s usually because it doesn’t want to let go of it’s latest catch.

My mom with her little Granddaughter~

We all wore yellow shirts.

Sarah was so precious. When she was tired she simply curled up with someone and slept. Here she is on my lap. Watching your own sleeping little one is one of the many “grace moments” in life.

Dad and Jacob played drums on Sunday afternoon. OH HOW I LOVE MY DAD…….

JACOB NEVER WANTS TO LEAVE GRANDMA’S HOUSE!

We helped mom and dad with the gravel entry to the blueberry patch, in preparation for the wedding reception next month.

We also helped them get their bedroom ready for a remodel, looked through a lot of family photos, and did the things we always love to do; go for walks, talk, listen to music. Oh, and Jacob showed his grandparents all of his card tricks and they were a very satisfying audience.

Thankful for:

a safe trip
a son learning to grow, and be a good example
creativity (he made a new recipe for pancakes by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to his Grandma’s recipe, and chocolate chips)
my husband coming home early from work and the time we were able to spend together, in quiet, in each other’s arms
the sight of sleeping pets (make the house so cozy)
rain (I went out and walked in it, why are we so afraid to get wet?) the pond was jumping with water drops
it curled my hair
watching Les Mis with Grace, and being awed once again by law and grace (without that taskmaster-law, we would never be overwhelmed with beautiful grace)!! I realized that this life is full of little law/grace pictures….that point to Jesus.
my five year old learning to ride his two wheeler and being so thoughtful in asking me to watch him, a lot
fresh peas in the garden
bachelor buttons beginning to bloom
a little girlie who wakes from her nap and immediately finds her mama
Mike taking Jacob, Grace, and Emily to VBS and saving us the trip
Ethan on vacation with Chris and Caroline and their children (his best friends)

and most of all……

God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ, Who miraculously opens blind eyes and turns cold hearts into hearts bursting with adoration for HIM, and this abundant life He gives.

One last picture before we got into the car to head home.

works vs. grace

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Shanda

Having “been there and come back”, nothing irritates me more than self righteous people (of whom I used to be one) who think they know all the answers about non-essential issues like family size, clothing, church attendance, music, and what-have-you. Actually, their beliefs don’t bother me as much. It’s the judgmental attitude that looks down on anyone who doesn’t believe the same way, or the trying, in a condescending, legalistic way to teach/enlighten others on “the truth”. I hate even bringing it up in blog-land. I believe it is a shame of the church that pretty much every denomination deals with….judging one another and trying to manipulate our own sanctification process. But I think it is important to talk about because this is the reason that we need to meditate more on the concept of grace, and also the reality of the LOVE of God toward sinners. I want to say what C.S. Lewis said, “Go further up and further in” … the life of a genuine, humble believer is just that—beautiful, attractive, lovely, not freakish or proud. Honestly, we all naturally suffer from making mistakes in our lives and speech (the Lord knows I often say or react in ways that are not very lovely) but IN GENERAL, I want to be the person who accepts, loves, listens, nurtures, and I want to go to a church where I feel safe and accepted, where the burdens of life are lifted for a while in the praise and adoration of my Savior (I am thankful that we do go to a church like that).

My mind and soul have been meditating on the grace and love of God because, really, these truths are the blessed antidote to the poison of self-righteousness and religiosity that looks to human good works rather than accepts the fact that we all NEED HIM for our everything, always. I search my Bible, books, and journals for the sweet truths of Christ that He has led me to through the years; and this Christian life is simple and beautiful. His ways are rest and peace, his burdens are light, He carries us in His loving arms and oh sometimes I just cannot seem to wait for the day when I am done with this life and on to glory-land!

Helpful words::

This is from the book The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, by David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen:

“In a works-righteousness system, if you stumble under the load you are carrying, the ministry you will receive will not be mercy and grace. You will not hear Matthew 5:3, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’–that is, ‘Blessed are those who recognize they can’t carry the load,’–‘for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rather, you will be encouraged to ‘try a little harder’ and ‘do a little more.’ In some cases you may be shamed for ‘not being committed enough’.

There is also performance-based Christianity, a most common malady among Christians. It manifests itself this way. After having understood the truth of Ephesians 2:8-9—‘For by grace you have been saved…..’–and having had the load of sin removed for salvation, we then lay on a load of personal performance for sanctification, service, and to receive further blessings.

It works something like this. We are very careful to help people understand that Jesus is their only hope for salvation. ‘He saved us, not the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy’ (Titus 3:5) But for successful Christian living, we give the same message they had to reject in order to get saved. ‘Just do it’ ‘Try hard.’ ‘Do more.’ ‘It’s up to you.’ We pile up a load of expectations, regulations, formulas and rules. Almost without noticing, we begin to live the same way we did before we met Jesus, hoping that with all our effort we will someday, some way, measure up. But we never do measure up; we continue to carry the load and call it ‘the abundant life.’

This dynamic is really not that hard to spot. In a performance-based system, you will be the bearer of the burden. In a grace-based system, you will be constantly directed to Jesus as your only hope, encouraged to rest in Him as your only source of life and power.”

*******

Come to the waters,
whoever is thirsty;
drink from the Fountain that never runs dry.
Jesus the Living One, offers you mercy,
life more abundant in boundless supply.

Come to the River that flows through the city,
forth from the throne of the Father and Son.
Jesus the Savior says, ‘Come and drink deeply.’
Drink from the one, inexhaustible One.

Come to the fountain without any money;
buy what is given without any cost.
Jesus, the gracious one, welcomes the weary:
Jesus, the selfless one, died for the lost.

Come to the well of unmerited favor;
Stretch out your hand; fill your cup to the brim.
Jesus is such a compassionate Savior.
Draw from the grace that flows freely from Him.

Come to the Savior, the God of Salvation.
God has provided an end to sin’s strife.
Why will you suffer the Law’s condemnation?
Take the free gift of the water of life.

James Montgomery Boice, 2000

Nothing shall separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:19

Many hear God say, ‘do more’ and ‘do better’. But not, ‘Ive done it all for you-rest.
Yet this is what Jesus meant when He said, ‘Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden….
Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me…..
for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Randy Alcorn

….to set the mind on the spirit is life and peace….. Romans 8:6

Surely the Lord is my help; God is the one who sustains me. Psalm 54:4

******

I realize that I cannot articulate what is in my heart properly, but I wanted to share the best way I could, some of the things that I’m thinking about these days. My friends, you are loved and acceptable. Rest in Christ today. I have little ones playing outside. David caught a crayfish and wants to eat it, Jacob and Ethan are painting Grace’s room as she reads a book, a soccer game is playing loudly on the TV. I am going to get to work in the kitchen, to make a big corn-chip salad (our favorite summer lunch) and perhaps some pizza dough, too.

Have a great day!

first friday picnic, baptism, and bible study at our place

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Mat 18:20 “For wherever two or three people have come together in my name, I am there, right among them!”

We had about fifty people from our church family, and neighbors, come to our house on Friday for a church cook out, baptism, and Bible study. As the hostess, I was happily busy trying to make sure the little details of the night came together (with lots of help from friends), but still made sure to take some pictures. Rich and I hope to continue these “First Friday” (of the month) bible studies as much as we are able. This was our very first one.

(The picture up there ^^ was when Rich was giving general information and the prayer from the front porch)

We put the food on the kitchen island. My plan was to keep the meal simple, making sure that we had a good amount for the crowd. I made hamburgers (meat from Costco, mixed with plenty of salt and pepper, onion and garlic powder, finely chopped onion and red pepper). Rich grilled them on our new charcoal grill. We put hotdogs down at the fire pit for people to roast. We also served tossed salad and chips, a bowl of olives, and whatever else people brought to share (potato salad, quinoa salad, coleslaw, fruit, etc). Our guests provided the drink and dessert.

PICTURES:

Our son Jacob, with his “second parents” Chris and Caroline who live just a few miles from us. They have two teenagers who have grown up with my older kids.

Anna and her friend.

Anna’s (family) dog

Six children on the plane; there were kids swarming everywhere. These church gatherings are great for them, because they can run wild.

Boys on trampoline.

dear sweet Shannon ~

David’s best friend from school came with his parents. Dave thought he would be funny and photobomb this one.

Ryan spent the night.

Alex and Jacob

Alex and his wife Sara

We were all down at the pond getting ready for the baptism when I took these.

crazy teenage boys (except Michael; not a teenage boy, still crazy though)

Allie, with my daughter Grace, Alysha, and baby Asher

Shannon, Sue, Naomi (whose daughter was baptized), and Bev

Lydia, Barb, Tina, and Fran

Hope and her baby girl

They set up the sound system on the dock and we sang hymns along with John’s fabulous guitar playing.

During one hymn I ran up to the house to get Vanessa a juice box and took this picture on the way back.

Gary in the pond, with Stacia, who gave a lovely testimony of her salvation.

We were all so happy to share in Stacia’s special night.

Rich gave a bible study down on the patio (I was on the porch looking down)….

I stayed in the house to help watch babies and after the study was over the house filled back up again. People ate dessert and visited while the children (and some of us adults, too) tried their best to hear The Lego Movie playing on TV. The night ended about about 10. Rich and I were wide awake from the excitement of the night so we buzzed around cleaning up the house together, and Jacob took this picture of us.