From My Bookshelf

Kisses From Katie
         Some of you may remember that I posted (ages ago now; my apologies!) about a book my family and I had read back in 2010 called Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream, by David Platt. A challenging read, but one I think every Christian in America should take up and take in, to re-examine the way we are living out the Christian life. I love what Eric Ludy said in his recent sermon, Band of Rescuers - he was talking about one of his own children, I think, who when they were discussing these things at bedtime, said something like "If Jesus purchased me, by His blood, then He should own me, right?" Well. Hmm. Um, duh?
Eric continued, talking about the reaction a lot of people might have to that - whether spoken or only thought-
"SHHHH! Don't say that! It's too obvious!!!" Because Christianity IS obvious!


Kisses From Katie is the story of Katie Davis, who at 18 years old had a firm grasp on this truth, and decided to live it in a radical way - or at least, what most people would consider as being very radical. In her own words - "People say to me all the time, like 'Wow, you are so lucky -that you found what God wants you to do with your life!'. I kinda look at those people and think like, 'Well I didn't - I didn't find it - it was just in the Bible! And so, as someone who calls themselves a Christian, I mean, it's very apparent that you are to love the Lord with all your heart and then you're to love your neighbor as yourself. Like - myself doesn't want to be starving, and so I don't want other people in the world to be starving..."

Here is the introduction from the book:
 "What would cause an eighteen-year-old old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to disappoint her parents by forgoing college, break her little brother’s heart, lose all but a handful of her friends (because the rest of them think she has gone off the deep end), and break up with the love of her life, all so she could move to Uganda, where she knew only one person but didn’t know any of the language? A passion to make a difference. Katie Davis left over Christmas break her senior year for a short mission trip to Uganda and her life was turned completely inside out. She found herself so moved by the people and children of Uganda that she knew her calling was to return and care for them. She has given up a relatively comfortable life—at a young age—to care for the less fortunate of this world. She was so moved by the need she witnessed, she’s centered her life around meeting that need. Katie, a charismatic and articulate young woman, is in the process of adopting thirteen children in Uganda, and she completely trusts God for daily provision for her and her family.
Despite the rough conditions in which Katie lives, she has found a life of service to God to be one of great joy. Katie’s children bring constant delight and help her help others by welcoming whoever comes to their door. As the challenges grow, so does Katie’s faith and her certainty that what she’s doing in Uganda, one person at a time, will have far-reaching rewards. It isn’t the life she planned, but it is the life she loves.
To further her reach into the needs of Ugandans, Katie established Amazima Ministries. The ministry matches orphaned children with sponsors worldwide. Each sponsor’s $300/year provides schooling, school supplies, three hot meals a day, minor medical care, and spiritual encouragement. Katie expected to have forty children in the program; she had signed up 150 by January 2008; today it sponsors over 400. Another aspect of the ministry is a feeding program created for the displaced Karamojong people—Uganda’s poorest citizens. The program feeds lunch to over 1,200 children Monday-Friday and sends them home with a plate of food; it also offers basic medical care, Bible study, and general health training.
Katie Davis is more than fascinating, she’s inspiring, as she has wholeheartedly answered the call to serve."


     Motivational speaker and humorist Charles Jones has a famous quote that goes like this:
"You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read."
    I cannot encourage you enough to read this book - you will be inspired, you will be blessed, and you will be changed.

What Are You Living For?

Francis Chan illustrates how life is like a small piece of red tape at the end of a long rope of eternity...which part are you living for?

Seeing and Savoring the Supremacy of Jesus Christ

The following is an excerpt from a powerful message by Pastor John Piper given at the 2012 Passion conference in Atlanta, GA. It gave me chills, and inspired in my heart a true awe of who He really is.
I do apologize for all the background noise at the beginning; I found this video on YouTube because it isn't posted on Desiring God Resource Library yet. Our family was privileged to get to watch the livestream of this conference in January - I wish I could share the whole conference with you; it was SO good! However, you can find out more about it at http://www.268generation.com/3.0/ , the Passion website. :)

Hello Blogging Friends!!!

   It's so nice to be back! I've missed this blog!
Well, I fully intended to catch you all up on what my last year was like, but it will take more than one post of an inestimable length to do so fully.
Therefore, here are some of the highlights -

   1. I graduated in May!! :) It was a home school graduation ceremony, and about 30 other students graduated with me.


2. My family started two businesses in April - and we have been working and praying and building them ever since. It is our hope that they may become something that can be passed down to future generations, and that very soon they
will enable us to be more free in time and resources to be about God's purposes for us as a family. We don't know exactly what they will be, but it is our prayer to be used of Him in whatever, wherever, to further His Kingdom and the Gospel for His Glory.

Those things made our year quite busy, but in a good way. We also met some new friends - Dad has partnered with a friend of 20 years who lives a couple states away, for one of the businesses - having to do with wireless technology. He and his wife were good friends with my parents "way back when", and my brothers and I got to meet them and their two daughters last summer on a wonderful trip to the Creation Museum in Kentucky.

Also, since last spring I have been doing a cake business on the side, as I mentioned in my last post, and that has kept me fairly busy, along with tutoring my brothers in school, and helping around the house so that my mom can work in our office - she is the main secretary, and I am the substitute. :)

CakeJoy and Remodeling. . .

      Many of you have noticed I haven't really blogged for a while. :)
Well, I told you I was graduating, and since then my family has started some family businesses, and I have started my own business : cake decorating!!
I have created a cake blog, and have already posted pictures of several cakes I have done for family and friends.
Here is the link:  http://www.bethscakejoy.blogspot.com/

Please check it out!! :)

As far as this blog goes, it is by no means "dead"!!! ;)
I am working on some serious remodeling, and will have to officially close up shop for a little while. Then I plan to blog more seriously, whenever I can as life allows! :)
Thank you for your patience!
            
         In Christ,
                Beth

Thoughts of Spring

The Rumor of Spring

In solemn silence stand the trees
As bare of leaves, freely flows the chilled breeze.
Yet quieter still than even these,
Is the softest breathed whisper
Of the rumor of spring.

My heart, I feel would broken be
Had I not this bliss just seen
For old man Winter, though snow he brings,
Tires me ever of all cold things.
Oh for the rumor of spring!

The whisper starts within the bark
Of a great and wizened oak
As waking he remembers of those
Words that long ago were spoke.

He bends to tell the sprightly birch
She blushes a powdery green
Yet in her heart she starts to search
Her sap stirs in her veins
She smiles with the rumor of spring.

She dances o'er to tell the vines
Of with'r'd brown raspberries.
They throw open their leaves in stark surprise
And race to tell the cherries.
Not far away, a robin hears
And bursts out with his song
He's waited patiently to see
The green of leaves, it won't be long!

His friends join in with raptured chorus
Flying high to spread before us
The joy of the rumor of spring.

Ferns begin to yawn and stretch,
Unrolling their tongues, en mass
They hear the birds and know
That it is time to tell the grass.

A green fire now spreads afar
Lighting all the hills and knolls
Floods of joy, the brook now flows
Letting go its waves like scrolls
From the first thirst-quenching rain of spring.

Spring has sprung, it's clearly seen
Enchanted is my soul
Look around and see the green
The story now is told

Our Creator sang the song
Unto the wizened oak
He showed the birch where to search.
He woke the ferns and brook
He taught the robins how to sing
He painted the grass a bright, fair green
His wisdom is seen in everything
Thank God for the beauty of spring.

I wrote this poem a couple years ago, and thought I would post it today because it seemed to fit - my brother and I got to go to our creek for a while this morning, and the weather feels perfectly delicious! I hope it is very soon here to stay- I am done with cold! : )
(I know my poetic rhythm isn't always consistent, and obviously spring does not follow this order exactly, but I hope you enjoy it anyway. ) :)

Civil War Ball

     My apologies for not having posted sooner, or more frequently, but my senior year - schoolwork and graduation planning, etc.- has and will keep me pretty swallowed up for a while! :) It is my plan to begin some more intentional blogging over the summer - when I've graduated. Until then, I will make an effort to post at least a few times- whenever I can.

      Last weekend I was very priveleged to attend the 4th Missouri Grande Ball. I was invited by my dear friends the M family, as their guest, and to accompany their daughter- my friend, Morgan. The S family came with us, and we piled into their vehicle and drove four hours to the hotel/conference center where the ball was to be held.

     It was a very formal ball, with an elegant sit-down dinner and live music, and the host's goal was to be as period correct as possible, though he made it clear that this was not imperative-it was only their goal. As best we could, we were to speak only of things that had happened before 1861, for instance. We also had to address one another by the proper titles of the time-for a young lady this was "Miss" [i.e. Smith], and young gentlemen- any over the age of ~12- were to be called "Mr." [Smith]. It took a while to get used to! Also, we had to know basic dining and dancing etiquette, etc. Here's a taste, taken from the ball's website:

“On entering a public ballroom, the gentlemen merely conducts the lady to a seat.  ”This is more than fine, although the host and hostess will be at the door to greet guests if they so desire. We will definitely be talking with friends and acquaintances as they enter but we most assuredly want to get to know those who we have not had the pleasure to meet before.

“A gentleman should not dance too frequently with one lady. ”Dancing with the same person repeatedly is considered very rude. A dance is a social event meant to engage everyone. In our modern-day society having multiple dance partners is not a common practice. There are some who do not wish to dance with anyone but the person they attend with. Again, we go back to the golden rule. We don’t want anyone to do anything that would make them feel uncomfortable.

“As ladies have not assumed the privilege of asking gentlemen to dance, it is the duty of gentlemen, to see that their ladies do not long wait for partners. ”Gentlemen are to ask ladies to dance, not the other way around. If the gentleman doesn’t know the lady he wishes to dance with, he should be introduced through a third party familiar with both. This may not be possible, and I know ladies would much rather dance than follow this rule verbatim.

“When a young lady declines dancing with a gentleman, it is her duty to give him a reason therefore.  ”A lady should never turn down an offer to dance unless she has a very good reason. If a refusal is necessary due to fatigue or some other issues it is a breach of etiquette to accept another offer for the same dance.
“It is not considered proper to ask a married lady to dance, when her husband is present, without having previously ascertained whether it be agreeable to him. ”Since period etiquette might make it difficult for her to decline when she is uncomfortable due to modern influences, you might be saving yourself and the lady an awkward moment if you ask her husband first.
“While dancing, the performers should endeavor to wear pleasant faces; and in presenting hands, a slight inclination of the head is appropriate and becoming. ”Again, our goal is to make those around us as comfortable as possible. When engaged with someone please let them be your focus. A compliment or two is always welcome.

“When the dance is over, the gentleman conducts his partner to her seat; …, bows and withdraws.  ”Never ever, ever leave a lady standing on the dance floor. "1.“Do not wear gloves while dining.” The only exception to this rule is unless your hands are extremely soiled.  

2.“No talking during any part of the program.” You might not want to hear what is going on but please assume the guest at your table want to hear the program and not what you have to say. One would think with adults, this rule would not need stipulation, but alas it does.

3.“Keep your conversation period if possible.” Start by not talking about anything modern. Do not use contractions. Avoid first names. Never use profanity, slang, or discuss impolite subjects. These simple steps makes the transition much easier.

4.“Follow standard etiquette when dining.” For example, the basic rule with cutlery use. Start from the outside and work your way toward the plate. No elbows on the table. Things we learned in grade school.

5.“Never refer to anyone by their first name.” First names are for family, very close friends only and even then not in public. When refering to a gentlemen you use either Mister or if he is very young "Young Master" or by their title, such as Doctor, Captain, etc,. When refering to a lady use Missus, Miss. (Of course in today's world women have titles of Doctor, Captain, etc, also. Since they have earned this title it is their pleasure to whether or not you should use the their title even if it is not period correct.) NEVER EVER refer to an elder by their first name even if given permission.

6.“Gentlemen always stand when a lady stands or approaches the table.” This rule has no exception clause unless the gentleman is physically unable to stand.

7.“Gentlemen always attends the chair of their companion.” Ladies with huge dresses will need all the help they can get.

8.“Gentleman always attends to the needs of their companion.” You may help others, but your first and foremost obligation is to your companion. Avoid if possible attending to the needs of a lady that already has an escort.

9.“Ladies should always graciously accept the assistance from a gentlemen.” A gentlemen is showing you honor by offering assistance.

10.“Ladies should never lift your hoops higher than abosolutely necessary.” A lady does not show her legs.

We were also all given dance cards, and shown how to use them...I kept mine as a souvenir. :)
 

As this event was put on by a local regiment of Civil War reenactors, many of the gentlemen were soldiers, and almost everone was accustomed to being in character- with Civil War manners. Almost all of the gentlemen do credit to the title- very pleasant, courteous, and respectful of the ladies. It is such a pleasure to dance with them! I love being a Civil War lady, as well. . . I love that era!

   My friend and I were tempted by rule #6: we joked that if we wanted to be mean we could walk up to every table and make all the gentlemen stand! ;) lol!

It really was a wonderful evening!

It wasn't over yet, however...upon returning at around midnight to our hotel rooms, Dr. M said we should go out and get ice cream...all dressed up!

So, the ladies shoved and packed our enormous hoops into their vehicle- four full sets of hoops, actually, and off we went. Most ice cream places were closed at midnight, but Steak-n-Shake wasn't, so that's where we went! You should've seen the peoples' faces as we walked in!!

Snowed In!!!!!

Many people might consider this an unfortunate circumstance, to be stuck at home for several days, but just now I can hardly think of any other place I would rather have spent this week. I love to be snowed (or in this case, iced and snowed) in at home!
    A fire is always burning cheerily in our fireplace; the good, seasoned firewood warming the house....
Quite toasty here, actually- I could wear summer clothes right now in our living room, though it's been as cold as 15 degrees for a high outside.

   And now, last night it snowed - a big, fluffy snow, about 5 inches! We were so excited when we looked outside this morning, and Isaiah and I have already been snowboarding once this morning. I took my camera out, and couldn't stop taking pictures- it was so gorgeous, with the snow on top of the already ice-covered trees. Ice cicles hanging from everything, blanketed now with snow- a photographer could hardly ask for a better winter scene. And when you live in the country, close to a creek  . . . it was breathtaking. Let me show you- though the pictures cannot really do it justice.

our field



our creek <3




sun on the ice- two days ago - the world looked like it was made of diamonds!

                                   Thank You, Lord for all this beauty! 

"He gives snow like wool;

He scatters the frost like ashes.

He casts forth His ice as fragments;

Who can stand before His cold?

...Praise the LORD!" - Ps. 147:16-17, 20        

I'm Back . . . ; )

Yes, I know - it's about time I posted something again. Sorry - I have had not too few but too many things happening in my life - spiritually and otherwise, to have had time to post before now. So here you go - I have not fallen off the face of the earth. ; )
I have come to a whole new understanding of the purpose of my life, of the purpose of our family, and the purpose of the church (as a whole). This book we've read, Radical, has only been a very starting point - the Lord has been waking us up from the slumber of our comfortable American way of life to His calling, His purposes for our lives. We have begun to see the world no longer from the context of our place on the map, and about a 50-mile radius around us, but in God's context - the whole world. We have awakened to the fact that we have brothers and sisters in Christ ALL around the WORLD who are suffering. Starving. Being persecuted for the gospel of Jesus Christ. And the heavy realization of the vast millions who have never even heard the gospel, or the name of Jesus.
We have always known this in our heads, but the Lord has begun to reveal it to our hearts now.

Please watch this video - it is one we have shown at church, and it will give you some idea of what I mean:

Priorities - Video 'Tears of the Saints' The Lausanne Global Conversation

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream

Radical, by David Platt, is no easy read.

Here is some of the back cover summary:
            What Is Jesus Worth to You?
    "It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said HIs followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, He said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for Him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily . . . "
          But Who Do You Know Who Lives Like That? Do You?
"In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being His disciple- then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a 'successful' suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus."

Okay, so that's a sort of scratch on the surface, but it's a beginning of the idea - do we truly understand what it means to take up our cross and follow Him? Where is He going? Among the least of these.

I will post more as we study it - we are going through the Radical Bible study with a group of people in our church, and so far, it has been very eye-opening . . .  hard to read, at points, and very convicting . . but it comes down to the core - do we really believe what Jesus said? And if so . . . are we ready to lay it all down to follow him?

So far the picture on the front is accurate - a house turned upside down. : )

God Loves Surprises!

     Well, I was certainly not expecting it, but my cast did come off that weekend! (7-24-10)
That Friday, both of my parents went with me to the doctor's office, leaving my brothers at grandma's house.
     That was special, to have Dad with me - his work schedule does not often allow him to come to things like that, but he really wanted to be there - for support, because he knew I was a little discouraged from the news I had received.
     Waiting in the waiting room, I had such a peace that came over me - I was prepared for whatever they would say, prepared to have it re-cast and be on crutches for another couple of weeks. I knew it was alll going to be alright - because whatever happened to me, I knew it would be what God had ordained in His Sovereignty, and I trusted in Him.
    Therefore he was there when the doctor came in and said, quite unexpectedly, "How would you like to get this thing off today?"
     It was really wierd, after having my foot in that thing for so long! The firs thing I wanted to do was wash it off. Daddy offered to wash my foot and ankle for me. The nurse brought in a little basin of warm, soapy water and a washcloth, and he washed it - it was so sweet!
And I surprised my Grandma to pieces when I came in with no cast on! It was a pretty awesome day.

I could hear the Lord saying - "Daughter, have you forgotten that I love surprises? You trusted in Me, and see - I have rewarded you."

So I have had to re-learn to walk . . . So far, I can't stand on my own two feet just yet. ; D
All in God's timing! It may sound strange, but it's so nice just to see my foot again!!!
Thank you again to all the wonderful people who gave me encouragement, prayers and support through this little ordeal, and to my Heavenly Father, who always knows what is best for me, according to His plans. All the glory to Him!!

(Again, my apologies for not posting sooner!)
 

I know it's been a while since I posted, so I will give a little update:
    The recovery time for my broken leg has been a little longer than I had hoped - I went back to the doctors after four weeks (that had seemed awfully optimistic to me, having expected six to eight weeks for a break like mine) and the x-rays came back showing progress, and healing, but not definite healing.
So, they gave me another two weeks, and said they would x-ray it then and check my progress.
    I was not really surprised - my leg was still pretty sore, and I had a feeling it needed some more time.
It didn't bother me, since I had half expected it, even though I had been thinking a lot about the things I would like to be doing right now: gardening, horseback riding, swimming, even doing the dishes and laundry sounds so nice!! ; D

    However, God knew what I was supposed to be doing right now, and I have decided to make the most I can of this opportunity He has sent. I've been able to think a lot, to read more than I usually have time to, and to complete several art projects. Counting my blessings has been and is still a challenge some times, but I know I have been learning and growing through this process, and while my projects and plans may not all be getting done like I want them to be, by God's grace, His perfect work in me continues- He is faithful.

    I don't know about you, but I find I need to remind myself of that pretty frequently- that's why I have posted this. To tell you the truth, I have been dealing with a lot of discouragement this week, and especially today. I found out today that I am most likely going to be wearing a cast for another two weeks, maybe more. I had my hopes up quite a bit that I would be getting the cast off this weekend; my leg is feeling almost completely healed - it doesn't hurt like it did two weeks ago. I was fairly confidant that it was healed. However, the report said that the bone is still not completely healed, and I go back in two weeks for another checkup. Please pray that I can choose gratitude, because I know in my heart I want to - it's just getting a little harder. : ) Forgive me if I sound any kind of whiny!! ; D

     I know that healing is in the hands of the Lord, and, ultimately, I must trust Him- His timing, and His plan for my life.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted bythe waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and it will not be anxious in the year of draught, nor will cease from yielding fruit." - Jeremiah 17:7-8

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" - 1 Peter 1:6-7

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. (; D) " - Psalms 34:19-20

Thanks for reading- I hope you find this helpful and encouraging.