Another Friday Favorite: A Plug for Children in Worship

Do you think Hannah has spent some time in corporate worship with the grown ups?  Too cute.

How to Tell if You’re a Real Disciple

C.S. Lewis: What Christ Wants

“Christ says, ‘I don’t want some of your time & money, I want you. I’ve not come to torment your natural self but to kill it.’”  C.S. Lewis

Suffering–Not My Will

“Let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing.” 1 Peter 4:19

To choose to suffer means that there is something wrong; to choose God’s Will even if it means suffering is a very different thing. No healthy saint ever chooses suffering; he chooses God’s will, as Jesus did, whether it means suffering or not.

The saint who satisfies the heart of Jesus will make other saints strong and mature for God. The people who do us good are never those who sympathize with us, they always hinder, because sympathy enervates (weakens).  If we accept the sympathy of a saint, the reflex feeling is – Well, God is dealing hardly with me. That is why Jesus said self-pity was of the devil (see Matt. 16:23).

Be merciful to God’s reputation. It is easy to blacken God’s character because God never answers back, He never vindicates Himself. Beware of the thought that Jesus needed sympathy in His earthly life; He refused sympathy from man because He knew far too wisely that no one on earth understood what He was after. He took sympathy from His Father only, and from the angels in heaven. (Cf. Luke 15:10.)

Notice God’s unutterable waste of saints, according to the judgment of the world. God plants His saints in the most useless places. We say – God intends me to be here because I am so useful. Jesus never estimated His life along the line of the greatest use. God puts His saints where they will glorify Him, and we are no judges at all of where that is.

-Oswald Chambers

Friday Faves: Aprons!

I’m in an apron mood!  Especially after my daughter, Bria, made this one for my mom.  I like aprons on a number of levels.  For one, they make great, frugal gifts, like this one.  (Bria is the seamstress of the family, no thanks to me.  She made this from scrap fabric in about two hours, tracing a pattern from an apron we already had.)

I love that aprons speak a language.  They are the uniform of the home-manager.  I should wear them more often.  Once you put one on, you just feel better suited to the tasks at hand.  There’s an empowerment about wearing an apron about the house; it lets your family know you mean business and you love what you do.

Aprons have evolved, retreated and re-emerged over the years.  They were first worn for strictly utility purposes–wiping noses, wiping hands, keeping dresses clean and removing hot dishes from the oven. A hefty pocket was invaluable for collecting stray items or trash.  Aprons evolved into somewhat of a fashion statement in the 50’s, women donning them as a sign of domestic pride.  Then they became almost obsolete as the once-respected reputation of housewife suffered a downward spiral with the full-blown effects of the feminist movement.

But they’ve become in vogue in most kitchens now, even if just a vintage icon hanging on a hook.  Like ‘em or not, they have things to say.

So I dare you….put one on!

Great Children’s Classic Literature–On Sale

If you’re looking for great, classic literature with a strong message of godly faith and historical heritage, be sure to check out Vision Forum’s “Christian’s Courageous” Adventure Series. Until Tuesday, August 17th, you can get this series for $51 off! Check out these GREAT BOOKS!