Texas Memories - Hope for Spring

Bluebonnet seedlings.
Bluebonnets sprout in the fall in Texas
to bloom in the spring.

Worth Repeating - Those Poor Souls Who Don't Celebrate...

This was first posted here in December 2015 and is worth revisiting.

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Recently I was reading a blog where the writer was feeling sorry for "those poor souls" who don't celebrate Christmas, but he wished us happiness in spite of ourselves.  I have to admit that I was a little peeved and wanted to leave a comment, but I decided against it.  I was left wondering, though, why people tend to assume that we are "poor souls."

Probably most of my readers know by now that we don’t celebrate Christmas. Some may wonder what it is exactly that we do while we’re “not celebrating.”

So, I thought I’d just write a post about these topics. :-)

It's Not What You Think

In the first place, we don't sit around feeling sorry for ourselves and being gloomy and sad because we “can’t celebrate like other people do.”  Some folks tend to get funny ideas of what people with different convictions than theirs actually think or feel about a thing like this. Unfortunately, there are people who think that when you have a conviction about something that makes you different from "the norm" (Christmas, ladies wearing pants, homeschooling, simple living, television etc.), that secretly in your heart you are constantly lamenting the fact and feeling terribly deprived. Sorry to disillusion some of you, but we’re not all like that – though I don’t deny that there are some non-celebrators among us who do feel that way, and also that many of us are sometimes a bit forlorn because no one has time for us during this time of the year.  (And because our churches are full of Christmassy stuff.)

For some women and kids it is common to have people assume that their husband or father forces them not to celebrate against their will.  While I know there are some families that have that uncomfortable problem, I also know that there are people with the opposite problem.  They are forced to celebrate against their will.  So, here's the thing: if you judge our conviction as "wrong" because someone among us is unhappy about it, that will condemn your own celebrations because there are unhappy people in your crowd too (and maybe more of them).  So, be careful how you judge.  John 7:24  Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

I also know for a fact that there are plenty of wives and children who are not at all bothered about their family's conviction not to celebrate and even agree 100%.  It's a huge frustration to some of us that we have extended family and friends who simply refuse to believe we are "on board" with not celebrating.

My mom had a lady she knew greet her in the grocery store one year in December and say in a condescending, exaggerated ways, "It must be the Lord who puts that smile on your face!"  My mom, who had no idea what was going on, said, "Of course, it is!"  She was so puzzled that she mentioned it later to the woman's sister.  The sister told my mom the lady said that because she was feeling sorry for her because she'd found out we didn't celebrate Christmas.  My mom was really burned up about that as she would have answered differently if she'd know the reason for the comment.  However, it's just as well, because Mom's answer may have challenged the lady's presuppositions since Mom replied as if she thought the lady was somewhat daft for even saying such a thing. :-)

To the Lord

My own mom and others I know have had much more annoying things than this happen, however. There are those who simply can't let the thing alone - usually some close family member or friend. Ladies, you should be more consumed with "Christian grace" than with "Christmas spirit." Just because you "couldn't stand" not to celebrate, or because it cramps your personal style that we don't, it doesn't follow that you need to pester folks into "joining the fun."  Nor do you need to shame them into participating to prove that they "really love the Lord."  "Christian grace" with its shoes on in this case is "Keep Your Mouth Shut."  I know it's hard sometimes, but here's the truth:

1. If the lady has one mind with her husband or church about not celebrating Christmas, you are only annoying her and causing offence.

2. If the lady does not agree with her husband or church about not celebrating, you are hurting her and making a wound worse!

These go double for children!  It is not your job to turn kids against their parents on matters that are purely preference and personal conviction, rather than clear commands to the New Testament church.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-11  But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Speaking of personal preferences and convictions, I should point out something really important here that people on both sides of this issue need to deal with.

Romans 14:4-10  Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.  He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.  For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Did you catch all that?  We each answer to our own Master - God; not to each other.  Some of us esteem one day - Christmas, in this case - above another and some of us treat the day the same as any other day.  We each need to be fully persuaded in the position we take in our own minds - not some one else's!!  Hello!  You - yes, YOU - stop following the dictates of some one else's conscience and stop trying to force your conscience on someone else.  This is about YOUR relationship with the Lord, this is about why Christ died for YOU, so that YOU could be HIS servant in this life and the one to come.  We live unto HIM, not unto men.  Whether we regard the day, or whether we don't regard it we are HIS and we will give account to HIM.  And, we jolly well better be doing it for HIM and not to please man.  Would to God that we could grasp the depth and liberty in that!

My brother grilling one winter day (not Dec. 25th).

So What Do "Those Poor Souls" Do Anyway?

I couldn't even begin to tell all the things non-celebrators do.  I don't know myself.  But, here are some things that I know or would expect:  Reading, catching up on sleep, family games, sledding, cook outs, barbecues, working, studying, talking with friends who also don't celebrate, camping, fishing, cleaning house, sewing, writing (that's me right now), watching a movie, washing clothes, having a family meal...

You get the idea. :-)

I expect that there are even a few who forget that it's a postal holiday and check the mail! :-)

My Own Family's Practice

When my family really finally gave Christmas up completely, we usually treated the day like any other. We did school work (we were homeschooling), chores, etc. and ate a much-less-than-festive meal. Otherwise we treated it like a Saturday – chores, a little recreation (maybe reading or playing outside), and normal meals.

Later, when we had friends who lived in our area who were not celebrating we sometimes got together for a meal and to visit and play a few games. This was usually because they were folks we didn’t see often, and as the men all had the day off we were able to enjoy spending a day together.

Where we live now our local family doesn’t have any friends close enough to really get together with conveniently, so we usually spend it as a regular Saturday around here with some chores and some family time – perhaps a meal or a movie together.

One year my brother managed to shoot a deer here on our property on the morning of December 25th, so that year we spent in various stages of processing the carcass.  That was a very important addition to my brother and sister-in-law's income, so it was a real blessing for them and it was pleasant working together as a family on such a project.  It was also rather convenient that it happened on a "spare" day. :-)

Today my dad has been rototilling his garden because it is Texas and it is warm! :-)  My husband did some maintenance on my computer, and I have done a few chores and took a long nap because I'm tired today.  I think my brother and sister-in-law went fishing.  Last night we had one of our winter "fire pit meals" where we roast hot dogs and sausage over a portable fire pit in my parents' car port.  (Photo taken several years ago.)

I know other people do different things than we do.  If you wonder what it is they actually do, ask them.  But, don't do so in order to feel sorry for them or make prickly remarks, OK?

Just Ask

Speaking of asking, there is one more issue I'd like to touch on.  I have realized that part of the problem with misunderstanding comes from people not wanting to talk to US about why we do what we do.  Maybe they are embarrassed, maybe they don't want to deal with it, maybe they just don't take the time.  What can happen, though, is that they will take someone else's explanation for why we don't celebrate as the truth, when it may not be at all.

I ran across one explanation recently that was bothersome because the person doing the explaining (a Christmas celebrator) showed that "they" didn't have a grasp on what "we" really believe or why. The story given was something I had never heard before and I've been hearing and reading on this subject for around 30 years!  You might say I was a little surprised and annoyed.  In thinking about that though, I just want to encourage you to ask your friends why they don't celebrate. Don't assume you know, and don't just take someone else's explanation for what they do.  There's a good chance that second hand information may be inaccurate on this issue, as often is the case.

One of the most ridiculous situations I've heard of happened to my husband and a few other people who were all attending a Baptist church in the southwest.  The pastor was highly offended when he discovered that there were various people in his congregation who didn't celebrate Christmas and he was apparently determined to force them to submit to his opinion - that all "good Christians" celebrate Christmas.  The comments he made from the pulpit were meant to make others think that anyone who didn't celebrate Christmas had been influenced by the Jehovah's Witnesses.  This was far from the truth, but it connected the people he was shaming to a cult, even if it was in a very nebulous way.  Don't fool yourself.  That was intentional, and it was a very powerful mind game he was playing, both with the ones who didn't celebrate and with those whom he wished to "keep" in his camp.  This is tragic, friends. Tragic.  Such things ought not to be in the Lord's church over issues such as this.  Romans 14 makes that abundantly clear!

We ourselves have a number of reasons why we don't celebrate - not just one.  Consequently, I'm sure it's safe to say there are a lot of reasons why people don't celebrate.  I have one friend who was already really frustrated with the whole drama of American Christmas before she met her husband who didn't celebrate.  For her, it was an easy transition because she'd already cut back.  There are people who had tragic Christmases in their childhood, such as one man my dad knew who had actually received a lump of coal some years.  There are people who have had some terrible personal tragedy that has spoiled the season for them.  There are people who just don't care any more because they are always alone anyway.  I am sure there are people who can't deal with the pain of not having children.  I'm just saying...don't assume you know.

Conclusion

Micah 6:8  He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Ephesians 4:29-32  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Evening Song - May the Mind of Christ My Savior

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 

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Texas Memories - Glorious Winter Color

Day is dying in the west;
Heav’n is touching earth with rest;
Wait and worship while the night
Sets the evening lamps alight
Through all the sky.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heav’n and earth are full of Thee!
Heav’n and earth are praising Thee,
O Lord most high!

Mary A. Lathbury

Worth Repeating - What to Do In December when You don’t Celebrate Christmas

This item was written in October of 2015. This is worth revisiting for those who do not celebrate and would like some ideas about how to use this month when others tend to be so busy with the holiday.

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Awhile back a reader asked what their family might do in December since they were no longer celebrating Christmas.  It seemed like it would be a good subject to write about, so here are some ideas for our fellow non-celebrators.  I wrote this at the Home Maker’s Corner under the section on Christmas-related subjects.

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For those of us who don't observe Christmas, it can sometimes be a little hard to know what to do in December while everyone else (more or less) is consumed with celebrating.  We may feel alienated from our family, friends and church to some degree.  This isn't always because they don't care or are resentful (though, sadly, that does happen).  Sometimes it is simply that they don't think of it, or they don't have time to fit non-celebrators into their holiday schedules.  Being resentful or hurt about that won't help.  Since we made the choice to not celebrate, it is our responsibility to find other ways to use that time.

Here are some ideas that may help those who are still trying to figure out what to do in December.

Continue Reading.

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For those who may wonder why we don’t celebrate Christmas, here is the answer from our own personal point of view.

Evening Song - Psalm 19 - The Law of the Lord

Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.  

This is one of my favorite Psalms put to music of this type.

https://acapeldridge.com/

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The Thousand Word Project - The Short Days of December

Texas

The Judgment Seat of Christ - A Poem by Martha Snell Nicholson

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 

The Judgment Seat of Christ

Swiftly and surely comes the day

When I shall keep a tryst.

The focal point of all my life --

The judgment seat of Christ.

Shall I approach that throne with dread,

With fear and stark dismay?

What will confront me, what be read

About me on that day?

I shall not stand a prisoner

Who waits with bated breath

To bear the sentence of the Judge,

If it be life or death --

All this was settled long ago.

But rather I shall stand

A servant, waiting judgment on

The work of heart and hand;

Those works in which my soul took pride

May there be judged as hay

And burned as chaff and stubble on

That all-revealing day.

Oh may there be some little deed,

Some word for Him I said;

Some work the SPIRIT energized,

Some earnest prayer I prayed;

Something entirely free from self,

Or hope of gain, or pride.

Works done for love of Him alone --

These only shall abide.

How would I feel if I should have

No crown of gold to give,

To lay before the feet of Him

Who died that I might live?

May I live my remaining days

Remembering that tryst

Which I must keep with Him before

The judgment seat of Christ!

- by Martha Snell Nicholson

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 

Evening Song - Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us

Psalm 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

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Happy Thanksgiving!

A blessed Thanksgiving to our U.S. readers who love the Lord Jesus Christ. :-)

Thank and Praise Jehovah's Name

Thank and Praise Jehovah's Name

Thank and Praise Jehovah’s Name;
For His mercies, firm and sure,
From eternity the same
To eternity endure.

Let the ransomed thus rejoice,
Gathered out of every land,
As the people of His choice,
Plucked from the destroyer’s hand.

Let the elders praise the Lord,
Him let all the people praise,
When they meet with one accord,
In His courts on holy days.

Praise Him, ye who know His love;
Praise Him from the depths beneath;
Praise Him in the heights above;
Praise your Maker all that breathe.

For His truth and mercy stand,
Past, and present, and to be,
Like the years of His right hand—
Like His own eternity.

- James Mountain

Revelation 7:11-12  And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Evening Song - All Thanks to Christ Our Sacrifice

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Galatians 3:2-3 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 

Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. 

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 

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The Thousand Word Project - The Bread of Life

Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. 

John 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 

John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 

Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 

Worth Repeating - Fight the Good Fight of Faith

I updated this article a bit and am reposting it. It feels like a good time to revisit this thought.

Thoughts from Hymns - Fight the Good Fight of Faith

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Fight the Good Fight

Fight the good fight with all thy might;
Christ is thy strength, and Christ thy right;
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
Thy joy and crown eternally.

Run the straight race through God’s good grace,
Lift up thine eyes, and seek His face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.

Cast care aside, lean on thy Guide,
His boundless mercy will provide;
Trust, and thy trusting soul shall prove
Christ is its life and Christ its love.

Faint not nor fear, for He is near,
He changeth not, and thou art dear;
Only believe, and thou shalt see
That Christ is all in all to thee.

John S. B. Monsell

There is much sorrow, and foolishness, and fear and trembling in the world these days. It seems more and more like ...the end of all things is at hand, 1 Peter 4:7. But, there is one thing we need to focus on in the midst of all this – we have a battle to fight which supersedes these things. It is not a war against flesh and blood, but it is the spiritual battle of the Christian life.

Continuing Reading.

Evening Song - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. 

Revelation 15:3-4 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. 

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The Thousand Word Project - The Remnants of Summer Shade

That will Be Heaven for Me - A Poem

That Will Be Heaven for Me

I know not the hour when my Lord will come
To take me away to His own dear home;
But I know that His presence will lighten the gloom,
And that will be glory for me.

I know not the song that the angels sing,
I know not the sound of the harps' glad ring;
But I know there'll be mention of Jesus our King,
And that will be music for me.

I know not the form of my mansion fair,
I know not the name that I then shall bear;
But I know that my Saviour will welcome me there,
And that will be heaven for me.

By J. McGranahan

1 Peter 1:7-8 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 

Evening Song – Have You Any Room for Jesus?

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Texas Memories - The Final Flash

What bliss is this?
That leaves should glow like fire
Before they drop into
The arms of death?
One brilliant flash,
And they are gone forever,
Into the earth which
First gave them their birth.
What art! What fabulous design!
This gift from God
That marks the passing time.

MES

Evening Song - 'Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Autumn Rose

 

Evening Song - O Listen to Our Wondrous Story

 
1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 

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Tennessee Memories - Autumn Barn

Near Kingston, Tenn.

It Is Finished - A Poem by James Proctor

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. 

Matthew 27:48-51 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 

It Is Finished

Nothing, either great or small—
Nothing, sinner, no;
Jesus died and paid it all,
Long, long ago.

When He, from His lofty throne,
Stooped to do and die,
Ev’rything was fully done;
Hearken to His cry!

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - Zion's Hill

"For Thou Art With Me"

I know not when I go, nor where,

From this familiar scene;

But [Christ] is here and He is there

And all the way between;

And, when I pass from all I know

To that dim, vast unknown,

Though late I stay, or soon I go,

I shall not go alone.

Annie Johnson Flint  [altered]

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Michael Lining Music

The Thousand Word Project - Eventide

On the dewy breath of ev­en

Thousand od­ors ming­ling rise,

Borne like in­cense up to Heav­en,

Nature’s ev­en­ing sac­ri­fice.

With her frag­rant of­fer­ings blend­ing,

Let our glad thanks­giv­ings be—

To Thy throne, O lord, as­cend­ing—

Incense of our hearts to Thee.

Julia A. Elliott

Evening Song - Nothing But Grace

This one is worth repeating.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 

Titus 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 

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Tennessee Memories - Maple Colors

 

Great God, as seasons disappear,
And changes mark the rolling year,
Thy favor still has crowned our days,
And we would celebrate Thy praise.
Henry Gauntlett

Worth Repeating - Why Is A Wife Blamed for Her Husband’s Unfaithfulness?

 

Here is an article I wrote at the Home Maker’s Corner ten years ago.  It is rather long, but this is a subject that is of pretty high importance as much now as it was before. This article was originally written in the wake of one of the Duggar debacles involving Josh Duggar.

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Why Is A Wife Blamed for her Husband’s Unfaithfulness?

Proverbs 20:23 Divers weights are an abomination
unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

The recent Duggar catastrophe that exposed Josh Duggar for having an Ashley Madison account and his subsequent "confession" has caused a lot of discussion. Among other things, there has been speculation about whether Anna, his wife, would feel compelled to share in the blame. This compulsion could be caused by a number of things - the teachings of Gothard on sexual sin, her own misguided conscience, her in-laws, her church fellowship, etc. 

I feel badly for Anna, but there is nothing that I personally can do for her except pray, so speculating on her state of mind and conscience is kind of pointless. However, it seems like it would be appropriate to stop and consider how we arrived at the point where women in Christendom are so often blamed either partially or mostly for their husbands' moral failures. How did this unjust balance in thinking come about? Here are some reasons that came to mind. There are probably more.

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - Jesus Led Me All the Way

Psalm 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

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Tennessee Memories - Pinks and Peaches

Chrysanthemums

The New Prayer - Poem by Annie Johnson Flint

The New Prayer

Long have I prayed this prayer to Thee -
According to my need, give me
A little strength from day to day,
A little light along the way,
A little trust when fears are nigh,
A little peace when waves run high,
And with Thy love and joy fill up
The blessing in my little cup.

So have I prayed for long, but now -
According to Thy grace, give Thou!
Of my small measure take no heed,
Above, around my puny need
Pour out the treasures of Thy good,
Let Thy great goodness, like a flood,
My meager life fill and o'erflow
Till I unto Thy gifts shall grow,
Give joy exceeding all I sought,
And love beyond mine utmost thought;
Thy riches for my poverty,
According to Thy grace, give me.

Annie Johnson Flint

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

Evening Song - Come, Every Soul by Sin Oppressed

 
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

Hebrews 7:24-25 But this man [Jesus Christ], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Washed In Dew

 Job 38:28 Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? 

Vinca

Letters to My Friend - The Gospel that Changes Lives

1 Corinthians 1:23-24 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Since September 10th the internet is absolutely suffocating under the abundance of opinions, theories, and emotions. People are literally losing their jobs for speaking even a little negativity against a man whose passion for the freedom of speech should have prevented that. Not surprisingly, the conspiracy theories are thick on the ground. Also, there are mockers who have said and done things in public and online who will never live down their odious behavior in this life. (Let's hope they get saved and can leave it behind through Christ one day.)

My purpose is not to address any of those issues. More than enough is already being said and written.

I am also not interested in the political ramifications. Our job as Christians was never and will never be to make any nation on earth "great again." There is only one nation that has clear promises to be "great again," and that is Israel, and only the Lord Jesus Christ can accomplish that - when He comes to set up His earthly Kingdom (Rev. 19). The only nation we can make great now is the church of the living God which is referred to as an holy nation in 1 Peter 2:9-10, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

As Christians who are called out of darkness into God's marvelous light, I think we should be paying thoughtful attention to how we respond to this situation.

Is it making us angry? Filled with hate? Fearful?
Are we looking for someone to blame and shame, someone we can pour out wrath upon?
Are we dwelling in a mental or emotional space of misery and discouragement?

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - Jesus Is All the World to Me

Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 

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Texas Memories - Golden Rod and Liatris

 

The golden-rod is yellow;
The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
With fruit are bending down.
The gentian's bluest fringes
Are curling in the sun;
In dusty pods the milkweed
Its hidden silk has spun.
The sedges flaunt their harvest,
In every meadow nook;
And asters by the brook-side
Make asters in the brook.

Excerpt from September by Helen Hunt Jackson

Evening Song - I Will not Forget Thee

Isaiah 49:15-16 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. 

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

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Thousand Word Project - Silent Firecrackers

Firebush

Evening Song - The Lily of the Valley

Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 

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Texas Memories - A Neighbor's Penthouse

Red okra

The neighbor. :-)

Much Fruit - A Poem by Annie Johnson Flint

It is the branch that bears the fruit that feels the knife;

To prune it for a larger growth, a fuller life;

Though every budding twig be lopped, and every grace

Of swaying tendril, springing leaf, be lost a space.

O thou, whose life of joy seems reft of beauty - shorn,

Whose aspirations lie in dust, all bruised and torn;

Rejoice! Though each desire, each dream, each hope of thine,

Shall fall and fade; it is the hand of Love Divine,

That holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with tenderest touch,

That thou, whose life has borne some fruit may'st now bear much!

- Annie Johnson Flint -

John 15:1-5 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 

Evening Song - Abide In Me

John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Fruit Bearing

John 15:1-8 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 

Word of the Day - Warn

Warn

To WARN. v.a...1. To caution against any fault or danger; to give previous notice of ill....2. To admonish of any duty to be performed, or practice or place to be avoided or forsaken.  - Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language

2 Chronicles 19:10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Go, study the Bible; God’s Word is a light
That brightly will shine in your way;
’Twill warn you of dangers, ’twill lead you aright,
From time to eternity’s day.

Go, study the Bible! Go, read it with prayer;
And look for the treasures of love hidden there;
Search well thro’ its pages for Heaven’s bright ore,
As years hasten onward, we’ll prize it still more.

Eliza H. Hewitt

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - This Blessed Old Book

Psalm 119:9-11 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

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Texas Memories - Mexican Petunia

 

Worship and Thanks and Blessing - A Hymn and A Story

Worship and Thanks and Blessing

Worship, and thanks, and blessing,
And strength ascribe to Jesus!
Jesus alone defends His own,
When earth and hell oppress us!
Jesus with joy we witness
Almighty to deliver;
Our seals set to, that God is true,
And reigns a king for ever.

Omnipotent Redeemer,
Our ransomed souls adore Thee;
Our Savior Thou, we find it now,
And give Thee all the glory.
We sing Thine arm unshortened,
Brought through our sore temptation;
With heart and voice in Thee rejoice,
The God of our salvation.

Thine arm hath safely brought us
A way no more expected,
Than when Thy sheep passed through the deep,
By crystal walls protected.
The glory was our rearward,
Thy hand our lives did cover,
And we, e’en we, have passed the sea,
And marched triumphant over.

Save as devoted Peter
Betwixt the soldiers sleeping,
Like sheep we lay to wolves a prey,
Yet still in Jesus’ keeping.
Thou from th’ infernal Herod,
And evil expectation,
Hast set us free! All praise to Thee,
O God of our salvation.

The world and Satan’s malice
Thou, Jesus, hast confounded;
And, by Thy grace, with songs of praise
Our happy souls resounded.
Accepting our deliverance,
We triumph in Thy favor,
And for the love which now we prove,
Shall praise Thy name forever.

Charles Wesley

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

One of the fiercest riots Charles Wesley ever faced was that at Devizes in February, 1747. The Rev. John Meriton, a clergyman from the Isle of Man, who died in 1753 and spent his last years in accompanying and helping the Wesleys, was his companion.

The mob surrounded the house where they were staying, broke the windows, tore down the shutters, blocked the door with a wagon. Next day they poured water on the house with a hose. A constable carried this off, but they obtained the larger engine, flooded the rooms, and destroyed the furniture. The mob untiled the roof that they might get hold of the Methodist preacher.

At last the friends mounted their horses, and were escorted out of the town by the constable and his posse. ‘We rode a slow pace up the street, the whole multitude pouring along on both sides, and attending us with loud acclamations. Such fierceness and diabolical malice I had not seen in human faces. We felt great peace and acquiescence in the honour done us, while the whole town were spectators of our march.’

When they reached Wrexal, ‘We joined in hearty praises to our Deliverer, singing the hymn, Worship, and thanks and blessing, &c.’

John Telford. The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated, pp. 286–87.

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Original artwork by Mary E. Stephens.

Evening Song - Jehovah

Psalm 83:18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth. 

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 

Isaiah 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: 

Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. 

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 

Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Summer Colors

Thoughts from the Past – The Land of the Dying

April 18, 2006 (edited Dec. 2016)

The Land of the Dying 

Owen, in his last hours, dictated a short letter to a friend. His secretary had written, “I am yet in the land of the living,” when Owen said, “Stop, change that. Write, I am yet in the land of the dying, but I hope soon to be in the land of the living.” - Source unkown

Romans 8:18-23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Truly we live in a dying world that is in bondage to corruption. Death and dying are as common as the vegetables and meat on our plates at dinner time.

Years ago I was looking at a web site that showed a picture of a mountain in West Africa where two missionary doctors had been traveling. The jeep rolled off the road and they were both killed. The writer (who later became my father-in-law) commented, "One would not think death could be so beautiful from a distance." And it was a beautiful mountain in a rugged sort of way.

And yet, think of this splendid, comforting thought: In spite of the dying state of the world we live in, how wonderfully beautiful it is! What beauty surrounds us - mountains, seas, skies, forests, plains, and even the austere beauty of the deserts. The ornamental plumage of birds, the fine architecture of seashells, the delicate coloring and structure of flowers all declare the tender care of a wise Creator. How gorgeously the Lord has arrayed this dying world, that He intended to be a living one! Think then what heaven must be like - the true land of the living!

Think what the Kingdom will be like! We are told the desert shall blossom as the rose,

Isaiah 35:1-2 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

Think of the new heavens and new earth. It defies the abilities of our feeble minds!

Revelation 21:1-3 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

As the children of the living God we are a living people with a living future! We will see what this glorious creation will be like when it is no longer under the bondage of corruption!

John 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Job 19:25-27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

(First posted on this blog - 9/11/11)