Sunset over Lake Geneva

I went to a Women's Retreat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin over the weekend. Here are a couple of pictures I took Friday evening.

Wish I'd said that!

Today I am introducing a new category of posts: Wish I'd said that!

The first one comes from Kim at The Upward Call. I chose this for my first entry because it truly is something I have thought and even said for quite some time, albeit not nearly so well. Kim's whole post is excellent and thought provoking. You can find it here.

"When I talk to some of the teens, and I talk to them often, I often detect a general lack of understanding of basic doctrines. They can tell me all the gory details of the end times, what kinds of judgments will happen, down to what they things the scary creatures in Revelation will look like. But many of them cannot verbalize why it was necessary for Christ to die in order to provide redemption. They can memorize verses in order to get points at youth group, but most of them can’t tell me what those verses are all about. It’s a very behaviour oriented kind of Christianity. And it’s so prevalent that when they see others who don’t behave as they do, they perceive it as the other person not being unified with the body of Christ. Teenagers are already obsessed with how other kids behave; having them base their Christianity on how they behave is simply adding fuel to the fire."

Charles Spurgeon Quote of the Month

Rebecca of Rebecca Writes has declared October "Charles Spurgeon Quote Month". Here is another of my favorites in honor of this last day of October:

But to close: have I one here who is saying, "What must I do to be saved, for I feel myself condemned?" Hear thou Christ's own words—"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Dost thou ask me what it is to believe? Hear, then, the answer. To believe is to look to Jesus. That little word "look" expresses beautifully what a sinner is to do. There is little in its appearance, but there is much in its meaning. Believing is letting the hands lie still, and turning the eyes to Christ. We can not be saved by our hands; but we are saved through our eyes, when they look to Jesus. Sinner! it is no use for thee to try and save thyself; but to believe in Christ is the only way of salvation; and that is, throwing self behind your back, and putting Christ right before thee.

C.H. Spurgeon

Look to Jesus! Not only is that the remedy for lost sinners, it is also the remedy for discouraged and weary saints. Look to Jesus! Remember who you are in Christ and all He has done for you, and be comforted.

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!


His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Helen H. Lemmel

Testing 1,2,3

Yippee! Pictures again! Thanks Blogspot Support!

God's Minute

October 31

Forgiving one another, as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. -- Eph. 4:32

Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for protection and sleep through the night, and for the blessing of a new day. We beseech Thee to guide us through all its hours, giving us wisdom to understand and grace to do Thy will. Among ourselves, and among all with whom we have to do, enable us to keep and show the Spirit of Christ.

We pray Thee to bless the children, with their companions and teachers, and do Thou teach them always to be fair, to love truth and hate a lie. Guard our absent dear ones, keeping their hearts pure and their hands clean, and grant them health and prosperity according to Thy will.

We ask Thy blessing upon our neighbors, and especially upon any in sorrow or sickness or business trials, or any trouble, that their faith and courage fail not, and that under Thy blessing they may come to a better day. We pray for all who have yielded to temptation, and all who refuse Jesus Christ, that through repentance and faith Thou mayest bring them to an assured salvation. Keep us humble and watchful and prayerful through all the day, and help us to consider others rather than to please ourselves. Forgive our sins; fit us for our tasks, in Jesus' name.

Amen.

George N. Luccock, D.D.,
Oak Park, Illinois

From the January 25, 1896 edition of the New York Times:

METROPOLIATAN CHURCH, Fourth and B streets southeast (Rev. George N. Luccock, D. D., pastor) Preaching by the pastor to-morrow at 11 a. m. and 7:30 p. m. Morning subject, The Vows of God. Communion service and reception of members. Evening subject, The Masters Test Question. Sabbath school, 9:30 a. m. Y. P. S. C. E., 6:30 p. m. All cordially invited to all services.

God's Minute

October 30

If you shall ask anything in My name, I will do it. __John 14:14

OUR Father, Who through another night hast kept us with the loving care a mother might show to her infant child, while in the land of sleep and all unmindful of the world about us, we have been with Thee; though to the darkness of the night has been added the closing of our eyes, Thou hast seen us. Unconscious we have been, as though we dwelt in the land of death, but Thou has been mindful of us.

From dangers all unseen Thou hast protectd us; from the land of mystic shadows to the light of a new day Thou hast brought us. We give Thee thanks. And now, O Father, the day is ours--Thy priceless gift. Help us this day to love Thee. Help us this day to do Thy will. Help us to be patient, kind and true.

Through all this day may we remember that all men are Thy children. Help us to show our love to Thee by being helpful to our fellows. Help us to be clean in thought and word and deed. And when again we return to the land of refreshing sleep, if we no more should wake on earth, may we awake with Thee.

Amen.

Rev. F. B. Stockdale,
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Photo upload problems

I've been having some problems uploading pictures on the blog. I hope to be able to get this resolved soon.

God's Minute

October 28

OUR Father, we thank Thee for Thy revelation of love through Jesus Christ, and for all that He has brought to our lives of inspiration and guidance and hope. We thank Thee for the tasks Thou has given us, and for Thy presence and help as we undertake them. Help us, we pray, to live in unbroken companionship with Thee, to draw life from Thy life; to show Thee forth as we have to do with our fellow men in the ways of common life. Be quick to strengthen us when the lure of the world is strong upon us, and when we are tempted to put the things that perish above the things that are eternal. Give us a great hunger after righteousness, and help us to be genuine in all that we do and say and think.

As Thy disciples, O Christ, may we come to be more like Thee each day, as in ever-increasing measure the spirit which was in Thee comes to dwell in us. Help us to love God and our neighbors with all our hearts. Keep us from selfishness. Forgive our sins, for Thy name's sake.

Amen.

Lathan A. Crandall, D.D.,
Minneapolis, Minn.

Good News!

Our vet just called. Eve's tumor was completely benign and the lab says they got it all! Only thing left to do is have the stitches taken out in a week or so. We are so relieved and so HAPPY!!

Thanks to everyone who prayed!

One Last Taste of Summer

THAI CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

2 TB vegetable oil
1 med. Onion thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 poblano or Anaheim peppers, seeded and julienned
1 or 2 cayenne peppers, whole (remove before serving)
Salt and pepper
2 carrots, shredded
1 stalk celery, sliced very thin
6 cups chicken broth
1 ½ pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken—cut into bite sized pieces (I microwave the chicken and cut it up after it's cooked.)
Chinese noodles (one bundle)
3 TB fresh parsley, chopped
15 fresh basil leaves, rough chopped (I use less)
1 lime

Heat a large heavy bottomed soup pot with vegetable oil over high heat. Sautee vegetables in oil 2 minutes. Add carrot and chicken broth. Cover with lid and bring to a simmer. Add chicken, simmer 5 minutes, then add noodles and simmer 5 minutes more. Remove soup from heat and add the herbs and the juice of 1 lime. Remove cayenne peppers.

This is fragrant soup is a favorite around our home. Fresh herbs and the lime juice make it very bright and summery.

Final Harvest?

No frost so far, but can it be far off?

This may be our final harvest from our little garden. Slim pickings, to be sure; a few cayennes, an anaheim pepper or two and some almost ripe cherry tomatoes. I don't remember picking this late into the season since we left south central Kentucky.

God's Minute

October 27

Ye are My friends if you do whatsoever I command you.--John 15:14

OUR Heavenly Father, we bless Thee for Thy great gifts to us, Thy children--that there is provision for all our needs. We thank Thee for the power given to men to bless and gladden one another by the warmth of love, the truth, and tenderness of friendship, and to support each other in all good. May we accept this great gift with a sense of responsibility. Let not the wealth of human love bestowed upon us be wasted or despised--the tender care lavished on us in our early days, the love of parents, the patience of teachers, the wisdom of counsellors, all the sweet charities of home, the joy and strength of true human intercourse.

As we have received of love, so may we give. May we learn the deep lessons of love--self-denial, patience, helpfulness, sympathy, and growth in gracious living. May the discipline of love train us in constancy and true virtues. May we use the love with which we have been dowered to panoply us against evil, to preserve us under the manifold dangers and temptations of the world.

Bless our friends--may they and we be friends of God. Above all, may our experience of earthly love bring us nearer to Thy love, O Thou Lover of our souls!

Amen.

Hugh Black, D.D.,
New York City

Arrg, Maties

What's your piratey name? Find out here.

Just call me Captain Bess Roberts, and look lively, arrr . . .

(drawing courtesy of Sam)

Hat tip to Allyson.

What I really need. . .

. . .is someone to follow me around and make sure I don't go grocery shopping in my house slippers. **blush**

God's Minute

October 26

They believed the scripture.--John 2:22

OUR Father Who art in Heaven, we praise Thee for the grace which permits us to look upon another day. Wondrous is Thy love. We frail children of earth bow for a moment to receive the benediction of Thy infinite, omnipotent Fatherhood. Forth we go to battle and to toil. We dare not go alone. Temptation will crouch beside our pathway. Some of us may come upon dangers suddenly. Do Thou befriend us. When the duties of the day are done, may it please Thee to gather us at eventide an unbroken, happy family, with no stain of sin upon our garments. The Church we love, do Thou bless it. May the Holy Spirit abide with the pastor and all the people. We love our native land. Do Thou save it. For the whole world we offer our humble prayer. Thy Kingdom come. Great Son of God, dear Prince of Peace, why dost Thou tarry? Humanity dies. Give us hearts to bleed and hands to bless. Pity the men who have no home, and protect the women who toil and are weak. Send us from this trysting place to laugh and love and labor in the strength of Him Who said, "Inasmuch a ye did it unto one of the least of these, ye did it unto me." Lord, we thank Thee for thy promised strength.

Amen.

Rev. David Otis Cowles,
Jersey City, N.J.

What a find!

I found this copper teapot in an antique shop last week. I don't have any idea how old it is, but it came with documentation that said it was "Guaranteed solid copper Made in South Africa." The company label is "Claytonware."

The Shining Pathway

It's been a while since I posted a poem from "The Shining Pathway" by Rev. Lawrence Keister.

I especially like the title of this one--at first glance it seems not to fit, and yet it does--perfectly:

Experience

Do I talk to the Lord as a little child
With words and in tones of affection,
Or in ways that reveal a heart running wild
Unmindful of wholesome correction?

Let me come to Him boldly, come as a son,
Then wait for the Father's intentions;
For my heart will be met and perfectly won
And life will have larger dimensions.

When His answer has come I know Whose it is,
He marks it with light and perfection;
And ministers life to one that is His,
In beautiful course and connection.

Then a welcome accord to truth and to love,
So needed are both and unending;
For the Kingdom of God is always above
The soul that is always ascending.

Far As the Curse is Found

Sometimes the simplest questions provoke the deepest contemplation. Sometimes the deepest contemplation yields the deepest awe. Such was the case last week when I began to prepare for our small group’s study of the book of Mark.

The passage we were studying included Mark’s account of the temptation of Christ, found in Mark 1:12-13:

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

The question for consideration was this: Does verse 12 surprise you? My immediate reaction was “No,” and then, “yes.” “No,” because I was, I thought, extremely familiar with that verse and the idea behind it, and “Yes” because the notion that the Spirit drove him in to the wilderness seems, well, shocking. I finished answering the rest of the study questions, but all day long and for several days, my thoughts kept returning to this question, which turned out to be not so simple after all.

I began to think about Christ, the Second Adam, and the implications of His temptation compared to that of the First Adam.

The First Adam

Adam was created from the dust of the ground by the Hands of the Creator. He was created in perfection and placed in a garden—a Paradise—over which he was to have dominion and of which was filled with an unlimited supply of food. He was given a wife from the Hand of the Creator to help him with the tasks set before him. There was no sin or corruption to be found in Adam or in any of God’s creation—until the serpent, who was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made, was found “crouching at Eve’s door.” The temptation worked; Eve took and ate of the fruit and gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate, and ever since the Tempter has been crouching at the door.

There is no indication in scripture that Adam struggled with the temptation. It could not be for hunger’s sake that he so quickly received the forbidden fruit from the outstretched hand of his wife, for he had been given abundant food from every tree in the garden except one. There seems to be no concern or conflict of the heart in his fall, nor even remembrance of God’s admonition: And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Gen. 2:16-17 She held out the fruit to him and he ate.

And so, Adam fell and sin and corruption entered the world. The Bible calls it a curse. God sent angels to drive Adam and Eve from the garden and bar the way, so that they could not approach the Tree of Life. The curse of sin and death held sway over creation so that taking dominion over the ground and the animals became a struggle and a threat. But saddest of all are these words, from Genesis 5:
This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. 2 Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created. 3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.

The image of God was shattered. Next to come: the Second Adam and the image restored.

UPDATE: You can find the second half, And Wonders of His Love here.

God's Minute

October 25

He hath showed 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.--Micah 6:8

ALMIGHTY GOD, Whom truly to know is everlasting life, we draw near to Thee at the beginning of this day, desiring to know Thee as the Father of our spirits, and to refresh our spirits in Thy eternal goodness. As we draw near to Thee in worship, we pray that Thou wilt draw near to us in blessing and in inspiration. Grant us, we beseech Thee, the things of which Thou seest our need. We ask for health, for opportunity, and for a willing mind that finds delight in fruitful labor. Grant us the consciousness of sin forgiven, that in our labors and undertakings there may be no sad friction of remorse and shame.

Grant us the blessing of friendship greatly widened. We would not think of ourselves as too good to mingle with the humblest. We would not live apart from others in hope and sympathy. Rather do we seek from Thee the gladness of the common life of all Thy children, and the sweetness of its universal hope. Thou Who hast made us of one blood, help us to toil and hope and suffer and rejoice as brethren, that in our common life Thy purpose may be glorified throught Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Rev. Howard Chandler Robbins
New York City, N. Y.

A Hard Day's Night

This has been a tough day for our family. While Eve was off having puppies, she developed a growth on her lower muzzle. It was pretty bad looking when she came home last week, so I set up an appointment to have it checked today. All weekend long it continued to grow and began to bleed. This morning I couldn't get the bleeding stopped so I took her in early. The vet took one look at her and said, "That's coming off now!" and called his assistant in to take her to be prepped for laser surgery. When I picked her up at 5:30 I learned that the tumor had a "deep base" and was much more involved than he thought. We brought her home with a big plastic collar and she's taking a nap on the couch now. We'll find out later this week what we're dealing with.

I tried to get a picture of her with the collar, but Eve is one of those dogs that looks deep into your eyes and so I couldn't get a picture of her without glowing eyes. However, I was able to get a couple of "Ivy on patrol." Ivy has been taking care of Eve. If she stirs, Ivy is right there, licking her and checking on her. Then she runs to me with her ears down and her tail down and a face that says, "Help her."

We're all pretty devastated with this news so if you think of us, say a prayer for our Eve.

A Faithful Friend, A Friend of Faith

Some friends are just special. They are fun to be with, they don’t forget you when you move away, they listen with all they’ve got when you need a listening ear, and--most importantly--they encourage, challenge, and yes, correct you from the Word of God. I’ve been blessed with more than my share of such godly friends, and for that I am deeply grateful.

Ann Marie is one of those friends. We spent the day together on Friday. Our time together was short but we managed to pack a whole lot of “catching up” into the time we had. We had lunch together at my favorite local Italian restaurant and just talked.

Ann Marie is an ultrasound technician and works for a pregnancy center in NE Ohio. Works isn’t the right word. She serves young, frightened and confused women and their unborn babies. She ministers to them; body, soul, and spirit. Most ultrasound technicians work in hospitals or doctors offices, but Ann Marie ministers in a mobile ultrasound unit. (Not only does she administer the ultrasounds—she drives the unit!)



To say that Ann Marie loves her job, well, that would be an understatement. She daily gets to use her skills, talents, and gifts in the service of women, babies, and the Lord Jesus Christ. She brought along a 15 minute DVD that showed not only the wonderful mobile facility, but also some of the women that were being loved and cared for through this ministry. I watched it twice. I got teary both times. It was so moving to get a glimpse into Ann Marie’s life and ministry.



The video showed her talking with a 16 year old girl named Crystal. All the grown ups in her life were encouraging her to have an abortion. She didn’t want to do it, but when you’re young and pregnant and scared, the pressures brought to bear can feel overwhelming. She ran away from home at one point and one of her friend’s mothers called the clinic and asked them to pray for this young runaway. They prayed for her for four weeks and even though they did not know her name, when she showed up unannounced at the clinic and began to tell her story—they knew her immediately. She is carrying her baby to term because God providentially brought her to the mobile clinic through the prayers of His people and then used Ann Marie to share the Gospel with her. Crystal is due to have her little boy, who she has named Brett, in the first week of November.

If anyone reading this is involved in a Pregnancy Center and would like to learn more about the ICU, I know that Ann Marie and the rest of the staff would be more than happy to help. You can contact them via the website.

God's Minute

October 24

And make confession to Him.--Johsua 7:19

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for keeping guard over us during the night. We laid us down and slept; we awakened because Thou didst sustain us. Thou hast opened to us the gateway of this new day and set before us open doors of fresh opportunity and privilege. As we go forth to new duties and responsibilities, we pray for Thy presence to go with us. Strengthen us in our weakness, guide us in our ignorance, and inspire us both to will and to do according to Thy good pleasure. Enable us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto Thee, which is our reasonable service. We commit to Thee all our loved ones, and beseech Thee that Thy Spirit may so control their hearts and guide their lives as to save them from forgetfulness of Thee, and from neglect of Thy claims. Remember those in authority over us. Put Thy fear in their hearts, that they may faithfully discharge their responsible duties. May Thy Spirit rest on all our people, causing us to lead peaceable, quiet and orderly lives. Hasten the triumphs of Thy Kingdom, until all hearts shall be brought under the rule of Christ, and the whole family of man shall constitute a brotherhood bound together by a bond of Christian love. These blessings we ask, with the forgiveness of our sins, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

R. C. Reed, D. D.,
Columbia, S.C.


There is a brief mention of Rev. R. C. Reed in the Southern Presbyterian Review, Volume 32, 1881. He wrote an article for that issue entitled, "The Church and Temperance." The article is not available online.

God's Minute

October 23

Save Thy People and bless Thine inheritance.--Psalm 28:9

OUR gracious and kind Heavenly Father! We lift our hearts to Thee at dawn, though we painfully recognize and feel our unworthiness of Thy uncounted mercies which are new every morning and fresh every evening. We throw ourselves upon Thy clemency. Put Thy protecting hand, with its tender touch, upon our drooping heads, and though we venture not to look up, may we hear Thy reassuring and forgiving voice. Here we are grouped together at the foot of Thy cross, because we know Thou hast room for us all in Thy great yearning heart. We long for Thy tender caress and Thy smile of forgiveness. Put about us Thy everlasting mighty arms, and carry us safely through this day. As we take up life's business afresh and hasten out into the wild hurry of the world, be Thou ever near us. Be Thou our traveling companion. We need Thy presence every passing moment. For the gift of Thy Son, our adorable Christ, we thank Thee, O God. He brought eternal calm to our surging hearts, and made our sin-tattered lives to rejoice. Give us a new vision of Him as we toil this day. May we see the rift in the clouds as we look up to behold Him. Soften our hearts, direct our thoughts, steady our step, and shelter us by Thy care until our traveling days are done, we humbly ask in Jesus' name.

Amen.

Rev. F. W. Mueller,
Cleveland, Ohio

Puppies and Pumpkins

We went to our breeders' farm today to see Eve's puppies. Oh, there is nothing quite like puppy breath and puppy kisses! Eve had 7 puppies in this litter--they're the ones you see running free. There are also three puppies from a different litter; two are going home this weekend, one girl is still unsold. So, if anyone is interested in getting bitten by the Vizsla bug, email me or leave me a note in the comments. Saasha's puppies are behind the fence. They really wanted to get out and play with Eve's pups.

Boys and Puppies

Here is my son, Sam.


This is Jake; and, yes, that is a "Vote for Pedro" tee shirt.

God's Minute

October 22

My tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and praise.--Ps. 35:28

OUR Heavenly Father, we rejoice in Thy love. The knowledge of Thy love for us casts out all our fear as we approach Thee in prayer. Thy love has redeemed us, and moment by moment we are kept by the power of Thy love. That we may glorify Thee, help us to be kind and courteous and honest in all the relations of life. Give us the mind that was in Christ Jesus. Help us with open eye to see the truth, and with open heart to receive it, and grant us grace in all things to do Thy holy will. We thank Thee, Heavenly Father, that Thou hast supplied all our needs. We have wanted for no good thing. We confidently trust Thee for the future. We put our all in Thy hands, knowing Thou wilt never fail us. Be about our homes and loved ones today. Beat back all that disturbs human peace and mars human happiness. Deliver us from all evil.

Bless and prosper the cause of Christ our Saviour in the Church and throughout the world. Bring many today, by the way of the cross, into Thy Kingdom. Save the lost. We ask all this, with the forgiveness of our sins, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Rev. Charles Henry Pinchbeck,
Baltimore, Maryland

If you follow the link, you'll find a reference to Rev. Pinchbeck at the end of the fifth paragraph.

Look quick. . .

The leaves are beginning to fall.

Reformation Theology Blog

Here's a new extension of an old favorite. Monergism has been one of my favorite resources for theological articles for several years and I learned yesterday that John Hendryx and the gang have started a new blog, Reformation Theology. This promises to be meaty and well worth adding to your daily reading:

We are a community of confessing believers from various backgrounds with solidarity in Reformed Theology. Our contributors include a wide diversity of traditions: Baptists, Presbyterians, Charismatic, Non-denominational and Independent. Even though we may have differences on non-essential matters, we are all committed to the Biblical and Christ-exalting truths of the Reformation such as the five solas, the doctrines of grace, monergistic regeneration, and the redemptive historical approach to interpreting the Scriptures.

Sounds like a feast, doesn't it?

God's Minute

October 21

The fruit of the Spirit is live, joy, faith. --Galatians 5:22

OUR Heavenly Father, we turn to Thee in gratitude for Thy goodness, and in loving dependence upon Thy grace. Thou art our shield, our strength, our guide. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Thou dost forgive our sins. We trust in Thee alone. Our feeble strength can give no security in temptation, nor firmness in trial. We humbly pray for Thy sustaining grace today. May Thy companionship transform our daily tasks and make our weakness strong.

Grant to us hearts of compassion for the sorrowing, tempted, hopeless ones whose lives shall touch ours today. May we follow our Saviour in helpful ministry, and may His Spirit got out from us to lead men unto Him Who alone can bless.

May Thy Holy Spirit enable us to set ourseves firmly against the evils which destroy the souls of men, and do our part of the work that is needed for the coming of Thy Kingdom. Help us to be faithful and true in thought, word and deed, that we may not add to the sum of the world's evil, but my purify and enlighten all the life about us

These things we ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Robert E. Vinson, D.D.,
Austin, Texas

School Days Revisited

This is my friend, Jack. I got to walk Jack to kindergarten today. We looked at the changing leaves, and compared the colors of the various trees, and talked. Jack is quite a talker. It brought back such wonderful memories of when my boys were that age. They were talkers, too.

God's Minute

October 20

Believe ye that I am able to do this? -- Matthew 9:28

O GOD, our Heavenly Father, we give Thee thanks for all that makes Thee known to us, and for all the good things that Thou hast given us. We praise Thee that our household has once more been preserved to meet in health and to join in common thanksgiving unto Thee, the Most Holy God, the Eternal Providence.

We pray Thee to forgive all our sins, and to cleanse our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit. Accompany us into the duties of each day, and give us strength for every need.

Preserve us from all danger, defend us from all error of heart, deliver us out of every temptation, save us from murmuring against our lot or grieving over our losses, save us from envy and pride, from hate and untruth, from waste of time and excessive pleasure, and from all worldliness. May we be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving Thee, our Lord. We pray Thee in behalf of our neighbors and friends. May both we and they be blest in our mutual intercourse. Bless the poor and needy, the sick and desolate and defenseless, and bring back the lost ones to Thy home and heart.

We ask it all in the name of Thy dear Son, our Saviour and Lord.

Amen.

W. T. G. Brown, B.A., B.D.,
Toronto, Canada

(You'll have to scroll down and dig deep to find our reference to W.T.G. Brown in the link provided. But if you're like me--and perhaps some of my Canadian readers-- you'll read the first paragraph and get hooked.)

Eve's Homecoming

Our Eve is home again, at last! The puppies are going to their new homes and Eve is so glad to be home! It was such fun to watch the dogs greeting each other! Eve investigated the whole house with Ivy jumping and leaping and wagging right beside her. They're still running and playing. Hopefully, they'll wear each other out soon and I can post a picture of them curled up together.

(Eve is the one with the blue collar; Ivy's is green, of course!)

God's Minute

October 19

The God of love and peace shall be with you. --2 Corinthians 13:11

OUR Father in Heaven, Thou Who carest for all the families of the earth, grant to this family a consciousness of Thy presence and love. May we be ever careful lest by word or deed we bring dishonor to Thy matchless name. Follow us as we go to the tasks of today. May we be strong in Thy strength; courageous because of Thy promises; and humble, in view of our constant dependence upon Thee.

May the Angel of the Lord encamp round about the absent ones; guard them from evil, and inspire them for service. Give us all hearts of pity for those who are in need, sympathy for the weak, and willingness to lift up the fallen. Forbid that we should be content with our own plenty, or proud in our own accomplishments, but as children may we ever be anxious for the glory of our Father's name, and thankful for His care. Forgive us for that wherein we have failed; forgive us for willfulness and downright sin.

When the great homecoming takes place, and we are in the Father's house, may every member of this family be among "the multitude that no man can number," serving Thee as we cannot here. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Saviour.

Amen.

Reverand J. R. Webb,
Peterborough, Ont., Canada

The Perfect Fall Day

What a beautiful fall day! It's 64 degrees and sunny, the leaves are just beginning to turn, and there's a light breeze bringing the smells of autumn. Here are a couple of pictures I took in the yard. The tree isn't really at peak yet, but I'll post a picture of it when it is. . .




Isn't our Vizsla, Ivy, gorgeous?












You can really see the effects of this summer's drought in this picture.

The Skateboarding Dog

Here's a link to an amazing video clip of Tyson the skateboarding dog. Take a few minutes to view all three of the video clips. They'll make you smile.

(here you go, Ann Marie!)

God's Minute

October 18

The prayer of the upright is His delight.--Proverbs 15:8

LORD, teach us how to pray; for we know not how to pray as we ought. Thou hast bidden us in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to make our requests known unto Thee. Thous hast given us so many wonderful promises in respect of prayer that we cannot but believe that prayer is the open way between us and Thee.

Thou art our Father, and we trust Thee and know that Thou canst never contradict Thy love for us as manifested in the coming and living and dying of our Lord Jesus Christ. How shalt Thou not with Him freely give us all things? No withholding or even denial of our requests can make us doubt Thee. And then we remember that Thy "No" is just as real an answer to prayer as Thy "Yes," as when Thou didst say to Moses and Paul "No"; and yet, later, how wonderfully Thou didst answer those seemingly unanswered prayers.

Be Thou our light in darkness; our comfort in sorrow; our wisdom when we are perplexed; our strength when we are in weakness. Our desire is to be used of Thee. We do not want to be idle or unfruitful in Thy service, even when limited in our opportunities. Grant this our prayer, O Father, for Jesus' sake.

Amen.

George F. Pentecost, D.D., LL.D.,
Philadelphia, Penna.

Dan Edelen at Cerulean Sanctum has an interesting entry on prayer. You can find it here.

The Shining Pathway

Tuning In

by Rev. Lawrence Keister

How wise it is to pray at night,
When silence reigns serenely;
When roving thoughts are gathered in,
And conscience reigns supremely.

No voice is heard except the one,
The mind and heart appealing;
And then the one that answers this
In deepest thought and feeling.

How happy is is the man who prays
When darkness settles o'er him,
And God Himself responds to faith
And lights the way before him.

Charles Spurgeon Quote

Rebecca of Rebecca Writes has declared October "Charles Spurgeon Quote" Month. Here's one of my favorite Spurgeon quotes. It is particularly appropriate in our present age.

"If ever there should come a wretched day when all our pulpits be full of modern thought, and the old doctrine of substitutionary sacrifice shall be exploded, then there will remain no word of comfort for the guilty or hope for the despairing."

C.H. Spurgeon

God's Minute

October 17

Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith.-- 1 Timothy 6:11

OUR Father, teach us how to speak to Thee. May Thy Spirit lead us into the light, for we know so little about Thee and are so dull and slow to learn. Wilt Thou forgive us when we do wrong, and keep us from going away from Thee. O Good Shepherd, the wilderness is so large, and we are weak and so easily lose our way. Keep us from the wild beasts of sin, and may we never miss the path that leads to Thy fold.

Bless our home today, and all who are in it. May we always be gentle and loving, and seek to make all about us happy. Help us to have a shining face, and especially when we meet Thy other children who are sad and in trouble. Teach us to do as Jesus did when He forgot all about Himself trying to help others.

We thank Thee for all the good and beautiful things Thou art giving us every day. We pray Thee to help us to help Thee to make Thy world good and happy.

And this we ask in the name of our Elder Brother, Christ Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Amen.

Charles R. Flanders, D.D.,
London, Ont., Cananda

Predictions?

Pyromaniac has temporarily closed up shop but he left the front door open. His blog hasn't been updated since the 7th but this morning there are 119 comments and counting. I haven't been reading along, [yet] but I have been checking in to watch the count. My prediction? Over 150 responses before he returns.

UPDATE: Now that I've skimmed through the comments at Pyromaniac I've only got one thing to say: This post serves to prove the truth of my confession here: I've never had an original thought in my life. .. .

UPDATE: He's baaaack. 214 posts later. . .No comments on the new thread yet. New prediction? I predict the discussion of the discussion will top 100 posts.

Flocked

Fifty pink flamingos and a huge sign in the front yard. Cars in all the neighbors' driveways. All the lights in the house on. You'd think that would tip him off that there just might be a surprise party inside, waiting to explode. Not Mike. He was completely surprised. His response, once the laughter died down?--"No kidding, I saw the sign and thought, 'Sharon's having another yardsale. . .'" What fun!

God's Minute

October 15

Believe that ye shall receive, and ye shall have.—Mark 11:24

OUR Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ, Whom having not seen we love, we draw near to Thee in prayer.

We are unworthy of Thy many mercies, for we have sinned against Thee, but we know Thou wilt not despise the humble and contrite heart.

We thank Thee for life and its sustenance; for home, with all it comforts; for our loved ones and friends; and above all, for Jesus, Who loved us and gave Himself for us. May we be enabled to follow in His footsteps, doing as He would have done, speaking as He would have spoken, and denying ourselves that others may be blessed.

Bless to us Thy Holy Word. Enable us to live according to its divine teaching. In all our intercourse with our fellow men, give us grace to be patient, forgiving, loving and kind, and to influence others for good. Forgive us our many sins, and keep us by Thy almighty power through faith unto salvation.

We ask everything in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, our adorable Redeemer.

Amen

William H. Scott
Philadelphia, Penna.

God's Minute

October 15

Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.—2 Timothy 2:22

ALMIGHTY GOD, our gracious Heavenly Father, we, Thy needy children, would draw near to Thee. We come with confidence, for Thou hast already manifested Thy interest in us this day. Thou hast raised us from rest in slumber, and so given us a new opportunity to do Thy will.

Add, we beseech Thee, to these evidences of Thy favor, all needed goodness and mercy; goodness to provide for our ever-returning wants of body and soul; mercy to pardon our past transgressions, and to protect us against future temptations. Grant us also grace this day to manifest the Spirit of Jesus Christ in all we shall think, and say, and do.

Show Thy loving favor to all who are near and dear to us. Guide, we pray Thee, all who occupy positions of authority and trust in Church, in State, in industry, in education, in society, and in the home. Hasten, O God, the time when every knee shall bow in the name of Jesus, and every tongue shall confess Him as Lord. These blessings, and whatever else Thou seest we shall need this day, we ask through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Saviour.

Amen.

Lewis Seymour Mudge, D.D.,
Harrisburg, Pa.