Holiness - Chapter 4 "The Fight" - Pt. 3

In this section of chapter 4 in Holiness, we learn are told that"True Christianity is a good fight." "'Good' is a curious word to apply to any warfare," Ryle says. "All worldly warfare is more or less evil. No doubt it is an absolute necessity in many cases - to procure the liberty of nations, to prevent the weak from being trampled down by the strong - but still it is an evil... and yet there is one warfare which is emphatically "good", and one fight in which there is no evil. That warfare is the Christian warfare. That fight is the fight of the soul."

Next Ryle explains why the Christian fight is 'a good fight':


a) For one thing, "the Christian's fight is a good fight, because fought under the best of generals."
Christ Jesus, Ryle points out, is the Lord, Commander, and Captain of every Christian soldier involved in the war of the soul. He is divine, perfect, flawless, and all powerful. He never does aught that is wrong or useless, and He never fails to lead His followers to victory. No soldier, be he the humblest, is ever forgotten by Christ. "The weakest and most sickly is cared for, remembered, kept unto salvation. The souls whom He has purchased and redeemed with His own blood are far too precious to be wasted and thrown away."


b) "The Christian's fight is a good fight, because fought with the best of helps."
Ryle reminds us that "weak as each believer is in himself, the Holy Spirit dwells in him, and his body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. Chosen by God the Father, washed in the blood of the Son, and renewed by the Spirit, he does not go to warfare at his own charges, and is never alone. God the Holy Spirit daily teaches, leads, guides, and directs him. God the Father guards him by His almighty power. God the Son intercedes for him every moment.... a threefold cord like this can never be broken! His daily provisions and supplies never fail. His commissariat is never defective.His bread and water are sure.Weak as he seems in himself, like a worm, he is strong in the Lord to do great exploits.''


c) "The Christian's fight is a good fight, because fought with the best of promises."
We're told that we as Christians have received the greatest of promises from our Lord, the "One who cannot lie, and has power as well as will to keep His word. Who does not know that promises of coming aid have cheered the defenders of besieged cities, like Lucknow, and raised them above their natural strength? Have we never heard that the promise of 'help before night' had much to say to the mighty victory of Waterloo? Yet all such promises are as nothing compared to the rich treasure of believers, the eternal promises of God." (Isa. 43:2; John 6:37; 10:28; Rom. 6:14; 8:38; Phil. 1:6; Heb. 13:5)

d) "The Christian's fight is a good fight, because fought with the best of issues and results."
Ryle tells us that despite the fact the Christian warfare is indeed a hard and bitter struggle, "every believer, without exception, is 'more than conqueror through Him that loved him' (Rom. 8:37)." Not a soldier in Christ's army will ever be found missing, or slain on the field of battle. We won't need to mourn or weep over any of Jesus' Followers, for He keeps every one of them under His care. "The English Guards marched out of London to the Crimean campaign a magnificent body of men; but many of those gallant fellows laid their bones in a foreign grave and never saw London again. Far different shall be the arrival of the Christian army in 'the city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God' (Heb. 11:10). Not one shall be found lacking. The words of our great Captain shall be found true: "Of them which thou hast given Me I have lost none' (John 18:9)."

e) "The Christian's fight is a good fight, because it does good to the soul of him that fights it." Ryle makes clear that though "all other wars have a bad, lowering, and demoralizing tendency... the Christian warfare alone tends to call forth the best things that are left in man. It promotes humility and charity, it lessons selfishness and worldliness, it induces men to set their affections of things above. The old, the sick, and the dying, are never known to repent of fighting Christ's battles against sin, the world, and the devil. Their only regret is that they did not begin to serve Christ long before." Ryle tells us of a man by the name of Philip Henry, who stated during his final days with his family, "I take you all to record that a life spent in the service of Christ is the happiest life that a man can spend upon this earth."

f) "The Christian's fight is a good fight, because it does good to the world."
We are reminded that rather than having "a devastating ravaging, and injurious effect", as all other wars do, on both the land and its inhabitants, the war of the soul has the opposite effect. "Wherever they (the Christian soldiers) live, they are a blessing. They raise the standard of religion and morality. They invariably check the progress of drunkenness, Sabbath breaking, profligacy, and dishonesty. Even their enemies are obliged to respect them. Go where you please, you will rarely find that barracks and garrisons do good to the neighborhoods. But go where you please, you will find that the presence of a few true Christians is a blessing."

g) Finally, "the Christian's fight is a good fight, because it ends in a glorious reward for all who fight."
In this world, Ryle states, successful and brave warriors can receive from their country medals, honors, titles, and a myriad of other good things, and yet none of these rewards are eternal; they do not last forever.
But the glories and honors and riches which Christ has prepared for his followers are endless and will remain for eternity. "Who can tell the wages which Christ will pay to all His faithful people? Who can estimate the good things that our divine Captain has laid up for those who confess Him before men?"
Although we may only get a little bit of praise from our fellowmen in this life, and die without great honours, we shall have at the end of all things "that which is far better, far more enduring." See 1 Pet. 5:4.

In conclusion to this section of Chapter 4, Ryle says, "Let us settle it in our minds that the Christian fight is a good fight - really good, truly good, emphatically good. We see only a part of it as yet. We see the struggle, but not the end; we see the campaign, but not the reward; we see the cross, but not the crown. We see a few humble, broken spirited, penitent, praying people, enduring hardships and despised by the world; but we see not the hand of God over them, the face of God smiling on them, the kingdom of glory prepared for them. These things are yet to be revealed. Let us not judge by appearances. There are more good things about the Christian warfare than we see."

Persevero,

Scribe

The Experiment Part 2: The Results

Last week I mentioned an experiment that our family was doing related to self-control over the tongue. (Read previous post for details.) What started out as an assignment for Little Big Man turned into a family event, and the experience has been quite illuminating and definitely worthwhile. I kept a journal and recorded thoughts at the end of each day. At the end of the first day, I also had each of our children give me their thoughts.

Day 1: "Wow! I'm amazed at how much more peaceful our home was today. I haven't raised my voice once, and I've noticed a dramatic (at least 75%) reduction in fighting among the children. Why can't I be motivated by God's presence alone to show such self-control?"

Here are anonymous quotes from the children about day 1.
"I've noticed I've been kinder to Boo and Little Bit today."

"It's caused me to watch my speech more, and I've noticed I haven't fought as much today."

"I have more beans than M&Ms, which means that I've said more ugly words than kind words."

"I've noticed a reduction in fighting, and I didn't yell at all."

Day 2: "It seems we more easily focus on the unkind words that others speak rather than the edifying ones. We need to listen more for the positive words that come from one another. Fighting is still greatly reduced."

Day 3: "In the a.m., we're all ready to dump beans in our jars and be done. It was a morning of "growly bug" infestations. However, later in the day, things greatly improved, and the children were still getting along much better. Confirmed what's always been said.....Mom sets the tone for the home and complaining is contagious."

Day 4: "We're discovering it's hard to be consistent. We're not continuing to actively listen to one another's speech. Some of the children don't think they're being listened to at all.....a result of looking at the jars and seeing one bean and nothing else. :( Also, are we just putting things in jars without dealing with confession and repentance? Are we grieved to see the "tearing down" words outweigh the words of edification?"

Day 5: "One of the children is so elated that he/she has more M&Ms than beans! Mom...well, she just blew it."

Day 6: "We're still struggling to be faithful in filling the jars, but there is a much greater awareness among us all regarding what's being said and how we're saying it. We often hear someone starting to speak, pausing, and then saying something wiser and kinder."

Day 7: "We need to focus on the positive words that each of us speaks and not just zero in on the unkind words. I'm especially proud of one child who really struggles in this area. He/She has been amazingly intentional , really trying to watch his/her tone and what he/she says. I remind him/her that self-control over our tongues is a daily battle that we can only fight by the power of the Holy Spirit but that being aware of the struggle is half of the battle won already."

Mountain Man and I are currently reading through The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo (highly recommended!), and the author describes communication as a pie composed of three slices..
1) what we say
2) how we say it (some experts think this is 7x more powerful than what we say)
3) body language

So, when we did this experiment, we focused on all three of those aspects of our communication. We discovered that our biggest struggle is how we say things, which includes whining, complaining, sarcasm, harshness, etc. The jars were a powerful picture of the power of the tongue. It wasn't pleasant to count at the end of each day and realize unkind words outnumber the kind. Nor is it painless to see the ease with which we can get careless with our speech, tearing down, whether with our tone or with our specific words, the very ones God has put us together with to love.

And, of course, I realize an experiment alone doesn't change our speech, but neither does just praying about it and expecting God to instantly give us self-control over our tongues. In other words, we must be intentional about this area if it is a struggle for us. That's exactly what this experiment did. It helped us be intentional about using our speech for the glory of God rather than for the satisfaction of the flesh. Little Big Man reminded me that since it takes about three weeks to develop a habit, we should perhaps continue the experiment for that time. I think he might be right.

"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

"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." Ephesians 4:29

Just the Right Size

The older girls and I had fun making these mini apple pies last night. They were just the right sized servings for most of the Littles, but Scribe and Little Big Man battled over who was going to get the leftovers.

Whistler loved filling the pie crusts, insisting that these little pies were just "the cutest things."

Boo did her part, too, carefully laying out the top crusts.

Whistler can't wait to get them baking.Of course, what's apple pie without ice cream?Mountain Man cheerfully took the first bite and declared them delicious!

Mini Apple Pies

2 med. tart baking apples

1/4 c. sugar

2 tsp. all purpose flour

3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 sheet refrigerated pie crust

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel, core, and chop apples and mix with sugar, flour and cinnamon, tossing gently. Set aside while you roll out pie crust and cut out circles to fit into muffin pan. Evenly divide apple mixture among the prepared muffin cups. Cut leftover pie dough into 1/4 inch wide strips and top fillings. Bake until bubbling, about 18 minutes.

This recipe makes about 5 mini pies. We tripled it to make enough for our family. Enjoy!

(from Time Life recipes)

Weekly Rewind 1/18-1/24/09

Ok, this month really is passing quickly! We've been focusing on lessons and crossing off projects in preparation for Next Girl's arrival.

~Mountain Man's work schedule was especially hectic last week, and he only expects it to get worse. Next Girl is arriving right before a re-certification audit, and there's just a tad of pressure to get everything done before he takes off a few days for the birth. So, there were lots of late nights at work, and we expect the same for awhile. However, Mountain Man is getting back to his workouts and was able to run with the older boys a couple days last week. Guitar lessons are going well, and he's in the process of writing another composition while he focuses a bit more on theory. He continues to teach Little Big Man what he knows, and we're working on making those lessons a bit more consistent.

~We finished up term 1 of our year with Ambleside Online. Yippee! Scribe and Little Big Man finished up several of their readings this week, and they've been pleased with AO so far. Scribe has taken to Churchill's writings without a problem and is really enjoy reading The History of the English Speaking Peoples. I love the fact that Scribe and Little Big Man find it easy to work independently with this program, although there are still quite a few subjects we've yet to add to the schedule (consistent art and composer study and Plutarch).

~My Mom had her knee surgery this past week, and we are so thankful to the LORD that all went well and there were no complications! Please continue praying for her full recovery and that the surgery's benefits would last for quite some time.

~The doctor confirmed at my last visit that the skin graft on my nose did not take. She expects the healing to take months, after which time we'll have to look at options... She mentioned possibly doing another skin graft, but I just don't think I'm up for that. Since I've seen her, the areas seem to be closing up more, but I'll definitely need some treatment to deal with the significant scarring. Despite it all, I can truly praise the LORD and know that He's working this together for my good.

~I'm finished seeing the perinatologist, and my c-section is just a bit over 3 weeks away. We'd appreciate prayers for Next Girl's continued growth and health as my last check-up indicated that her growth is a bit behind for where I am in the pregnancy. At this point, the doctor doesn't seem concerned since our babies are always on the smaller side, but I'll find out more this Friday.

As always, God is good, and His mercies endure forever. Great is His faithfulness.

Love,
Queen Mom for all of us

Holiness- Chapter 4 "The Fight" Pt. 2

After opening his chapter with the reminder that "True Christianity is a fight," Ryle goes on to say that "True Christianity is the fight of faith." It is not dependent on physical abilities, such as "the strong arm, the quick eye, or the swift foot." Rather, "faith is the hinge on which victory turns."

1) "A general faith in the truth of God's written Word is the primary foundation of the Christian soldier's character." Ryle asserts that we do what we do, hope what we hope, act as we act, think as we think because we believe certain truths revealed in God's Word. Perhaps many like to speak of having a religion without any "doctrine or dogma," but upon closer examination, we'll discover that such is simply impossible. To speak of religion without speaking of specifically what a man believes is to "talk of a body without bones or sinew." Everyone has faith in something.

For true Christians, "faith is the very backbone of their spiritual existence." We can't fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil unless we "have engraven on our hearts certain great principles which we believe."

2) "A special faith in our Lord Jesus Christ's person, work, and office is the life, heart, and mainspring of the Christian soldier's character."

"He sees by faith an unseen Savior, who loved him, gave himself for him, paid his debts for him, bore his sins, carried his transgressions, rose again for him, and appears in heaven for him as his Advocate at the right hand of God. He sees Jesus and clings to him."

"He sees his own many sins--his weak heart, a tempting world, a busy devil; and if he looked only at them he might well despair. But he sees also a mightly Savior, an interceding Savior, a sympathizing Savior--his blood, his righteousness, his everlasting priesthood--and he believes that all this is his own.

3) "Habitual lively faith in Christ's presence and readiness to help is the secret of the Christian soldier fighting successfully." Ryle reminds us that believers have different degrees of faith, and even the same person has greater faith at some times than at others. However, our level of faith profoundly impacts our Christian life. "Nothing enables him to bear the fatigue of watching, struggling, and wrestling against sin, like the indwelling confidence that Christ is on his side and success is sure, " and "nothing makes the anxieties of warfare sit so lightly on a man as the assurance of Christ's love and continual protection."

Ryle then offers a substantial list of verses to encourage us in this way...Eph. 6:16, 2 Tim. 1:12, 2 Cor. 4:16-18, Gal. 2:20, 6:14, Phil. 1:21, 4:11, 13.

Ryle encourages us to read Hebrews 11, and see the great victories won because of faith and to study church history and see what the martyrs and reformers endured and believed. "Let us mark how these gallant soldiers of Christ stood firm against a host of adversaries, and were ready to die for thier principles. What battles they fought! What controversies they maintained! What contradiction they endured!" Let us remember "that believing in an unseen Jesus was the secret of their strength. They overcame by faith."

In closing of this section of the chapter, we're reminded that to live the life of a Christian soldier requires faith and that we should be earnestly praying for it, knowing that it is the gift of God, and "a gift which those who ask shall never ask in vain." We should pray for that continual increase in faith and guard our faith jealously, for "it is the citadel of the Christian character, on which the safety of the whole fortress depends. It is the point which Satan loves to assail. All lies at his mercy if faith is overthrown."

Pressing On,

Queen Mom

The Experiment

We consider the Doorposts product, Plants Grown Up, to be an essential part of our homeschooling. It's full of wonderful projects for Godly manhood. Currently, Little Big Man is studying the section titled "Self-Control Over the Tongue." One of his assignments is to have someone listen carefully to his speech throughout the day, placing a bean in one jar whenever he hears edifying speech and a bean in another jar when they hear the tongue used in an ungodly manner.

Knowing that all of the members of the Poff Clan struggle with self-control over the tongue to one degree or another, we decided this would be even more appropriate as a family experiment.

We decided each member (excluding Little Bit) would have his own set of jars. Little Big Man decided to label them "good words" and "unkind words," and Mommy chose to use M&Ms for words that edify to create a stronger picture of the difference between the building up and tearing down examples in our speech. We also decided that one day was not long enough to create an impression on us regarding how we use our words, so we'll be doing this experiment for a week.

So often, we don't even realize how often we tear down with our tongues, speaking in rude, discouraging, or ungodly ways, and actually having a picture in front of us that represents the times we've built up and the times we've torn down is quite powerful. At the end of each day, we'll examine our jars, which will be a glimpse into our hearts. We'll then consider specific ways to improve (i.e. consistently praying about this area of our lives, posting Scripture reminders, memorizing applicable verses, etc) where we struggle, remembering that it is by the grace of God, and not of our own power, that our speech reflects the love of Christ.

What would your jars look like?

"Big Brother" - When the Government Oversteps Its Authority

I recently read an article about a court case in Canada which was like a story from a horror novel - a story which really just goes to show how eager the Government is to take over every aspect of our lives...

A Canadian father prohibited his 12-year-old daughter from internet use after finding out that she was doing some very inappropriate and dangerous things online. His daughter disobeyed and used a friend's computer instead to carry on her foolish activities, and as a result, her father grounded her, prohibiting her from participating in "the three-day overnight trip that her school was taking to celebrate their graduation from 6th grade."

So what did the disobedient child do? Did she submit to her father's just correction and repent of her sin? Not a bit of it. Instead, she takes her father - her father, mind you - to court, and "challenges his right to prohibit her from attending a school trip."

Read that paragraph over again. It should make you sick.

And guess what? The judge, a woman, decides in the daughter's favor, ruling "that the father had in fact overstepped his authority, and that the punishment was too severe."

This is what happens when a nation steps away from the Lord, forsaking Him and the things pertaining to Him, and pursuing their own, worldly wisdom (Prov. 3:7; 14:12). This is what happens when parents fail to pass down God's precepts to their children (Duet. 6:6-7). This is what happens when children no longer honor and respect authority (Exo. 20:12). This is what happens when "Big Brother" oversteps his God-given boundaries to meddle in things that are not his to meddle with.

We live in a "crooked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15)." Slowly but steadily the nations of the world are turning their backs on God, His Word, and His Laws. It is a sad decline, and the Devil no doubt rejoices mightily as he watches his minions go on with their filthy work. Christians dwell in an age where it is requisite that they stand firm against the World, the Flesh, and Satan, and raise up Godly seed to carry on Christ's work and continue the fight. Sadly, that is just what many "Christians" are not doing. They gradually become more and more like the world, blending in, and going with the flow as if there were nothing different between Christ's followers and Worldlings. How is Christian Light going to make any difference in the Darkness if we hide it (Matt. 5:14-16)?

That court case occurred in Canada. But America is next. We now have a president who, despite his claims to Christianity, upholds perversion, child-slaughter, and a host of other unbiblical principals and ideas. Things can only get worse unless God intervenes on behalf of a country that is sinking deep into the Slough of Sin. We can only hope and pray that He does.

Already, the Children's Rights Convention describes corporal punishment as"physical violence." Under the articles of this Convention, parents would no longer be able to "deprive" their children of liberties, like the Canadian father did. If a parent did "deprive" his/her child of certain freedoms, the child could bring the matter to court, and get "legal or other appropriate assistance". In essence, parents would no longer have the right to discipline their children or restrict them in any way without concern of Big Brother interceding to do what's really best for the children. The UNCRC is a fire bomb which will only result in destruction if it goes through and the US signs on as 192 other countries already have.

It rejects the right of fathers and mothers to be fathers and mothers. It defies the mandated guidelines found in Scripture. If it is passed, it would have serious repercussions. We see bumper stickers saying "God Bless America". Rather, why don't we say, "God Forgive America".

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7

Persevero,

Scribe

P.S. ~ If you would like to read the entire article about the aforementioned court case in Canada, here it is at http://www.parentalrights.org/blog/courts-the-law/much-ado

Reaches Up's Piano Lounge Performance

Ok, grandparents, do you remember this song? The only thing missing from this performance is a nice big "TIPS" jar!

How to Eat Buttered Noodles....The Little Bit Method

One handful at a time, of course!

Read It and Weep

Read this....actually READ it , weep, and pray...

http://www.baylyblog.com/2009/01/when-i-say-to-the-wicked-o-wicked-man-you-will-surely-die-and-you-do-not-speak-to-warn-the-wicked-from-his-way-that-wicke.html

When You Have to Look AND See

It was exactly what I feared would happen. When the doctor decided to change her approach to treating my surgery wound and have me apply what's called "Second Skin" to my nose without anything else, I immediately said, "Won't that take off the graft?" "I've considered that," she replied. "And it is a possibility."

When the wound began to ooze beyond the bandage, I was to put a new one on. Sure enough, that next morning it began to happen. (I hadn't even had the bandage on 24 hours, and the doctor was hoping it would stay on for at least 2 days before I had to change it.) My Beloved was asleep, and I knew I was going to have to do this myself. I carefully removed the "second skin" and was horrified. I was. The wound was not what I expected to see and was worse than I had hoped. Even more disturbing... I knew that when the bandage came off so did the graft.

I wish I could say that I remained completely calm, gently asking my Beloved if I had actually pulled off the graft, but I didn't "keep it together, man!" (to quote one of my children's favorite lines from Monsters, Inc.) I hysterically woke up my Beloved, showing him the bandage and asking him if that was the graft. He's trying to understand what I'm saying as he wakes up, having no idea what's going on or why I'm so upset.

Up to this point, my Beloved had protected me. I hadn't had to look at my incision site once. He lovingly changed the bandage each day, assuring me that things were looking better or that it wasn't as bad as I was imagining. He did the looking and the seeing for me, but that morning, I had to do it myself, and the reality was painful. I wept sorely over it, and it truly made me sick to my stomach. Thankfully, one of the first thoughts the Holy Spirit brought to mind as I cried so heartily over this fleshly wound was, "Is this how deeply you grieve over your sin?" He then reminded me that this "looking and seeing" was exactly what had been going on quite intensely in our home for the past few weeks, and why, though very painful, it was such a blessing.

Some of our children had been going through a "purging" of sorts. The Holy Spirit was putting their sin in front of them, and they were having to look at it and see it for what it was. Rightly so, they were disturbed and grieved. My days consisted of , "Mommy, I need to tell you something..." and, after the initial few times, I began to selfishly get frustrated as well as discouraged. I was feeling the weight of their confessions, for it was painful to hear them confess sin and to weep over it and to see just what sinners they are. (Not that I didn't already know that, but such confessions are an impressive picture of just how the grace of God restrains us and how determined Satan is to destroy and defeat our children. It was a painful reminder of how pervasive sin is even in the hearts of our precious children. We don't have to have an outside influence waiting to make us sin because the lusts of the flesh are already there, just waiting to be fed.)

Yet, I had been praying for these very confessions. One specific prayer was that no deceit would be found in our children, and here, God in His infinite mercy, was emptying them of such deceit for we deceive ourselves when we don't see sin as sin. Thus, God changed my perspective, and I began to rejoice over their tender hearts, reminding our children that this was the work of the Spirit in their lives, and what a blessing it is to see our sin for what it is. Only then can we truly repent and turn away from it. It was a joy to remind them of the boundless forgiveness of Christ Jesus and the fact that He understands their sins and struggles. He knows their hearts and has compassion on them.

However, just as my Beloved could tell me about my wound and try to make me understand what it looked like, I can tell my children they're sinners all the days of their lives, trying to get them to understand sin as God sees it. Yet, just as my Beloved couldn't really make me see the wound for what it was because I refused to look at it, I can't make my children see their sin for what it is...only the Holy Spirit can do that work. No matter what my Beloved told me, I had to see things for myself, just as my children have to see their sins with their own eyes, and as God providentially arranged the time when I finally had to look at and see this fleshly wound I have, the Holy Spirit, in His time, worked in the hearts of my children to expose secret sinful thoughts and deeds.

This is not to say that the children haven't repented of sin before or haven't ever understood what sin is, but this was the Holy Spirit bringing them to a revelation of sin independent of Mommy and Daddy pointing things out to them, as well as His cementing in their hearts the realization that nothing can be hid from God. As painful as it was and is, I want them to always rejoice when God convicts them of sin. What a comforting confirmation that we belong to Jesus, and He is faithfully working in us.

God made me and them take a look and see things for what they are. It was hard, but it was a beautiful display of God's mercy and His grace. God used my wound to remind me that I'm often more concerned about my flesh than my heart (ouch!), and God used their sins to show them more and more how much they need Jesus, how deceitful our hearts can be, how much Satan wants to defeat us, how they can always share anything and everything with Mommy and Daddy, how some things are sin and some things are simply childish acts, and how vast the love and forgiveness of God are.

This fleshly wound of mine can be covered with a bandage, and for now, it has to be, but the only remedy for my children's sin and for my own as well as anyone else's is the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Praise God that He has not left us to look and see our sin and be without remedy! Praise God for the gift of His Salvation!

Golf Anyone?

Um, miniature golf that is.. That's what you get when have the following equation...

tinker toys + marbles + a wood floor + a plastic basket + creative minds (I'm completely objective) = screams of delight and lots of entertainment. Go figure. :)

The Fight - Part 1 (from Chapter 4 of Holiness)

In this chapter of Holiness, J. C. Ryle adresses warfare, spiritual warfare. Christians are continually at odds with Satan and the World, and will be until Christ's second coming. That is why we must be very attentive to what the Bible has to say about fighting the good fight.

Ryle says that sadly, many are unaware of this spiritual warfare, this epic struggle in which all those who truly follow Christ are contenders. "Talk to them about it," Ryle states, "and they are ready to set you down as a madman, an enthusiast, or a fool. And yet it is as real and true as any war the world has ever seen. It has its hand-to-hand conflicts and its wounds. It has its watches and fatigues. It has its sieges and assaults. It has its victories and defeats. Above all, it has consequences which are awful, tremendous, and most peculiar. In earthly warfare the consequences to nations are often temporary and remediable. In spiritual warfare it is very different. Of that warfare, the consequences, when the fight is over, are unchangeable and eternal.

"It is of this warfare that St. Paul spoke to Timothy when he wrote those burning words, 'Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life.' ... the Christian is a 'man of war'. If we would be holy we must fight."


(1) "True Christianity is a fight." Ryle makes the point here that one who is true follower of Christ will be warring with the flesh. We must mind carefully the word true. A 'Christian' who does not acknowledge this wafare of which St. Paul speaks, has no 'fight' about him or his religion, and doesn't struggle with sin is not within the confines of what the Bible says Christianity is. Satan won't attack the worldling. He attacks the man who has donned the Armor of God, the man who walks in the footsteps of his Saviour and Lord.

Another thing Ryle adresses is "with whom is the Christian soldier to fight?". Not with other Christians! There may be disagreements between us as Brothers in Christ, but that doesn't mean we must be in perpetual contention and bitterness towards one another.

Well then, who are Christians to battle against?

(a) We must "fight against the flesh." As Ryle and the Scriptures make plain, even as Christians we carry that seed of sin in our hearts, a plague we can never escape in this world. We must always be on our guard, struggling against the temptations and sins of our Old Nature. See Mark 14:38; 1 Cor. 9:27; Rom. 7: 23-24; Gal. 5:24; Col. 3:5.

(b) We must "fight the world." Ryle says, "The subtle influence of that mighty enemy must be daily resisted, and without a daily battle can never be overcome. The love of the world's good things - the fear of the world's laughter or blame - the secret desire to keep in with the world - the secret wish to do as others in the world do, and not to run into extremeties - all these are spiritual foes which beset the Christian continually on his way to heaven, and must be conquered."

How true is that! Satan uses the attractions and temptations of the world to lure Followers of the Lord off the Narrow Way. As a result, in the present day we have many so called 'Christians' living in ways which are not much different from the pagans around them. They blend in, instead of standing apart; they go with the flow, instead of going against it; they surrendur their souls for worldly pleasures and amusements instead of setting their eye solely on the Heavenly Kingdom. This is the sad state of many, and unless the Lord reveals to them their blindness and folly in pursuing earthly things, they will have the same judgment meted out to them as will the pagans. See James 4:4; 1 John 2:15, 5:4; Gal. 6:14; Rom. 12:2.

(c) We must "fight the devil." Satan is the ancient and dark enemy of mankind, and if we want to be saved, a daily fight must be put up to contend with him. Ryle states, "...sometimes by one kind of tactics and sometimes by another, he (the devil) is always carrying on a campaign against our souls... this mighty adversary must be daily resisted if we wish to be saved. But 'this kind goeth not out' but by watching and praying, and fighting, and puttng on the whole Armor of God. The strong man armed will never be kept out of our hearts without a daily battle." See Job 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:8; John 8:44; Luke 22:31; Matt. 17:21; Eph. 6:11.

Ryle reminds us of "the maxim of the wisest general that ever lived in England - 'In time of war it is the worst mistake to underrate your enemy, and try to make a little war.' This Christian warfare is no light matter. There is a continual battle waging between the powers of darkness and of light, and if we do not fight, we lose. There are a myriad of passages in God's Word which tell us what we must do in this war - 1 Tim. 1:18-19, 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:3; Eph. 6:11-13; Luke 13:24, 22:36; John 6:27; Matt. 10:34; 1 Cor. 16:13 - and in all of them the message is clear: Christianity is full of battles, and epic struggles which we must wage against the flesh, the world, and the devil. To follow Christ is to bear a sword.

Ryle also reminds us that there is no such thing as neutrality in the great War. The Bible says clearly that he who is not with Christ is against Him - no in between stuff, no inactivity. You are either for the Lord or against Him. Period.

Ryle says that everyone must fight. In the earthly wars we wage, young children, aged men, or those infirm may be exempted from service. Not so in this fight. "No rank, or class, or age can plead exemption, or escape battle. Ministers and people, preachers and hearers, old and young, high and low, rich and poor, gentle and simple, kings and subjects, landlords and tenants, learned and unlearned - all alike must carry arms and go to war. All have by nature a heart full of pride, unbelief, sloth, worldliness, and sin. All are living in a world beset by snares, traps, and pitfalls for the soul. All have near them a busy, restless, malicius devil. All, from the queen in her palace to the pauper in the workhouse, all must fight, if they would be saved."

Lastly, Ryle tells us that there is no rest from this battle in this life. "On weekdays as well as Sundays - in private as well as in public - at home by the family fireside as well as abroad - in little things like management of tongue and temper, as well as in great ones like the government of kingdoms - the Christian warfare must unceasingly go on. The foe we have to do with keeps no holidays, never slumbers, and never sleeps. So long as we have breath in our bodies, we must keep on our armor, and remember we are on an enemy's ground. 'Even on the brink of the Jordan,' said a dying saint, 'I find Satan nibbling at my heels.' We must fight till we die."

We must examine ourselves to see whether we struggle against sin. We should. And if we don't, we need to earnestly pray to God that he would empower, enable, and renew us for the struggle. Those who don't even know of the battle for the souls are in a sad state. Ryle aptly puts it when he says, "The worst chains are the ones neither felt nor seen by the prisoner."

To sum up, I will quote Ryle as he ends this first section in Chapter 4: "The child of God has two great marks about him, and of these two we have one. HE MAY BE KNOWN BY HIS INWARD WARFARE, AS WELL AS BY HIS INWARD PEACE."

Persevero,

Scribe

Comfort Food: Baked Oatmeal

I know...baked oatmeal as comfort food?? Truthfully, I had never even eaten oatmeal (other than in cookies) until I discovered this recipe. It is delicious, and especially comforting when you wake up to this.....

as we did this past Saturday morning. Try it and see if it makes an oatmeal lover out of you. :)

Mix together:

1/2 c. butter, melted

1 c. brown sugar

2 eggs beaten

1/2 tsp vanilla

Then add:

3 c. rolled oats

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1 c. milk

Bake at 350 degrees in a greased casserole dish for 30 minutes. When done, top with pats of butter and sprinkle your serving with cinnamon sugar. (This is Baked Oatmeal done the Poff Clan way). I usually make two pans of this when all of us are here for breakfast, and we'll snack on the leftovers the rest of the day.

"Omnipotent Ideological Busybodies"

If you're one of the few who hasn't heard about the insane law coming into effect on February 9th, please read about it here. The implications are so far-reaching and utterly devastating to many homeschool families and their businesses as well as to many others. I've received two notices just today from homeschool businesses who are having to sell off their inventories and possibly close their doors. This isn't just about homeschoolers, either. Do you like to buy used toys or books? Read here and find out what you can do....

http://handsandhearts.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=98&emc=intellicontact&m=41155488&v=1023266597&l=5

This quote from C.S. Lewis perfectly describes this entire dilemma......

"Of all the tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely expressed for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent ideological busybodies."

Weekly Rewind 1/4/09-1/10/09

It's been a week of cleaning up and returning to the comfort of our routines. It's always nice to take a break from our regular schedule, but it is always refreshing to return to it as well.

~We resumed our lessons this week, and things went quite well, considering we had been out of our routine for a couple of weeks. We're almost finished with Term 1 of Ambleside Online, and Scribe and Little Big Man had great attitudes as they hit the books again. We finally finished up three of our read alouds, which really pleased this Mama, as I'm hoping to get a couple more done before we take a break for Next Girl's arrival. Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of schedules and routines that help us stay grounded and focused and help us appreciate even more those "out of the ordinary" days of our lives.

~I mentioned in a previous request for prayer, my cousin was hospitalized this week with heart issues. Her heart actually stopped after they arrived at the hospital. After getting her stabilized, she was moved to the critical care unit and has since been moved to a regular room. Her potassium levels were severely out of balance, and the doctors are still having difficulty getting her heart rate to be where it should. She's developed a severe sinus infection and will have to be on IV antibiotics for three weeks once she returns home. Please continue to pray that the doctors would discern the reason behind her sudden heart failure, for strength for her and her family, and of course, for complete healing. Thank You, Lord , for mercifully sparing Michele's life. Thank You for each breath You give us. Teach us to live each moment for Your glory.

~THIS was driving me crazy...

So, while Mountain Man, Scribe, and Little Big Man went shooting yesterday, I called on Team Sparkle.....



They worked so hard and diligently, even blessing me with comments like, "This is the funnest thing I've done in my life!" or "I'd rather do this than watch a movie!" (I know...it's crazy! But am I not blessed that they had such GREAT attitudes?) Several hours later, the mess of a pantry looked like this.....




If I maintain my ambition, I'll work to actually put together a pantry inventory this week. We'll see. :) Thank You, Lord, for helping hands. I couldn't have gotten so much done without the help of my Littles. Thank You for the blessing of having them work so cheerfully and heartily.

~The saga with my nose continues. At my appointment last week, the doctor explained that the area from which she took the skin for the graft has opened up, that she can't tell if the graft is still in place (I don't think it is), and that I'll have to return for weekly visits until the area actually heals. She's still puzzled by the redness and tenderness and is contemplating additional antibiotics (I've already been on topical antibiotics as well as a 10 day round of oral..) but, of course, that's not the best thing for my Crohn's. She mentioned the possibility of the antibiotics that I'll be given during my c-section as being beneficial to my nose, but.....that's a little over 5 weeks away!:) I've researched a bit on other recommendations and came across a site touting the benefits of wheatgrass for healing of the skin graft. If any of you natural remedy experts out there know anything about it, please leave your thoughts! I'm thinking I don't have much to lose at this point. However, I am thankful for the acceptance, at least, that God has given me of the situation. It's been 5 weeks now with no end in sight, but God has used this experience to teach me much, much about my heart, and for that I am so thankful! Thank you, Lord, that nothing we go through is without purpose and that there is no peace like that which comes from trusting Your sovereign Hand.

Until next time,
Queen Mom for the Poff Clan

Boo's New "Do"

It was time. When you have hair with such a fine texture as the Poff girls do, brushing time becomes "torture time." You can use gallons of conditioner, and your precious daughter still wraps her arms around your waist tightly, chanting "I'm a brave girl, Mommy," in between sobs, and this all because.....you're brushing her hair.

So, we took Boo for her first haircut today. Mommy actually wanted her bob to be somewhat even, so I decided it was worth paying someone else do to the job. Boo was terrified of that chair and cried for the first 5 minutes. Thankfully, she eventually calmed down, and now she loves her shorter hair, which will mean less tangles and not so scraggily ends as it grows out.

URGENT Prayer Request

Please pray for my cousin, Michele. She's been battling multiple myeloma (cancer) for quite a few years now. Currently, she's in remission, having just finished up her last round of chemotherapy. However, last night she was rushed to the hospital suffering from heart failure. Her heart actually stopped, but they were able to get it started again. She was told that if she'd arrived a minute later, it would have been too late.

She's only 44 and has two children, one in college and one in high school. The hospital is keeping her in the cardiac icu, and she is on dialysis. She is a Christian and loves the LORD.

I know there are those of you who read this blog and never comment. I'm counting on many of you to please pray for my dear cuz and her family. Please pray for God's healing and complete restoration. Please pray for strength for her husband and children. Please pray that all of them would find peace and comfort in trusting in God's sovereign Hand and His love for them.

Thank you so much. I'll post updates as I know more.

Gratefully,
Queen Mom

Why, Why, Why and Who, Who, Who

This evening....

Boo: Why do Mommies have babies in their bellies?
Mommy: Because God put them there. Isn't that a blessing?
Boo: Why do Mommies have babies and not girls?
Mommy: Because you need to be older and be married.
Boo: To Daddy?
Mommy: No, to someone else. Daddy is my husband.
Boo: Oh. What is my husband's name?
Mommy: I don't know. But God knows.
Boo: Um, is it James?
Mommy: (laughing) I don't know, sweetheart.
Boo: Is it Joshua?
Mommy: (laughing even more) I really don't know, sweetheart.
Boo: Oh. (and she exits the room)

(FYI--James and Joshua are the sons of friends of ours from church)

A Beautiful Gift, A Spiritual Legacy

This is one of the most treasured gifts that my Beloved gave me for Christmas. I've wanted one for quite some time, but these Bibles are quite expensive. This is a Cambridge Bible with a goatskin leather cover, and it's simply beautiful to look at and is very well made.


The margins are intentionally wide so that you have ample room for note taking, and there is no commentary.

In the back of the Bible you'll find lined journaling pages (pictured below) to record Scripture verses, prayers, etc. and an "index to notes" in which you can reference the notes you've taken in the margins of the Bible.

It is my hope that this beautiful Bible won't be so "perfect" looking for long. I would love for all of our children to be able to look through this Bible and read Mom's favorite verses, sermon notes, and even prayers, getting a picture of my struggles, my joys, and all the many great things that God has done in my life and has taught me.

This is a treasure of a Bible, and I highly recommend it. Just remember...having a new Bible won't make us study His Word any more than before...just like buying a new workout DVD won't make us suddenly exercise regularly. That's where self-discipline comes in, and the fervent prayer that God would give us a passion for being in His Word.

Royalty

Dress-up time with the Littles......

Kind Words

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11

I had to make a choice. I could either stay home or go to church without my nose bandage, which these days also helps to protect my tender heart. I surely didn't want to scare the children :) or make the adults uncomfortable, but Mountain Man and I had decided that perhaps the wound was healing better when I didn't have it covered. (We still really don't know what is best...)

So, I went. I'm sure it was surprising to others to see the wound. My dear friend, Linda, who doesn't shrink away from uncomfortable or awkward situations, boldy asked me how things were healing, and I was glad to talk to her about it. The yucky-looking nose was dealt with, and we didn't have to pretend it wasn't there while we talked with each other. No one else said a word. I'm sure they just didn't want to upset me or hurt my feelings, and it was a relief to not have to answer questions over and over since I'm so easily brought to tears about the matter. Still, I felt so awkward all day, like my nose was the big elephant in the room that everyone pretends isn't there.

Then comes along dear Russell, one of the many great Spencer boys. As I'm sitting in a chair, he comes up and directly asks, "What happened to your nose?" There are no looks of horror from him, no disrespect, just simple curiosity. "Oh, it's the wound from my surgery," I reply. "Well, it's forming a scab," he states. "When it forms a scab, that means it's getting better," he adds, and then he smiles. Such few kind words from such a young man (8 or 9 years old) that brought such great joy to my heart. Perhaps those words wouldn't have even meant so much from an adult. After all, as we get older, we learn to be more guarded with our words, often trying to offer comfort, but sometimes managing to say the wrong thing. Russell's words weren't planned, and he probably had no idea how kind I thought his words were, but God used this precious young man to bless me so deeply yesterday.

Thank you, Russell.

Weekly Rewind 12/28/08-1/3/09

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and The Father by Him."

Colossians 3:17

It is hard to believe that another brand new year is upon us. My mind is overloaded with thoughts of all that I know needs to be done, learned, mastered, etc. this year. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in a day to accomplish even the planning, so what a comfort it is to know that God will give me the direction and wisdom I need to know what His priorities are for us in these days ahead. As for this past week, it's been a combination of sickness, laughter, joy, disappointment, and an entire host of other emotions, but, as always, there has never been a moment when we couldn't thank God for something. His goodness to us is beyond measure.

~We've continued our Christmas celebration with "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Instead of receiving all of their gifts on Christmas Day, the children have enjoyed a gift each day this week, most of which have been family gifts. We LOVE playing games together, and the children have enjoyed receiving quite a few this week, including Pictionary (which they are REALLY good at! Reaches Up and Whistler have amazed us with their ability to adapt to the adult version of this game. It is cute, though, when they tell us they just don't know what a word means...or draw a nose instead of "noise." :))

Another game we've enjoyed is Farkle. Our friends, the Heckendorns, who are known for their natural ability to have a great time, introduced us to this game. So, when I found a version of this game that came with individual components for up to six people to play, I couldn't resist. It's the "Let's Have a Farkle Party" version, and it's one of our favorites.

The children also received an audio version of Chuck Black's Kingdom Series. This is a wonderful allegorical series, and we've been so impressed with the audio. We've also treated them to dinner out as well as to a movie called "Pendragon," which was produced by a Christian family and was actually pretty good.

It's been delightful to see them excited about what gift the new day will bring and to see the gratitude displayed whether the gift is an individual one or a group one. Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful times together as a family and for the blessing of thankful children. Help us remember that You have blessed us so abundantly. Help us to model thankfulness in all things to our children.

~Most of us have been sick in one form or another this week. I just didn't want a repeat of last January's illness (which was quite hard on the Littles), and God has been merciful in healing us quickly. Little Bit, especially, was quite sick for a couple days with a high fever and other symptoms, and God answered our prayers that we wouldn't have to take her in to the doctor. Last night she was back to her old self....busy, mischievous, and simply adorable. Thank You, Lord, for those times of sickness which remind us to be even more thankful for the gift of good health.

~I confess....I potty-train much later than most Mamas do. That being said, after having done it five times now, I like my method, despite often having to hear disparaging comments from other who prefer to start training much earlier. ( I never understand that one....I've never asked them to change my child's diaper or to wait to train their own children. In fact, I was encouraged to hear Marilyn Boyer, a mother of 14, write of how she waits until the children are older, too, preferring to spend that time discipling them.) Anyway, after a couple previous attempts that showed me it wasn't the best time, I decided to potty-train Boo over this Christmas break. I was a bit worried about my being able to be consistent with the many activities of the holidays, but I just have to thank the Lord, that this was the easiest thing I've done these past couple weeks. Boo is a champ...no accidents...no stress...no power struggles, and she racked up quite a lot of M&Ms! I wasn't chained to the timer every 15 minutes, and it was simply a joy. Considering some of the other disappointments we've had this week, this was such a blessing from the Lord. Go Boo!! Thank You, Lord, for those moments of joy in the midst of trying times, those moments that help us remember Your ever-constant presence and Your compassion for the smallest details of our lives.

~I'm almost 33 weeks now! My doctor's visit yesterday went well, and Next Girl is doing fine. It's hard to believe that we can now say, God-willing, we'll meet this precious gift from Him next month. Because Whistler was our last cold-weather baby, this little girl will actually need some new clothes, and I'm feeling the pressure of buying those clothes sooner than later when I walk in the store and see all of the SPRING clothing already out! February 17th is still the date we're looking at for the c-section, and that is only a little more than 6 weeks away! Thank You, Lord, for all of the blessings of this pregnancy and for the anticipation of meeting Next Girl.

~I'm sure some of you are wondering about my nose, and I'm so appreciative of your many prayers over this past month. (Yes, it's already been a month since my surgery.) I'll go into more detail in another post, but I will say that this week brought disappointment and sadness and frustration. I saw the doctor last Tuesday, and I'll return again next Wednesday. At this point, I see myself wearing this bandage for a long time and possibly having to see a plastic surgeon. I was hoping to have this adventure finished before Next Girl arrived, but I'll just have to wait on the Lord and see what He has planned. Please continue to pray for healing. Thank You, Lord, that You are working all things together for my good, that You may be glorified. Thank You for the comfort found only in resting in Your Sovereign Hand.

**Please pray for my Mom who is scheduled to have knee surgery on January 14th. Pray that this operation would relieve her of the great pain she's in and that there would be no infections or complications from the surgery. Thank you so much!

Love,

Queen Mom for the Poff Clan

Yum! Brown Sugar Biscuit Twists

We made these this morning for our New Year's Day brunch, and they are quite yummy. Instead of mixing the vanilla in with the powdered sugar for the glaze, we just mixed the powdered sugar with half-and-half.

The recipe comes from Crystal Paine at www.biblicalwomanhoodblog.blogspot.com ,who bakes these for their Christmas breakfast. Check out her website if you need additional pictures showing how to make them.

3 c. flour

4 tsp. baking powder

1 T. sugar

1 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. cream of tartar

3/4 c. butter or 1/2 c. butter and 1/4 c. shortening

1 c. milk

Stir together dry ingredients, cutting in butter with a pastry blender (we just use our Kitchen-Aid mixer) until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add milk. Stir until moistened, and then knead on lightly floured surface for 4 to 6 strokes. Roll dough into rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush dough with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar. Fold rectangle in half and cut into 1" strips. Twist strips and place on baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees (we did them at 425 degrees on stoneware pans) for 10-12 minutes (ours took a bit longer). Mix together 1 c. powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and a few teaspoons of milk to make icing to drizzle on twists immediately after taking out of the oven. Enjoy!

(I doubled the batch this morning, not wanting to be short of these, but one batch would have been plenty. Warning..these taste just fine as leftovers, so they might tempt you to already blow that resolution to cut out any sweets. :))