Happy Birthday, Little Bit!

We have made our plans, but God, once again, has directed our steps to a much different path this week.

Thus, dear Little Bit's birthday celebration is being done in "phases." (I think you can only get away with that with the 2 and under crowd!:)

Here are some things we love about our Little Bit (just mentioning two of them would never be enough!):

~She's just too cute!

~Her dimple is adorable.

~She's a great helper and loves to work.

~She has the cutest waddle when she runs.

~She makes us laugh.

~She's wonderful with Peep.

~Her hugs and kisses brighten our days.

~She's tenderhearted and compassionate.

~She's the first to get a hymnal when we sing at home.

~She lifts her hands when singing the Doxology and Gloria Patri at church.

~She keeps us humble, reminding us that this wonderful parenting journey is such a testimony of God's grace.

~She loves adventure, having survived encounters with razors, vaseline, Tums, cement sidewalks and more all before her 2nd birthday!

~She's a gift from God!

We love you, dear Elisabeth!! Happy 2nd birthday!

(We'll post pictures of our celebration in the next few days.)

This Little Piggy.....

"God Grew Tired Of Us": a Movie Review

God Grew Tired Of Us (2006)

Setting: Sudan, Kenya, and U.S.A.
Rating: PG - Thematic Elements and Disturbing Images
Star Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5

If I could describe "God Grew Tired of Us" in a single phrase, I would call it thought-provoking. Once you're done watching this documentary, you will (hopefully) have an even greater sense of gratitude for the everyday things in life, from potato chips, to running water, to the shirt on your back and the bed you sleep in.

In the 1950's, as the British abandoned the colonization of Northern Africa, they hastily combined two separate territories into one Sudan. Religion and oil ignited a civil war, pitting the Muslim North against the Black Christian and Animist South.

In 1987, the Northern Sudanese Government declared that all males in South Sudan, regardless of age, were to be killed (sounds strikingly reminiscent of Pharaoh and the enslaved Israelites, doesn't it?). Muslim soldiers and raiders enacted terrible acts of brutality and violence against the South Sudanese, burning, killing, enslaving, and abusing. Males were especially targeted. As one South Sudan refugee said, "If you are found and you are a boy... they (Muslim troops) can shoot you." It was Hell on Earth.

It is into this atmosphere that the documentary takes the viewer. You catch a glimpse of life in the "lost boys" refugee camp in Kakuma, Kenya.

You also follow three patricular boys, as they journey to America to start anew. While in the U.S., they encounter things like apartments, running water, electricity, escalators and television for the first time. The simple blessings which we Americans too often take for granted amaze and astonish them.

While it is a fascinating film, I would not reccomend it for young children. There are mature themes discussed concerning the brutal treatment dealt out by the Muslim troops, and images of starving, wretched children which might be unsettling to a younger audience. There is no objectionable content save one brief scene of immodest dress, which is actually from a commercial on American television.

One of the first things that struck me as I watched this film was the conduct of the Muslims. They deny the accusation that their religion is one of hate. What a lie. Think of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Think of the countless numbers (particularly Christians) who have been murdered, beaten, and cruelly treated because they did not conform to Islam. Does that sound like a religion of love and peace to you? Not unless love means hate and peace means war. Islam, for all that it claims to serve God, is Satanic to the core.

Another thing this film brought to mind is this: how often do we thank God for the little things in our everyday lives, the things we take for granted? How often do we praise God that we can openly go to Church every Sunday and worship Him without being assaulted or killed? How often do we thank God that we have electricity, parents, siblings, hot meals, access to clean, running water, and Salvation through Christ Jesus?

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Are we doing that? Are we truly giving thanks to the Creator for the great and small, for the blessings and the trials - for everything? Notice that Paul isn't asking us to do this - he's giving us a divine command from God.

And that's not the only Scripture reference on this subject. See Psalm 50:14; 68:14; 92:1; 100:4; 105:1; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; Col. 1:12; 2:7; 3:15; 4:2; Heb. 13:15. All of these are just a few of the many places in God's Word that instruct us to praise our Heavenly Father.

As for the title... it's not quite what you think it is. You're probably thinking, "'God Grew Tired of Us'? What kind of movie title is that?" That's exactly the same thought that ran through my head when I first heard it, too.

As you watch the movie, however, the meaning of the title becomes a bit clearer. In an interview, John (one of the three Sudanese boys who relocated to America) talks about some of his experiences on the hard treks with his fellow refugees. He says, "I thought that God felt tired of people on Earth here - felt tired of the bad deeds, the bad things that we are doing... I thought God got tired of us and He wanted to finish us."

Simply witnessing the tragedy of life in Sudan makes one understand the despair behind such a statement. Nonetheless, despite these terrible memories, John's love for God and his desire to fulfill the Lord's purposes in his life thankfully remain strong.

In closing, I would like to share a line of one of my favorite hymns with you, reminding us to always give thanks:

"How good it is to thank the Lord,

And praise to Thee, Most High, accord,

To show Thy love with morning light,

And tell Thy faithfulness each night;

Yea, good it is Thy praise to sing,

And all our sweetest music bring."

Praise to God should be on our lips day and night for everything, great and small, which He has blessed us with. Thanks be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit now and forever more!

Persevero,

Scribe

Recipe Round-Up 4/23/09

Here are a few recipes we've tried over the past couple weeks....

Chicken Broccoli Divan

4 c. cooked broccoli florets

1-1/2 c. cubed cooked chicken

1 can (10-3/4 ounces) Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup

1/3 c. milk

1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 T. dry bread crumbs

1 T. butter, melted

Heat oven to 450 degrees and put broccoli and chicken in 9 inch deep dish pie plate. (I used an 8x8 dish.) Combine soup and milk in a small bowl. Pour soup mixture over broccoli and chicken. Sprinkle with cheese. Mix together the bread crumbs and butter , and then sprinkle them over cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread crumbs are golden brown.

**Even my dear ones who don't care for broccoli were able to cheerfully eat this. :)

Overnight Coffee Cake

~from MOMYS Cookbook

2/3 c. oil

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 c. flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. chopped nuts

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix in order given, up to and including buttermilk. Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Mix remaining topping ingredients and sprinkle over cake mixture. Refrigerate overnight. Next morning, bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Smoky Sausage Chowder

~from Gooseberry Patch

16 oz. bag frozen hashbrowns

15 oz. can corn

15 oz can creamed corn

1/2 c. chopped onion

12 oz. can evaporated milk

1 lb. smoked sausage ring, sliced

1/2 t. Worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper to taste

~Mix all ingredients together; place in a lightly greased slow cooker. Heat on low setting for 8 hours. Serves 6.

**Mountain Man, Scribe, and Whistler especially loved this. (Mom, I think this would be a favorite for Dad, and it's so easy for you to make.:)

Enjoy!

Not Quite What He Expected

A hawk and knife competition is coming up this weekend. While Reaches Up was practicing yesterday, he got a bit of a surprise. :)

The Baby

Whistler came across this lovely poem while reading and wanted to share it with you. We thought the video was a perfect illustration. :)

"The Baby"

George MacDonald

Where did you come from, baby dear?

Out of the everywhere into the here.

~

Where did you get your eyes so blue?

Out of the sky as I came through.

~

What makes the light in them sparkle and spin?

Some of the starry spikes left in.

~

Where did you get that little tear?

I found it waiting when I got here.

~

What makes your forehead so smooth and high?

A soft hand stroked it as I went by.

~

What makes your cheek like a warm white rose?

Something better than anyone knows.

~

Whence the three-cornered smile of bliss?

Three angels gave me at once a kiss.

~

Where did you get that pearly ear?

God spoke, and it came out to hear.

~

Where did you get those arms and hands?

Love made itself into hooks and bands.

~

Feet, whence did you come, you darling things?

From the same box as the cherub's wings.

~

How did they all just come to be you?

God thought about me, and so I grew.

~

But how did you come to us, you dear?

God thought of you, and so I am here.

Bi-weekly Rewind 4/04-4/17/09

God has blessed us with unpredictable weather these past couple weeks. We've had a mixture of snow, rain, lots of wind, and a few spring-like days as well. Easter Sunday was quite chilly, leaving us clinging to our sweaters instead of donning the pastels of a new season. Here are some other highlights from the past two weeks.

~This was fun. Inspired by a yummy cookie dessert that Mountain Man and I enjoyed at Black Angus, I made a chocolate chip cookie in this adorable silicone heart pan. My dear friend Caity was right....these pans work great. We topped the servings off with vanilla ice cream!

~It was Scribe's and Little Big Man's turn for a date with Daddy, so last Saturday found them enjoying a trip to the bowling alley as well as Hinkle Family Fun Center, where they played lazer tag. For dinner, they enjoyed a meal at Golden Pride, which they had never been to before. They said that even Queen Mom would like eating there since they serve real fried chicken. :) (Ahem, we once ordered fried chicken at a Mexican Restaurant...big mistake.)

~While the big boys were on their date, we enjoyed the rainy day by having tea, playing Sorry, and making some playdoh. The Littles picked wonderful spring colors, yellow and lime-green. I read that using baby oil instead of vegetable oil makes the playdoh last longer, so we gave that a try, and it turned out quite well and smelled baby-fresh. :)

~Whistler and Reaches Up enjoyed another trip to Home Depot with Daddy. This time they made these great window birdhouses. The side that attaches to the window is covered with plexi-glass, so we'll be able to enjoy watching the birds build their nests.

Scribe, quite the multi-tasker, discovered another way to lull Peep to sleep.

Claire is 2 months old!

And You Thought It Didn't Snow in New Mexico

Here's a samplin' of the beautiful spring weather ( and I do mean that sincerely!) we've enjoyed today. Don't you wish you were here?

Why So Silent?

As my dear cousin acknowledged....something must be wrong when the blog hasn't been updated. In fact, this is the longest we've gone in between posts, I believe, since we started The Good Life.

Mountain Man has been home all week due to a gout flare-up, and I woke up very early Wednesday morning in severe pain from what the doctor thinks is a kidney stone. I'll go for an ultrasound tomorrow, and we'll know more then about what happens next. Mountain Man is slowly recovering, but he's still in quite a bit of pain. So, that's why things have been so quiet around here. :)

God's goodness and mercy shine through it all, though, and we can truly count the blessings! We'll post more about those later.

Meanwhile, we covet your prayers for healing.

Love,
Queen Mom

Life in Pictures 4/11/09

A sweet serenade.

Bright eyes.

Scribe was determined to capture Claire with a smile.

Less than 8 weeks old, and Claire is already contemplating....perhaps reflecting on the WONDER (or would that be the fright) of being part of the Poff Clan.

Little Big Man started guitar lessons last week with Mountain Man's instructor. The men have a great time practicing together, and it's been rumored that Little Big Man is going to try to play classical guitar. (That makes this Mama smile!)

Tiny sister...big brother.

If you suprised us with a visit at 11:00 on a weeknight (yes, that's our life), you might very well find Queen Mom, Scribe, and Little Big Man enjoying a bowl of ice cream while discussing our latest book readings, theology, or current events. Here you see the loving, personal touch that Little Big Man added to the bowl of ice cream he served me. Perhaps he'll marry an "emotionally complex" woman who enjoys such sweet sentiments just as his Mama does. :)

Holiness - The Cost Pt. 3

In this final section of chapter 5, J.C. Ryle gives us "some hints which may help men to count the cost rightly."

We ought to examine and compare honestly what Christianity entails: the hardships, the trials, the triumphs, and the rewards. We must wiegh in the balance our losses and our gains, the things we must give up in order to fully and completely follow our Saviour.

a) "Count up and compare," Ryle tells us, "for one thing, the profit and the loss, if you are a truehearted and holy Christian. You may possibly lose something in this world, but you willl gain the salvation of your immortal soul." See Mark 8:36

b) "Count up and compare... the praise and the blame, if you are a truehearted and holy Christian. You may possibly be blamed by man, but you will have the praise of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. You blame will come from the lips of a few erring, blind, fallible men and women. Your praise will come from the King of Kings and Judge of all the earth. It is only those whom He blesses who are really blessed." See Matt. 5:11-12

c) "Count up and compare... the friends and the enemies, if you are a truehearted and holy Christian. On the one side of you is the emnity of the devil and the wicked. On the other hand you have the favor and friendship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your enemies at most can only bruise your heel. They may rage loudly, and compass sea and land to work your ruin; but they cannot destroy you. Your Friend is able to save to the uttermost all them that come unto God by Him. None shall ever pluck His sheep out of His hand." See Luke 12:4-5

d) "Count up and compare, for another thing, the life that now is, and the life that is to come, if you are a truehearted and holy Christian." Ryle reminds us that though we as Christians may go through trial and hardship in this life, ultimately we will spend eternity with God Almighty; all sin, suffering, pain, and wickedness will be cast out, and Satan bound. Our reward in Heaven will be far greater than the human mind can even concieve. See 2 Cor. 4:17-18

Unfortunately, man is a sinful creature. He desires to have things now, at this moment, without delay. He would rather have a life of worldy pleasure in this life for a few years, than eternal joy, peace, anbd happiness in the life hereafter. How backwards is that! It reminds me of one scene in the Interpreter's House Pilgrim's (The Progress by John Bunyan), where a contrast is shown between two boys, one named Passion, a discontented lad, and the other named Patience, who is very quiet, and does not complain like his companion. Christian, who is watching them, asks, "What is the reason of the discontent of Passion?" The Interpret answers, "The Governor of them would have him stay for his best things, till the beginning of the next year; but he will have all now: But Patience is willing to wait."

The story goes on to relate how at last, Passion was gratified and a bag of treasure given him. He rejoiced at first, and even laughed scornfully at meek Patience. But in the end, when all is spent and gone, Passion is left with naught but rags. The Interpreter explains that "the two lads are figures: Passion of the men of this World, and Patience of the men of That which is to come." Passion wants instant gratification; he yearns to have something NOW. He won't wait. Patience does, however, and as the tale goes on to tell, he reaps a much richer and more lasting reward than that which his griping and greedy fellow got.

e) "Count up and compare... the pleasures of sin and the happiness of God's service, if you are a truehearted and holy Christian. The pleasures that the worldy man gets by his ways are hollow, unreal, and unsatisfying. They are like the fire of thorns, flashing and crackling for a few minutes, and then quenched forever." Sin often comes to us, not as the evil, black, wickedness that it is, but as something appealing, something attractive. It is like the White Witch (The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe) - beautiful but deadly. And just as the attractive Lady of the Green Kirtle(The Silver Chair) transformed into a hideous serpent, sin will finally reveal its true face, and the pleasure will be gone, and your soul ensnared. On the other hand, as Ryle says, "The happiness that Christ gives to his people is something solid, lasting, and substantial. It is not dependant on health or circumstances. It never leaves a man, even in death. It ends in a crown of glory that fadeth not away." See Job 20:5; Ecc. 7:6; John 14:7

f) "Count up and compare... the trouble that true Christianity entails, and the troubles that are in store for the wicked beyond the grave." Ryle points out that while Bible reading/study, praying, repenting, believing, and holy living do require pains,self-denial, etc., "it is all nothing compared to that 'wrath to come' which is stored up for the impenitent and unbelieving. A single day in hell will be worse than a whole life spent in carrying the cross. The 'worm that never dies, and the fire that is never quenched' are things which it passes man's power to conceive fully or describe." Hell and eternal seperation from God are indeed things too horrible for the human mind to wrap around. See Luke 16:25

g) "Count up and compare, in the last place, the number of those who turn from sin and the world to serve Christ, and the number of those who forsake Christ and return to the world." Ryle declares that while on the one hand you have thousands upon thousands, on the opposite hand you've none. Many forsake the broad way and enter the narrow way, but "none who ever really entered the narrow way willl grow tired of it and return to the broad. The footsteps in the downward road are often to be seen turning out of it. The footsteps in the road to heaven are all one way." See Proverbs 4:18-19; 13:15

Ryle says that often sums like the ones he just showed are done incorrectly. He says he is quite aware of the many persons who cannot make up their minds that following Christ is worthwhile. The advatantages, disadvantages, losses, gains, etc. seem so nearly and equally balanced that thye cannot decide for the Lord. They are not doing the sums properly. As Ryle puts it, "They do not count right." "What," the author asks, "is the secret to of their mistakes? It is want of faith." He then goes on to show as examples Noah, Moses, and Paul. They could not have forsaken the pleasures, friendship, and ease of this world for the cross had they not had faith - and counted the cost.

In closing, Ryle lays down these points to help us examine ourselves and rightly and without error count the cross.

1) "... let every reader of this paper think seriously whether his religion costs him anything at present." Are you truly following Christ and His ways in all areas of your life and bearing the cross of our Lord; or have you never really counted the cost, never really considered what it means to be a true Christian? If your religion doesn't cost you anything, Ryle says, then you had bettter wake up and not rest until you have a satisfactory answer to "What does Christianity cost?" A Christianity that costs nothing gets you nothing. It is plain worthless.

2) "Think, if you want stirring motives for serving God, what it cost to provide a salvation for your soul." God's Son came down from Heaven, endured harsh treatment by the very creatures whom He created and gave life to, took on the wrath and punishment due to the very ones who nailed Him on the cross, and lay in a tomb - all so that he could give His people redemption. "Think of all this and learn that it is no light matter to possess an immortal soul. It is worthwhile to take some trouble about one's soul... it may cost much to be a Christian, but you may be sure it pays."

3) "If any reader of this paper really feels that he has counted the cost, and taken up the cross, I bid him persevere and press on." Though we may often feel faint, weary, and beaten, we must look to Jesus for comfort, and take strength, realizing that in the end, after a few more years of watching, praying, and fighting, Christ's presence and perfect company will make up for all that we go through now. Ryle says that "when we see as we have been seen, and look back on the journey of life, we shall wonder at our own faintness of heart. We shall marvel much that we made so much of our cross, and thought so little of the crown. We shall marvel that in 'counting the cost' we could ever doubt on which side the balance of profit lay. Let us take courage. We are not far from home. IT MAY COST MUCH TO BE A TRUE CHRISTIAN AND A CONSISTANT BELIEVER; BUT IT PAYS."

Persevero,

Scribe

"A mighty Fortress is our God,

A Bulwark never failing;

Our Helper He amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

Doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great;

And armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

Our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side,

The Man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is He,

Lord Sabaoth His Name,

From age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

And though this world with devils filled,

Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed,

His truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim,

We tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure,

For lo! his doom is sure;

One little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers,

No thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours

Through Him who with us sideth;

Let goods and kindred go,

This mortal life also;

The body they may kill:

God's truth abideth still;

His kingdom is for ever."

~Martin Luther

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

The Poff Tones Perform "Rock Monster"

We used to watch all of the Veggie Tales DVDs until we decided that we didn't care for the way that the Bible Stories were presented. However, we still enjoy the silly humor of the ones that address certain character traits, such as Madame Blueberry (my personal favorite). We recently enjoyed watching The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, which closed with a performance of the song "Rock Monster" (Tune is from an old song called "Rock Lobster." Any of you remember that? :))

So, here are the Poff Tones and their rendition of this very silly song. (I wanted to post the words for you, but I haven't been able to find them....)

Flying Spuds

Thanks to our dear friend, Mr. R., the boys enjoyed some "flying spuds" today as they worked with this potato cannon.

PVC + potatoes +hairspray=great backyard ballistics!

Is the Search Over?

I shared earlier about our fun personal sized pizza pans and how I make a pizza sauce that I think is simply perfect, but that I hadn't found a perfect pizza dough, yet.

However, we recently tried this wonderful recipe, and though Scribe really thinks the search is over, I must confess that I still have two more recipes to try. Scribe's philosophy is "Why mess with a good thing? " whereas mine is more, "What if there's something better?" (We won't debate about which philosophy is wiser! :))

We all love this crust, which is described as "Pizza Hut Style Pizza Dough." I'm not sure I completely agree with the name, but it is very delicious and predictable. The crust is crispy on the edges and chewy on the inside. You can easily make a thinner crust, which is what we prefer, or a thicker one. I'm especially pleased that I can just pile the ingredients in my bread machine and have pizza dough ready in less than two hours.

Pizza Hut Style Pizza Dough

1-1/3 c. water

2 tsp. sugar

1-1/4 tsp salt

2 T. olive oil

2 T. cornmeal

3-1/4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1-1/2 tsp. yeast

Add ingredients to bread machine, according to manufacturer's settings, and use dough cycle. Roll out dough when cycle is finished. Drizzle crust with olive oil and parbake at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes. Top with sauce and toppings and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

This is really easy, but remember, if you just don't want to make this yourself, you can always visit us, and we'll cook you up a custom pizza in no time!

*The recipe calls for regular flour, but I've used bread flour both times with success.

*This recipe yields about 2 lbs. of dough, which makes for us 2 regular sized pizzas AND four personal sized OR seven personal pans and one regular.

God's Medicine

"Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it."

~Henry Ward Beecher

And who helps you do that better than children?