Mighty Rivers of Love

"If we contemplate the aboundings of divine grace 

we shall be lost in admiration. Mighty rivers of 

love have flowed for us in the wilderness."

~C.H. Spurgeon

When Darkness Settles In

"You can no more kill the darkness than you can raise the sun."

~Andrew Peterson

We woke up to a snow-spattered landscape the other morning, the clouds masking the mountains. It was quite beautiful, and I find days like these comforting and cozy.  But the darkness of it all reminds me of the place God has me now. Like a cloud, the heaviness hangs over me, and I feel I'm clinging with all my might to all the hope and joy that He's given me these past couple of weeks.

My flesh prefers short-term grief. I'd like to move on to the sunny paths of His providence, but my heart knows that there are priceless lessons to be learned right where I am. So, I'm praying for enough hope to not be overcome by despair, and I'm rejoicing that God has kept me so powerfully in this trial.

He's kept me from bitterness.
He's kept me from doubt.
He's kept me from murmuring and fist-shaking.

He's kept me rejoicing and moving through the days with increased dependence on Him.

It's all a gift of His infinite wisdom and His endless mercies. The growing pains. The grace. The eyes-wide-open to see the daily load of benefits I enjoy. I'm so thankful.

So, while I feel the darkness in an almost crushing way, my heart and lips are still spilling over with praise. I know. How can this be? Only God.

As He continues to refine me, by His grace, I know what I'll still be doing. I'll still be laughing with my children. I'll still be crying in the quiet. I'll still be making our home a place that reflects the love of Christ. I'll still be fighting. Not fighting against God's providence, but fighting hard and praying hard for a heart that doesn't cry to be moved from the darkness before I'm ready and for God to continue to be merciful to this slow learner. Oh, LORD, be merciful to me, a sinner!

And I'll still be on my knees for those who are in an even darker place. Praying you'll know God's peace and comfort and joy, right in the midst of your sorrow.

The darkness will last for a season, and God, in His perfect timing, will lift the heaviness, and we'll be walking in sunshine, stronger and more like Jesus, and ever ready to glorify Him when the darkness comes again.

"And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
~Psalm 50:15

With love,

Notes From the Reading Chair~Book Briefs

I think I lost my reading momentum back in June. I've gotten sidetracked with life's circumstances and have been reading books not even on my book list. Lately, I've been camped out in the Psalms for my Bible reading, and I've been devouring books about grief and affliction.

But, here are some thoughts on a few of the books I have managed to finish so far this year. Please remember that a recommendation doesn't mean I agree with EVERYTHING an author says nor everyone the author quotes, but that I do think a read is worthy of your time and effort.

A Place of Quiet Rest by Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Reading Nancy's books is like having tea and conversation with a true friend. She speaks the truth in love and does it well. This book focuses on cultivating a regular time with the Lord in the Word and in prayer.

I'll tell you now that I diverge from the many wise women and Moms who insist there's no need for a quiet time. I'll defend the necessity of this discipline, this habit, whatever you choose to call it, until I die, and this book is a great teacher for beginners as well as for Christians who have cherished their daily time alone with the LORD for years.

Facing Grief by John Flavel: Flavel was a Puritan writer. I bought this soon after my Dad died, and I found it most encouraging, and I highly recommend it with a couple of cautions. This is not the book to give to a mother who has just lost her baby. Flavel, though speaking the truth and knowing well the pain of losing a child, approaches the subject with some rough edges that I think might be discouraging for the newly grieving Mama.

I also don't recommend passing this book along to a weaker Christian who just lost a loved one. But, for the well grounded, mature Christian, Flavel's words will be convicting and comforting at the same time.

For the Love of God Vol. 1 by Don Carson: I love this book, even though I've gotten off track with it since my Dad died. Carson offers the "big picture" of God's Word in this devotional that is a great companion to your daily Bible reading. It covers the Bible in a year, and Carson offers a second volume as well. Highly recommended.

Death in Holy Orders by P.D. James: I read Children of Men by James several years ago, but I honestly couldn't remember enough about it to know if I should try another one of her books. Needing a break from the heaviness of some of my non-fiction reads, I decided to try this book. James is a captivating writer who knows how to tell a tale, keeping you in suspense at every turn of the page. However, there was too much sensuality in this story (and I'm thinking Children of Men was the same) for my comfort. I recommend Dorothy Sayers instead. Her Nine Tailors was an excellent, suspenseful read without the unsavory relationships and details.

Humility by C.J. Mahaney: This is probably my favorite read thus far this year. Highly recommended. We enjoyed this as a read aloud and found Mahaney to be practical, funny, and encouraging. If your family struggles with conflict or lack of unity or you find yourself struggling to find evidences of grace in those around you, read this book.

Making it All Work by David Allen: No, Allen is not a Christian, but when it comes to organizing and scheduling, he's spot on. His Getting Things Done method clicks with me, and I've found his books to be very beneficial, even though I'm a homemaker. I think his system is brilliant! Again, Allen is not a Christian and this is obvious in his writings, so proceed with caution if this might be a stumbling block for you.

The Power of Words and The Wonder of God by John Piper and Justin Taylor, editors: I was greatly encouraged and convicted by this book ,which is a collection of essays addressing the power of the tongue. I found it ironic that Mark Driscoll was a contributing writer, and I was offended by some of his potshots at homeschoolers, but found his essay, overall, surprisingly edifying. Even with Driscoll as a contributor, I recommend this book.

Treasury of David by Spurgeon: This is a collection of Spurgeon's writings on the Psalms, and it is wonderful! Highly recommended. I even sought out a used set because the current publications of this are abridged. I've been feasting on the Psalms for several months now and have found these books to be great companions.

Contentment: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback: Wonderful book that gets to the heart of our murmurings and disputings. I found her essays so encouraging, I quickly finished this one. Makes a great gift.

The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind by Carl Trueman: "What is an evangelical....and has he lost his mind?" Great read worth your time. Be prepared to read it a couple of times. Trueman is brilliant.

Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman: Even if you don't have a large family, you'll find this book helpful. Brenneman deals with the practical and with the heart. Encouraging and brief chapters that cover everything from scheduling to pregnancy to feast nights to homeschooling. A great reference to have on hand and go back to again and again.

Read on!

With love,

Thankful Thursday~How the Camera Saves Lives

The camera saves lives. Yes, the insane experienced Mama has learned that instead of getting exasperated by those disasters pesky messes that happen during the most ordinary of days, it's better to just throw a tantrum grab your camera.

Camera-hugging is therapeutic. It calms the spirit and reminds the already brain dead exhausted Mama that these moments of chaos are ones to be fully embraced and remembered. And what better way to do that than with one's camera! After all, this way EVERYONE can savor the moment and re-live the delight, saying, "Oh, I wish I could have been there to  watch her  clean up."

So, next time you have one of these moments of pure JOY, grab your camera, smile big, tell your other children, "It's ok," and let them think you've lost your mind...or perhaps just gained a more gentle and quiet spirit that knows one should never cry over flying cornstarch.

The Adventure

The Adventurer when brought before Queen Mama by shocked siblings.

What kind of place is this anyway? 

Shouldn't someone have been watching him?

Close-up of Adventurer's distress. Melt my heart. How could I be upset?

After reprieve, the Adventurer returns to the scene of said adventure.

His final thoughts before clean-up: "Something's wrong. They're just letting me play in this mess. Hmm, it just doesn't seem as fun anymore."

Truly, I'm thankful for having matured just a bit over these 16 years as a Mama to be able to laugh at moments like this, knowing one day I'll wish I had a baby who makes mischief in the cornstarch.

I'm thankful my children teach me daily to relax and not sweat the small stuff, or rather, the cornstarch. But, oh, I'm a slow learner!

I'm thankful God didn't give me children because I'm so qualified or deserving, but  because He's gracious and kind and merciful.

I'm thankful for moments like this that make me praise the LORD for His many mercies to me.

I'm thankful that our adventures might bring a smile to your face and remind you how beautiful life is and how good God is.

"Grateful love is the true spring of real obedience to Christ."
~J.C. Ryle,
Expository Thoughts on the Gospel, Luke

With love,

This Week's Hit: An Oven Omelet

I've somehow settled into a routine of trying a new recipe on Sunday evenings. This week's experiment was an oven omelet. I think this makes an especially hearty offering for a "breakfast for dinner" meal. Add a side of french toast, and your family will call you a genius. :)

Of course, everyone is different. That's the beauty of recipes...we can make 'em into what works best for our family. Even those children of mine who can't imagine salsa combined with eggs enjoyed this and had to admit they'd eat it again.

Oven Omelet

1/8 c. butter, melted
9 eggs
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. sour cream
1 tsp. salt
1/2 lb. sausage, cooked and drained
salsa to cover bottom of pan
1 c. cheddar cheese

Melt butter and pour in bottom of 8x8 pan. Top with cooked sausage and salsa.
Beat eggs, milk, sour cream, and salt until smooth, then adding cheese to mixture. Pour into pan over sausage and salsa. Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for approx. 50-60 minutes. Let stand 5 min. before cutting.

Instead of sausage, you could add cooked bacon and onions to the bottom with the salsa. You can also switch up the cheeses, adding part swiss and part cheddar or whatever suits your fancy. This recipe can also be doubled and baked in a 13x9 for about 30-35 minutes.

Enjoy!

Women of the Reformation

Starting October 31st, my friend Christina, at Heavenly Springs will be hosting a series about the women of the Reformation. You'll be familiar with some of the guest writers, and I'll be including a post about the little known Catherine of Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk. We'd love to have you join us!

The View from Telluride and Why You Should Savor Every Moment

It's hard to believe almost four weeks ago we were celebrating our anniversary in the beautiful town of Telluride, CO. Not only were we rejoicing over 24 years of marriage, but we were delighted with the news of another baby on the way.

How quickly things change.

Here's the Lodge Headquarters

Our kitchenette

Living area which included a gas fireplace and a balcony with breathtaking mountain views

We arrived to clouds and rain and SNOW on the mountain!

BUT, I will tell you the BEST lesson I learned from my time away with my Beloved.  Savor every moment. Enjoy it for what it is. Don't let fears of what might happen tomorrow or what God might plan for you in the future rob you of enjoying the present moment He's given you.

Even with my history of miscarriages (this was our fourth), we still celebrated as though this baby would arrive as hoped for. We talked about baby names and how we'd tell our children. We praised God and reflected on this humbling gift. We didn't let fear or worry rob us of the blessing God had given us, even though it would end up only being for a short time.

How much of our lives do we spend worrying about what is never in our control to begin with......namely that day called tomorrow? I can't imagine my sorrow if I had wasted away this precious time with my Beloved, allowing fear and anxiety and borrowed trouble to strangle away the good gifts of the present.

I'm not speaking of reckless living, with no thought of eternity. I'm speaking of intentionally delighting in every good gift God has given us, in the moment He's bestowed it.

After the initial rainy day, this was the view that greeted us the next morning

Oh, how these golden hues made my heart happy!

The "gondola", as it was called, was our main mode of transportation. As we hovered over the gorgeous landscape, all I could think of was how majestic and great our Creator is.

This is the little bridge we'd walk over every day as we explored the area.

In the town of Telluride we enjoyed these mini donuts made by a street vendor.

Don't do what we did and forget your tripod on a romantic getaway!! This picture would have been much better with my Beloved by my side.

These were the views from one of the overlooks.

This is looking down on the town of Telluride. Our lodge was a couple thousand feet above it.

The view from the gondola station.

I have to say this place had the best "do not disturb" signs I've ever seen. :)

We spied this cabin as we were leaving the area. I think I could sacrifice and live nestled away in this spot, even though it would mean LOTS of snow in the winter.

And isn't this glorious? Snow capped mountains and fall foliage? Only our God could create something so magnificent.

As my heart and brain are still struggling to wrap themselves around Michele's home-going (it still doesn't seem real), I think of how I enjoyed those nine days with her in Utah. Even though we lived in the midst of her endless medicine bottles and doctor's appointments and all of her physical problems, we savored every moment! We shopped and ate and laughed and cried. Oh, I have not one regret, and I count those days as such a special gift from the LORD.

Isn't God kind to give us the multitude of daily mercies that make our lives a canvas of His grace? Enjoying them and praising Him for them while we have them is just one way of tasting and seeing that He is good. And even in the loss and sadness and grief, I cling to the hope, knowledge, and mercies that declare the truth that just as God takes, He also gives, and does so most abundantly.

With love,

Monday Facts~I Promise You Won't Have to Take a Bath

It's a fact that this is a delicious chocolate chip muffin recipe.

It's a fact that unless you're unaware of your table manners, ahem, you won't have to take a bath after eating this muffin.

It's a fact that cutie-pie down there is still working on his table manners, and it's a fact he had to take a bath after eating his breakfast.

It's a fact that this first picture reveals his devious plan to get some water playtime right after breakfast.

It's a fact that I don't mind if my babies have to bathe after eating a good meal.

It's a fact that smearing food all over your face is actually a compliment in some countries. (I don't know where, but I bet it is.)

It's a fact that chocolate chips are considered a staple in our home.

It's a fact that you should serve these with some kind of protein....like bacon or eggs or bacon and eggs. :)

It's a fact that while I promise you won't have to take a bath after eating these, I can't promise you won't have a nice chunk of chocolate stuck between your teeth.

It's a fact that when you bake these, you should share some with a neighbor.


Cap'n's Smear 'Em On Your Face Chocolate Chip Muffins

2 c. all purpose flour
1/3 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 c. milk
1/2 c. butter, melted AND cooled
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 package chocolate chips (for those of us who buy in bulk, that's about 11.5 ounces)
1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts  (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray muffin pan with Baker's Joy. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, butter and vanilla until blended. Make a well in center of the dry ingredients; add milk mixture and stir just to combine. Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake 15-20 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if you dare.

With love,

 Link up with other fact-obsessed bloggers at Seams Inspired.

Take Possession of Those Covenant Mercies

"Faith is never happier than when it can fall back upon the promise of God. She sets this over against all discouraging circumstances; let outward providences say what they will, the voice of a faithful God drowns every sound of tear....When God has spoken, His divine shall, our 'I will,' becomes no idle boast, but the fit echo of the Lord's decree. Believer, up and take possession of covenant mercies."
~C.H. Spurgeon
Treasury of David

She's Been Waiting So Long for This

Jubilant One's Name and Age: Miss Ella, 6 yrs. 4 months

Reason for her delight: Lost Tooth

Method of Extraction: Daddy tied a string to her tooth and his BIG truck and...

 Ate an apple 

Time Extraction Took Place: About 20 minutes ago 

"Other than a dimple in a cute little chin,

What's more adorable than a toothless grin?"

~Azu Espezia

I Love You to Pinches and Squeezes

Brother, do you know how much I love you? 

You're so sweet to cuddle with.

And look how much I make you laugh!

In fact, you're so precious, that sometimes....

I just want to squeeze you tight.

And sister, I appreciate those tight squeezes, so much so that I just want to pinch your lips.

It's ok if we have our quirks.

After all, it's so clear that we're very happy together.