Arrangements

Here are the arrangements for Brian's Memorial Service:

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 29th from 4pm-6pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, April 29th at 7pm at First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made for a college fund for Nathan & Luke. Donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Clewiston.

Blissfully Domestic

While browsing the internet (as I often do- admittedly too much) I came across this blissful website. It has something for everyone. I am especially fond of the photography tips found there.

Fireproof

Yesterday two couples from our church and I went to see the movie "Fireproof". Fireproof not only portrayed what it means to have a Christ-centered marriage, but also had a Christ centered message. The gospel message was clearly presented throughout the entire movie.

It is geared primarily to marriage, however the principles found within the movie can be used in any relationship. Although I am not married I still enjoyed the movie and God spoke to me through it. I would encourage not only married couples, but singles as well to take the time to go see it. It's well worth the money.

Surprises

My friend and owner of Common Grounds Coffee Shop, Lori Williams,is one of the sweetest women I know. She always has a positive attitude and on many occassions has shared Scripture that God has put on her heart during her devotional time. It's not unusual for her to tell me when I stop by for coffee in the mornings that she'll be praying for me throughout the day or say, "something woke me up last night and just felt a need to pray for you." She is such a lovely person and I treasure our friendship.

Today I had run some errands for the church and returned to the office to find a message on the church phone. It was her telling me to return her call A.S.A.P. Instantly I wondered if something was wrong and called her back. She was only calling to tell me to stop by the shop before 2:00 p.m. because she had something for me. As it turned out I had planned to eat at the shop for lunch.

This is what she had for me. . . .

The shoes actually match perfectly with the white capris and red tunic that I am wearing today. Thanks Lori for completing my outfit!

Alex and Brett Harris are co-authors of the Rebelution blog. They are using this blog to give teenagers a biblical worldview. Recently they did a Modesty Survey and released the results on Valentine's Day. Just today I viewed the results. Having two teenagers, I realize what a struggle this is for them. The results are very interesting and I have to admit I am much more aware after reading the results. I loved the open questions in the survey and the one response I wish to pass all to all young girls especially my daughter is this one:

There is one that is more in love with you than any man can ever be. You are incredibly valuable to Him, and you never need question His commitment to Him. He thinks you're beautiful in the morning without your makeup, and He'll think you're just as beautiful when you're 80. He is Christ. In you should treat Him with the loyalty and respect of a Husband. There is no need to attract a man to you - Christ will lead the right man to you. And when someone that loves you as much as Christ arranges a marriage, you may rest assured it will be far better than anything you could have done. You are His - be content there.

New Link

On Wednesday night the youth are studying the Voddie Baucham Bible Study "The Everlasting Truth". This study addresses the cost of being a twenty-first century Christian in a world that believes there is no absolute truth. Voddie answers questions such as: "Why do you believe the Bible?" and "How do you know the resurrection is true?" The aim is to teach the audience how to study the Bible, how to study the world, and how to give a defense for the basic doctrines of the faith." (1 Peter 3:15).

As Pastor Brian and I were talking about last night's study, he asked if I had read Baucham's blog. Which until just this morning I didn't know about nor had I read it. Now that I have, I recommend for others. Therefore, I have added a link to his blog for others to use to navigate to easily. I pray that through Voddie's thoughts we are encouraged, edified and spurred on to search for the truths that are revealed in God's Word.

Spuring One Another On

If you are interested in hearing a sermon on how believers are to "spur one another on in love and good works" listen as our former youth pastor preaches from Hebrews 10:19-27 at Christ Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina.

Fearless Parenting

I came across this blog post yesterday and thought it was worth sharing. I could totally relate to what she had to say regarding parenting. In fact I think I may have written a post regarding Fearless Parenting, but she does a much better job.

Elizabeth Prentiss: 'More Love to Thee.' by Sharon James

I just finished reading a new biography of Elizabeth Prentiss: 'More Love to Thee.' by Sharon James. In case you are not familiar with who Elizabeth Prentiss was, she wrote the hymn "More Love to Thee" in 1856:

More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee!

Hear Thou the prayer, I make on bended knee.

This is my earnest plea: More love O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest.

Now thee alone I seek; Give what is best.

This all my prayer shall be: More love O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise.

This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;

This still my prayer shall be: More love O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, send grief and pain;

Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,

When they can sing with me: More love O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

This is one of my favorite hymns and it was interesting to read about the woman that wrote it and to learn more about her life. Elizabeth Prentiss was a frail woman who suffered intensely from chronic insomnia all her life. She was the daughter of a pastor and in 1845 married a pastor. Elizabeth was a mother to 6 children,within a period of three months she lost her second and third child--one as a newborn, one at age four. In spite of the trials in her life, she was dedicated to Christ and sought to live a life of joy serving her husband, children and others.

Elizabeth had this to say of the lessons God taught her:

-The most difficult circumstances are ‘God’s school’ to teach us more about
his grace.
-The very busy times are precisely those times when we need—and can
find—God’s strength.
-The worst of tragedies can draw us closer to God.”

One of my favorite quotes was this one: "Much of my experience of life has cost me a great price and I wish to use it for strengthening and comforting other souls."

Nativity Story

Earlier this week David asked to borrow the van to go to the movies with Chris and Abby. I must admit I was apprehensive and scared to allow him to travel to West Palm Beach alone. I struggled with this all week and finally on Thursday told him I would allow him to take the van. I ultimately realized this was a trust issue and that I lacked the faith to trust God to protect him. I wish I could say that I surrendered this to God and ended up letting David drive to Palm Beach alone. I didn't. As it turned out Abby's parents would not allow her to go to the movies out of town so I asked David if he would let me tag along with him and Chris to the movies. I did let him drive over and he did fine.

So off the three of us went to the movies. Since I was already infringing on their night out, I decided early on to see a different movie than they wanted to see. I choose the Nativity Story . I had read a couple of reviews but was still unsure of how close to the biblical account the director would come. However, I am happy to say the director did an awesome job. If you are looking for a movie to enjoy as a family this holiday season, this is the one. Although I've heard the story over and over, I had tears in my eyes as Jesus was born. But something that struck me even more was the submissive way Mary followed Joseph into Bethlehem.

Earlier this week, Jonathan taught from 1 Peter 3:1-6. He pointed out that Peter speaks in this verse of woman from the Old Testament as examples of how wives are to submit to their husbands. Not once while naming some of the woman in the Old Testament that displayed these qualities did I think of Mary. Not only did she submit to her husband, but to her Lord as well.

Friday Food for Thought

My pastor suggested that I view a sermon by Paul Washer earlier this week. Yesterday afternoon I was able to view the video and was astounded by the boldness he had in delivering his message from Matthew 7:13-27. I would encourage you to watch this video. The truths of God's Word are spoken.

New Links

I have just added a new "Friends" link. The two new links are to our dear friends, Tim & Krisy Bridges & Lori Brooks' blog. Tim served as our Pastor for three years. They are now living in Scotland, where Tim is pursuing a Ph.D. Since moving to Scotland they have created a blog "The Bridges". This is a wonderful way of staying in touch and being able to see how God is at work in their lives. Lori Brooks is our Youth Pastor's wife. Her blog, "Mommy Thoughts" is always a source of encouragement to me and I hope it will be to you as well.

Facing the Giants

Facing the Giants is the latest football story to hit movie theatres. It was three years ago that a group of church members from Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia believed that God wanted them to make a movie. They prayed about it and now Facing the Giants is playing at more than 400 movie theatres around the world. The movie is about a high school football coach that encounters an unexpected challenge and this challenge helps him find a purpose bigger than the victories. The coach and the team discover how faith plays out on the field.

I haven't seen the movie yet, but the trailer has sparked an interest to see it soon. It's not often that movies come out that are family friendly. I've read reviews and some of the reviews haven't been encouraging. For example, Christianity Today says: "There are good lessons here about honoring God in everything that we do, the importance of respect and leadership, and the power of prayer. Those are all things viewers could benefit from hearing. Whether they ever will hear them, though, is another matter—when a film is as unintentionally corny as this one, it's anyone's guess as to how many viewers can stomach all the schmaltz for the positive message at the end." Regardless of what the critics are saying, it's a movie our family will go see.

Actually, Facing the Giants is not the only Christian-themed movie releasing this fall. Others include One Night with the King, the story of Esther, The Nativity Story , and Amazing Grace.

Solo Femininity

I love Carolyn McCulley's website Solo Femininity. This is a wonderful blog for Christian single women. Carolyn shares her insight on topics ranging from Biblical Femininity to Understanding Men. As I was reading her blog this week I came across two articles that reminded me of what I have been called to do. Check them out here and here.

While Search Desiring God

I loved this article on Desiring God's website. I love this part in particular. . . we must understand how our sinful human hearts and minds work. One profound Biblical insight we need to know is that our heart exploits our mind to justify what the heart wants. That is, our deepest desires precede the rational functioning of our minds and incline the mind to perceive and think in a way that will make the desires look right. It is an illusion to think that our hearts are neutral and incline in accordance with cool rational observation of truth. On the contrary, we feel powerful desires or fears in our heart, and THEN our mind bends reality to justify the desires and fears.

How often do we try to justify our actions?

Edifying Words

Currently I have been reading "Becoming A Titus 2 Woman" by Martha Peace. In this book are many examples of how to disciple younger women. It addresses the older woman's character as well as her mandate and God-given privilege to disciple young women. I am now on Chapter Five of this book and it has taken some time to get that far, as it's one of those books that you can't simply just read. It's convicting to say the least and I have found myself meditating on her word's which are taken straight from Titus 2:3-5.

One chapter in particular has really struck me. Chapter 4 is entitled "Her Character" in which Peace considers three characteristics of the Titus 2 woman. "Older women likewise are to reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored".

The first characteristic that Peace speaks of that struck me was how we are to guard our words carefully. 1 Timothy 3:11 says, "Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things." Now there is nothing wrong with talking but too often we forget to guard our words and as I have heard said, "what comes up comes out." Too many times I have not thought about what was about to come out of my mouth and the result was that I ended up offending someone. Peace points out that the biblical criteria for the words I speak should be: to speak edifying words, speak truthful words, and speak good repute words.

Edifying Words: These words build up others. Such words are honoring to God and have an eternal purpose and worth. When speaking to anyone our desire should be to help the other person be like Christ.

Truthful Words: It is not an uncommon occurance today for people to lie. And sadly it is accepted in the world today. There are times when we aren't intentionally lying, but by omitting a part of a story or by being deceitful in some other way we are in essence lying. It is so easy to fall into the trap of gossip or even telling a downright lie. Peace cautions that even when we are telling the truth, we can still be gossiping and painting the other person in a bad light.

Good Repute Words: These words do not lead to slander and gossip. In fact they think of the other person's reputation. If it's something that will make them look bad, then go to them in private and speak to them about it. And don't go with that "holier than thou" attitude either. Be gentle and loving, but at the same time truthful, clear, and straight forward. Give them hope not despair.

I love the advice from Peace and her honesty within this chapter. The easiest way to speak edifying words, truthful words, and good repute words is simply by not talking too much! If we talk long enough we are eventually going to say something we shouldn't be saying. This is where I need to do some serious work. . . keeping my mouth shut!

Girl Talk Review

"The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." ~ Titus 2: 3-5

From the moment I started reading "Girl Talk" I did not want to put it down. Carol Mahaney & Nicole Mahaney Whitacre wrote in straight from experience regarding the biblical Mother/Daughter relationship. Though the book was candid and humorous, the central message was straight from scripture. The first half of the book takes a look at what the Bible says about mother/daughter relationships. The second half of the book explains how a mother can teach her daughter to speak the language of biblical womanhood. I wish I had known about this book ten years ago. Every mother should have this book on her book shelf.

The Chronicles of Narnia

I guess I don't remember reading the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when I was in school. Just before the movie was to be released I decided to read it. The book was great and like most books made into movies I figured the movie would be a let down. So last night the kids and I went to see the movie. Disney has done a great job! Now we just have to wait for the DVD to come out in stores.

In the book, Lewis writes of four children Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy who go to stay with a reclusive old professor in a mysterious country house. While playing a game, Lucy, the youngest, hides in a wardrobe and discovers that it leads to a magical world called Narnia. This land, which is inhabited by talking animals, is ruled by the lion Aslan, a good and powerful king. Narnia, however, had come under the spell of the evil White Witch, who had caused it to be always winter but never Christmas there. Before Lucy can get back to tell the others about Narnia, her rather bad-tempered brother Edmund discovers it for himself. He is taken up by the White Witch, who lures him to her side with Turkish Delight, a soft, jelly-like candy, and promises of gifts and powers. It is only when Aslan sacrifices his own life that Edmund is saved. Aslan, however, comes back to life. He and his followers win a great battle over the forces of evil, and the four children are made kings and queens of Narnia. At the end of the book, after many years have passed, the children return from Narnia the same way they came into it, through the wardrobe, only to discover that no time has passed at all. Although their adventure appears to be over, the professor tells them that they will again find themselves in Narnia someday, when they least expect it.

C.S. Lewis wrote the Chronicles of Narnia with children in mind, but he also wanted to convey a larger message. The Gospel is presented in the Chronicles of Narnia just as it is in the Bible. Aslan represents Jesus Christ who died as a sacrifice for our sins and rose again before ascending into heaven.

This is a wonderful movie to take your children, friends and family to see. It's an opportunity to present the gospel to them after the movie by comparing the movie to the Bible and drawing out the similarities.