A Birthday, a Girl and a Violin

Valerie had her birthday on Saturday, so naturally we had cake for breakfast! I got an angel food cake (I know, I am a slacker, I should have made it myself, but lets not dwell on my short-cut.) and made fresh whipped cream to smear all over the cake then I filled the center with fresh sliced strawberries and decorated the edge with more strawberries. It was a very tasty breakfast!


Then she opened her gift from Amol...


a violin! She was so happy, and truly surprised! She couldn't wait to have Matt help her tune it and give her a lesson. She took it to church with us the next day and watched with much excitement as Matt assembled, complimented, and tuned her new instrument.

On Loan

As I mentioned in my previous post, Matt lent me a book today entitled DECISION MAKING BY THE BOOK How to Choose Wisely in an Age of Options by Haddon W. Robinson. This book gives an outline for helping you make biblical decisions. Many good points are made troughout the text, but here are a few points I jotted down to share.

"How do we know the will of God for life's tough decisions?" isn't a biblical question! ...But God did give us the Bible, which in itself is sufficient to guide us...One of the things that the Bible teaches us, for example, is that God is working out his will. The God whom we worship is sovereign in the affairs of men and nations, and He works out all things according to His purposes. (p. 37) We need to remember that when we talk about making decisions, God is not at the mercy of our choices. God is not limited by what we decide to do. But in God's sovereignty, He can work in our choices, through our choices, and in spite of our choices, to accomplish His will. (p. 39-40) We must come to this book [the Bible] determined to submit to it's teachings; only then does God make His will known. (p. 67)

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

So basically Mr. Robinson points out that the Bible never prompts us to ask the will of God, nor does it give any direct answer as to His will, therefore we need not ask that question. Rather, we should ask "How do we develop the skills necessary to make wise and prudent choices?" Through the book, he suggests a list of six principles that can be used to help make good decisions. These principles are:

1. Make decisions in submission to God's sovereign will.
2. Make decisions in submission to God's moral will.
I thought I would like to define a few word for us here.
submit- v. accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person.
sovereign- adj. possessing supreme or ultimate power; acting or done independently and without outside interference.
moral- adj. concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior; concerned with, based on, or adhering to the code of behavior that is considered right or acceptable in a particular society rather that legal rights or duties.
3. Make love and concern for others the motive.
4. Focus on your strengths and gifts.
5. Consider the circumstances, but don't be mastered by them.
6. You must include wise counsel in the process.

So, in conclusion I am going to put in a brief story of how I try to apply biblical standards to decision making as well as governing my thoughts, emotions and interactions with others, rather than being caught up in trying to decipher the specifics of God's will. When I Moved to PA I needed to find a job. I applied to several places at which I felt I was equipped to work. I interviewed with a few potential employers. And I prayed continually. I was, as most people in that situation are, stressed about my finances during my unemployment. However, I had peace that God would provide for my needs, and because of that I was never concerned with which position I should accept. I was so excited when my current employer called and offered me the position. ( I screamed a lot and engaged in much happy dancing, as did Val!) I do not remember ever thinking "Now this is the job God willed me to have.", but I do feel He is blessing me, and the residents, through my employment there. Everyday is a new opportunity to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, and I am trying to be the best soil I can for them to be abundant.

Thank you Lord for your countless blessings, may I continue to open my eyes to them each day. Help me to be conscious and sensitive to the needs of all those whom I come into contact with. Amen.

Thank you Matt for loaning me your book!

Serving up Leftovers

Today was a great day. I got up fairly early and got to work in the kitchen preparing multi-grain bread to have with our lentil soup and baklava (all three from scratch) for our lunch guest, Matt (visit him at: http://42funeralslastyear.blogspot.com/). Matt is a friend we met at church and he is an all around super-great guy, and also one of our pastors. My cousin, her husband and I all really enjoy his company as well as the entertaining and stimulating conversations that ensue. Matt also lent me a book that I read today (more to come in another post). So, as I mentioned, it was a great day. I cooked, entertained a friend and read; all of which are among my favorite things to do!

And since I forgot to get a picture of everything before hand, here is a pic of our leftovers!


Thank you for your time today Matt, we look forward to your next visit!

Dreaming and Living

I have many hopes, dreams, and desires. I desire to marry a godly man, I dream of having children, and I hope to be a homemaker. I currently live with my cousin, her husband, and their young son. I also work outside the home full time. Lately I have been trying to balance my dreams with the current reality of my daily life, which I know is possible, thanks to my amazing mother who was in this position for many years! Visit her at: wwww.patentingmyre-invention.blogspot.com. My conundrum is: how do I effectively put into practice my homemaking skills while maintaining a tiring full time job outside of the home? I have been praying about this balancing act, and a few scriptures were given to me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

I may not know exactly why I am here at this time, but God does! If I rely on and follow him, and allow his light to shine through me to the world, I will end up in the place the Lord has set aside for me.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Here I see that if I take great pleasure in the Lord and obeying his commands, he will grant me the desires of my heart.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

No matter what task I am set to do, I must do it fervently and with great love. When I remember that I am doing everything for the glory of God, mundane or undesirable tasks become more important and joyful.

While I have been meditating on these scriptures and the definitions of these words, I have come to the conclusion that I am not to worry about or plan out my future, as long as I am pursuing the goals God has currently placed for me I am on the right path (even if I don't know where it is going!). Right now that looks like taking care of my cousin and her family by helping keep the house clean, cooking, and watching over her son, then going to my job and being a dependable coworker and a loving aide!

Father God, Thank you for this opportunity to serve my family while learning and practicing the skills I will need for another chapter of life. I am humbled and excited by the promises in your word. Please give me the strength to not only accomplish the tasks that you have given me, but to be a testament of your unfailing love. Thank you for your tender words in quiet times, I pray that I will be ever vigilant in listening for and hearing them. Amen.

Amazing Provision

The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. Genesis 3:21

For some reason this verse has been on my mind a lot in the past week or so. I had never really bothered thinking about it very much before. Yeah, so Adam and Eve knew they were naked, it was their own fault. They ate the fruit they were told not to eat, but among all the punishments for their disobedience God still was providing for them. He had compassion on them even as he banished them from the garden. He didn't just send them packing in their fig leaves. He knew they were embarrassed and ashamed, so he made clothes for them. How awesome is that?! This has been encouraging to me because sometimes I mess up, but according to this, God will still provide!

Thank you Lord for your never ending love and provision in every aspect of life. Though I falter and wander, you are always there to guide and steady me. I am truly blessed indeed!

On Frustration, Joy, and Waiting

I am beginning to understand that all things really do come together for the good. Sometimes, it really does not seem that way, but it is true. The Bible is full of these promises. Many times I find that I am letting myself become consumed with frustration, anger, resentment, and disappointment, just to name a few. I will feel resentment when someone else seems to be happier than me. "Why can they be blessed with the things I want and not me?" I become angry when someone points out a way I can help. "Why are they telling me what to do, don't they see that I am busy with other things?" I resent others for their good fortune. "I have suffered, when do I get my share of good fortunes?" I am disappointed that I have not accomplished many admirable things. "What I do is meaningless. I go to work, come home, go to church and taxi my Amish friends around. Who cares?"

Psalm 103

1 Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him:
12 as for as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But form everlasting to everlasting
the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember his precepts.
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the Lord, a;; his heavenly hosts.
you servants who do his will.
22 Praise the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, O my soul.

This is a powerful Psalm. I am reminded of my fragility. I am reminded that the Lord heals, redeems and restores. I am reminded that instead of suffering and dying for my wickedness, I am blessed beyond comprehension. I am learning to see the blessings. I am learning the true meaning of changing the heart.

I am sure you are wondering ('you' being any readers I still have, if any, after my prolonged blogging silence!)how this all relates, well... Recently I was pondering ways I could purge distasteful thoughts and actions from my life. Unfortunately, as stated above, I can tend to have a bad attitude about some things, and even more unfortunate is the fact that I often wear my bad attitude for all to see and feel. I want to be salt and life, and smearing those bad feelings around is anything but. So I prayed, I asked how I could change my attitude, my thoughts, and my actions to better represent my Savior other that just feeling bad, saying I am sorry, and repenting when I mess up. I found my answer in a few familiar Scriptures I had learned as a child. I had learned the words, but I am just now grasping their meaning and trying to apply them.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I do not believe these verses are only referring to keeping the flesh pure, the mind of a temple of the Holy Spirit should also be kept pure.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Diligently striving to obtain these attributes in our every day moments will help maintain our defenses against the attacks and temptations of the enemy. Plus, there is no law prohibiting the frequent, even continual practice of these qualities!

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Philippians 4:8

By mindfully dwelling on the correct things, I am finding that I am feeling a real and significant change. I can look upon my frustrations and realize that I was distorting the situation. I can be truly joyful for someone who is celebrating a blessing in their life, knowing that I am truly blessed as well and that God has more in store for me than I could ever imagine. I can thank someone for their concern for others when they point out ways I could help, and I can be thankful for the opportunity to serve another. And what I do does matter. I am a friend and an assistant to the elders, and my coworkers in my workplace. I make a difference in their lives, and through that I am very blessed!

I am waiting for the next chapter God has for me, but in this season of waiting I must not be idle. Although I may not be doing great things outwardly, great things are being cultivated within. Praise God, O my soul!