"He felt exhausted beyond all reason. His thought drifted without direction. To lose Thunderhead, that he was resigned to. But what about Jewel? Carey? Everything? How had he happened to get in this jam? What about life itself? Would he achieve anything he wanted? What lay ahead? Suddenly he shuddered. It seemed as if all his needs and wants were known...they lay exposed to some malevolent eye...he was helpless...and all that he loved would be swept out of his reach by some power he could not control.
Attempting, with his inner vision, to see what lay ahead for him it seemed as if he could almost divine his future life as if it were a wide, mist-covered plain, dark. If there were waiting for him marriage, fatherhood, a life work, a home of his own, children, he could not see them. He could see no path leading to any of those stations and it did not seem possible that they were really there. How could there come a directive on the path of his life?
There was the soft steady rustle of the rain falling, there was the hissing of the fire, there was the indescribably sweet fresh smell of the earth and the grasses, and occasionally the sharp crash of a heavy pine cone falling, scattering showers of water.
An hour passed. Still Ken sat motionless. How helpless he was...not only he, but his father...the things you read in newspapers...what terrible things happen to people because they are all helpless and cannot save themselves...just little futile children, unable to plan and do and achieve what they want to, frustrated and defeated at every turn. He began to feel surprised. He had not always known this. Lots of times he himself had been defeated, but he had never dreamed other people had it happen to them, too. He had thought grown people had power and could propose and dispose, his father and the President and all big powerful men. But they couldn't...No.... His father wanted Thunderhead to be found as much as he himself wanted it. Besides, his father would die someday; the President, too...No. Everyone was helpless and no one was complete or sure.
He reached this as a fact, as concrete as if it were something he held in his hands. He accepted it.
Finding this and accepting it, there began in him again the wild coursing; his mind, like a greyhound, trying to find the power that was not in himself or other men, the completeness that he now knew he would never have in himself.
And suddenly his lips parted in surprise and he said aloud, "Why! That's God!"
Friday, 27 June 2008
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Book Quote Pt. 1
I recently read "Green Grass of Wyoming" by Mary O'Hara, and the book is good in its entirety, but there are a couple of parts that were especially good.
Here's one of them:
"The term, "the love of God" is used so much. It is spoken of as if it should be taken for granted. Children are told, "If you loved God you wouldn't do that." The child never seems to have the sense to answer, "But I don't love Him. I don't know Him. I don't want Him or ever think about Him." Which would often be the truth. Also, it seems to be taken for granted in most sermons, that of course every Christian, every religious person has a true love of God in his heart. But this is not so. I think it is one of the rarest things in the world, one of the greatest gifts, really the pearl of great price. So I always say in my mind most urgently to preachers, "Well, now, give us a sermon about the Love of God. How can you get it? Where is it to be found?" But I don't think I have ever heard a sermon about just that one thing (which is not to say that they have not been preached).
So the upshot is that I have done a great deal of thinking about it myself, trying to find out how that beautiful flame can be lit within the human heart. I have traced love, any kind of love, back to its beginnings, or tried to, and it seems to me I have found out a good deal about it.
To begin with - just one more word about the way LOVE bestows happiness. When you come to think of it, there is nothing that bestows happiness except love. Love is implicit in all praise, in admiration. You know how, in yourself, when you see some glorious thing, a sunset, or a beautiful face, or some of those exquisite scenes of nature that you now and then come upon, a great tide of praise, love and happiness rises in your heart until it seems that it will burst, and tears push up behind your eyes! Or perhaps it is the grandeur of a symphony. Or perhaps it is great courage or a noble, unselfish deed - and again that bursting love fills the heart. This can be traced down to the smallest thing. Imagine a young girl, about to go to her coming-out party. She sees her dress lying on the bed, clasps her hands (a classic attitude of praise and love!) and stands there in a trance of happiness. Or, a gathering of friends. Analyze your warm, happy feeling. You may call it good cheer, geniality, hospitality. These are other names for love.
And so I say that it is love that gives us all our happiness, and if only we could find some way to kindle it to a great flame in ourselves, which would never wane or die, and for some One who could never disappoint or abandon us, we could ask nothing more. We would be just bursting with happiness all the time. This great happiness is what the Saints have, and is why they are Saints. This happiness is what the mystics have. So now, back to our search - how to get it?
Well then, look at love. Wherever you see it (and you see it nearly everywhere) trace it to its beginning. What started it?
Let's take a very simple example. Penny, when she sees me the first thing in the morning. Or the puppies. They almost burst with love. Where do they get it? Where does Penny get it?
Well, Penny needs me. Penny is helpless without me. From the mother a baby gets security, food, warmth, tenderness, companionship and a thousand gifts that change and increase as the infant gets larger and needs more.
So first there is need.
Now what next? Second, I should say, the recognition of the source of good. It isn't long before the infant knows that all these things come from its mother. And what next? Gratitude. And here we have love, the full cup running over.
There one sees the evolution of love. First NEED, then RECOGNITION OF THE SOURCE OF GOOD (I wish I could find one word for that - perhaps you can) and then GRATITUDE.
I think there is no love in the world that does not begin with those things.
The love of friends? Of course. The need, the recognition of that particular person as a friend, and then the gratitude.
The love of men and women? First, their great and permanent need, then the recognition of each other as possessors of all the gifts that could fill that need, then, if the gifts are bestowed - the great gratitude.
The love of God? First we find out how much we need Him. I think that a person who does not find that out, who is incapable of finding that out, who is always smug and self-sufficient, can never win this great happiness.
Then, needing Him, we grope around perhaps for years to find the source of good. And at last we do. Probably someone tells us, tells us in a way that we can accept and understand. The torch is lit from one hand to the other, and has been all down through the ages. We know where our good is and we turn away from the things of the world (or at least we know that they are not of final power and importance) to God, and our "hearts burn within us" and we know that He is with us, always has been, always will be, and we are filled with gratitude and we are so happy we could die.
This second step in the process I suppose is a miracle. It is a gift. It comes to some and not to others. I suppose it comes to those who need the most, who seek the most persistently. It takes thinking about. It might seem that there are many good things which do not come from God - the girl's pretty dress, the good dinner, material belongings which are bought, or achievements which are earned, but this is looking at it in a small way. The nobility of human character, heroism, courage, unselfishness, steadfastness, conscience above all - that inexplicable determination in man to lift himself up from his lower nature and live on the highest level he is capable of (and to this force can be traced all man's progress of whatever sort) - it is obvious that these come from God. And we are grateful for them. Try to imagine what life on this planet would be like if man had no conscience. Try to imagine it without beauty. Try to imagine the physical universe without order, plan, design.
If you think of things like that, Howard, perhaps, suddenly, your heart will "burn within you" and you will know that the flame of the love of God has been lit because you have recognized Him as the source of good.
Once you have the love of God it spills over onto everything, and your heart and your life and your world are full of love and therefore full of happiness."
Here's one of them:
"The term, "the love of God" is used so much. It is spoken of as if it should be taken for granted. Children are told, "If you loved God you wouldn't do that." The child never seems to have the sense to answer, "But I don't love Him. I don't know Him. I don't want Him or ever think about Him." Which would often be the truth. Also, it seems to be taken for granted in most sermons, that of course every Christian, every religious person has a true love of God in his heart. But this is not so. I think it is one of the rarest things in the world, one of the greatest gifts, really the pearl of great price. So I always say in my mind most urgently to preachers, "Well, now, give us a sermon about the Love of God. How can you get it? Where is it to be found?" But I don't think I have ever heard a sermon about just that one thing (which is not to say that they have not been preached).
So the upshot is that I have done a great deal of thinking about it myself, trying to find out how that beautiful flame can be lit within the human heart. I have traced love, any kind of love, back to its beginnings, or tried to, and it seems to me I have found out a good deal about it.
To begin with - just one more word about the way LOVE bestows happiness. When you come to think of it, there is nothing that bestows happiness except love. Love is implicit in all praise, in admiration. You know how, in yourself, when you see some glorious thing, a sunset, or a beautiful face, or some of those exquisite scenes of nature that you now and then come upon, a great tide of praise, love and happiness rises in your heart until it seems that it will burst, and tears push up behind your eyes! Or perhaps it is the grandeur of a symphony. Or perhaps it is great courage or a noble, unselfish deed - and again that bursting love fills the heart. This can be traced down to the smallest thing. Imagine a young girl, about to go to her coming-out party. She sees her dress lying on the bed, clasps her hands (a classic attitude of praise and love!) and stands there in a trance of happiness. Or, a gathering of friends. Analyze your warm, happy feeling. You may call it good cheer, geniality, hospitality. These are other names for love.
And so I say that it is love that gives us all our happiness, and if only we could find some way to kindle it to a great flame in ourselves, which would never wane or die, and for some One who could never disappoint or abandon us, we could ask nothing more. We would be just bursting with happiness all the time. This great happiness is what the Saints have, and is why they are Saints. This happiness is what the mystics have. So now, back to our search - how to get it?
Well then, look at love. Wherever you see it (and you see it nearly everywhere) trace it to its beginning. What started it?
Let's take a very simple example. Penny, when she sees me the first thing in the morning. Or the puppies. They almost burst with love. Where do they get it? Where does Penny get it?
Well, Penny needs me. Penny is helpless without me. From the mother a baby gets security, food, warmth, tenderness, companionship and a thousand gifts that change and increase as the infant gets larger and needs more.
So first there is need.
Now what next? Second, I should say, the recognition of the source of good. It isn't long before the infant knows that all these things come from its mother. And what next? Gratitude. And here we have love, the full cup running over.
There one sees the evolution of love. First NEED, then RECOGNITION OF THE SOURCE OF GOOD (I wish I could find one word for that - perhaps you can) and then GRATITUDE.
I think there is no love in the world that does not begin with those things.
The love of friends? Of course. The need, the recognition of that particular person as a friend, and then the gratitude.
The love of men and women? First, their great and permanent need, then the recognition of each other as possessors of all the gifts that could fill that need, then, if the gifts are bestowed - the great gratitude.
The love of God? First we find out how much we need Him. I think that a person who does not find that out, who is incapable of finding that out, who is always smug and self-sufficient, can never win this great happiness.
Then, needing Him, we grope around perhaps for years to find the source of good. And at last we do. Probably someone tells us, tells us in a way that we can accept and understand. The torch is lit from one hand to the other, and has been all down through the ages. We know where our good is and we turn away from the things of the world (or at least we know that they are not of final power and importance) to God, and our "hearts burn within us" and we know that He is with us, always has been, always will be, and we are filled with gratitude and we are so happy we could die.
This second step in the process I suppose is a miracle. It is a gift. It comes to some and not to others. I suppose it comes to those who need the most, who seek the most persistently. It takes thinking about. It might seem that there are many good things which do not come from God - the girl's pretty dress, the good dinner, material belongings which are bought, or achievements which are earned, but this is looking at it in a small way. The nobility of human character, heroism, courage, unselfishness, steadfastness, conscience above all - that inexplicable determination in man to lift himself up from his lower nature and live on the highest level he is capable of (and to this force can be traced all man's progress of whatever sort) - it is obvious that these come from God. And we are grateful for them. Try to imagine what life on this planet would be like if man had no conscience. Try to imagine it without beauty. Try to imagine the physical universe without order, plan, design.
If you think of things like that, Howard, perhaps, suddenly, your heart will "burn within you" and you will know that the flame of the love of God has been lit because you have recognized Him as the source of good.
Once you have the love of God it spills over onto everything, and your heart and your life and your world are full of love and therefore full of happiness."
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Medieval Times!!
"Okay now, POSE! Perfect! Except you, Linda. You're a dork."
I went with Mom, Heather, and Steve to Medieval Times on my birthday, which was four days ago. (I had to download pictures, switch them from Mom's computer to mine, fix them up a little...so it took a while. I know, I know...bad excuse.)
But, now I can post, because I have pictures! I couldn't do it without pictures.
So we got there in plenty of time (Heather's an awesome driver, yes she is) and wandered around in the "Knight's Lounge", looking at the decorations they had there, and the things they were selling, little wooden swords and shields, and princess hats. There were all kinds of banners hanging from the ceiling, and all the "serfs" and "wenches" who worked there called us "my lord" or "my lady". It was rather entertaining.
So then we were herded through to the main room, where we were able to wait for the rest of the time until the show began. In there we were able to see the horses through little barred windows, the falcons, and the Dungeon Room (not pleasant, especially since each torture device was explained very well. I'm still shuddering over the Judas Cradle. You don't want to know. (Right Heather?))In the middle of looking through the dungeon, I was called out and forced to undergo a torture of my own. I was called up on a platform in front of everyone who was there - lots of people - and made to kneel in front of the king while he made me a Dame of the Realm. Just call me "Lady Linda."
After a long time waiting until they called our colour (we were rooting for Green, and had green crowns and everything), we finally were herded like cattle into the arena, given our seats, and told not to clang the pots on the plates, because that would scare the horses.
The show was pretty cool. I can't really explain the whole thing very well, but the gist is that there was a tournament held in honour of the King's brother, the knights battled, there was a traitor, he was defeated, and the knight marries the princess. (Awww!)
That's a really quick description of the whole thing. It was a whole lot more than that, and a whole bunch of fun. Every second we were there I felt like jumping up and down and yelling or singing or just jumping up and down smiling the whole time. I kept it together, though. I'm a Lady, after all. I think my favourite parts were the demonstrations with the horses (how can a horse stay up on its hind legs and WALK across an arena??) and the falcon (awesome.)
I can't really explain how totally cool it all was. Heather and Steve spoiled me, and it was so much fun having them and Mom. All in all, a pretty awesome birthday, yes indeedy. :DWe wrapped it all up by having gluten-free pizza at Pizza Pizza! Hoo Yeah! (I don't have any pictures of the pizza - the people working there thought we were crazy enough, what with all of the cheering and clapping we were doing - except for Steve, who was cool and collected. He just doesn't understand. Pizza! REAL PIZZA! That we didn't cook ourselves! Haven't had that for seven years.
That about closes it. Here's some more pictures of Medieval Times:
All of us with the knight we were cheering for, Sir Don Temple.
Some of these guys didn't like each other very much.
Yes, it's true, I want one.
Mom and the King, Alfonso.
Yeah, they still didn't like each other.
Heather and I found a buddy. He was cool. Kind of quiet.
Cedric the scary Mage!!
The Warrior Priest. He was awesome.
This is the guy that Steve wanted to tackle. He was our enemy, because he was so arrogant! We were not too happy that he won the battle and the princess' hand. We were actually cheering for the real bad guy, hoping he would defeat Sir Blue Knight. Cheeky little guy he was.
So, yes, a lot of fun, and mostly just memories that are stored away and unsharable. If I go again, I am definitely going dressed up! With the accent and everything.
Thank you Steve, Heather, Mom, and Joel, for buying the tickets. Thank you, and good night!
Thank you Steve, Heather, Mom, and Joel, for buying the tickets. Thank you, and good night!
Friday, 20 June 2008
God is Real
Two things have been running through my head all day.
1) God is Real.
2) God is God.
Don't ask me why; I couldn't really say why, exactly, my mind was running these through over and over again, all through the day. But I do know that the ultimate reason is that God wanted these thoughts to be in my mind today.
It is refreshing to remind yourself that God is real. I mean, sure, we believe in God; we know that He exists; but sometimes I think we forget that He not only exists, but He's REAL. And there is a difference. He's there, He cares, He comforts - He sends us reminders of Himself, so that we can lean on Him and trust. It's such a great feeling to be able to trust in a real God.
I can't imagine what people go through who spend all their energy worshiping false gods, idols that they've carved from wood or some other earthly material. It must have been heart-rending when things went wrong to think that somehow they hadn't been good enough to deserve the kindness of their "gods".
God doesn't remind us of Himself for any reason but to keep our hope alive, and our faith thriving. And that's a good thought, I think.
And to remember that God is God is both humbling and relieving. Humbling because it reminds us that He is in control of everything, and when we fight against Him we're just being idiotic. We can't win. We must bow our will to our Heavenly Father, who knows better.
What a relief to know He knows better than me! It's such a good thing; I don't know very much at all, and if it were up to me, I would in all likelihood be dead right now.
I can lean on my Father, Who teaches and corrects and loves me.
So, am I worried about things? Yes, sometimes. Should I be? No, never. Because God is real, and He is God.
1) God is Real.
2) God is God.
Don't ask me why; I couldn't really say why, exactly, my mind was running these through over and over again, all through the day. But I do know that the ultimate reason is that God wanted these thoughts to be in my mind today.
It is refreshing to remind yourself that God is real. I mean, sure, we believe in God; we know that He exists; but sometimes I think we forget that He not only exists, but He's REAL. And there is a difference. He's there, He cares, He comforts - He sends us reminders of Himself, so that we can lean on Him and trust. It's such a great feeling to be able to trust in a real God.
I can't imagine what people go through who spend all their energy worshiping false gods, idols that they've carved from wood or some other earthly material. It must have been heart-rending when things went wrong to think that somehow they hadn't been good enough to deserve the kindness of their "gods".
God doesn't remind us of Himself for any reason but to keep our hope alive, and our faith thriving. And that's a good thought, I think.
And to remember that God is God is both humbling and relieving. Humbling because it reminds us that He is in control of everything, and when we fight against Him we're just being idiotic. We can't win. We must bow our will to our Heavenly Father, who knows better.
What a relief to know He knows better than me! It's such a good thing; I don't know very much at all, and if it were up to me, I would in all likelihood be dead right now.
I can lean on my Father, Who teaches and corrects and loves me.
So, am I worried about things? Yes, sometimes. Should I be? No, never. Because God is real, and He is God.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Just One of Those...
Quiet evenings.
Today, I was home alone. Mom and the younger kids were away helping a friend/babysitting, and the older boys were working with Dad. So, I had the house to myself.
What did I do? I battled.
I donned the proper attire, took up my weapon, and attacked. I fought so ferociously that I was splattered head to toe...
...with paint.
Yes. Some people just paint normally. I attack. I do battle.
I think it's because I don't really enjoy painting to begin with - not that I hate it, it's just not something I consider "Easy Easy Fun Time." (Rebekah, you're so cute.) So I work very fast, and I think I get a perma-frown from concentrating so hard on getting the paint on the walls, instead of on me.
Is hyperbolous a word? Because this is what that would be if it were. Slightly.
I had to mud the walls first, because they are very holey. As in full of holes and dents and canyons. So, when the mud was dry, I primed and then painted.
And it looks better. Way better than it has ever looked before. Y'all should see it. :)
As I was painting today, I thought to myself, "I wonder if there are any poems about painting walls."
Hehhehheh. Ask and ye shall receive.
Today, I was home alone. Mom and the younger kids were away helping a friend/babysitting, and the older boys were working with Dad. So, I had the house to myself.
What did I do? I battled.
I donned the proper attire, took up my weapon, and attacked. I fought so ferociously that I was splattered head to toe...
...with paint.
Yes. Some people just paint normally. I attack. I do battle.
I think it's because I don't really enjoy painting to begin with - not that I hate it, it's just not something I consider "Easy Easy Fun Time." (Rebekah, you're so cute.) So I work very fast, and I think I get a perma-frown from concentrating so hard on getting the paint on the walls, instead of on me.
Is hyperbolous a word? Because this is what that would be if it were. Slightly.
I had to mud the walls first, because they are very holey. As in full of holes and dents and canyons. So, when the mud was dry, I primed and then painted.
And it looks better. Way better than it has ever looked before. Y'all should see it. :)
As I was painting today, I thought to myself, "I wonder if there are any poems about painting walls."
Hehhehheh. Ask and ye shall receive.
How to Paint A Wall
While I went off to work one day,
She decided to paint the wall.
And when I came back home that night,
She was curled into a ball.
Her eyes were closed, she was breathing hard,
Her hair was very wet.
From her head to the tips of her pretty toes,
She was covered all in sweat.
She was wrapped in a jacket made of down,
With a fur coat on top of that.
The wall was glowing with new, fresh paint;
On the floor, the paint can sat.
"Sweetheart!" I cried, with a worried look,
"Are you all right, my dear?"
She lazily opened her lovely eyes,
And smiled from ear to ear.
"I knew I could do it," she said with a grin;
"I followed the paint can notes.
It clearly said 'For best results,
Be sure to put on two coats.'"
By Joanna Fuchs
While I went off to work one day,
She decided to paint the wall.
And when I came back home that night,
She was curled into a ball.
Her eyes were closed, she was breathing hard,
Her hair was very wet.
From her head to the tips of her pretty toes,
She was covered all in sweat.
She was wrapped in a jacket made of down,
With a fur coat on top of that.
The wall was glowing with new, fresh paint;
On the floor, the paint can sat.
"Sweetheart!" I cried, with a worried look,
"Are you all right, my dear?"
She lazily opened her lovely eyes,
And smiled from ear to ear.
"I knew I could do it," she said with a grin;
"I followed the paint can notes.
It clearly said 'For best results,
Be sure to put on two coats.'"
By Joanna Fuchs
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Well. Figure this one out!
I have a disease.
I found out about it pretty early on - my parents let me know that it was hereditary, passed on from one generation to the next. They also told me that it was very dangerous, and sometimes very subtle in its attack. I learned a lot about my disease from a very young age.
As I grew older, I learned even more - and became more and more desperate to rid of it - to cure it. Every physician I went to gave me a "prescription" - one that didn't work very well, some of them even having backward effects. I was hopeless.
Until I heard about one more Physician. I was told that this certain doctor was the best when it came to this disease - that he had cured countless people, never failing once. And, the best part was, you didn't even need an appointment to meet with him!
I soon found out why. He wasn't really accepted among the "intellectuals" of the time - they didn't think he was really a physician at all. They didn't think he had any papers, or any right to proclaim himself the world's best doctor when it came to my specific disease. Well, the only way to find out was to go see him, but I didn't know how to start.
Then I got a message on my answering machine: "Hello, this is the Physician. I can meet with you, if you'd like." It was that simple. I don't even know how he knew my number, but he did.
Meeting him was a bit daunting. He greeted me kindly, but I knew from the start that he really was who he said he was - and that, if he wanted to, he could cure me of my disease.
I asked him right out - "Will it hurt, doctor?"
"Yes." He replied simply, smiling kindly, with a sad look in his eyes. "But the thing about this disease is that it hurts the doctor even more than the patient. That's why there are so few physicians who treat it. Really, there's only me. The rest only think they can help. The patients who go to them end up disappointed and usually worse off than before."
"When can you treat me?"
"Right now, if you'd like. Really, the process is already begun."
After that I don't know much, except that during the surgery I would wake up to see the Physician working, his face contorted with pain. I didn't feel any pain at all. I saw only flashes and glimpses, and then I would fall back into unconsciousness. Until the last time, when I awoke, and heard the Physician say, "It is finished."
When I next awoke he was standing beside me. "Is it all gone?"
His response was calm and confident, and he held my hand as he spoke. "It's beginning to go away. It will remain with you for a while longer, because you will do things to animate it for a while, forgetting that it still has some hold on you. Really, it will only be completely gone when you are dead to this world. But the disease is losing. Now I have a hold on you, and as long as I live, so will you."
Did you guess it? :)
I found out about it pretty early on - my parents let me know that it was hereditary, passed on from one generation to the next. They also told me that it was very dangerous, and sometimes very subtle in its attack. I learned a lot about my disease from a very young age.
As I grew older, I learned even more - and became more and more desperate to rid of it - to cure it. Every physician I went to gave me a "prescription" - one that didn't work very well, some of them even having backward effects. I was hopeless.
Until I heard about one more Physician. I was told that this certain doctor was the best when it came to this disease - that he had cured countless people, never failing once. And, the best part was, you didn't even need an appointment to meet with him!
I soon found out why. He wasn't really accepted among the "intellectuals" of the time - they didn't think he was really a physician at all. They didn't think he had any papers, or any right to proclaim himself the world's best doctor when it came to my specific disease. Well, the only way to find out was to go see him, but I didn't know how to start.
Then I got a message on my answering machine: "Hello, this is the Physician. I can meet with you, if you'd like." It was that simple. I don't even know how he knew my number, but he did.
Meeting him was a bit daunting. He greeted me kindly, but I knew from the start that he really was who he said he was - and that, if he wanted to, he could cure me of my disease.
I asked him right out - "Will it hurt, doctor?"
"Yes." He replied simply, smiling kindly, with a sad look in his eyes. "But the thing about this disease is that it hurts the doctor even more than the patient. That's why there are so few physicians who treat it. Really, there's only me. The rest only think they can help. The patients who go to them end up disappointed and usually worse off than before."
"When can you treat me?"
"Right now, if you'd like. Really, the process is already begun."
After that I don't know much, except that during the surgery I would wake up to see the Physician working, his face contorted with pain. I didn't feel any pain at all. I saw only flashes and glimpses, and then I would fall back into unconsciousness. Until the last time, when I awoke, and heard the Physician say, "It is finished."
When I next awoke he was standing beside me. "Is it all gone?"
His response was calm and confident, and he held my hand as he spoke. "It's beginning to go away. It will remain with you for a while longer, because you will do things to animate it for a while, forgetting that it still has some hold on you. Really, it will only be completely gone when you are dead to this world. But the disease is losing. Now I have a hold on you, and as long as I live, so will you."
Did you guess it? :)
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Grace and Peace from God Alone
The other day I was thinking of a certain verse that said "grace to you and peace", and I thought to myself, "Now where is that verse found?" Where indeed? (Ah, silly me.)
I found many verses that contain the words "Grace and peace", so much so that it got me thinking, maybe God intended that for a reason. Specifically, that we human beings, fickle and impatient and whiny (yes, whiny) as we are, might need to hear these words.
Check it out:
Romans 1:7 "To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 1:3 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Galatians 1:3 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,"
Ephesians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Do you see it? :) From the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:
Grace - (a) unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification (b) a virtue coming from God (c) a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
Peace - 1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as (a) freedom from civil disturbance (b) a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom 2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions 3: harmony in personal relations 4 (a) a state or period of mutual concord between governments (b) a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity 5—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell — at peace
: in a state of concord or tranquility
So when we are told "grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" there's a whole lot of meaning in those few words. We are reminded of what God has done for us - by His profound, unmerited grace, given over to us through no goodness of our own, and by making an agreement with Jesus Christ to be at peace with us, His former enemies. It's all of Christ, isn't it? Grace comes because Christ took the punishment, the "chastisement that brought us peace".
1 Peter 1:1-2 "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you."
2 Peter 1:2 "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
The only reason we are elect of God is for obedience to Jesus Christ, because He died for us! He gave his blood for us! And not only that, but now in our hard times and our struggles He lifts us up with words of encouragement! How can we ignore a God like this? And yet we do! We do!
But here's the kicker: "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
God says, Look. I want you to know Me. Learn about Me! My word is there for you to see! I have shown you Myself!
When our minds are focussed on God, we are reminded of His awesome grace and are therefore at peace. When our minds are off of God and on ourselves or the troubles we are in, we are in turmoil, racked with fears and doubts. Which do you pick?
2 John 1:3 "Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love."
Grace, mercy and peace can only come from God. He is the best refuge, and the ONLY refuge. We can only turn to God and find comfort at His feet. We can only pray to God and have our prayers answered. We can only repent to God and have our sins forgiven. He is there, and He is willing. Isn't that just an amazing thing? He is willing to hear us! That's Grace.
God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense.
Placing
Every
Anxiety (in)
Christ
Evermore.
What an amazing God we serve. Truly.
I found many verses that contain the words "Grace and peace", so much so that it got me thinking, maybe God intended that for a reason. Specifically, that we human beings, fickle and impatient and whiny (yes, whiny) as we are, might need to hear these words.
Check it out:
Romans 1:7 "To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 1:3 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Galatians 1:3 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,"
Ephesians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Do you see it? :) From the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:
Grace - (a) unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification (b) a virtue coming from God (c) a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
Peace - 1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as (a) freedom from civil disturbance (b) a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom 2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions 3: harmony in personal relations 4 (a) a state or period of mutual concord between governments (b) a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity 5—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell — at peace
: in a state of concord or tranquility
So when we are told "grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" there's a whole lot of meaning in those few words. We are reminded of what God has done for us - by His profound, unmerited grace, given over to us through no goodness of our own, and by making an agreement with Jesus Christ to be at peace with us, His former enemies. It's all of Christ, isn't it? Grace comes because Christ took the punishment, the "chastisement that brought us peace".
1 Peter 1:1-2 "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you."
2 Peter 1:2 "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
The only reason we are elect of God is for obedience to Jesus Christ, because He died for us! He gave his blood for us! And not only that, but now in our hard times and our struggles He lifts us up with words of encouragement! How can we ignore a God like this? And yet we do! We do!
But here's the kicker: "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
God says, Look. I want you to know Me. Learn about Me! My word is there for you to see! I have shown you Myself!
When our minds are focussed on God, we are reminded of His awesome grace and are therefore at peace. When our minds are off of God and on ourselves or the troubles we are in, we are in turmoil, racked with fears and doubts. Which do you pick?
2 John 1:3 "Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love."
Grace, mercy and peace can only come from God. He is the best refuge, and the ONLY refuge. We can only turn to God and find comfort at His feet. We can only pray to God and have our prayers answered. We can only repent to God and have our sins forgiven. He is there, and He is willing. Isn't that just an amazing thing? He is willing to hear us! That's Grace.
God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense.
Placing
Every
Anxiety (in)
Christ
Evermore.
What an amazing God we serve. Truly.
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
We Got Through It!!!
Today was our recital. Piano recital, that is. Elena, Tiana and I were all quite excited and, I think, only a little bit nervous. It helped that we didn't have to go ABSOLUTELY first. I don't know how anyone does it. I suppose someone has to go first, don't they? Otherwise nothing would ever be done.
But anyway, we made it! I'm told we did well, which is always a good thing. My favourite (darn you, blogger, it's spelled favourite! Don't tell me it isn't! Humour me! My face is colouring red! :P I do so enjoy that) part was listening to the grade 8s and 9s play their pieces. It is so amazing what some people can do with the piano. Me and my little ol' self can jingle out a tune, but these people really made the piano sing. Maybe it's just because I love music so much, but I really, really enjoyed it.
If I were a good person, I would put up pictures. As it is, Mom will probably have some pictures up on her blog. :) You'll have to shimmy on over there.
Good night!
Oh, and by the way, on the drive home from the recital there was the most gorgeous sunset. I don't mean to set you up like this, but Mom will probably have them over on her blog...*nervous laughter, and a winning smile (complete with twinkly eyes.)*
But anyway, we made it! I'm told we did well, which is always a good thing. My favourite (darn you, blogger, it's spelled favourite! Don't tell me it isn't! Humour me! My face is colouring red! :P I do so enjoy that) part was listening to the grade 8s and 9s play their pieces. It is so amazing what some people can do with the piano. Me and my little ol' self can jingle out a tune, but these people really made the piano sing. Maybe it's just because I love music so much, but I really, really enjoyed it.
If I were a good person, I would put up pictures. As it is, Mom will probably have some pictures up on her blog. :) You'll have to shimmy on over there.
Good night!
Oh, and by the way, on the drive home from the recital there was the most gorgeous sunset. I don't mean to set you up like this, but Mom will probably have them over on her blog...*nervous laughter, and a winning smile (complete with twinkly eyes.)*
Monday, 9 June 2008
The Armor I Need
I'm a tough person.
Since I was a child I've wanted to be able to "handle" anything that is thrown at me, and in a lot of cases, I can handle it, but not without help.
You know, sometimes the hand of Jesus is so subtle we turn it into pride and think we did it all by ourself, forgetting that we couldn't even lift a finger in our defense to save ourselves. With the larger problems we focus on God and His help, but what about the smaller things? The little moments of despair or anxiety, that we generally think we'll overcome "eventually"?
Lately I've been thinking a lot of the comfort of God, which is always there even when we refuse to see it, preferring to dwell in our troubles. I have also been thinking a lot about warriors in armor, meeting the enemy in battle. And the picture is this: do they only have the armor on for the part of the battle with the swords and axes, removing it while the arrows fall?
No; they leave their armor on continually while the battle rages, knowing that they need it for every weapon used against them.
It's the same with us. We are in a spiritual battle that rages unceasingly while we are on this earth. Do you think our enemy sits idly back? He doesn't. He's at work to weave doubt into our souls, planting this little trouble or that small problem, all the while whispering to our sinful pride that we can handle it on our own. We can't.
We need the armor that God has provided.
Romans 13:12 - "The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."
The Armor of Light - the Light of the World?
John 8:12 - "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”"
And again,
John 9:5 - "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
The Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-20 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Let's check down the list:
The Belt of Truth - John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Breastplate of Righteousness - Romans 5:21 "so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Readiness Given by the Gospel of Peace - Jesus, in sending His disciples
Matthew 28:16-20 "Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”"
Shield of Faith - Psalm 84:11 "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly."
Psalm 115:9 "O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield."
Helmet of Salvation - Isaiah 59:16-18 "He saw that there was no man,and wondered that there was no one to intercede;then his own arm brought him salvation,and his righteousness upheld him.He put on righteousness as a breastplate,and a helmet of salvation on his head;he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, so will he repay,wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;to the coastlands he will render repayment."
1 Thessalonians 5:8 "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation."
Sword of the Spirit (Word of God) - Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Revelation 19:13 "He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God."
Jesus is our armor. The only armor that holds up against this present darkness. All others rust away and fail - Jesus never has, never does, and never, ever will. So, what I need to do is stop thinking I have it under control - I have about as much control as a warrior without armor facing a sky of raining arrows. Let me never forget to put on the armor that waits, ever ready, for me to accept that I need it!
Since I was a child I've wanted to be able to "handle" anything that is thrown at me, and in a lot of cases, I can handle it, but not without help.
You know, sometimes the hand of Jesus is so subtle we turn it into pride and think we did it all by ourself, forgetting that we couldn't even lift a finger in our defense to save ourselves. With the larger problems we focus on God and His help, but what about the smaller things? The little moments of despair or anxiety, that we generally think we'll overcome "eventually"?
Lately I've been thinking a lot of the comfort of God, which is always there even when we refuse to see it, preferring to dwell in our troubles. I have also been thinking a lot about warriors in armor, meeting the enemy in battle. And the picture is this: do they only have the armor on for the part of the battle with the swords and axes, removing it while the arrows fall?
No; they leave their armor on continually while the battle rages, knowing that they need it for every weapon used against them.
It's the same with us. We are in a spiritual battle that rages unceasingly while we are on this earth. Do you think our enemy sits idly back? He doesn't. He's at work to weave doubt into our souls, planting this little trouble or that small problem, all the while whispering to our sinful pride that we can handle it on our own. We can't.
We need the armor that God has provided.
Romans 13:12 - "The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."
The Armor of Light - the Light of the World?
John 8:12 - "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”"
And again,
John 9:5 - "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
The Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-20 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Let's check down the list:
The Belt of Truth - John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Breastplate of Righteousness - Romans 5:21 "so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Readiness Given by the Gospel of Peace - Jesus, in sending His disciples
Matthew 28:16-20 "Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”"
Shield of Faith - Psalm 84:11 "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly."
Psalm 115:9 "O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield."
Helmet of Salvation - Isaiah 59:16-18 "He saw that there was no man,and wondered that there was no one to intercede;then his own arm brought him salvation,and his righteousness upheld him.He put on righteousness as a breastplate,and a helmet of salvation on his head;he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, so will he repay,wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;to the coastlands he will render repayment."
1 Thessalonians 5:8 "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation."
Sword of the Spirit (Word of God) - Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Revelation 19:13 "He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God."
Jesus is our armor. The only armor that holds up against this present darkness. All others rust away and fail - Jesus never has, never does, and never, ever will. So, what I need to do is stop thinking I have it under control - I have about as much control as a warrior without armor facing a sky of raining arrows. Let me never forget to put on the armor that waits, ever ready, for me to accept that I need it!
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Ava is One! And I'm on time this time!
I honestly can't believe it. Well, I mean, I can, if I try hard enough. But it seems like two weeks ago she was an adorable little newborn made up of angel kisses and eyelashes. Or something like that, you know.
But, she is one! And she is a little joker, let me tell you. She has a sense of humor just like her big brother Nathan. She looks at you with her face all scrunched up; yes, she gets the joke, let me tell you. She's often the one playing it.
And yet, she also has her soft side. The side that wants to cuddle just so, with her head resting on your shoulder. She'll cuddle like that for a long time, and when she feels you've been cuddled enough (she does it for us, you know) she sits up and flashes her newly-toothy grin, wrinkled nose, twinkling eyes and all. Yes. At one, she is one of the most beautiful little girls ever, and she has already made her mind up about most things in the world.
Happy Birthday, Ava Grace.
Love,
Your Auntie Linda
Monday, 2 June 2008
All the Birthdays I missed...
I feel so, so terrible.
In the month of May, I had every intention of mentioning these birthdays.
My nephew Quinlan's birthday, (he's eight) May 16th.
My sister Rachel's birthday, (she's old. ;P) May 12th.
Ah! I never got the chance to say happy birthday to either of them on this blog! And now it's late. But I will say it now: Very Happy Belated Birthday wishes to you both! :D :D Forgive me? In the future sometime? ...eventually?
And today it is my other nephew Michael Edward's birthday. He says he's four, but I don't believe him. It hasn't been that long since he was a baby. He has to be only two. Right, Michael? Yep. Only two.
Okay, okay. He's four. And solid as a cement block. Seriously. Watch out if he wants to tackle you.
So, Happy Birthday to you, Michael-man! Here's a cyber-hug-and-kiss from your Auntie, who is usually very bad at remembering birthdays. You have to forgive me, though. There's so many of you.
:)
In the month of May, I had every intention of mentioning these birthdays.
My nephew Quinlan's birthday, (he's eight) May 16th.
My sister Rachel's birthday, (she's old. ;P) May 12th.
Ah! I never got the chance to say happy birthday to either of them on this blog! And now it's late. But I will say it now: Very Happy Belated Birthday wishes to you both! :D :D Forgive me? In the future sometime? ...eventually?
And today it is my other nephew Michael Edward's birthday. He says he's four, but I don't believe him. It hasn't been that long since he was a baby. He has to be only two. Right, Michael? Yep. Only two.
Okay, okay. He's four. And solid as a cement block. Seriously. Watch out if he wants to tackle you.
So, Happy Birthday to you, Michael-man! Here's a cyber-hug-and-kiss from your Auntie, who is usually very bad at remembering birthdays. You have to forgive me, though. There's so many of you.
:)
Sunday, 1 June 2008
The God of...
Reading my Bible the other day, I came across a few verses that really encouraged me. Isn't it funny how God encourages us just when we need it? Myself, I think it's pretty cool.
Romans 15:4-6: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
You see that? First it says we need endurance and encouragement in order to have hope, and then it tells us where we get it: From God! God is the God of endurance and encouragement, and He never fails! And speaking of hope,
Romans 15:12-13: "And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Our God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing. He gives us endurance and encouragement in order to have hope, and gives us the way to hope as well! And speaking of peace,
Romans 15:32-33: "so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen."
Who do we rest in? God, who is the God of peace.
1 Thessalonians 5:23: "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Hebrews 13:20-21: "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
God is the one who equips us, and picks us up and dusts us off when we fall. He guides us, leads us, helps us, sanctifies us. He, through Jesus Christ, saves us.
Now, the God who does all of these things deserves our praise, does He not? I think so. I really do.
Romans 15:4-6: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
You see that? First it says we need endurance and encouragement in order to have hope, and then it tells us where we get it: From God! God is the God of endurance and encouragement, and He never fails! And speaking of hope,
Romans 15:12-13: "And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Our God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing. He gives us endurance and encouragement in order to have hope, and gives us the way to hope as well! And speaking of peace,
Romans 15:32-33: "so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen."
Who do we rest in? God, who is the God of peace.
1 Thessalonians 5:23: "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Hebrews 13:20-21: "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
God is the one who equips us, and picks us up and dusts us off when we fall. He guides us, leads us, helps us, sanctifies us. He, through Jesus Christ, saves us.
Now, the God who does all of these things deserves our praise, does He not? I think so. I really do.
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