Growing More Like Christ Through Affliction

This talk was given by Dr. Joel Beeke at the conference we attended last month.  It is so good.  If you have some ironing to do, or knitting, or maybe even a minute to sit and listen and be still (!), soak this one in.  I was blessed by it. 

Writing Prompts and a Very Good Book

I am so tired right now, so I think I'll write guided by the photos. :) I am hardly ever on the computer these days, and often think of things to share--something funny that happened, something the Lord is teaching me, a good book I've read--but I don't make the time to sit down and get it on the blog. I am happy these days, but so tired! I am trying to figure out what needs to happen to help me have more balance. Perhaps this is just the pace that life will be for a while, and if so, I know the Lord will help me. My brain is always so full; swirling with school plans and projects and to-do lists and recipes and spiritual concerns and prayers. I am waiting on the Lord to show me if something needs to change--but, on with the photos...

This little precious guy is seven months, and still our most favorite little toy ever.  :)  He is such a blessing and joy.

Keely and Noah were heading to their first day of Challenge.  They were both so excited and are loving their classes, tutor, and friends.  Freshman and seventh-grader....really?

Rowie is my little fashionista.  She's a reader and an artist and makes the funniest faces ever.

Sam is pretty much over hanging out in training pants all day every day.  He has turned the potty-training corner, YAY, and now requests pants or shorts with pockets so he can stash his stuff there.

I've begun the wallpaper removal project and am approaching it slowly.  I will only work on it when the mood strikes.  Somehow I feel better just seeing that the project is started, even though it actually looks worse now.

We had fun with our friends the W.'s last Friday.  They have a fun house in the country and just about a friend for everyone, including Mommy!  :)  It was a beautiful day, and we all had a great time.

Before I sign off for the night, I have to tell you about a book I read last week.  It was amazing.  So interesting, heartbreaking, inspiring, and convicting.  I keep thinking about it.  The Lord has used it to show me my lack of compassion for others.  If you can in any way get your hands on this book, do it.  Praise God that He works on us, he works all around us, and He allows us to gain encouragement and growth from others' stories!


Blessings to you, and thanks for stopping by my neglected little blog!

note: If the link above doesn't work for you, the book I am referring to is called The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield.

Go to Church to Be the Church

Much has been written on this topic, and I actually haven't encountered anyone lately who has used the 'be the church/don't go to church' phrase, but I think the things contained in this succinct article are so valuable.  If the statistic it mentions--60% of self-identified Christians don't attend worship--is correct, this is needed teaching and encouragement. 


"Church membership is a gift and a duty. It’s sort of like making your children eat their dessert."