John Piper - Why Calvinists seem so Negative...

The Awesomeness of God...glory to His name!

Grimshaw's Creed

Here is an extract:

I believe that Jesus is a full, as well as a free Saviour. The same yesterday, today and for ever. He alone is not only the believer's wisdom and righteousness, but his sanctification and redemption; and in Him is a fountain ever open for sin and uncleanness unto the last breath of his life. Here is my daily, necessary privilege, my relief and my comfort.

. . . I think that all that is not of faith, and consequently before faith, is sin. Nor will I allow that it is anymore by good works after grace received, than before, that a believer is saved. For however our Lord may graciously consider them at the last day, eternal life is certainly the gift of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ alone has purchased for us what grace in heart and life makes us meet for. What have we to boast of? Or what have we that we have not received? Surely, by grace we are saved.

When I die I shall then have my greatest grief and my greatest joy. My greatest grief that I have done so little for Jesus; and my greatest joy, that Jesus has done so much for me. My last words shall be "Here goes an unprofitable servant."

Yet God, in grace and mercy, will say to William Grimshaw and all God's children, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord!"

Amazing grace.

I was encouraged when I pondered Grimshaw's creed. Jesus is a fountain, filled with life, ready to receive all of my sin and uncleanness, and to replace it with His righteousness and purity. What an amazing transaction that is! It is His grace that enables me to do His work well. Without that grace, I am like a branch cut off from the Vine - worthless.

God is still pruning me, taking off the old dead limbs, trimming back the ugly, infested parts, making me so I will bear more fruit. This pruning process is uncomfortable, even painful sometimes.

I was blessed this morning as I read John Piper's blog, Why God Doesn't Fully Explain Pain.
It's enough to know that God is in control, that He is working all things for good, that He is refining me so that I can be more useful, and that His power is magnified in my weakness.

Lord, even though I am an unprofitable servant, I realize that any good You choose to do through me is glorious, because it reflects Your glory. Thank You for the trials You send - for I know they have a good purpose. Thank You for Your immeasurable, precious promises. You are a God of grace and power. I trust in You alone.

Dougie Doesn't Know Best

Dougie the Doggie is having a bit of trouble these days. I am not quite sure what his problem is. At first, I thought it was fleas, and treated him (and all the canines) with Advantage. The scratching didn't stop...in fact, it got worse. I have been reading up on all the possibilities, and trying different remedies on this poor old dog.

He didn't like the apple cider vinegar, not one little bit. He howled until I washed it off. I tried Melaleuca oil, which seemed to ease the itching, but again, he tried to rub it off. The next trial cure was Arnica gel. It seemed to soothe his skin, and he didn't scratch as much for a day or two.

This morning, I thought I'd apply Arnica gel again. I heard Dougie thumping his way down the stairs, so I was ready with the Arnica. He came around the corner, took one look at me, and high-tailed it back up the stairs!

I was reading the first part of Isaiah this morning:

Chapter 1:2 ¶ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: "I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me; 3 The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider."

This morning, Dougie was a great example of this sort of rebellion. He did not consider that I, his owner, who has taken care of him since he was a young pup, might know something and might be able to help. In the same way, we children of God rebel against our LORD, and do not consider all of the facts.

4 Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward.

Dougie LITERALLY turned away backward, when he saw me standing there with gel to soothe his sore skin. He scrambled to flee from the one person who could do something about his problem. Don't we do the same thing, though? We're laden with iniquity, full of evil, and instead of fleeing to the One who can help us, we scramble to run away as fast as we can.

5 Why should you be stricken again? You will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, And the whole heart faints. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head, There is no soundness in it, But wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; They have not been closed or bound up, Or soothed with ointment.

God sends trials to us in order to bind up our wounds, to soothe us with ointment, to heal us from our diseases. Of course, you'd have to read the rest of Isaiah to find out how gloriously God moves on behalf of His people.

I thank God for this reminder today. God used my little, pathetic dog to teach me more about Himself. I am too quick to deny that there's anything wrong. I flee the other way, trying everything I can to fix my own problems, instead of turning to God, who is the One who has the remedy for whatever ails me.

Dougie, when he finally submitted to me and allowed me to slather him with Arnica gel, made grateful noises in the back of his throat as I rubbed him with the soothing gel. He relaxed and rested on his pillow, sighing once in a while, more content than he has been in a while.

I, too, must submit and allow my God to do His work in me. He must treat my diseases with whatever He deems necessary, in order to soothe me and get me ready for His service.

Go ahead, Lord. Bind up my wounds. Soothe me with Your ointment.

I won't run away.

Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;

Fatty the 'Fraidy-Cat

I am sitting at my desk, and my huge dog, Fatty is keeping me company. He is under my desk with his body wrapped around my feet. He's not there because he likes my company. He's not one of those "loyal companion" type of dogs who always wants to be in the same space as its master. No, Fatty is plastered against my legs because he is downright terrified.

There's a storm a-brewing. This is nothing new. We've had plenty of thunderstorms in the past couple of months, and lately it's been an almost daily occurrence.

You'd think Fatty would be used to them by now. But, oh, no...each rumble and flash brings with it the certainty of sudden death, according to Fatty.

He's always been afraid of thunderstorms, ever since he was a pup and was born outside during a raging storm. His brother, Abraham, is only 6 months' difference in age, and doesn't give a hoot about a thunderstorm. So, it must have been his traumatic birth that did it.

Now, if Fatty were a reasoning sort of creature, I would have to tell him that he ought to consider the evidence. Yes, he's been scared of thunderstorms for a long time, but have they ever actually HURT him? ("Well, no...not really...I guess not," he'd have to reply.)

I'd continue, "So, all the rumblings and vibrations and the loud noise and flash in the sky haven't HURT? Tell me why you are terrified, then."

Fatty would look at me with a dumb look on his face, and shrug. He'd have nothing to say, because we both know he has nothing to fear.

People are a lot like Fatty. Whether they're young or old, male or female, strong or weak, they all have irrational fears. Critter (nearly 9) didn't want to go up to bed this evening, because his sisters are away, and he didn't want to be alone. He asked me if Dan and Pat were coming to bed soon. I reminded him that Jared (25 year old brother, about 6 and a half feet tall) was upstairs already. I could tell by the look on his face that Jared's presence wasn't good enough. He was still scared. He wanted his brothers, in the same room, and nothing else would do.

One of my daughters told me about her irrational fear, experienced just this morning. Her baby slept in longer than usual, and she had a momentary panicky feeling as she went to the baby's room to check on her. We all experience those kinds of "what ifs" from time to time.

I, too, have some irrational fears. Even though I know that God is the Provider, the Creator and Sustainer of all life, I still wonder sometimes if He is going to take care of me. Will Rick get the work he desires? Will we be able to pay our bills and put groceries on the table?

The truth is that I am a lot like Fatty. I KNOW that God has always provided for me and for my family. We have never missed a meal. We've always had a roof over our heads. He has never, ever left us, nor has He forsaken us. He always keeps His promises. So why do I allow myself to fear?

I gave Critter a hug as I sent him to bed this evening. I told him that the Bible has a good verse for times when we're afraid. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee!"

Psalm 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.

I wish I could explain that to Fatty.

Spring Rain

We've been getting a lot of rain lately.

Yesterday, we were on our way home and we could see a black bank of clouds, ominous, hanging in the west ahead of us. It didn't help that Heather had phoned to warn us of tornadoes that had touched down in Lucan. She had seen spiraling clouds right above her house, too. So, I scanned the sky as Daniel drove into the rain, which pelted the van for three or four minutes.

On the other side, it was light! What looked like miles of black storm turned out to be just a temporary inconvenience.

When we got home, we could see that there had been plenty of rain. We aren't complaining, even though every single Monday night since Critter started soccer has been rainy. We know that the plants won't grow without the rain.

The grass is particularly green this year. And, like Angie said, "It takes a lot of rain to make grass this green."

We've been getting a lot of storms lately. The kind that come with rain descending, winds beating against the house, and floods rising. Let's see: The engine blew. The well had to be replaced. Rick had an abcess. I had a few migraines. The job is ending. The bills are not. Yep, rain, wind and floods have been beating against our house.

Matthew 7:24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

Thank God, our house is built on the Rock.

So, we persevere, knowing that God is doing His work in our lives, and trusting that no matter what, He will work all things together for good, because we are people who love Him. We love Him, because He first loved us.

We've been getting a lot of reminders lately.

The rain and the storms don't bother Him. It's not that He's apathetic. He is so very much in control. God reminded me of that fact when I was watching "Prince Caspian" yesterday. There is a scene that shows Lucy meeting with Aslan, and the mood is joyous, bright, and peaceful. Meanwhile, the battle is raging a short distance away. Aslan doesn't move, yet you know that he is in complete control of the situation, and nothing is escaping his sight. He will act when the time is right.

Aslan is a picture of Jesus. When Lazarus died, Mary ran to Jesus and told Him that if He'd been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus knew Lazarus was dying, but took His time. He had a greater plan. There was no need to hurry. He would act when the time was right.

When the storms blow, we do well to remind ourselves that Jesus will act when the time is right.

Matthew 8:23 ¶ Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.
24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.
25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"
26 But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

We were reminded in our Bible reading that Jesus will rebuke the winds and the sea, when the time is right.

27 So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" This is Jesus! The Lord of Glory. The Watcher of men. The Saviour of our Souls. The Shepherd Whom we follow. The Master Whom we obey, along with the wind and the sea.

People have asked me, "How can you praise God with all you've gone through?" And I say, "How can I not?" He's my only shelter from the storm.



Bring the Rain by Mercy Me

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through.
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You?

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind,
To turn my back on you, oh Lord-
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through this time...

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace,
Bring the chance to be free,
Bring me anything that brings You glory;
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain-
But if that's what it takes to praise You,
Jesus, bring the rain!

I am Yours regardless of
the clouds that may loom above
because You are much greater than my pain.
You who made a way for me
suffering Your destiny.
So tell me what's a little rain?

[1st Chorus]

Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty
is the Lord God Almighty
I'm forever singing

[2nd Chorus 2x]

everybody singing
Holy holy holy
you are holy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

Held Together by His Power

Colossians 1:9 ¶ For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;
12 ¶ giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

The ESV and NIV put it this way:

He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.

Don't you love it when a plan comes together?

I am always astounded to see how things seem to come together. For instance, I have been teaching the children about American slaves and how they suffered before Abolition. We studied George Washington Carver and marveled at how this gentle man set his heart on learning, and did what he had to do to get a good education.

The other day, we just happened to rent a movie (The Great Debaters) that portrayed some of the indignities suffered by blacks less than a hundred years ago. Then today, Christopher's curriculum just happened to mention Harriet Tubman, the feisty ex-slave who led many to safety on the Underground Railroad. I have a book called "Stories of Real Adventurers" which featured Harriet Tubman. We looked her up in our old World Book encyclopedia, then on the internet, beginning with Wikipedia. Tomorrow, the children will be writing a report on Harriet.

I don't question that God orders our steps, even down to the details of our little homeschool. It is a joy to praise Him for daily provision even in this small thing.

We don't question that God has a plan for us in regard to every aspect of our lives. He is in control of the minutest detail, and because we trust in Him, we take comfort in this fact.

So, we observe that the Lord allowed our truck to break down in February, putting us further in debt. We had no choice but to replace the engine on the truck, so we could keep on servicing our customers.

We notice that the Lord ordained that now is the time that our neighbour decided to buy the farm from his dad, requiring us to have a new well dug on our own property.

This morning, we were reading the Bible together in our family devotions, and what jumped out at me was this:

Romans 15:
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
5 ¶ Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,
6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 ¶ Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: "For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name."
10 And again he says: "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"
11 And again: "Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!"
12 And again, Isaiah says: "There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope."
13 ¶ Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Although we read three chapters together, this was the portion of Scripture that jumped out at me. I kept on reflecting on this passage throughout the day. It is in Christ I hope. It is in Him I rejoice. I only have hope because of His finished work on the cross, which has reconciled me to the Father, and it only by the power of the Holy Spirit that I can see this blessed hope. Without Him, I would be blind, lost, without hope and without Christ in this world.

It is no coincidence that today my husband was told that our financial situation and employment might be completely devastating by the end of next month. God knew that I needed to read and meditate on this passage that reminds me that in HIM I have hope.

So, I love it when a plan comes together. I love to see God's plan unfolding before my very eyes. I have no idea what is in store or what trials we may have to face. But I do know that my God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in grace, by Christ Jesus. I know that He will never, ever leave me, nor will He forsake me. I know that He knows the plans He has for me, and that they are plans to prosper me, and not to harm me; plans to give me a hope and a future.

My God is better than the A-Team. He is in perfect control. Of everything. He is in control of the smallest details of an obscure homeschool in rural Ontario; He is in control of the decisions made in boardrooms of corporations in the urban metropolis. He has a plan, and it will all come together, according to His will.

Ah, I love it when HIS plan comes together!

How Big is our God?

My husband was asked to read the first chapter of Ezekiel this morning, as preparation for our Pastor to begin his sermon. The vision Ezekiel has is of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.
As I stood there, listening to the description, I realized that I cannot begin to comprehend God. He is above all. He is utterly magnificent.

Does my vision of God shape my life? Do I live for Him? Do I instruct my children to focus on the One who sits on that glorious throne, with a rainbow of grace surrounding it?

God is the Lord of Time and Eternity. One day, every single knee, whether willingly or unwillingly, will bow, and every single tongue will declare that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

God is the Creator of all things. Every heartbeat, every breath I take is only because of His mercy. Do I use them for His glory? Do I arrange my days to serve Him? Is He at the forefront of my mind and plans for the days and weeks and months ahead? Or am I simply relegating Him to the back corner, and putting my self on the throne? Are MY plans, MY dreams, MY desires and MY goals what I focus on?

When I read the first chapter of Ezekiel, I know that I must

BOW DOWN!
HUMBLE MYSELF!
ARRANGE MY LIFE AS A SERVANT!

God is the Potter, and we are the clay. He has every right to do as He wills with His own creatures. Some He will raise up, and some He will put down -- all for His good pleasure, and all because of His sovereign will. He chooses our course, and we must learn to humble ourselves before Him, surrendering to His will. Whether we are up, or whether we are down, we must live for God!

Am I ready to live for God, radically, moment-by moment?

Ezekiel was.

At the time of Ezekiel, there was great political upheaval. Judah was in the middle between Egypt (Pharaoh Neco) and Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar). In 609 good King Josiah was killed at Meggido, and by 605 BC Neco's armies were destroyed by Babylon at the Battle of Carchemish. King Jehoiachim was playing politics instead of turning to the living God. He kept switching allegiance from Egypt to Babylon, which didn't go over very well.

Daniel was taken in the first wave, in 605. In 597, Ezekiel was carted off to exile, along with 10,000 others. By 586, Nebuchadnezzar in his fury destroyed the temple.

The children of Israel cried out, "What's going on? Where is God? Why did He allow this destruction? Doesn't He care about us? Isn't He in control?"

That's why God gave Ezekiel the vision of WHO HE WAS. And when Ezekiel saw it, he fell on his face:

Ezekiel 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
2:1 ¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.
2 And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. 4 For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. 5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

Ezekiel was certainly a prophet - he saw the vision and took the message to the people. He was also a priest, the son of a priest. His name means "I will strengthen", and he was strengthened by God to do His bidding and minister to the people.

He had a tough message. Daniel, like Hosea, was tender. Ezekiel, like Amos, was tough. God uses all sorts of people for His purposes. Don't compare ministries or personalities, but be thankful when you see God's provision in the talents of His people!

So God sent Ezekiel with a the message that judgment begins at home. They were dabbling in sin, going after idols, listening to false prophets, using false measures, pursuing gain, ignoring the needy, and trusting in super-powers rather than in the Living God. God used Babylon to discipline His people, to purify them and bring them back to a relationship with Him.

The book of Ezekiel is all about

the PLAN of GOD - to discipline Judah;
the PURPOSE of GOD - to restore Judah; and
the PROMISE of GOD - that His people would return to the land.

It wasn't an easy task, to take this message to the people. They were confused and felt abandoned, and Ezekiel knew it. That's why God gave him a glimpse of His power and glory, along with a reminder of His unfathomable grace. The rainbow encircling the throne was a powerful reminder that God always keeps His promises. Even if the enemy has come in and carted you away to a foreign land. Even if you have lost your home, your family, your land, your temple, your very country...God never fails. He will judge the sin of His people, and it is never easy. He also will restore His people back to a full relationship with Himself. One day, we will be in the Land - the best land - the heavenly land, where God dwells in the midst of His people.

We had a foretaste of heaven today as we gazed upon Jesus. He is the One with the plan to make a way for the elect from every tribe and tongue to be gathered as a People of God. He is the One with the purpose to redeem us from a life of sin, under the power of Satan and the sentence of death. He is the One who promised never to let one of His chosen ones go, and HE has the power to carry out His plan, His purpose, and to keep His promise.

It's all about YOU, King Jesus, and the glory of Your name.

My God is so BIG,
So strong and so mighty,
There's nothing my God cannot do!

The mountains are His,
The valleys are His,
The stars are His handiwork too!

My God is so BIG,
So strong and so mighty,
There's nothing my God cannot do!

Oh, God, Help me to live as one who really GETS that I am very small, and You are very BIG. Let me keep the vision of Your power and Your glory at the forefront of my mind. Remind me that Your eye is always upon me, and that You ordain every little thing that happens to me for my ultimate good, and for your glory.

In the name of Christ, my Saviour and Lord, I pray. Amen.

OPP Report on our Bad Guy

OPP CATCH FLEEING SUSPECT

On March 4, 2008 at approximately 4:45 pm Huron OPP officers were advised that a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck that had been left running in front of a business in Exeter had just been stolen. Officers were also advised that the vehicle was equipped with "OnStar". With assistance from OnStar, it was determined that the vehicle was in Mitchell and traveling south. Officers located the suspect in the stolen vehicle but the driver refused to stop for police and fled. Officers followed until called off due to concerns for public safety. While continuing to work with OnStar, it was determined that the vehicle was stopped in Huron East on a side road. Officers arrived on scene within minutes, but the suspect had fled on foot. At that time the suspect was able to evade officers including the canine unit.

At approximately 12:30 am on March 5, 2008 police were advised of a second stolen pickup truck from Huron East. The owner saw the vehicle being driven out of his driveway. The truck owner called OPP and followed the stolen truck in another vehicle. Police intercepted and once again, the suspect failed to stop for police when the emergency lights were activated. On London Road, south of Clinton, the spike belt was deployed on the stolen vehicle causing progressive tire deflation. The suspect stopped the truck and fled again on foot. Officers, including the OPP canine unit, contained and began searching the area. The suspect was located hiding in a farm vehicle at a nearby residence. It was confirmed that the male located hiding at the residence was the same male who had fled from police on the prior evening.

The male was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment of environmental exposure. A 22-year-old male from Oneida has been held in police custody pending a bail hearing on March 5. He is facing two counts of Drive Disqualified, two counts of Flight from Police Officer, two counts of Trespass by Night, one count of Theft Motor Vehicle Under $5000 and one count of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000.


Well, there you go...it really happened! I thank God that no one was injured in the event.

Difficult Days

We all have them. Days that seem to have one trouble after another. It is a reminder that we live in a sin-cursed world, and that this world is not our home. We don't want to get too comfortable here, because we are just sojourners, on our way to our true home...the one that really matters.

Yesterday our old dog, Fatty, began having seizures. He was lying on the floor, stretched out, neck extended, and his legs were "running". About two minutes later, he stopped seizing. He began to look about, but was obviously disoriented and very upset. He wanted to be comforted, and he pressed himself against his people, I think just to know he wasn't alone.

He had another couple of seizures this morning. I called the vet and made arrangements to get him put to sleep. After all, he's an old dog, and any kind of investigation would be very costly. It doesn't make much sense to invest hundreds of dollars into the old guy, especially with an engine to pay for.

Rick, too, was feeling rather poorly yesterday. He just felt "blah", he said. He looked gray. Couldn't eat. Felt an odd feeling in his chest. I finally asked him if he wanted to go to the hospital, and he agreed.

The doc, after running tests, said that his heart was fine. However, his blood sugar is highish...enough to be a concern. "Go see your family doctor," he urged.

So, this morning I made two appointments. One for Fatty to be put down at the vet; the other for Rick to get his blood sugar re-tested.

All the kids were upset. Tiana was tearful about the dog. "Maybe he'll be alright," she hoped. But I told her that Fatty would likely not get better. She said, "Poor Fatty and Poor Daddy...both of them have to go and get put down."

"What?!!?" I asked her, shocked that she would say that.

"I'm just kidding," she said. She had a lopsided grin on her face. I was thankful that my little girl could find some humour on a very trying day.

Rick went to bed and slept the morning away. The kids went off to piano lessons. When they got home, they went outside to play for a while, then Tiana came to the door. "Mom! Fatty's fine! He's playing! I don't think we have to take him for his appointment."

I looked at our old dog in disbelief. He was running with the other dogs and the children, jumping through the snow, tail wagging. He seemed to have most of his balance back, although we can see a little imbalance once in a while.

So I phoned the vet and cancelled. I woke Rick up and took him to the doctor. More bloodtests were done, and we go back for the results next week.

I don't know what the future holds. Fatty could die tonight. Rick could end up with diabetes. We just do not know what lies ahead.

But as I chatted with my 11 year old daughter, I realized that it's all okay. God has a plan for all these trials. Tiana told me that she prayed last night for Fatty and for Daddy. She told me that she believed that God heard and answered her prayers. She also said that she knows that God could still say no... that Fatty could get sick and die; or that Daddy could get sick, too. But she also knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is good, and that He would never allow anything to happen that wasn't in His plan.

What a blessing it is for me to know that God has heard MY prayers. My children are growing in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord. They have gone through many trials this past few months, but have not reacted in bitterness or anger or resentment. They have grown in faith.

And for that, I praise and glorify our Beautiful God.

'As Charles Spurgeon once said, "There are two great certainties about things that shall come to pass-- one is that God knows, and the other is that we do not know." It is true that we do not know all the truth about the future, but we do know the truth. It is the truth that abides within us, the truth that sanctifies us, the truth that makes us free, the truth that ensures our future. And although we don't know the future, we know the One who sovereignly holds the future.' ~ Burk Parsons

Manhunt underway!

When I got back from Toronto this evening, Linda and I noticed some strange goings-on. When we investigated, we saw about 5 cop cars in our area. A few minutes later, one of the policemen stopped in our driveway and told me that they were after a car thief. He said the guy had ditched the car and was in the field or the woods behind our house. I offered to let our dogs out, and he said, "No, don't do that! We have police dogs out there, and your dogs will mess everything up."

About two hours went by. We could see the lights flashing across the field as the policemen tried to trap the thief. Finally, another cop came to the door to tell us that they have not yet caught the guy.

Our vehicles are locked, our doors are locked, and we are heading to bed soon. It is a bit unsettling, because we have a garage, a barn, and a woodshed that he could hide in. The cop said to let them know if someone comes knocking on the door to get help.

We are experiencing a winter storm on top of it all. High winds, lots of snow.

So, I am praying that the guy will turn himself in or get caught. I am not too happy about the fact that he is in our area. However, I am glad that our dogs would raise the alarm if someone came to our door.

We are safe at any rate, because God is in control! Nothing will happen to us if it is not in His will.

Isn't it good to know that? Heather commented today that she really isn't afraid when she is in dangerous situation, because she knows for sure that the Lord has numbered her days. She will not die one second before it is her time to die. This gives her courage in the face of danger.

It reminds me of Gladys Aylward, missionary to China. Gladys was a little bit of a woman, not really suited to missionary life. But that didn't stop her! She travelled half-way around the world because she knew that God had called her to China.

After quite some time, she impressed the Mandarin, who commissioned her to be the foot inspector. This allowed her to go inside homes and converse with women as she checked to see if they were following the law, which banned the ancient practice of foot-wrapping.

Her relationship with the Mandarin grew, and she began to tell Him about Jesus. She told him how Jesus would protect her.

Then came the day that the men in the prison rioted. The Mandarin summoned Gladys. "You go into the prison and find out what's wrong."

"Me?" Gladys stammered.

"Yes, you!"

"Why me?" she asked.

"Because you have told me that your God will protect you."

Gladys realized that this was where the rubber met the road. If she really believed that God was in control of all things, including the days of her life, then she would walk into that prison full of rioting criminals.

And so she did.

Because of her bravery in marching right in there and telling the men to stop, she found out that the men had nothing to do. She organized work for them, procuring looms so they could weave cloth and sell it. She made sure they had proper food and clothing. She made a difference in their lives.

I don't know if I will ever be called upon to stand up in a dangerous situation for my faith. I do pray that if the time comes, I will be able to testify that God is true, and that He is able to protect me.

And so He is.

Be Still and Know...

This day was a day of turmoil. Rick and the boys were on the truck, and I got a call saying that there was something wrong. Immediately I thought the worst... truck breakdown, no way to service our stores, etc. It's amazing how fast my mind can manufacture scenarios.

Then, my dear Linda came downstairs, pale, weak, ill. She assured me that she was feeling better than she had been yesterday, but when she helped with a couple of jobs, she got an ashen look and had to sit down, immediately. Of course I worried. What mother wouldn't?

There were other stresses today, but suffice it to say that I found myself feeling unsettled and ill at ease. I soon recognized the signs that I was not putting my trust in the Living God. I was focusing on the "what ifs" instead of relying on the "Who Is"!


I have been a Christian long enough that I know that no matter what happens, God is there. No matter what happens, He is still God - God Omnipotent, God Omniscient, God Omnipresent. He will not allow one hair on my head to be damaged, unless it is His will. He will not allow a truck breakdown, a sick child, a major upheaval, or a minor inconvenience to come into my life unless it is good for me. God is good, all the time.

My trials are nothing compared to those of Heather, a wife and mother who just lost her husband and best friend. They are nothing compared to those of Debbie, a mom to a little sweetie half-way around the world, who is waiting for her mommy to come and pick her up and take her home. Debbie's burdens at this time are heavy and unrelenting.

So who am I to worry? Who am I to complain?

Foolish! Silly! I am forgetful and weak. I allow my emotions and fears to run amok, instead of putting my trust in the Living God. I need to be still. And Know. That HE is God!

Serving the Lord - Reasonable Service.

I remember all too well how I "served the Lord" as a young mother by rising early each morning and dragging my three little ones out of bed to drive 25 minutes to our church/school so I could drop off my children in daycare and drive the Christian School bus (for free - they never paid me) to pick up the children to go to the Christian school. I would pop into the daycare and nurse my baby, then work in the library Monday to Friday, cataloging books and assisting teachers (not being paid). Then I would jump in the bus and do the hour-long run again, then pick up my poor children and head home. I was EXHAUSTED, but I thought I was "serving the Lord". My intentions were good, but I didn't know the Bible very well. I was a baby Christian, and I thought the sacrificial service was what God required of me.

But God is so gracious. He was gracious enough to give me a massive breast infection. I was so sick and so sore, I couldn't move off of my bed. I called out to God in my pain, then read in Timothy, "I would that the younger women marry, bear children, and guide the house."

I wasn't guiding the house. I had married at a young age (18) and I had borne three beautiful children, but I was away all day, Monday to Friday, and someone else was raising them.

The day I finally learned that I should be home honestly felt like Jesus sat at the end of my bed and explained it to me. I listened, and I understood for the first time that my place was to be in the home, caring for my children and my husband. Not long after that Epiphany, we moved, and I told the leaders in the church that I would no longer be driving the school bus or working in the library. You would have thought I had blasphemed, or murdered a child, or worse.

The leaders (pastors, deacons, associate pastors) should have told me, a young Christian mother, that my place was in the home, and that it was a high calling to be a keeper at home. Instead I was made to feel guilty for wanting to do what God had called me to do.

Thankfully, my husband was stubborn enough that when he heard my explanation and caught the vision of me being home and keeping my home, he stated adamantly that his wife would be remaining at home. They found someone else to do the jobs and I stayed at home with my children.

Blessed mother and wife that I am, I remained at home for the next 25 years. Most of you know that I did go out and work part time (two days per week) for a ministry near and dear to my heart. My homeschooling children were 17, 15, 13, 11, 9 and 6, and I thought that the older ones were capable and skilled enough to run the home while I was gone.

It did NOT work. I knew after a few months, but when I approached those in charge to ask if I could cut back to one day a week, or work from home, I was told that I was NEEDED, and that they could not get along without me. I tried again, a few months later. Finally, my stress level was so high that I was not sleeping at night. I felt guilty. I was neglecting my children, and I knew it, and they knew it. But no matter how much I pleaded with God and mentioned to others that my desire was to be home, nothing changed.

Until exactly one year ago, tomorrow. That Thursday night I was on my way home, having worked my two days. I had a trunk full of groceries because it was my habit to stop for groceries on the way home, thus eliminating another day away from my family. I was only about 15 minutes from home when an elderly man made a terrible mistake and turned right without looking, into MY lane.

You can read about the accident, here: http://grannymom.blogspot.com/2007/02/no-accident.html

And you can rejoice with me, that God's mercies never fail. He used the accident to shake my world and to make me examine my priorities. He used the accident to make me unable to continue driving to work and sitting at a computer. He used the accident to bless our family abundantly.

Ladies, the leadership of your churches is not always right. Read the Word. Examine your heart before God. Remember, Jesus said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I work just as hard here at home as I did when I worked away, yet I delight in my work and take joy in my tasks. I enjoyed my work at the ministry, too, but my stomach was always in knots and I felt torn. I had at the back of my mind a running list of questions: "Are the kids alright? Are they doing their schoolwork? Did they remember to feed the animals? Did they take something out of the freezer for supper? Are they getting along?"

The biggest confirmation I have that I am right to stay home is when my six foot tall son gathers me into his arms and tells me, "It's not the same when you're not home, Mommy! I am so glad you aren't going out to work any more."

And I'm glad, too!

In Christ,
Janet

The Big Storm!

Ha!

It was SUPPOSED to be a horrendous mess, but what we experienced in Huron County was really just an ordinary winter day. Ice pellets made the roads very slippery, but there wasn't near as much snow as was forecast, and the wind wasn't howling (which always reminds us that this old house leaks!) so it was a great opportunity to stay put and get a lot done.

That we did. We started with a general clean-up through the house. Linda made waffles for breakfast, and accomplished that with no eggs or sugar, so we were able to eat them, even though we're still on that elimination diet. After that, we organized some big cupboards in the kitchen, moving food from one cupboard to another, and getting rid of all plastic containers that were missing lids. By the time we were finished the organizing, it was time for lunch. Jared made a stir-fry.

We cleaned the kitchen, put roast chicken and roast beef in the oven (diet - some of us can't have the beef - sob!) then headed to our Great Room for some serious studying.

I am determined to teach our children about Canada's government. We discussed the different forms of government, such as democracy, monarchy, pluralism, communism, totalitarianism, etc. It's always fun to hear how much the children understand about how governments work and about how our leaders were elected. Of course, the Sovereignty of God came into the picture, and our children made it clear that they understand that God is the One Who ordained government (Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed) so people would have order instead of anarchy.

We discussed elections, and which forms of government have elections. I needed a way to explain that people in communistic countries, even when allowed to vote, have no real choice. In one of those "Aha!" moments, I told Christopher this:

"Imagine voting is like choosing a piece of fruit to eat. In Canada, I can choose a banana, an apple, an orange, some grapes, a kiwi fruit, etc. In the same way, when I go to vote I can choose a New Democrat, a Conservative, a Liberal, a Communist, a Green Party member, a Christian Heritage Party member, etc. I have lots of choice, and each of those is different!"

"On the other hand, if I were in a communist party, I would be given a choice of a Red Delicious apple, a Jonagold, a MacIntosh, a Courtland, a Granny Smith ---> But I would really have only one choice: an apple! In the same way, the candidates in a truly communist country would all have the same ideas, the same values, and the same goals."

I think the kids have a better appreciation for the freedom of choice we have in this country. I certainly do!

Through Gates of Splendor - Jim Elliot

I am reading "Through Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot. It is the account of the martyrdom of Five American Missionaries in the Equador jungle. First published in 1957, it recounts how five young husbands lost their lives in the attempt to reach the Auca Indians with the gospel of Christ.

I told my children today that our lives must have purpose. We must live deliberately, striving to know God and to serve Him in any capacity He has planned for us.

That's how Jim Elliot lived. Even as a young man, he chose not to be involved in too many extra-curricular activities, because he did not want to become occupied with non-essentials, and miss the essentials of life. He wrote to his mother, explaining his choice to participate in wrestling, "I wrestle solely for the strength and co-ordination of muscle tone that the body receives while working out, with the ultimate end that of presenting a more useful body as a living sacrifice." He chose this physical activity deliberately, knowing it would further his usefulness in the Kingdom of God.

Jim knew that he was just passing through, that this world was not his home, but that he was only here to serve Christ until he was called to his REAL HOME.

"Life is not here, but hid above with Christ in God, and therein I rejoice and sing as I think on such exaltation."

His reflections indicate that he was well aware that he might be martyred. Yet he wanted to live passionately for His God.

"'He makes His ministers a flame of fire.' Am I ignitable? God deliver me from the dread asbestos of 'other things'. Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be a flame. But flame is transient, often short-lived. Canst thou bear this, my soul - short life? In me there dwells the Spirit of the Great Short-Lived, whose zeal for God's house consumed Him. 'Make me Thy Fuel, Flame of God.'"

Oh, my children, learn from Jim Elliot. Learn that to be satisfied in Christ, you must live each day to the full, deliberately choosing those activities that further your usefulness for the work God has prepared you to do. (For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, that God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10)

Learn that this world is not your home. You are just travelling on the path to the Celestial City. On the way, you may encounter many obstacles. Yet you must know, and rest in the fact, that NOTHING will ever happen to you that is not planned by your loving Heavenly Father, for your good and His glory.

Learn, too, that to serve the God of Glory is to be wholehearted before Him. Nothing else is reasonable. (We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. Romans 12:1) If God is Who He Says He is, then we must be in awe. We must be aflame! We must be willing to do and be anything He wants us to do and be. Learn this, and rest in it. Jim wrote, "Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."

What a wonderful example Jim Elliot is to our sons and daughters! Thank You, Lord, for calling Jim to the jungle of Equador. Thank You for giving him a heart aflame for Your glory. Help us to live like Jim lived, with deliberate purposeful hearts before our Beautiful God. In Jesus' wonderful name, Amen.

Thoughts for this day...

It was a whirlwind of activity, as we can see the light at the end of the tunnel! We have spent months renovating (new windows and wall) and organizing the GREAT room we use as our learning centre and communications centre. I am down to one table's worth of papers to sort. I know I said that before, but Daniel cleaned the edges, behind the filing cabinets, and on top of desks. He piled my nearly clean table up with more stuff to sort. But this time, I truly am almost finished.

A couple of comments, then I am heading to bed.

What pleased me most today was Cindy Rushton's Brain in a Binder. I printed out the pages I will find useful, and I organized my binder. This is not new to me. For many years I kept a binder with all of my appointments, plans, ideas and goals in it. Somehow I fell out of the habit, and the whole family has suffered since. Mom has a better memory when I write things down. Life in general is better, easier, more peaceful, when Mom remembers all that needs to be done.

So I am back to a binder, and actually excited about it!

What infuriated me the most today was a website I stumbled upon (after following links for a bit) that had an article condemning John Piper for a sermon on interracial marriage. John was making the Biblical point that God created male and female, and that one man can marry one woman, no matter what the colour of eyes, skin, hair or teeth! This 'moran' (couldn't spell moron) tried to say that when God divided the nations at the Tower of Babel, He meant to separate the people into "races", and that it was going against the Bible if you don't marry within your race.

Poppycock!

I married a man with much darker skin than mine. What's that got to do with anything?

It infuriates me that this guy takes verses out of context and seems to think that white people are superior.

As a white-skinned blonde-haired blue-eyed woman, I can tell you that I WISH my skin was darker, and that I am GLAD I married a man with darker skin. Of our 12 children, we have 4 with darker skin and 8 with whiter skin. The ones that don't burn in the sun are the ones with the darker skin, like their dad's. Seems to me, that's the better skin.

Not that we can choose our skin tone, or our eye colour, or our height, or the number of hairs on our heads. God is the One who Provided us with those things. And He is the One who teaches that His family will be made up of people from every tribe and nation and tongue and continent!

Goodnight, all.

Adoniram Judson and his wives

I was asked by my pastor to do a series of "Kids' Corners" on famous missionaries. The story of Adoniram Judson and his wives really touched me.

Adoniram fell almost instantly in love with his first wife, Ann (known as Nancy). Two weeks after their wedding, they set sail, arriving four months later in Calcutta. However, their teaching was not welcome there, so they headed to Burma. Nancy lost their first child on board ship.

It took three years of diligent study, 12 hours per day, to learn the Burmese language. Seven years after they left home, he baptized his first convert.
Sickness, heat, difficult circumstances abounded; they paled in comparison to the grief they endured with the loss of their second child, Robert, at 8 months of age.

Ann wrote,

"Our hearts were bound up with this child; we felt he was our earthly all, our only source of innocent recreation in this heathen land. But God saw it was necessary to remind us of our error, and to strip us of our only little all. O, may it not be vain that he has done it. May we so improve it that he will stay his hand and say 'It is enough'."

My heart resonates with Ann's. I know what it is to bind one's heart up with one's child. See the tenderness with which she writes "to strip us of our only little all". Her statement, "May we so improve it" meant "May we take the lesson God is teaching us to heart, learning wisdom so well that He does not have to repeat the lesson". I am sure Ann understood that God gives trials to His loved children so they can learn more of Him, of His character, of His grace, and so they can in turn impart those lessons to other suffering Christians.

Adoniram kept on preaching and translating the Scriptures into the Burmese language, and after 17 years of work, he reported 10 Burmese converts.

Then war broke out between Britain and Burma. Adooniram was arrested, because he spoke English so was suspected of being a spy. Half-starved, fettered in irons, sometimes suspended by his mangled feet with only his head and shoulders touching the ground, he took courage when his wife, nursing a tiny baby (Maria) visited him and pled with officials for his release.

Only a few months after his release, his wife died, followed six months later by his daughter.

He entered a deep, dark depression, wondering if he had become a missionary for all the wrong reasons. He retreated from people, then to live in isolation in the jungle. It took nearly two years for Adoniram to begin to climb out of the darkness. God would not let him go.

He married a second wife, Sarah, who bore him eight children, five of whom survived to adulthood. When she grew ill they set sail for America, hoping that a change of climate would restore her health. Alas, she died on board ship.

He married a third wife, Emily, and they had four very happy years together. When Adoniram fell ill, their only hope was to send him on a voyage. He was miserable, vomiting, experiencing much pain. He was heard to say, "How few there are who die so hard!"

Adoniram laboured 37 years as a missionary, with only one trip home. He had set a goal of translating the Bible and founding a church of 100 members. When he died, he left the Bible, 100 churches, and over 8,000 believers.

His legacy continues to this day. Officials in Burma (now Myanmar) have stated that Judson's English-Burmese dictionary is very clear, and that there is no need for revision. There is a large number of Baptists in Myanmar due in part to Judson's influence.

Churches, universities, and a ship was named in his honour. Even Ann, his first wife, had a college named in her honour, and her letters about their mission inspired many Americans to become or support Christian missionaries.

John Piper wrote a sermon based on the Judsons. He demonstrated that God purposes to spread the gospel to all peoples, and that He uses suffering to accomplish this purpose.

Adoniram Judson's life illustrates that truth.

Adoniram once wrote, "Remember, a large proportion of those who come out on a mission to the East die within five years of leaving their native land. Walk softly, therefore; death is narrowly watching your steps."

Read John Piper's sermon here:

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Biographies/1528_How_Few_There_Are_Who_Die_So_Hard/


We do well when we study these great men and women. We do well to emulate them.

In Christ,
Janet

He gives and takes away...Blessed is His name!

Blessed Be Your Name
Matt Redman, Beth Redman
c2002 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Blessed be Your name
in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name
when I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
blessed be Your name

(chorus)
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
when the sun's shining down on me
When the world's "all as it should be"
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name
on the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

You give and take away You give and take away
My heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name

It's been nearly a week now since we lost our third horse, Shantel. Botulism had claimed the life of her barn mates the week before, and we thought that Shantel would be fine. Linda wasn't sure...but I began to think that her life would be spared.

It was not to be. Linda came in, white-faced, on the morning of my 53rd birthday. "Mom, Shantel's down." It can't be, I thought. Quickly phoned Heather, then the vet, then out I went to the barn.

We got Shantel in December of 1993. She was actually our second horse, because we had acquired a little filly named Cadence just a couple of weeks before. Cadence was fine, but Shantel stole our hearts.

She was a beautiful Arabian - Chestnut, White blaze and socks, light on her feet. She floated rather than trotting, and we couldn't get enough of just watching her.

Heather, 15 at the time, began to train Shantel. It turned out she was a stubborn mule with an attitude, unless she was in a good mood. She liked men when she was in heat, but when she wasn't in heat she didn't want them around her. We learned to read her moods, and we loved her just the same.

Heather continued training her, and soon discovered Shantel was very smart. She learned quickly and responded well to leg aids and other cues. The two of them became a team, and Heather soon travelled all over our area on the back of that horse. Shantel was a perfect trail horse. She didn't panic when encountering something new, but waited for Heather's direction.

A few years later we got Chance. He was an older gelding that belonged to my friend, Jane. Jane had some new horses, and we needed a second horse, and the timing was perfect, because Linda was getting to the age where she could safely ride. Not only that, but Chance was the first horse that I ever rode (apart from trail rides on boring horses that just followed the tail of the one in front).

You really need two horses if you're going to have a horse. If one was going out, they both did. Heather and Linda did most of the riding, but I did some, too. I have wonderful memories of riding on trails through the bush near our house. I rode with Linda (she was on Chance and I was on Shantel) and with Heather (she was on Shantel and I was on Chance). Only once, Daniel and I went out for a ride together...but it was great fun.

Last year, Jane gave us Antar, an older gelding. He was skinny when he came, because he was at the bottom of the pecking order in their barn. Linda quickly fattened him up. He was a gentle guy, and very obedient. If she had the gate open, getting water, he would NEVER come through it. If she ever scolded him for anything, he'd hang his head in agreement.

I can't begin to express the joy we had with these horses. Simply looking at them in the field brought joy, especially if they were running and tossing their heads in response to the wind. We'd call them, and they would respond, whinnying and coming over to the fence to see what was up.

And now they are gone.

And now we grieve.

But we do not grieve as people who have no hope. We know that God is in control, and that He is always good.

As Christmas approaches, I have been pondering the life of Joseph and Mary, as they were given the astounding news that a child, conceived in the womb of the virgin, would be the Son of the Most High. You'd think that life would be peachy-keen for Joseph after that. He was graciously raising a son that wasn't actually his, and he was doing so "as unto the Lord", I am sure. God allowed him to be humiliated, along with Mary, in front of his family, friends and community. He did this great thing, and did not put Mary away, but travelled with her to the City of David. Again, that would have been hard. Travelling over rocks and hills is hard enough at the best of times, but with a pregnant woman under your care? Much, much more difficult. I am sure the responsibility weighed heavy on his shoulders.

So, baby Jesus was born, and the shepherds came. The angels sang. Joseph moved his little family to a house in Bethlehem, and along came wise men with gifts, and they bowed down and worshiped the Child. Again, you'd think that because this was surely the Son of God, life would go smoothly. You'd think that God would simply put a huge hedge of protection around them, and that trials would be few.

But wait...Joseph was awakened in the middle of the night by an angel, who told him to flee. He had to get up quietly and take Mary and Baby Jesus, and run for their lives.

It's easy for us to read it in the Bible. We all know it to be true. But just imagine the confusion that Joseph must have experienced. "You want me to WHAT? Herod is going to do WHAT?"

Life isn't easy. It wasn't for Joseph, and it isn't for us. Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time to be born, and a time to die. There is a time for laughter, and a time for mourning.

I do believe that I know a little more about suffering and grief, having lost three beloved horses in less than two weeks. Our loss can't compare to the loss of children, so although I think I know a bit more about what Job went through, I also am aware that there really is no comparison.

God is a good teacher, and He has taught us many lessons:

1. He gives and takes away. All good gifts are from Him, and He knows best when to give them, and when to take them away. We bow to His will.
2. Blessed is His name. He is Almighty God. He is the One who created horses in the first place.
3. He comforts His children. We feel His presence in our hearts, in our homes. We know that the prayers of God's people have sustained us.
4. We are to hold all of our possessions loosely. We don't know how long we will have that horse, that car, that house, that health, that child.
5. We are to have hope. Just because we lost Antar, Chance and Shantel does not mean that life is over. It doesn't mean that we won't ever have horses again, or that we won't ever have joy again. We have learned that God is good, all of the time, and that Hope is to be found in Him, and in Him alone.

Legend has it that Joseph, as he was fleeing to Egypt, lost his donkey. The donkey died on the side of the road, and the little family had to press on without him.

I don't know if that legend is true, but I do know this: the journey was hard. Joseph may have heard the weeping of mothers mourning as the soldiers killed their baby boys while he was climbing the hills in the darkness. He would have been concerned that Mary would keep Jesus quiet on the journey. There were thieves and robbers to avoid, and wild animals to watch for. It wasn't easy.

God never promised us an easy road. But He did promise that He would be with us every step of the way.

And I am here to testify that this is true.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Janet

No Accident

I was in a head-on collision on Thursday night, and although very sore and bruised and in a bit of pain, I am fine.

I was on my way home with the trunk full of groceries, and was following a transport truck, which was about 400 feet ahead of me. The roads were clear and dry for the most part, but there was a bit of blowing snow - not the kind that reduces visibility, but the kind that blows across the pavement in waves. I was travelling normal highway speed. . . between 80 and 100 km/hr.

A vehicle approached the road from the left. I saw him clearly, and realized he was turning onto the road. I thought nothing of it, because I was sure he saw me, and that he was turning into his own lane. I had my headlights and fog lamps on, so the front of my car was clearly lit.

I couldn't have been more than fifty feet from him when he turned into MY lane. He simply made a wide turn, and he was right in front of me. There wasn't a thing I could do. There was a loud crash, my glasses flew, I felt my body slam forward, and everything stopped.

The next thing I knew, the guy in the SUV was right beside me. I undid my seatbelt, opened my door, and hollered, "You STUPID! What were you doing in MY lane?" ( I feel very ashamed that those were the first words out of my mouth.)

The elderly gentleman apologized, saying two or three times, "I'm sorry." I apologized for hollering at him. ( I thought of Pastor Bob, my beloved pastor. He would have inquired with a beautiful British accent, "Sir, are you all right?" Out of the mouth the heart speaks, and I was ashamed that my heart was full of anger.)

By this time, the guy who had been following me opened the passenger door, and told me to turn off my car. He had to tell me two or three times, because I wasn't responding well. I don't know why the car wasn't moving...I don't remember putting it in park. I assume it was so badly damaged that it couldn't move. I obeyed the man and turned off the ignition, and asked him to find my glasses, which he did. I asked the old fellow if he had a cell phone, and he didn't, so I asked the other guy to get my purse, and pass me my cellphone, which he did.

I called 911. Someone told me the number of the sideroad, so I was able to give specific directions. I then called Rick. I told him I had been in a head-on collision, that the guy had driven right into my lane, but that I was all right. I then told him I couldn't move (but I meant the car) and he got rather worried at that. I told him where I was, and he said he was coming, in the truck, because he was only about 10 minutes ahead of me. I (silly me) told him not to bother coming in the truck, that I was okay. (LOL - as if a husband wouldn't come as soon as possible when his wife was in a car accident. I guess I was thinking he should go home first and get rid of the big truck and come in the van. I was in shock, shaking, hurting...not thinking clearly.)

The fellow that had been following me asked me if I wanted to sit in his vehicle, and I said yes (after refusing the same offer from the elderly gentlemen - I wasn't rude, but I didn't really want to sit with him.). So I was able to get out of my poor car, and get into the guy's truck, with some help from him. He was very kind. I found out that he lives only a mile from me.The next thing I knew, Mike (Rachel's husband) showed up. He ran to my car, then looked for me and saw me sitting in the truck. He came to me and I was upset, and said "Rick shouldn't have told Rachel - she's PREGNANT!" It worried me that she knew I was in an accident. I would have preferred to tell her once I knew how badly injured I was.

The ambulance showed up, then Rick appeared. They took me to the hospital. I was definitely in shock by this time, shaking like a leaf.They put a collar on me and immobilized my neck and put me on a board. I had waves of pain in my back, neck, shoulders and head. Hospital, x-rays, etc... They gave me a thorough examination, sent me for x-rays, gave me a shot of an anti-inflammatory/painkiller, and finally sent me home.

On the way home, Rick took me by to see my poor car. Front end is gone. Sigh. I am very sore, badly bruised, stiff everywhere. I have pain in my head, neck, shoulders, back, legs, knee. My eyeballs ached a lot yesterday, not so much today. They felt like they were too big for the sockets. I have a homeopathic tincture to reduce inflammation and help with the bruising. I am using Loretta\'s "No-Pain" which is wonderful. I am forcing myself to keep busy as much as I can, and to move my body even though it hurts. The human body isn't meant to go from a highway speed to a dead stop. I am going to be sore for a while.

I have learned many spiritual lessons from this experience.

1. My Father loves me. He KNOWS. He knows the plans He has for me, and is always in control. He designed this experience for my good, and for His glory. He has spared my life, graciously, yet has also allowed me to suffer for a time. He is good, always good, and holy and righteous. I am so very glad to be His child.

2. I have a sinful heart. I repent in dust and ashes. Yet I rejoice that my Father has promised that if we confess our sin, He is gracious and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. My reaction when the poor old man pulled up beside me showed me that I constantly need the Lord. I am but a sinner, saved by grace.

3. Every day counts. I have no guarantee that my life will last another day. If this is to be the very last day of my life, I want to spend it pleasing Him. I want to live life to the full. I want to rejoice in God my Saviour, and in the people He brings into my life. I want to praise Him every single day, and glorify Him by my actions and my words.

4. Material things don't matter. The car was originally my mother's car, and I was grateful to have it for a time. It reminded me of her, and I enjoyed so many things about it. But, it really doesn't matter. I am reminded that this world is not my home, and I am just passing through. The things I use right now are just things...they won't be taken with me. On the other hand, the people in my life are precious and unique, truly a gift from God. I pray that God will use me in the lives of anyone with whom I come into contact, and that those people that meet me or know me will also see my Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

5. My family and my friends love me. I am truly blessed. Two of my daughters, my son-in-law, and my dh came to the hospital to make sure I was okay. They all prayed. My friend Darlene from Woodstock would have dropped everything and come to Stratford if I needed her (Rick assured her that I was fine). I have received phone calls and emails from so many, all of whom are a blessing to me. My heart is full, and I am thankful.

So, there you have it. I am fine, and all is right with the world. I expect I will make a full recovery, and I stand in awe of God who allowed me to have this experience, but also preserved my life. I can picture Him saying to Satan, "you can take her car, but don't harm her". I have a clear sense of His protection and provision. I was in a head on collision and nothing is broken except my car. The man following me saw the whole thing and was able to corroborate my story with the police. (The poor old fellow was charged with failure to yield.) My dh was only 10 minutes away, my son in law was 3 minutes from the crash site. I had a chiropractor appointment for the next day, and she was wonderful and supportive and helpful. The list goes on... but I am too tired and too sore to write further.

Cherish each moment, and live life to the full!

Psalm 91:
14 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

I know God's name - only because of His grace.

He protects me. He delivers me. I felt His protection and deliverance in spite of the "accident".

He answers my prayers, and He is with me in times of trouble. He never promised that we, His children, would never experience trouble. Yet, in that trouble, He is with us, and answers us when we call out to Him.

He rescues me and honours me. I will be satsified with long life and He will show me my salvation.

God is good, all of the time. There are no accidents.

In Christ,
Janet