Still Reading

Though I haven't been mentioning it, or rather, haven't been posting much at all, I am still working through the Institutes of the Christian Religion, by John Calvin. I am behind in the schedule of reading, but not because it is ponderous or difficult reading. There are days which seem to get away from me before I realize that I've not taken the time to read. Other days, the time which I do have for reading lends more to falling asleep than focusing on the material before me. Perhaps I should not sit on the couch with Milo in my lap if I want to read a whole section...

I am now in Chapter XVI of book two, on The Knowledge of God the Redeemer. Of especial blessing in my reading of late has been Chapter X, on the similarity between the Old and New Testaments. Having been taught in the past, (years ago- not lately) much confusion concerning the promises of God and how they apply to believers, it has been refreshing to see here confirmed that God's promises of blessing run far deeper than mere temporal benefits. Concerning the patriarch Jacob, who declares to Pharaoh that his days on earth have been short and evil (Gen 47:9),

"In declaring that he had spent his life in constant wretchedness, he denies that he had experienced the prosperity which had been promised him by the Lord. Jacob, therefore, either formed a malignant and ungrateful estimate of the Lord's favour, or he truly declared that he had lived miserable on the earth. If so, it follows that his hope could not have been fixed on earthly objects."

Calvin makes clear the point that the Saints of the Old Testament saw the promises as pertaining to a greater blessing than merely what was possible in their brief lives.

"They had been duller than blocks* in so pertinaciously pursuing promises, no hope of which appeared upon the earth, if they had not expected their completion elsewhere. The thing which the Apostle specially urges, and not without reason, is, that they called this world a pilgrimage, as Moses also relates, (Gen. 47: 9.) If they were pilgrims and strangers in the land of Canaan, where is the promise of the Lord which appointed them heirs of it? It is clear, therefore, that the promise of possession which they had received looked farther."

(*I am copying and pasting these snippets from an online version of the Institutes, which is translated slightly differently than my own copy. Mine reads, "stupider than blocks of wood". Gotta love it!)

And looking at David, expressing his faith in the Psalms,

"And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee," (Ps. 39: 12, 5, 6, 7.) He who confesses that there is nothing solid or stable on the earth, and yet firmly retains his hope in God, undoubtedly contemplates a happiness reserved for him elsewhere."

While there are many promises of blessing throughout the Bible which have been misused, taken out of context, and have bludgeoned believers for years with doubt and fear of losing God's love, there are many more, which taken in context prove the wealth of God's wisdom and mercy toward us here and now, and into eternity. We cannot base our understanding of God, or our estimation of where we stand with Him, on present circumstances without the lens of Scripture that teaches us that all things come to His children from His loving hand, good as well as bad. His love for us does not waver or change based upon our actions, thought, or failings. God knows that we are failures; miserable losers, when it comes to obeying Him perfectly. Yet, while we were still sinners Christ died for us! (Rom 5:8) Our omniscient God can learn nothing new about us that would cause Him to change His mind concerning His love for us. Circumstances may be painful in this life, but they are not indications that God is leaving us to fall through any cosmic cracks. There are many purposes for pain, but Our God is a loving father who will use whatever means necessary to teach us to cling to Him.

But I am descending into rambling at this point. The house is no longer quiet. Chaos is reigning in the kitchen and I have no "cone of silence' to engage about myself to aid my concentration. It is no wonder that I can't finish full sentences or thoughts these days...

sigh. Praise be to God.

Archery

Isaac has been going with his friend from Boy Scouts, Emmett, to archery every Tuesday evening. Last week was my first opportunity to join them, so I took the camera, of course. What a treat to see his skills and patience that have been developing these past few months.

I Feel So Civilized

We have now hosted our very first overnight guests to sleep in our guest room. An actual, dedicated room, newly constructed and furnished, for guests. The process of building it took quite a few months, much lumber, drywall and two shades of green paint. (mistakes happen) Once the floor was finished I got myself over to Boscovs and purchased a whole new bed and mattress set, then to Marshalls where I found the perfect sheets, pillows and blankets for the bed. What luxury! What absolute opulence! No piecemealing here- this whole sleeping experience would be brand-new with the price tags (discount) to prove it!

A bedside table here, chest with extra blankets there, and nightlight and the room is complete and ready for company. My brother was the first occupant, and gladly so. Having him here for a few weeks was a blessing. Kate followed, as a more permanent resident, but the subterranian atmosphere interfered with her ability to wake up in the mornings. So she moved into an upstairs bedroom with Erin, normally reserved for permanent family members- which is appropriate, since she is one.

And last night we hosted friends for an overnight stay- no relation whatsoever- genuine guests! I feel as if I have (almost*) arrived as a hostess. "And here is the guest room, I hope you find it comfy. Don't forget to leave the nightlight on, it gets very dark at night."

Now for a basement bathroom complete with shower and tiny stolen hotel shampoo bottles...

Thank you, Harper Lee

My very-most-best-favorite book as I was growing up was, and still is, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. By the time I had graduated High School I probably had it memorized. I still return to it when I need the comfort of an old, familiar friend. Years ago I read it out loud to Nathaniel, a couple of years later I read it to Kate. I am now reading it to the younger three. Rebekah already had to read it for school, but some things are best shared, and this book is one of those things.

In two sittings we have read eight chapters. Three the first night, then last night I read four. When I announced that I was finished for the evening Isaac begged me for "just one more chapter". How could I resist? We left Scout and Jem with Miss Maudie's house burnt down and Scout in possession of a blanket presumable given to her by Boo Radley.

When we approach certain parts of the story I already know that I will be crying. The end certainly, but there are other moments that tug at my heart and my tears irresistibly. My kids are used to this weakness of mine. I cry over almost any book, from Velveteen Rabbit, (A real bunny? Sob,...sniff) to certain chapters of James Herriott. (Okay, maybe not Tom Clancy.)

Mockingbird should elicit tears. Injustice, seen afresh through the eyes of a child, once we have grown callous in our "maturity and wisdom" shocks one back to the pain that it should elicit. The pain of others ought always to move us to compassion- and action.

I pray that my children always recognize injustice and respond with courage. And I pray that their hearts remain tender enough to cry over a good book now and then.

sigh.

Quiet evening; third rainy/ drizzly/ grey day in a row. (And since when can't I legitimately spell grey with an e? It just feels like a grey with an e sort of day.) Most of my family is here at home where I can see, hear, and hold them. Two of my menfolk are on opposite sides of the globe. Though they are a mere phone call away, when the time difference is accounted for, it just isn't the same as having them here to see, hear, and hold.

Perhaps I am just feeling deflated tonight.

The kids are re-arranging bedrooms again so that Kate can move out of the basement which is evidently infected with a mysterious sleeping spell against which she is utterly helpless, the only remedy for which is sunlight streaming through a window. They have done this dance often enough that I need not step in. My job is to maintain the peace, which can be done without lifting a single stick of furniture.

Bright side: guest room for guests... But I need to clean up the rest of the basement in order to feel comfortable with friends going down those stairs. Sigh.

I want a cookie, or five. But my fat pants are tight.

The bills are paid. The big yard clean-up is accomplished. Everyone is healthy. The kitchen pantry overflows with food. So why am I deflated?

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
(from Psalm 121)

I miss Jim. I miss Nathaniel. My Lord is as close to each of them as He is to me here, and he knows the ache in my heart. I have so much right here around me for which to be thankful, so very much.

Amazing Mother's Day!

What a Mother's Day my kids gave me! For days the girls had been secretive and planning,... something, while telling me to ask no questions. While anticipating a surprise is fun, there was a bit of nervousness as well. What were they up to? Had they forgotten any details that would spoil the day? With all they seemed to be doing, I would hate for it to be spoiled for them by a forgotten detail jumping up and popping their balloon.

As it happens, they had everything, if not exactly under control, at least accounted for and were flexible enough to handle the monkey wrenches that might have been thrown into the works.

Sunday morning I was told that after church I was to go to the Goggleworks to take a glass-making workshop- making glass flowers. I have wanted to do this for a while now! Yay! And, even better, two Moms/ friends from church would be joining me! So obediently we went, Piper, June and I, to learn how to handle hot glass and make it into a flower!

Carefully turning the molten glass in the furnace- not too fast, not too slow...

Dipping the glass into the colors, like pressing soft butter into sugar.

Pulling petals from the edges, like pulling taffy,... 1000 degree, molten, taffy.

The (almost) finished product- now it needs to cool for a few days!

Me, Ben, June and Piper.

One purpose for our Goggleworks experience was to keep us out of the way while the girls prepared dinner. Still having time left after making glass flowers and touring all of the galleries and studios, June and Piper directed me to the Pagoda, since I have not yet visited this Reading landmark. What a view- and what a gorgeous day to experience the view!

We finally arrive at the house, only to be told that we need to wait on the back porch. Piper's husband Ed is there already. As we wait, four more Mommies from church arrive! Husbands and children were welcomed into the house, Moms were sent to the porch! Soon, Erin comes out with trays of appetizers for us, after which we are led into the house by our children.

Eyes closed, we walk into the dining room.

Upon opening our eyes, we are greeted with a table beautifully set and strewn with flowers among lit candles. Absolutely beautiful!

The girls worked together to serve our meal, pouring wine, clearing dishes between each course, and grinning over the delight which this lovely treatment inspired.

Wow- I am speechless!

What a gorgeous table, surrounded by friends, laughter, and love.

Perfect evening, perfect day.

From new Mommies to Moms whose children have grown and flown the nest, we are all delighted with this unique and special surprise day.

And I didn't wash a single dish- by the time I woke up, they were all finished!

I felt so special and loved by my dear children today. Well done dear children, well done!

What I've Been Doing

So for the past 6 weeks or so I have not been blogging. What has been happening is that Spring has been springing, and I have been outdoors as often as possible. While he was here my brother Charles cleared the way for some re-landscaping in our yard,... to say the least. He did the big stuff, Jim followed up with more big stuff, and now I am working on the tedious little stuff.

In our front yard there is a line of White Pines that separate our yard from the road, and from view. Under those White Pines was planted English Ivy, lots of it. There were also some rather unsightly evergreen shrub things and stumps of long-ago cut trees hiding under the Ivy. Among the standing trees were a few dead trees, killed by the Ivy.

Before: from the road.

Under the trees, once some of the trimming of the trunks was started.

Charles hard at work.

The rest of the front yard.

So Charles went to work felling the dead trees, cutting out the shrubs, and trunking the White Pines, (trimming the lower branches). Jim ground out the stumps- fresh and old, and cut away the Ivy above ground. Now I am pulling up the Ivy roots in hopes of completely eradicating it from that area of the yard so that I can plant grass seed. Instead of the chaos of the Ivy and mess I am aiming for calm, sedate, mow-able lawn. Pulling up those roots, however, is not easy. Quite painful at the end of the day, in fact!

After: under the trees. Visibility!

The front yard now, ready to become grassy lawn,... almost.

We have two acres, much of which needs work and change. By focusing on one area at a time, working from the more visible to the private spaces, I hope to achieve small victories in the yard. One step at a time!

Playing Hookey Again

So I have to get back into the habit of posting here. It has been about 6 weeks... whew- and so much has happened. I'm sure being able to connect with folks on Facebook has dampened my urgency to Blog, but I will try to establish a balance now that life has resumed a more even keel.

I'll just make a list... Details to follow. Maybe.

In March we lost contact with Nathaniel for a while. The Army had lost him too, so Jim flew from Dubai to Honolulu and found him in three days. Nathaniel is now fine, communicating regularly with us, and is again training with his unit there instead of transferring to Ft. Campbell. In this process we learned again that God is a trustworthy refuge in time of trial. Many prayers were answered,... many, many prayers.

Also in March, my brother Charles came up for a visit to help with some of the big yard stuff that I was unable to tackle on my own. He cut down numerous trees in our yard that were either dead or just in the way of future projects. He gave us a big jump start on those projects,... also known as "removing my excuses" to get busy out there! It was so neat for the kids to have a chance to get to know him better, and me too. It has been years since I have had a complete conversation with Charles; drinking pots of coffee together in the mornings and finishing the evening with Bill O'Reilly on TV was a treat.

Also in March, Kate came home from Ireland. Yes, this was earlier than expected, but it is good to have her home. She is now searching for the "next thing". School, job,... not sure.

After Charles left and Kate arrived home, Jim came home for a one week visit. Perfect timing for lots of work to get done in the yard, he rented a stump grinder and finished off the stumps left behind by Charles's tree cutting. It was wonderful having him here and seeing the photos of where he has already been. There is much travel ahead of him now that he has returned to Dubai. The younger three kids and I hope to join him there for part of the Summer even. The passports are in process, so, we are preparing!

Isaac has had some serious three-day hikes with the Scouts; one on the Appalachian Trail and another at a State Park. Now that he is in Boy Scouts he will be busy!

Erin has been involved in Track and Field now that Spring is here- and the season is almost over. It seems that most Meets were rained out, so it is strange to hear that the last Meet is next week!

Rebekah has taken her first S.A.T. and is ready for the school year to be over. Her taking over more and more responsibilities in meal preparation at home has taken some of the load off of me and is such a big help.

As for me, when the weather allows I am outside continuing the work and projects that Charles and Jim started. The Bible Study that I have led since September ended today. The ladies and I have been blessed with looking at the Attributes of God over the past months and found that, once again, God has blessed the reading and study of His Word. We will meet for brunch to close out our year in a couple of weeks. Then there will be much to rush in and fill the void this Summer as we await a new beginning next September.

So there. I've done it. I've posted once again on my long-neglected blog. Whew... Perhaps there will be photos next time!

That wasn't so bad, was it now?

Peace

Permit me, if you will, as we move toward Easter, to muse on a promise from Scripture most often associated with Christmas.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)

As this verse is rendered in the King James Version, it reflects some common misconceptions among the Jews of Jesus' day concerning the coming Messiah, as well as misconceptions of Christ's work in our lives today. The Jews believed that the Messiah would come in militant might to overthrow their enemies and establish a peaceful earthly kingdom. However, as Jesus himself taught, that was not his purpose.

"Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." (Luke 12:51)

The peace that God brings through Christ is found in an inner work of the Holy Spirit, wrought in His children alone. More mysterious in nature and far more profound in its effect in the life of the believer than any earthly peace could be, this peace of heart, mind and soul cannot be found in any other fashion. Though circumstances all around may scream fear and panic, the one who has been given such peace can calmly look to God in trust. While keeping his eyes on his Lord, Peter was able to do the impossible, step out of the boat and walk across the waves to Jesus. It was only when his circumstances drew his focus away from the Savior that he begin to sink. And yet, even then, crying out for help, the Lord pulled him from the waters that threatened to drown him. (Matt 14:25-31)

I have had many opportunities to learn this lesson from my loving and merciful Heavenly Father. Psalm 139 has been a particular comfort to me as it has taught me that God is with me no matter where I am or how lonely or afraid I feel. My feelings can be particularly untrustworthy- but I know for a FACT that my God is Good, and that he exercises Sovereign control over all that happens. All.

I therefore find within my heart a peace that no amount of sunshine and flowers has been able to plant, and no amount of thundering storms can wash away.

"...do not be anxious about anything,^B)"> but in everything by prayer and supplication^C)"> with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And^D)"> the peace of God,^E)"> which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:5-8)

And so once again to our "Christmas passage",

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14) [ESV this time]

So, though today I face circumstances that would have me bound in fear and uncertainty, I am able instead to focus on my true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy Lord and sing with the angels today, Glory to God in the highest!

I Wonder Who Opens the Mail...?

So today is March 31st, this year also known as "Red Envelope Day". (I have no idea why this is all underlined by the way... make it stop!) Anyway, my envelopes are waiting out in the mailbox to be taken away by my friendly neighborhood mail delivery person and sent to the White House.

Who opens the President's mail? Will he even be awaer that these empty red envelopes are being sent by the truckload to his door? Or will he consider this a terroristic act somehow...? Will the media pick up on this? What will Katie Couric say? Should an investigative reporter be sent to the scene to uncover the conspiracy of hate aimed at the President? Should the First Family be whisked away into protective custody in an undisclosed location until the crisis passes?

Will anyone in the White House take pause and consider the message being sent; that millions of innocents have been mercilessly slaughtered in the name of convenience.

One can only hope...

Now We Come to Providence...

Having been reading John Calvin's Institutes of Christian Religion for almost three months now, I finally get to his treatment of God's Providence in chapter XVI of the first book. One would think, from Calvinism's reputation, that this would be the Very First Topic about which Calvin wrote. But he carefully and systematically treated the whole of the Christian Religion, with no unbalanced focus on any one aspect. Only now, 500 years later, do we think of Election and Predestination as being his areas of specialty, since these ideas seem to have been lost, or at least muted, to the wider church. John Calvin was not alone in teaching the doctrines of election or predestination, but his name has endured down the ages in relation to them.

So, without further ado, here are some of the highlights from Chapter XVI that jumped off the pages for me.

In opening this chapter Calvin begins;

..."to make God a momentary Creator, who once for all finished his work, would be cold and barren, and we must differ from profane men especially in that we see the presence of divine power shining as much in the continuing state of the universe as in its inception."

Nice place to begin- lay a foundation upon which to build. And so:

"But faith ought to penetrate more deeply, namely, having found him Creator of all, forthwith to conclude that he is also everlasting Governor and Preserver - not only in that he drives the celestial frame as well as its several parts by a universal motion, but also in that he sustains, nourishes, and cares for, everything he has made, even to the least sparrow [Matt. 10:29]."

After carefully explaining that there is no such thing as "fortune" or "chance", Calvin moves to the heart of God's providential governance of all:

"And truly God claims, and would have us grant him, Omnipotence - not the empty, idle, and almost unconscious sort that the Sophists imagine, but a watchful, effective, active sort, engaged in ceaseless activity."

..."governing heaven and earth by his providence, he so regulates all things that nothing takes place without his deliberation. For when, in the Psalms, it is said that "he does whatever he wills", [Ps. 115:3; Ps. 113:3] a certain and deliberate will is meant. ...in times of adversity believers comfort themselves with the solace that they suffer nothing except by God's ordinance and command, for they are under his hand."

"Let (us) ...ever remember that there is no erratic power, or action, or motion in creatures, but that they are governed by God's secret plan in such a way that nothing happens except what is knowingly and willingly decreed by him."

Having dealt in a previous chapter with "free will", (which I am not smart enough or inclined to sum up on my own here) Calvin now briefly relates the Providence of God to the actions of men and natural occurrences:

"...man is moved by God according to the inclination of his nature, but he (God) himself turns that motion whither he pleases. ...it is clear that the prophet and Solomon ascribe to God not only might but also choice and determination...
[Prov. 16:1, 9]."

Now, to make clear that the belief in providence is no Stoic belief in fate:

"...we make God the ruler and governor of all things, who in accordance with his wisdom has from the farthest limit of eternity decreed what he was going to do, and now by his might carries out what he has decreed. From this we declare that not only heaven and earth and the inanimate creatures, but also the plans and intentions of men, are so governed by his providence that they are borne by it straight to their appointed end."

"...nothing is more absurd than that anything should happen without God's ordaining it, because it would then happen without any cause."

So how do we apply this doctrine to our greatest benefit? Understanding that there is much mystery in God's ways being so very far above our own ways, therefore...

"... we must so cherish moderation that we do not try to make God render account to us, but so reverence his secret judgments as to consider his will the truly just cause of all things. When dense clouds darken the sky, and a violent tempest arises, because a gloomy mist is cast over our eyes, thunder strikes our ears and all our senses are benumbed with fright, everything seems to us to be confused and mixed up; but all the while a constant and quiet serenity ever remain in heaven. So we must infer that, while the disturbances of the world deprive us of our judgment, God out of the pure light of his justice and wisdom tempers and directs these very movements in the best-conceived order to a right end."

For those who wish to argue and explain away events without giving God his place as Sovereign over all that happens, Calvin answers:

"...they wish nothing to be lawful for God beyond what their own reason prescribes for themselves."

(Hence, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People", and other such explanations.)

I'll end with these thoughts on the happiness of recognizing God's hand in the acts of providence.

"Therefore the Christian heart, since it has been thoroughly persuaded that all things happen by God's plan, and that nothing takes place by chance, will ever look to him as the principle cause of things, yet will give attention to the secondary causes in their proper place. Then the heart will not doubt that God's singular providence keeps watch to preserve it, and will not suffer anything to happen but what may turn out to its good and salvation."

"Gratitude of mind for the favorable outcome of things, patience in adversity, and also incredible freedom from worry about the future all necessarily follow upon this knowledge."

"...when that light of divine providence has once shone upon a godly man, he is then relieved and set free not only from the extreme anxiety and fear that were pressing him before, but from every care. For as he justly dreads fortune, so he fearlessly dares commit himself to God. For his solace, I say, is to know that his Heavenly Father so holds all things in his power, so rules by his authority and will, so governs by his wisdom, that nothing can befall except he determine it. Moreover, it comforts him to know that he has been received into God's safekeeping and entrusted to the care of his angels, and that neither water, nor fire, nor iron can harm him, except insofar as it pleases God as governor to give them occasion. Thus indeed the Psalm sings: ' For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. Under his wings he will protect you, and in his pinions you will have assurance; his truth will be your shield. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the flying arrow by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at midday' [Ps. 91:3-6; Ps. 90: 3-6]."

"...ignorance of providence is the ultimate of all miseries; the highest blessedness lies in the knowledge of it."

This is good stuff; stay tuned, there's more to come!

A Gift

Hello. My name is Barbaranne, and I'm a Facebook user.

There, it's out. I too am addicted. A member of the cult, as it were. I have plenty of good excuses though. A son living on one side of the globe, a husband and daughter on the other. Many dear friends dispersed hither and yon. And I don't like to talk on the phone for more than the bare exchange of information. Facebook is one of the best ways to share pictures with friends, near or far. The running commentary and back and forth chit-chat are fun. But nothing beats actually being in the same room with one's dearest friends, looking through their eyes and straight to their hearts. Which explains why I drove five hours on Thursday to have lunch with two of my oldest friends. (No, they're not old, the friendship is... but it never gets old with them... You know what I mean.)

Somehow it all worked. Wednesday the friendly FB banter about them having lunch together turned to, "why don't you join us?" As I laughed it off, I ran down the list of reasons why there was no way it would work,... and each one fell away. There was no good reason why I couldn't take a day trip across the state to see these heart-mates from whom I have been too long separated! So I brewed up some serious coffee, packed some great sermon cds to listen to on the drive, left Bekah pizza money, and off I went!

I am sure that we are each different in our capacity for close friendships. For myself, there are a handful of people who have entered my life and taken up residence in my heart. Few and far between, these people can be absent for years, and yet, when we see one another, we can pick right up where we left off.

Looking into their eyes Thursday I could clearly see that, though experiences and situations have changed each of us, and even left their marks, these were the same women with whom I shared such close and sweet fellowship 19-10 years ago. Three different people, for whom the Lord has given three very different paths in life, and we can read one another like open books. All of a sudden the years apart fall away and we are 25 again, laughing and giggling over the least things. Finishing each others' sentences and finding such joy together.

I thought that I might need to keep a protective barrier around myself, that caution may be a wiser course to take. How very vain; how very untrusting. My Father gave me these women for sisters. Mutual love instantly melted away any concerns that I held, and God hugged me with their arms.


Praise God for Facebook. Okay,... maybe not. But praise God for friends,... sisters.

Two Weeks Already?!

My, how time flies! While there has been much going on, there have been a few major highlights which I'd like to cover here. I thought that Jim getting himself off to the other side of the world would cause things to quiet down here considerably. I was technically right, but the quantity of quiet was certainly overestimated.

My last post, being Sunday, March 1st, was right before our snow storm that evening. Snow began falling on Sunday evening and didn't stop until Monday afternoon. School was canceled for Monday and the kids had a blast outdoors in the perfect, fluffy, ice-free snow!


Playing in the snow can be exhausting, so once he was finished, Isaac relaxed on his bed with Calvin and Hobbes while listening to the cd of John Silva playing Chopin. Amazing. Monday evening the kids and I went to the Roeder's for dinner. Rebekah is "friends" with their son, Isaiah, who has joined the Army. It was one of his last evenings at home and we were blessed to join them. Rebekah made a Tiramisu for dessert- yum.

Tuesday, with snow still on the ground, yet with sunshine as well, I had to grab my camera and head outdoors. Our yard was a study in shadows and fascinating to shoot. Then the thought of the creek at Nolde Forest crossed my mind, so I went for a short snow hike in the woods to capture some water and ice. Lovely day, it appeared that many others had the same thought as there were plenty of tracks and I saw folks walking- some with their dogs! I am pleased with the shots I got, but look forward to a better knowledge of my camera in order to more accurately capture what I'm seeing in my mind's eye.



Spring is on the way, snow or not, and I have found a lot of bulbs poking their way through the dirt and frost out in the flower beds!

But the beds outside aren't the only places to find flowers here these days. On Saturday a beautiful bouquet arrived, with chocolates to accompany it, from my sweet husband so far away. Sunday was our 23rd Wedding Anniversary, and though we were separated by most of the globe, we were able to speak on the phone and enjoy our memories together. Chocolate doesn't hurt either...


With Jim overseas, our church is so very supportive and wanting to "rally 'round" and help us; one of our friends is organizing a bunch of the guys to come take care of some big things in our yard that are beyond me. The initial aim was to get the fallen tree in the yard cut up and dealt with. Big tree, covering a lot of yard, will naturally take a whole team of guys most of a day to deal with. The day they picked didn't work for our friend and small group leader, John, so he came on over on Saturday morning to do "his part". Once he started up his chainsaw, our neighbor, Keith, joined him,bringing his teenage son, a tractor, and his own chainsaw. I went with Erin to run some errands while Isaac lent the men a hand. Upon return home- maybe an hour later, the tree was gone. Completely. Gone. Isaac was putting away the last of the tools, grinning from ear to ear. Done. A couple of times over the rest of the weekend Isaac took the initiative to go out and split some of the wood that had been neatly stacked in the woodshed... That boy is growing up so fast.

So as far as surviving on the home front, we seem to be doing just fine. Never fear, I'll find some things for that team of well-intentioned fellas from church to take care of. Spring has come and there is much to do!

There has been much else happening, and John Calvin is still instructing me with beautiful truth that stands the test of time. But that must all wait for tomorrow.

Spaetzle

Might as well share the recipe for these yummy dumplings,... noodles,... Doodles!

From Gourmet magazine, February 2009. (photographs mine.)

Tiny Dumplings With Dill

If you love gnocchi or spaetzle, you’ll love these tiny dumplings known as galushkas, buoyed here with fresh dill. They are a breeze to make and so comforting with the veal's creamy paprika sauce. Sauté any leftovers in butter until the edges are browned and crisp.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons chopped dill
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 4 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• Equipment: a spaetzlemaker or a colander with 1/4-inch holes

Bring a 6-quart pot of salted water (2 teaspoon salt for 5 qt water) to a simmer.

Meanwhile, whisk together flour, dill, 2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.

Whisk together eggs and water in a bowl, then add to flour mixture and whisk until batter is smooth.

Working over barely simmering water, force batter through spaetzlemaker (or through colander with a rubber spatula) into water and cook, stirring occasionally, until dumplings have risen to surface and are firm, 2 to 3 minutes.

Drain dumplings in a colander, then return to warm pot. Toss with butter and salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Cooks' note: Dumplings, without butter, can be made 1 day ahead and rinsed under cold water, then drained thoroughly. Toss with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and chill. Reheat in a shallow baking dish, covered with foil, in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes. Toss with butter and season with salt and pepper.

Of course, only now I notice that I have no photos of the finished product... Oh well, I'll just have to make more! Yum!

From Clay to Gourmet!

Saturday held some fun events for us here. In the morning the kids and I went with our neighbors, Erin and Michele Bleacher down to our neighbor Nancy's home to make bowls for this year's "Souper Bowl". We had such fun last year that we must do this again! Since we were a small group we each got to make two or three bowls. Erin and Erin are pros at this now, but for Isaac and Rebekah this is a first. What fun playing with the clay can be!

Nancy helps Isaac with his first bowl.

The Erins are moving right along.

Attention to detail.

Some of the things with which we'll decorate our bowls.

Slippery work.

A fringe benefit: Isaac learns to dial a rotary dial phone-
he called my cell a couple of times...

Lovely.

Saturday evening I joined some friends for a Gourmet ladies dinner. Ann, from church, had invited me a month before, passed out the menu (from an issue of Gourmet magazine) with recipes, and we each made one of the dishes to bring. I volunteered to make the dumplings right away since they were described as a Hungarian version of Spaetzle. Spaetzle had been one of our favorite culinary discoveries in Germany and while there I bought a special press to make them at home! So out comes the nearly-forgotten Spaetzle press, and I don't think I'll be hiding it away any time soon!

Ann set such a lovely table.

Clarissa with her appetizer.

The conversation was so easy and fun.

Clarissa and Debbie.

Rachel came home for Spring Break just in time to join us!

Beautiful Elaine so resisted being photographed
that I'll just put in this background shot of her.

The Hostess with the mostest, Ann.

Such a lovely way to end the week. For the entire menu with recipes see here. I am really looking forward to next month!

Driving Lessons

Today Bekah and I went out for a one-hour driving lesson. She has been behind the wheel for a few weeks now, but mostly for short hops between the store and home. This time we went exploring the back roads around the hills here, learning to brake slightly when going downhill and accelerate going uphill. Curves are an adventure, especially when another car is in the opposite lane. I told her about the general agreement among most drivers: we'll occupy our lane, and they'll occupy theirs. No need, usually, to veer off the road simply because a car is coming from the other direction. Particularly when our side of the road involves a drop into a valley below.

I did find that I had to remind her to speed up much more often than telling her to slow down. That is sure to change, but it is refreshing for the moment. The van is still holding up rather reasonably. Having taught two of my kids to drive in this van, I would like to finish teaching Rebekah in it as well. It already has the battle scars and the visibility is excellent. And, let's face it, the temptation to race is somewhat diminished in a minivan, one would hope. Driving in the rural areas around here is nice compared to teaching in South Florida traffic- fewer maniacs around us.

I do believe that this session went well. No tension headache, few occasions where I felt the desire to leap from the vehicle... Soon it'll be three down, two to go. But not yet.

Jim has Flown The Coop

Thursday night we drove Jim to the airport. Not easy to drive away without him, of course. But it's not time to feel sorry for Jim yet - he is having a great time in Dublin with Kate! So we are glad for him. This is such a blessing for him to finally go to Ireland AND see his baby girl. We are looking forward to a skype session at some point here this morning. The girls and I have an errand or two to run, then we'll be back listening for the computer to ring.

As to how we feel here with Jim gone, it's still uncertain. He frequently spent a day or two away for business. This may as well be that sort of absence. The flurry of the past several days getting him packed up and ready to go left behind a mess of a house for us to clean up. No pressure or rush, it'll get done soon enough. I am now aware of the breaker box and the water shut-off valves in the basement. One of the headlights on the Pacifica looks like it's out, so I'll run by an auto-parts store to get a replacement. Those are the sort of things that only Jim took care of, but are now falling to me. No problem- I should have known before anyway.

On the bright side, since Jim is taking my camera in order to shot photos of everywhere he goes and share them with us, he bought me a new camera last week. No mere replacement, it is the camera of my dreams. A Nikon D60 with two lenses and lots of little gadgets. There will be a learning curve to be sure, but I'm loving this camera already. Two DVDs came along with it to teach me the basics, so I'll have those to keep me occupied.

Finally, this weekend is the second annual Greater Reading Gathering of Reformed Evangelicals. A conference involving four like-minded churches in our area; the topic this year is John Calvin's life and work, about which I am thrilled. Last night was the opening session and in discussing the focus of John Calvin's ideas most of the points went straight to the heart of the study of God's Attributes that I lead each week. Not sure how many people in a conference on Reformed Theology feel like jumping up and down in the pew - but I was just about ready to! Last year the conference lectures were all posted on our church's website, so if you're interested just check here for them in the next couple of weeks.

She's Back

The kitty has returned, or rather, been returned. Emmi would consider it a return to captivity, I'm sure. Her incarceration is continuing as before.

Monday while I was at work, Isaiah and Alex were helping out around the house, chopping some wood and such, when Emmi was spotted in our outdoor shed. It took both of them to capture her, and she rewarded their efforts with some serious scratches that will leave them reminders of her ingratitude for a while to come. As soon as she was inside I'm told that she gorged herself on kitty food, which must be hard to come by outside, then she curled herself up for a nap on Isaac's bed. Shortly thereafter she was ready to receive visitors and purred contentedly (?) while having her head rubbed.

I wonder just how she is weighing this out in her mind. Next break she makes for the wide world I'm sure she'll go farther than our shed...

Little Kitty Gone

Emmi is gone. Out living the wild life in the woods. I'd say she's a poor little thing, but this was her choice. She need only come to a door and miaow and she will be welcome back inside.

Friday evening Jim and I came in from various shopping in preparation for his departure, from luggage to lumber for the guest room. Carrying in the many things involved using the garage door as well as the front door. In the confusion, the garage door was left open. Discovered half an hour later, the dog Vali and little Emmi were already out gallivanting through the night. Vali, being a dog, and therefore loyal, came back right away when called. Emmi we assumed to be taking longer to come in so we canvassed the yard and street, calling our little kitty. Rebekah did spot her in a tree, then watched her take off through the woods, running away as we called to her.

Clearly, she does not want to come back home.

So how do I feel about this? We rescued her from living in a cage at the Animal Rescue League, where she had been abandoned as a stray two years ago. We have given her a home, fed her, provided her with toys and a rub behind the ears when she would permit. For two years. And all this time she has bided her time, waiting for her opportunity to escape? Yesterday it snowed. Her paw prints traced back and forth across the porch this morning showed evidence that she is indeed about. Yet she prefers the cold outdoors to our comfortable and loving home?

Perhaps I am taking this too personally. She is, after all, a cat. Though this smacks of ingratitude, she is only a cat.

And I miss her. Rotten little fur-ball.

Blustery Day

It's a windy day here in South Central PA, and I'm on the couch with a heating pad behind my back, my sweet Milo on my legs, the laptop on my, well, lap, and antibiotics battling the fever racing through my system. When I say windy, I mean that the sound of the wind was loud enough to wake me before the alarm went off this morning. We had a lovely warm day yesterday, but that will soon be remedied by whatever is blowing in now. Jim is downstairs installing the floor in the guest room, which must be interesting when the power flicks off, as it has five times already this morning. (I've been hearing that power is out in a number of areas around here as well.)

So I'm curled up with the cat, sneezing, and reading John Calvin's view on what Scripture teaches about angels. Being so very careful to remain within the limits prescribed by God's Word, Calvin carefully exhorts his readers to do the same. The topic of angels then, as now, must have been based more on imagination than sound teaching, which he addresses without hesitation.

"… we will take care to keep to the measure which the rule of godliness prescribes, that our readers may not, by speculating more deeply than is expedient, wander away from simplicity of faith. And in fact, while the Spirit ever teaches us to our profit, he either remains absolutely silent upon those things of little value for edification, or only lightly and cursorily touches them. It is also our duty willingly to renounce those things which are unprofitable."

And further;

"…let us remember here, as in all religious doctrine, that we ought to hold to one rule of modesty and sobriety: not to speak, or guess, or even to seek to know, concerning obscure matters anything except what has been imparted to us by God's Word. Furthermore, in the reading of Scripture we ought ceaselessly to endeavor to seek out and meditate upon those things which make for edification. Let us not indulge in curiosity or in the investigation of unprofitable things."

By this Calvin is not encouraging us to hide our heads in the sand and run from those errors and heresies which should be confronted. He of all people was a strong defender of the faith and by understanding what the errors were, was able to confront them with the truth. What I believe he is saying here is that there is so very much in Scripture to engage our minds and hearts, so much that in a lifetime of study we couldn't reach the bottom of, why should we waste time exploring ideas that would undermine our faith? If we were given the opportunity to dine upon a feast prepared by world-class chefs, would we rather order a Happy Meal? Why insult the chef with such a base request? I would much rather honor the chef by enjoying the dishes that he would choose to set before me. (I must be hungry…)

My point is simply this. Today, as always, there are so many popular books and pastors and teachers that are enthralling the Evangelical world with ideas found nowhere in Scripture. Check the bestseller lists for Christian books. Perhaps I am acutely aware of my weakness, but my tiny little mind has a hard enough time retaining what I want and need to know. I cannot afford to be filling up with burgers and fries when lobster awaits! (There goes my stomach again. Perhaps a Shakespeare/ Captain Underpants analogy would be more fitting…)

So, about angels. After discoursing on angels being protectors and helpers of believers, (they are) whether there are particular angels assigned to be guardians over individuals, (maybe, but probably not) the hierarchy, number and form of angels, (too little information in Scripture to fully know) and that angels are actually real, not mere ideas, (yup) Calvin comes to the point that God makes use of angels not for his own sake, but for ours. God could certainly do all that he wants for us without using other means, such as angels. He is, after all, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. In making this point he writes the following, which I found to be so comforting to consider:

"One thing, indeed, ought to be quite enough for us: that the Lord declares himself to be our protector. But when we see ourselves beset by so many perils, so many harmful things, so many kinds of enemies – such is our softness and frailty – we would sometimes be filled with trepidation or yield to despair if the Lord did not make us realize the presence of his grace according to our capacity. For this reason, he not only promises to take care of us, but tells us he has innumerable guardians whom he has bidden to look after our safety; that so long as we are hedged about, by their defense and keeping, whatever perils may threaten, we have been placed beyond all chance of evil."

God knows how weak we are and fearful. He condescends to give us the assurance of created beings surrounding us for our protection, though he himself will never leave us nor forsake us. What a gracious and loving Father we have.