Congratulations Joel!!

Recently our brother Joel received wonderful news concerning his college capstone project.  Joel's project (all 40 pages) was on the role of Christianity in Nazi Germany.   

 His professor had some very nice things to say about his paper: 

"This is a highly professional document that is worthy of publication. I look forward to seeing it as a documentary."

His professor mentioned that Joel's capstone is worthy of being published as a book, and she would like to see a portion of his paper printed in a history magazine!!! 

We are so grateful that the Lord graciously allowed Joel this opportunity to pursue his education, and how He guided Joel each step of the way along this path. 

1.  Topic Choice (Exceptional) Project is especially well-chosen, has significant need; provides strong questions to be answered; explains detailed delimitation; comprehensive definitions of terms; level of treatment. 2.  Topic Description Research Exceptional) Through literature review, describes topic extensively; reader grasps immediately the purpose of the project through documented research in the field; referenced material is well developed to provide validation for importance of the study or project. 3.  Research Methodology (Exceptional) Research plan is clearly and comprehensively described; steps are delineated to provide a replication of the research necessary to answer all sub questions. 4.  Organization of Study, Research, Conclusions (Exceptional) Artifacts of the writer`s study are well-chosen and effectively presented; study sub questions are clearly and comprehensively answered based on the writer`s research strategies; ideas clearly and logically arranged; results of study flow smoothly and are effectively linked; reader can clearly follow discussion and conclusions based on results. 5.  Writing Mechanics Research (Exceptional) Writing demonstrates a sophisticated clarity, conciseness, and correctness: has significant references and citations to reflect comprehensive research. 6.  Citation Format General (Exceptional) Uses reference and citation format accurately and consistently.

Grade: 100

Worship: A Clue to meaning in life

Recently we were listening Christian apologist and speaker, Ravi Zacharias address the question of worship.  One quote that really struck us during the course of the message, comes from Archbishop William Temple:

"Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God, quickening of conscience by his holiness, nourishment of mind by His truth, the purifying of imagination by His beauty, opening of the heart to His love, submission of will to His purpose.  All this gathered up in adoration is the greatest expression of which we are capable."

Another interesting thing Zacharias said, which might be shocking to some:

"If you are not worshiping God in spirit and truth, even God will disappoint you."

 You can listen to all four parts in this series here, here, here and here.

A Different Way to Play Ping-Pong

Obsessive Compulsive Internet Disorder

Prov 19:21 The Counsel of the Lord

Weekday mornings at breakfast, David reads a chapter out of Proverbs to the family.  Recently he read Proverbs 19, then elaborated on verse 21 using a book by George F Santa called A MODERN STUDY IN THE BOOK OF PROVERBS (copyright 1978).  Meaty stuff.  I thought I'd share it with you.

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD, it will stand."

"Here's the striking contrast between man and God, illustrated in a limited way by the vast disproportion seen between the 'worm' and his Maker.   Man's most serious, well-digested thoughts are only - imagination - uncertainty - of little importance.  But God's mind is counsel (Eph 1:11), firm and full purpose.  Man's plans are many; God's counsel is like Himself - Unity. Man's plans are full of anxiety.   Many are eventually fruitless (Ps 2:11).  All of them are vain (Ps 94:11).  God's counsel is unchanging, and shall stand forever (Ps 89:2; 119:89).  'I act and who can reverse it!' and 'My purpose will be established.  And I will accomplish all My good pleasure" (Isa 43:13; 46:10).

"Now when God and man were as one, man's plans were identified with God's counsel.  Then it was as the days of heaven upon earth.  But  ever since the fall, man's plans and God's counsel have been in opposition.  Which will triumph, who can doubt?  "There is no wisdom and no counsel against the Lord" (Prov 21:30; Heb 6:17). . . . [He mentions Lamentations 3:37].... How vain the impious attempt to fight 'against God'! (Acts  5:39)  'Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker'! (Isa 45:9)  Our liberty does not interfere with His secret purpose.  But let us be careful that it does not resist his declared will.  As His wisdom chooses our lot, let His Word discipline our desires as the best means of bringing them to a prosperous end.  After all, it is a cheering hope.  All is clear above, however cloudy it might be below.  All is calm in heaven, no matter how stormy it might be on earth.  There is no confusion there.  God reigns alone.  His very purpose reaches its appointed end. 'But He is unique and who can turn Him?  And what His soul desires, that He does' (Job 23:13)."


Motivated by His Sovereign love,
Julia

Pioneerin'

Yesterday, Phoebe and Jaden set-up a little "pioneer camp" in our backyard. So, Jaden and I decided this was the perfect time to dress-up in costumes. :) Phoebe read to us one of the books from the Farm Mystery series, called "Trapped". I wrote a letter to a friend listened with Jaden to the story. Although we did not really "play", we still had fun! :)

The two "gold-miners" :)

I wore a pretty dress that Abby got from a thrift store for a few dollars. I also wore my high-top, lace-up boots. Even though the boots are too small for me, I still love wearing them! :) I think, though, that I will have to get a new pair soon.

Jaden-bug

Photos of Late

Art

Ultimate Frisbee with friends

Bible study

Mediterranean flat bread

Balsamic/Mediterranean flat bread

Farm-fresh eggs

Can you spot the heart?

Abby

Abby and Hannah

Lunch with a friend

Art

This sign says, "Stop on read. The life you save may be your own".

Happy Birthday Texas

Today marks the 175th anniversary of Texas' declaration of Independence, thus it is Texas Independence Day!  It was on this day in March 1836, that Texas officially broke from Mexico, declaring itself an independent and separate nation.

The Texas Declaration of Independence

Happy Birthday Texas!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Somebody's Birthday - Part Two

Hannah and Allison guessed correctly-- yesterday was Abby's Birthday! "Happy 21st Birthday, Abby!" I am posting a few photos of the special occasion.

Cheesecake: courtesy of Phoebe and Abby

The Birthday "girl" -  And, she was not turning one! :)

Dessert

The pretty table-setting

Some photos of Abigail Charisse: