"Good enough" is not good enough

Writing about the fact that all humans are sinners, Dr. Voddie Baucham says in his book The Ever-Loving Truth,

"You and I will never be 'good enough'. God's standard does not allow for a margin of error. Besides, if any one of us is good enough, the work of Christ was in vain."1

1 Voddie T. Baucham, Jr., The Ever-Loving Truth, pg. 165, copyright 2004, B & H Publishing

Passion for Evangelism

While reading through Dr. Voddie Baucham's book The Ever-Loving Truth, I came across this wonderful paragraph on evangelism:

"Ultimately, a believer's commitment to preaching the word must be born out of a passion for lost people. Until we realize that Jesus is the only way to salvation and that those who do not know him as Lord and Savior will perish, we will continue to trade obedience for security. However, once we get a glimpse of the reality and finality of the fate of the lost, we will preach Jesus."1

1 Voddie T. Baucham, Jr., The Ever-Loving Truth, pg. 86, copyright 2004, B & H Publishing

Our Literary Party

On Saturday we had a literary party with some of our homeschool friends. Below are some photos. Enjoy!

Amy and Abby Y., Camille S. and Allison Y.

Amy dear

Elizabeth W. (photo courtesy of Elisha W.)

Bible study on the Proverbs 31 lady (photo courtesy of Elisha W.)

Deborah W.  (photo courtesy of Elisha W.)

Beth W. (photo courtesy of Elisha W.)

Studying: Beth and Stephen W., Manda D., Abby Y. and Abby K.

Playing four-on-a-couch: yours-truly, Camille S., Manda D. and Allison Y.

L-R: Jaden, Deborah W., Manda and Meleah D., Allison and Amy Y.

 

 

 

 

 

Casabiance

I found this interesting poem in the "McGuffey Second Reader", of which we own a copy. It it entitled "Casabianca," by Felicia Hemans:

The boy stood on the burning deck, whence all but him had fled;
the flame that lite the battle's wreck, shone round him over the dead.
Yet beautiful and bright he stood, as born to rule the storm;
a creature of heroic blood, a proud, though childlike form.
The flames rolled on; he would not go without his father's word;
that father, faint in death below, his voice no longer heard.
He called aloud- “Say, father, say if yet my task is done.”
He knew not that the chieftain lay unconscious of his son.
“Speak, Father,” once again he cried, “If I may yet be gone.”
And- but the booming shot replied, and fast the flames rolled on.
Upon his brow he felt their breath, and in his waving hair;
and looked from that lone post of death, in still, yet brave despair;
And shouted but once more aloud, “My father, must I stay?”
While o'er him fast, through sail and shroud, the wreathing fires made way.
They wrapped the ship in splendor wild, they caught the flag on high,
and streamed above the gallant child, like banners in the sky.
Then came a burst of thunder sound- the boy-oh! Where was he?
Ask of the winds, that far around with fragments strewed the sea.
With mast, and helm, and pennon fair, that well had borne their part;
but the noblest thing that perished there, was that young and faithful heart.”

Our Favorite Books, DVDs, and CDs for 2010

1. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch! (book) By: Jean Lee Latham

2. Princess Adelina (book) By: Julie Sutter

3. Coming In On a Wing and a Prayer (book) By: Kelly (Brown) Bradrick

4. Across Five Aprils (book) By: Irene Hunt

5. What Our Father Taught Us About Boys (CD) By sisters Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin

6. O Sing a New Psalm (CD) Four part harmony by: Rebecca (Serven) Loomis (soprano), Beth (Serven) Ten Dolle (alto), Chad Roach (tenor), and Nathan Serven (bass).

7. Songs of the Remnant (CD) Four part harmony by: Rebecca (Serven) Loomis (soprano), Beth (Serven) Ten Dolle (alto), Chad Roach (tenor), and Nathan Serven (bass).

8. Hymns for Kith and Kin (CD) By: Rebecca (Serven) Loomis on piano

9. Glory, Laud, and Honor (CD) Four part harmony by: Rebecca (Serven) Loomis (soprano), Beth (Serven) Ten Dolle (alto), Chad Roach (tenor), and Nathan Serven (bass).

10. Nations Praise (CD) Four part harmony by: Rebecca (Serven) Loomis (soprano), Beth (Serven) Ten Dolle (alto), Chad Roach (tenor), and Nathan Serven (bass).

11. Jonathan Park (Audio drama) By: Vision Forum Ministries

12. Farm Mystery Series (books) By: The Stephen Castleberry family

13. The Courtship Series (books) By: The Stephen Castleberry family

14. The Widow's Might (movie) By: John Moore

Daily Life~

Well, it has been a while since I have posted anything "personal" but I guess you probably know that I have my own blog which keeps me busy, besides micro-blogging at twitter as well. :) No excuse, I should let you all know what I've been up to lately.

Even though Mom is doing better each day she has still not resumed her full duties - actually, she mostly does not perform any tasks, which is fine. I still do the majority of the housework, cooking and cleaning, which I enjoy very much (especially the cooking). Entertaining guests has become something I enjoy as well, and I have had multiple opportunities here lately to try my hand at becoming a better hostess.

I continue (along with my fam) to do things on the political front, which is almost a full time job! :P Since we get school credit for each minute we spend doing activism, we try to take a few minutes each week to contact our leaders in D.C. to let them know our opinion on certain issues, pieces of legislation, concerns, etc. I was so nervous the first time I called my Representative, but that has worn off to some extent. :)

The last week and a few days we have been vastly enjoying the visit of my father's brother and his wife who serve as missionaries in Tuebingen, Germany. Since they live so very far away, and since it is very expensive to travel, we only get to see them about once a year. Those visits are treasured times for us all, and we look forward with bated breath to each sabbatical. They spent the night Sunday, and were with us until the early afternoon yesterday. Hopefully, we will get to see them at least a couple of times more before they leave for their homeland.

This weekend will find me in Tyler (East) Texas, Lord willing, helping my Aunt Jen celebrate her pregnancy. Her friend is throwing a baby-shower and us girls and Mom have been invited. I am looking forward to seeing family on my Mom's side, we don't see them very often and besides all that, its in the country. :)

I was reading a book the other day about this girl with cancer whose illness affected the rest of her family, causing stress, bitterness, grief and worry to weigh them down - and I was thinking how very similar the young lady's (who's perspective the book was written from) perception of her sister's sickness and my perception of my mother's sickness were. The story is very sad, and yet abounding with hope, because the family had The Hope - Jesus Christ to see them through the valley of the shadow of death as it were. Even when we cannot see the purpose of what we are experiencing at the moment, I was reminded that I should always trust in the sovereignty of God's plan, He always knows best! [the name of the book is: Dana's Valley by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan]

On the first of this month, I read Psalm one and Proverbs one and it struck me how both of those passages speak about wisdom (and her worth) and folly (and its destruction) and I was comparing how many times both speak of wisdom and folly (or imply it at least) and I counted 8 munitioning's in Psalm 1 and in Proverbs almost every verse has something to say, in a comparative way about wisdom versus folly. Obviously, this is such an important concept and I realize that almost every day when my beloved littlest brother does something silly!

Well, lunch awaits so I must be off. God bless your week!

JULIA'S FIRST* WATERCOLOR PAINTING

"Daniel & Friend"

(done especially for Othar & Barbara Moses)


There's a story behind this painting.

My church background taught me to stay away from alcoholic beverages of any kind. (Trust me. This bit of information is pertinent.)

Othar & Barbara Moses are members of the congregation where my husband, David preaches. Othar's sister, Jane is married to Riley Donica. The Donicas run the Wild Horse Camp on several rugged acres in the Kiamichi Mountains of Oklahoma. They sponsor an annual spring Rendezvous of Christians from across the nation, which our family has attended several times.
About four years ago, Othar had gone to visit Jane. (Did Barbara go?) Later our family went to Rendezvous. When we got back, Othar asked if we'd met Amadaeus. It would've been impossible to miss Amadaeus, a hyperactive, omnipresent Jack Russell Terrier, who not only brought you sticks to throw, but also ate rocks. That made an impression on my children.

Now, I should easily remember of what breed Amadaeus was, for my maiden name is Russell. But I slipped up when I was talking to Othar and Barbara and referred to the Donicas' “Jack Daniels Terrier.” I didn't catch my error. (Did you?) But Othar picked up on it & got tickled.
With eyes full of amusement, he queried, “So what do you [implied - “the tee-totaling preacher's wife”] know about Jack Daniels?” I was caught. We all had a good laugh.
Othar and Barbara are kind, gentle, gracious folks. But you can believe that Othar has never let me forget my faux pas, and even sweet Barbara gently joins in the ribbing sometimes. It's okay. I know they love me. I enjoy it. After all, it was pretty funny.


Well, I didn't care a bit about Jack Russell Terriers until I got the idea recently to do a drawing to send to Othar when he was in the hospital – a sort of reverse ribbing, a chance for him to rib me again – long distance. I had Abby find a book at the library about JRTs with photos. (I learned that Amadaeus was pretty typical. All JRT's are hyperactive. It's in their breeding.)
I had in my mind a certain picture of a doggie and cardinal looking at each other. (Barbara loves the beautiful red birds.) I couldn't make it happen with my colored pencils. Joel had earlier mentioned to me that I maybe could do watercolors, what with my “forced vacation.”


So I prayed, and I thought about it, and talked to David and the kids. And I decided to try the watercolors, a medium new to me. Long story short, it took several weeks because I was not going to get stressed about it. After all, the original idea about my resuming my artwork was to help occupy my mind and my time – to reduce stress, not create it.


This painting has been a long time coming, but all-in-all, I'm satisfied with the results. Well – not 100% satisfied. But what artist, (painter, quilter, woodworker) is ever 100% satisfied with his work?! They say you can overwork a watercolor painting, so I thought I'd better quit while I was ahead.


So, Othar and Barbara, I hope you like your picture of the JRT. His name is Daniel. (Grins.)



The card for the Moses' (also Watercolor)



*To be fair, I must tell you that this is not the first time I've handled a brush. My parents gave me a set of acrylic paints for Christmas when I was 15 and I experimentd with them a bit.
Then, when the children were small, my friend Melinda Wright taught me how to do decorative painting. (She painted and sold large quantities of country-style woodcut-outs, such as bunnies and farmers in overalls and geese.) Almost all the Christmas gifts we gave that year were woodcuts I had painted.


After that spree, I gave up the decorative painting. (Well, okay - I would briefly pull out the acrylics every 2-3 years for a special project or gift. Many times, the children joined me. But that was years later.) It was no fun to constantly be shooing away my dear little ones, afraid they'd bump my elbow or knock over the paint or smudge something. I just couldn't be a nice mommy and paint. So I said, “this is not the season of my life for painting.” And I set my sights on “someday,” when I hoped to learn watercolor. “Someday” has arrived. A little earlier than I had planned. :o/


I've always wanted to paint in order to express my creativity. But I can see now why some people do it to relax and take a “mind vacation.” Watercolors are tricky to master, but I've decided to simply have fun with them and see what I can learn as I play. I've had to drop my perfectionism. I limit my time and if I get tired or stressed before then, I put away the brushes. And I am having fun. As with everything in my life, I also do hope to glorify the Lord and bless people.


Julia


P.S. If you would like to try your hand at watercolor painting, I highly recommend WATERCOLOR FOR THE FIRST TIME: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE – copyright 2004 by Elizabeth Horowitz. It was just what I wanted. I like her realistic style (as opposed to the book by the Frenchman who admires impressionists and modern cubist art. He also likes people without clothing. All Ms. Horowitz' people are fully clothed.) I must note here that Ms. Horowitz would not be considered a purist - she uses a fine-tipped permanent black pen to finish some of her paintings. And some accomplished watercolorists might consider her style too tight, not spontaneous enough. But for now, I'm learning a lot from her.

The back cover says it well, “A foundation course for the novice watercolor painter, this book keeps both subject matter and instructions simple enough for any beginner to follow – form young students to retired people trying their hand at art for the first time. Easy, enjoyable exercises encourage readers to work at their own pace and develop their own style. Examples of beginners' art run through the book, showing readers how novices like themselves have succeeded in creating charming watercolor paintings.”


The format is uncluttered, easy-to-follow. Spiral bound, with hard cover even over the spiral. Lays flat. 144 pages, 7” x 10”. List price is $19.95.


There. How's that for advertising and promotion?! Maybe Ms. Horowitz will give me some commission!

My favorite books

Here is a list of some of my favorite books that I have read:

- The Courage of Sarah Noble By: Alice Dalgliesh
- Carolina's Courage By: Elizabeth Yates
- Amos Fortune Freeman By: Elizabeth Yates
- Betsy Ross By: Ann Weil
- Benjamin Franklin By: John Tottle
- Heidi By: Johanna Spyri
Courtship Series
- The Courtship of Sarah McLean By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry (the Castleberrys' books are fantastic!)
- Jeff McLean: his Courtship By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry
- Waiting for Her Isaac By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry
- Journey of the Heart By: Jeannie M. Castleberry
Farm Mystery Series
- Footprints in the Barn By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry
- The Mysterious Message By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry
- Midnight Sky By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry (can you tell I like the Castleberrys' books?! ;D)
- Who, Me? By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry
- Weighty Matters By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry
- Where there's Smoke By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry
- The History Mystery By: Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry

- Ellie By: Mary Christner Borntrager
- Daniel By: Mary Christner Borntrager
- Ten P's in a Pod By Arnold Pent III
- The Greystone Lodge By: Author Unknown
- Show your Colors By: Author Unknown (a well known author, right?! ;D)
- Clean Hands and Circulating Decimals By: Isabella Alden
- The Second Reader By: The McGuffy reader
- Carry on Mr. Bowditch By: Jean Lee Latham
- They Gave us wings: the Wright Brothers By: John Hudson Tiner
- Trail Blazer of Science: Robert Boyle By: John Hudson Tiner
- Inventor, Scientist, and Teacher: Isaac Newton By: John Hudson Tiner
- My Country Tis of Thee: Samuel Francis Smith By: Marguerite E. Fitch
- Alone Yet Not Alone By: Tracy Michele Leiniger Cravens
- Adam of the Road By: Elizabeth Jane Grey
- The Hiding Place By: Corrie ten Boom (not recommended for younger children)
- Prison Letters By: Corrie ten Boom (not recommended for younger children)
- Tramp for the Lord By: Corrie ten Boom (not recommended for younger children)
- A Gown of Spanish Lace By: Jeanette Oke (not recommended for younger children)
- Twig the Collie By: Craig Massey
- Wisdom and the Millers By: Mildred A. Martin
- Prudence and the Millers By: Mildred A. Martin
- School days with the Millers By: Mildred A. Martin

Hope you enjoy this!!!
~Johanna

J.C. Ryle on books

"Of making many books there seems no end, though few of them are really profitable. There seems a rage for cheap printing and publishing. Newspapers of every sort abound, and the tone of some, which have the widest circulation, speaks badly of the taste of the age. Amidst the flood of dangerous reading, I plead for my Master's book. I call upon you not to forget the book of the soul. Let not newspapers, novels and romances be read, while the prophets and Apostles lie despised. Let not the exciting and lustful swallow up your attention, while the edifying and the sanctifying can find no place in your mind.

...give the Bible the honor due to it every day you live. Whatever you read, read that first. And beware of bad books: there are plenty in this day. Take heed what you read. I suspect there is more harm done to souls in this way than most people have an idea is possible. Value all books in proportion as they are agreeable to Scripture. Those that are nearest to it are the best, and those that are the farthest from it, and most contrary to it, the worst." - J.C. Ryle Thoughts for Young Men

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"Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." - Psalm 119:11
"When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you." - Proverbs 6:22

To the reading of books... there is no end!

The other day, I was reflecting on how many books I've read since I first learned to read (8yrs.), and the number is gigantic! I try to read 6-8 books every month, but usually more end up being read... enjoyed.

Saturday while at my favorite shopping haunt, I purchased 5 books. Several are way out of print, but I know they will be helpful, and enjoyable to read. I also purchased Elizabeth Prentiss' Selections from Stepping Heavenward which is a very encouraging little booklet. If you've ever read the book in its entirety (350 pages), then this is a little sliver from it, but nonetheless it was such a treasure for me! Books are like old friends, when you find a book that you've been searching for, and sit down to read, such a feeling of contentment comes over you.

By the way, if you want to purchase your own copy of Stepping Heavenward go here to order. I highly recommend that all young ladies read this book. It is both an encouragement, and a challenge to grow in our walk with Christ, and to have a passion for serving Him and His people.

Out of all the book that I have ever read, here are some which stick out in my mind as having influenced my life, and were the most enjoyable read. These are all after the Bible, which is the greatest of books ever written!

~My Favorite Books~
So Much More - Anna Sofia & Elizabeth Botkin
Evolution Exposed - Roger Patterson
Lies Women Believe - Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Adam & His kin - Ruth Beechick
A Full Quiver - Rick & Jan Hess
Let us Highly Resolve - David & Shirley Quine
Raising Maidens of Virtue - Stacy MacDonald
Stepping Heavenward - Elizabeth Prentiss
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The Elsie Series - Martha Finley
Amos Fortune, Freeman - Elizabeth Yates
Johnny Tremain - Esther Forbes
Ten P's in a Pod - Arnold Pent III
Jim Elliot – Susan Martins Miller
The Measure of a Heart – Janette Oke

Hidden Treasures

At our house we receive a wide array of magazines, newsletters, etc. One that I have learned to enjoy recently is Banner of Truth. They are a book company, and they are having a large Hidden Treasures sale.

Check them out at:http://banneroftruth.org/

Some of the books that are currently 45% off include:

Discussions of Dabney
William Grimshaw of Haworth (Faith Cook)
John Elias: Life, Letters, Essays
Calvin & Calvinists
Selina: Countess of Huntingdon

And many more, plus some new books hot of the press! Offer good through 10/15/07

*Please note that I am not receiving any kind of "kick back" from Banner of Truth. This is simply information that I thought you the readers of this blog, could benefit from.