Links

Our friend, Sophia, wrote this lovely post about family and young womanhood. Please check it out!  What is a Girl to Do?

Also, this article has inspired me/convicted me.

Scientific Validity of the Bible

Read my brother's fascinating article for this and more: http://thebiblicalway.blogspot.com/2011/10/expansion-of-universe-there-are-number.html

In Memory of My Dad

Five years ago today my dad passed from this country into the heavenly country.
We miss him, yet we know he is far better above, and this is all a part of God's perfect plan.

"The very thought of a holy and all powerful God to Whom they had to give an account was something which they could not stomach.  And when we say "man" or "they," we are surely saying you and I.  We must repent of the folly and wickedness of denying God and rebelling against that light and resisting His will." - Keith M.

"You are not going to see yourself as you really are until you see God as He is.
You are not going to see how low you have fallen until you see how high God is." - Keith M.

As my sister, Annie, wrote:
"He [was] a husband, father of eight, preacher, homeschool parent (when he knew none personally), and more. I remember how he taught us faithfully and eagerly, the sacrifices he made for us, how we did things together like biking and talking as we rode along, how he listened to my concerns and offered advice, prayed with me, encouraged me, and gave books when he saw I had an interest in something, or he wanted to teach me something—usually the deepest lessons. I love him for all of these things. And miss him—five years ago last Saturday was his home-coming."

I add my hearty assent to that!  He was not perfect, and would have readily agreed to that, but he was a parent who truly cared about us, and he loved the Lord above all.

My dad and me, c. 1984

Dad, Mom, Grace, Matthew, and John

Dad holding Annie, Mom holding Mark...John, Grace, and Matthew

Dad at work in FL

Giveaway

There's a modest skirt giveaway going on here!  It closes on September 16.

Links!

Western Conservatory is giving away a free subscription to their webinar on marrying well! With a wide range of topics, including the deadly danger of worry and maintaining peace and harmony between families, you will certainly find something to address your questions. To enter, go HERE and follow instructions.

Here are some limited-time-only online films that I recommend:

Divided - http://www.dividedthemovie.com/

Why are we seeing so many young people leaving the church? Are youth groups helping or hindering? This is an important film examining what is going on and what we can do about it.

Burzynski - http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/11/burzynski-the-movie.asp

Mr. Burzynski discovered an amazing cancer treatment, but instead of helping to spread the good news, the FDA has done all they could to stop him. If you don't have time to watch the whole thing, please just watch the first 15 minutes. Believe me, it is worth your time.

Poll Update

Have you ever talked with/heard anyone talk about their experiences in a war, and if so, which one/s? No	2 (15%)
I haven't known anyone who was in a war.	0 (0%)
WWI	1 (7%)
WWII	7 (53%)
Cold War	1 (7%)
Korean	4 (30%)
Vietnam	6 (46%)
Iraq	7 (53%)
Other Next poll is up!

A Review of Courageous - The Novel

Sometimes a novel can be nearly as powerful as a sermon, and for me this was one of those times. It isn't a perfect book, but it caused me to really think about how much (or how little) time I spend with my family, what the outcomes of my choices might be, and inspired me to want to witness to others more and study my Bible more. There are some mature elements (violence, drug content, etc.), but this is primarily a book for fathers and perhaps for teens in trouble. There were also some moments of humor, though one of them which involved deception seemed on the questionable side to me--laugh-aloud funny, but rather unnecessary. Overall it was a fast-paced book for me. The characters could have been developed more clearly or at length, I think. I hope fathers read this and are truly inspired to change their priorities. Fathers are very important, not to mention the other parts of a family!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

For His Glory

For His glory, His alone,
May my light shine day by day.
We are called to work and pray,
For His glory, His alone.

No good works for sin atone,
Jesus' work our sin effaced!
So we thank Him for His grace,
For His glory, His alone.

Leaning on God's strength alone,
Humbly let us own Him King.
He's the One who bids us sing
For His glory, His alone.

Joy to serve, with not a moan--
When on His love we rely,
Our hearts with sweet cheer reply,
For His glory, His alone.

-M.A.M. (7-20-11)
John Piper said it better in this sermon. I'd encourage a listen.

Patience

Not the most unique/original metaphors here, I suppose, but I hope you enjoy and are encouraged by this little poem, which was written for myself, mainly.


"Patience," said the old oak tree.
"Soon, little acorn, you'll be big like me."
"You'll have to dig up through the dirt.
It'll take some work, but then up you'll spurt.
Look up to the sun and drink it in,
And take some showers till you're quenched within."

"But, oh! It will be so hard to wait!
The trees tower o'er me and I feel so late."

"Do all that you can not to stay in the shade.
Stretch out your leaves and don't be afraid.
The more you take in the faster you'll grow.
Thank God for each inch; shake the bugs off below.
God knows every season, they're in His command,
So trust in His wise, omnipotent hand!"

-M.A.M. (7-16-11)

TSA Invasion of Privacy

TSA is supposed to keep us safe, yet their invasion of privacy goes against our God-given and Constitutional rights. There are a number of people here in TX who are fighting against them by trying to pass a bill against the "advanced pat-down," or groping. Please be in prayer on this and possibly write or call! It could be a huge opening for other states to follow suit, and would be a major blessing for us here.

A dear, sweet woman from our church has recently had some run-ins with the TSA. Please read and imagine how that would feel. Perhaps you've had similar things happen to you.

1st Personal TSA Story (It is not graphic at all.)

Here is a site where you can find more info on how to help in the cause: TSA Tyranny - Keep Austin Free