Before you roll your eyes or turn away, know that I am not here to bash romance. It is a gift of God . . . in its proper place, way, and time. The Bible is not shy about romance or the blessings of marriage. However, the whole Bible is not dominated by romance, and neither should we be.
Let me take you back to my earliest days of reading romance novels. They were clean, safe, and Christian novels, with the gospel message sprinkled in and indeed several good character qualities shown. Yet I fed on them like candy, reading all the Grace Livingston Hill and Janette Oke stories I could get my hands on. I was eight or nine when I first started reading them. I was quiet and might have seemed mature for my age--not a giggling girl with flirtatious ways--but inwardly, my heart was being drawn more toward the ways of a flirt. Every boy that looked my way was likely to have an interest in me, or at least to arouse my interest. I craved their compliments and their smiles. How shameful I was, even as a girl of nine or ten! Even one of my own cousins was to me a cute boy to impress, as I pedaled along as fast as I could on my bike ahead of him. Instead of enjoying my family and friends--the gifts of God right before me--in a normal, healthy way, I was looking for something "more exciting."
Fiction, especially romance, was my daily bread, Bible only a duty. Teenage years only cemented my thoughts. I played card games and became excited if a boy's hand touched mine accidentally. The thoughts of romance also made me shyer, more self-focused and afraid of saying something stupid. Would anyone like me then? My mind blanked if asked a simple question by a handsome boy.
Were romance novels really the cause of all this? Not entirely, certainly. We are cursed with a sin nature, and that is readily apparent at a young age. But the novels and movies furthered the sin, and made it seem more natural and fun. Even Christian novels? Yes. While some of the earlier books I read were quite harmless and perhaps a few were helpful, put all together, with their focus on handsome men, women admired by men, and mainly feelings-based romance, I was swept into it all like Cinderella on the prince's arm. I lived vicariously in the novels. In our no-dating house, I was "dating" men in the novels. Even more-so than from movies, probably, because in books I usually read from one person's perspective looking out, and so I could more easily imagine myself being that character.
I once read an article similar to this, and I brushed it off with a frown and thought, It's really not harmful to read these kind of books. So I kept reading them, but with a growing awareness that perhaps they did affect me. But still, they were fun, and they were mainly good, right?
Don't make the same mistake I did. Don't waste your life, or worse, affect your life in negative and hard-to-eradicate ways.
I still have an ongoing battle with wanting to read the light and fun romance novels, and occasionally I do, but usually regret it. I have found more fulfilling, true, and lasting joy in reading the "heavy" books, the theological and deep books than the light ones. More joy in the ever-applicable, ever-wonderful Word of God.
Are there exceptions? Are there any good romantic novels? Yes, I believe so. But don't think that you can handle almost anything because you're mature. Don't think that you will grow by leaps and bounds because you read romance novels with a slight Christian message. Don't think that a steady diet of this will not affect you. Like overindulging in candy gives you stomach-aches, so overindulging in romance novels/movies will give you heartaches. I do know of older, married people who can read these kind of novels without any seeming bad effects, but how do you know it will not in some way harm your thoughts or actions?
Read books that fill you with the joy of the Lord, not the stirrings of unfulfilled longings and discontent. Saturate your mind with the promises and deep love and chastisement of the Lord for a wretch, not the admiration of shallow men who think you are beautiful and kind, even though you argue like a yapping dog or your thoughts are full of self.
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ - Matthew 22:37
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; - Ephesians 5:3
I charge you,
O daughters of Jerusalem,
Do not stir up nor awaken love
Until it pleases. - Song of Solomon 8:4
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Quotes from The Treasury of David
I've been neglecting to post any quotes lately. I have been reading, but have been busier elsewhere.
(Psalm 42 - Explanatory Notes and Quaint Sayings) Verse 11.
'Hast thou seen the sun shine forth in February, and the sky blue, and the hedgerows bursting into bud, and the primrose peeping beneath the bank, and the birds singing in the bushes? Thou hast thought that spring was already come in its beauty and sweet odours. But a few days, and the clouds returned, and the atmosphere was chilled, and the birds were mute, and snow was on the ground, and thou hast said that spring would never come. And thus sometimes the young convert finds his fears removed, and the comforts of the gospel shed abroad in his heart, and praise and thanksgiving, and a new song put in his mouth. And he deems unadvisedly that his troubles are past for ever. But awhile, and his doubts return, and his comforts die away, and his light is taken from him, and his spirit is overwhelmed, and he is fain to conclude that salvation and all its blessings are not for him. But the spring, though late, shall break at last. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?' -- H. G. Salter's "Book of Illustrations," 1840.
(Psalm 42 - Hints to Preachers.) 'Verse 5. Why art thou cast down?
1. The mind, even of a holy man, may be unduly cast down and disquieted.
2. In cases of undue dejection and disquietude, the proper remedy is to expostulate with the soul, and to direct it to the only true source of relief.
3. Expostulation with the soul in times of distress, is then productive of its proper end, when it leads to an immediate application to God.' -- H. March.
(Psalm 43 - Exposition) "Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" Why do I wander hither and thither like a restless spirit? Why wear I the weeds of sorrow on my body, and the lines of grief on my face? Oppression makes a wise man mad; why, Lord, am I called to endure so much of it for so long a time? Here again is a useful question, addressed to the right quarter. The answer will often be because we are saints, and must be made like our Head, and because such sorrow is chastening to the spirit, and yieldeth comfortable fruit. We are not to cross question the Lord in peevishness, but we may ask of him in humility; God help us to observe the distinction so as not to sin through stress of sorrow.' -- Charles Spurgeon.
(Psalm 43 - Explanatory Notes and Quaint Sayings) Verse 5. Why art thou cast down, O my soul. He comes to his former remedy; he had stilled his grief once before with the same meditation and upbraiding of his own soul, and chiding himself; but he comes to it here as a probatum est, as a tried remedy; he takes up his soul very short, Why art thou so cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? You see how David's passions here are interlaced with comforts, and his comforts with passions, till at last he gets the victory of his own heart. Beloved, neither sin nor grief for sin, are stilled and quieted at the first. You have some short spirited Christians, if all be not quiet at the first, all is lost with them; but it is not so with a true Christian soul, with the best soul living. It was not so with David when he was in distemper; he checks himself, the distemper was not yet stilled; he checks himself again, then the distemper breaks out again; he checks himself again, and all little enough to bring his soul to a holy, blessed, quiet, temper, to that blessed tranquillity and rest that the soul should be in before it can enjoy its own happiness, and enjoy sweet communion with God. As you see in physic, perhaps one purge will not carry away the peccant humour, then a second must be added; perhaps that will not do it, then there must be a third; so when the soul hath been once checked, perhaps it will not do, we must fall to it again, go to God again. And then it may be there will be breaking out of the grief and malady again; we must to it again, and never give over, that is the right temper of a Christian.' -- Richard Sibbes.
(Psalm 44 - Exposition on verse 1) '"Our fathers have told us." They could not have had better informants. Schoolmasters are well enough, but godly fathers are, both by the order of nature and grace, the best instructors of their sons, nor can they delegate the sacred duty. It is to be feared that many children of professors could plead very little before God of what their fathers have told them. When fathers are tongue tied religiously with their offspring, need they wonder if their children's hearts remain sin tied? Just as in all free nations men delight to gather around the hearth, and tell the deeds of valour of their sires "in the brave days of old, "so the people of God under the old dispensation made their families cheerful around the table, be rehearsing the wondrous doings of the Lord their God. Religious conversation need not be dull, and indeed it could not be if, as in this case, it dealt more with facts and less with opinions. What work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. They began with what their own eyes had witnessed, and then passed on to what were the traditions of their youth. Note that the main point of the history transmitted from father to son was the work of God; this is the core of history, and therefore no man can write history aright who is a stranger to the Lord's work. It is delightful to see the footprints of the Lord on the sea of changing events, to behold him riding on the whirlwind of war, pestilence, and famine, and above all to see his unchanging care for his chosen people. Those who are taught to see God in history have learned a good lesson from their fathers, and no son of believing parents should be left in ignorance of so holy an art. A nation tutored as Israel was in a history so marvellous as their own, always had an available argument in pleading with God for aid in trouble, since he who never changes gives in every deed of grace a pledge of mercy yet to come. The traditions of our past experience are powerful pleas for present help.' -- Charles Spurgeon.
(Psalm 44 - Exposition) 'Verse 4. Thou art my King, O God. Knowing right well thy power and grace my heart is glad to own thee for her sovereign prince. Who among the mighty are so illustrious as thou art? To whom, then, should I yield my homage or turn for aid? God of my fathers in the olden time, thou art my soul's monarch and liege Lord.' -- Charles Spurgeon.
(Psalm 44 - Exposition) 'Verse 8. In God we boast all the day long. We have abundant reason for doing so while we recount his mighty acts. What blessed boasting is this! it is the only sort of boasting that is bearable. All other manna bred worms and stank except that which was laid up before the Lord, and all other boasting is loathsome save this glorying in the Lord, which is laudable and pleasing. And praise thy name for ever. Praise should be perpetual. If there were no new acts of love, yet ought the Lord to be praised for what he has done for his people. High let the song be lifted up as we bring to remembrance the eternal love which chose us, predestinated us to be sons, redeemed us with a price, and then enriched us with all the fulness of God. Selah. A pause comes in fitly here, when we are about to descend from the highest to the lowest key. No longer are we to hear Miriam's timbrel, but rather Rachel's weeping. -- Charles Spurgeon.
More to come....
(Psalm 42 - Explanatory Notes and Quaint Sayings) Verse 11.
'Hast thou seen the sun shine forth in February, and the sky blue, and the hedgerows bursting into bud, and the primrose peeping beneath the bank, and the birds singing in the bushes? Thou hast thought that spring was already come in its beauty and sweet odours. But a few days, and the clouds returned, and the atmosphere was chilled, and the birds were mute, and snow was on the ground, and thou hast said that spring would never come. And thus sometimes the young convert finds his fears removed, and the comforts of the gospel shed abroad in his heart, and praise and thanksgiving, and a new song put in his mouth. And he deems unadvisedly that his troubles are past for ever. But awhile, and his doubts return, and his comforts die away, and his light is taken from him, and his spirit is overwhelmed, and he is fain to conclude that salvation and all its blessings are not for him. But the spring, though late, shall break at last. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?' -- H. G. Salter's "Book of Illustrations," 1840.
(Psalm 42 - Hints to Preachers.) 'Verse 5. Why art thou cast down?
1. The mind, even of a holy man, may be unduly cast down and disquieted.
2. In cases of undue dejection and disquietude, the proper remedy is to expostulate with the soul, and to direct it to the only true source of relief.
3. Expostulation with the soul in times of distress, is then productive of its proper end, when it leads to an immediate application to God.' -- H. March.
(Psalm 43 - Exposition) "Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" Why do I wander hither and thither like a restless spirit? Why wear I the weeds of sorrow on my body, and the lines of grief on my face? Oppression makes a wise man mad; why, Lord, am I called to endure so much of it for so long a time? Here again is a useful question, addressed to the right quarter. The answer will often be because we are saints, and must be made like our Head, and because such sorrow is chastening to the spirit, and yieldeth comfortable fruit. We are not to cross question the Lord in peevishness, but we may ask of him in humility; God help us to observe the distinction so as not to sin through stress of sorrow.' -- Charles Spurgeon.
(Psalm 43 - Explanatory Notes and Quaint Sayings) Verse 5. Why art thou cast down, O my soul. He comes to his former remedy; he had stilled his grief once before with the same meditation and upbraiding of his own soul, and chiding himself; but he comes to it here as a probatum est, as a tried remedy; he takes up his soul very short, Why art thou so cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? You see how David's passions here are interlaced with comforts, and his comforts with passions, till at last he gets the victory of his own heart. Beloved, neither sin nor grief for sin, are stilled and quieted at the first. You have some short spirited Christians, if all be not quiet at the first, all is lost with them; but it is not so with a true Christian soul, with the best soul living. It was not so with David when he was in distemper; he checks himself, the distemper was not yet stilled; he checks himself again, then the distemper breaks out again; he checks himself again, and all little enough to bring his soul to a holy, blessed, quiet, temper, to that blessed tranquillity and rest that the soul should be in before it can enjoy its own happiness, and enjoy sweet communion with God. As you see in physic, perhaps one purge will not carry away the peccant humour, then a second must be added; perhaps that will not do it, then there must be a third; so when the soul hath been once checked, perhaps it will not do, we must fall to it again, go to God again. And then it may be there will be breaking out of the grief and malady again; we must to it again, and never give over, that is the right temper of a Christian.' -- Richard Sibbes.
(Psalm 44 - Exposition on verse 1) '"Our fathers have told us." They could not have had better informants. Schoolmasters are well enough, but godly fathers are, both by the order of nature and grace, the best instructors of their sons, nor can they delegate the sacred duty. It is to be feared that many children of professors could plead very little before God of what their fathers have told them. When fathers are tongue tied religiously with their offspring, need they wonder if their children's hearts remain sin tied? Just as in all free nations men delight to gather around the hearth, and tell the deeds of valour of their sires "in the brave days of old, "so the people of God under the old dispensation made their families cheerful around the table, be rehearsing the wondrous doings of the Lord their God. Religious conversation need not be dull, and indeed it could not be if, as in this case, it dealt more with facts and less with opinions. What work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. They began with what their own eyes had witnessed, and then passed on to what were the traditions of their youth. Note that the main point of the history transmitted from father to son was the work of God; this is the core of history, and therefore no man can write history aright who is a stranger to the Lord's work. It is delightful to see the footprints of the Lord on the sea of changing events, to behold him riding on the whirlwind of war, pestilence, and famine, and above all to see his unchanging care for his chosen people. Those who are taught to see God in history have learned a good lesson from their fathers, and no son of believing parents should be left in ignorance of so holy an art. A nation tutored as Israel was in a history so marvellous as their own, always had an available argument in pleading with God for aid in trouble, since he who never changes gives in every deed of grace a pledge of mercy yet to come. The traditions of our past experience are powerful pleas for present help.' -- Charles Spurgeon.
(Psalm 44 - Exposition) 'Verse 4. Thou art my King, O God. Knowing right well thy power and grace my heart is glad to own thee for her sovereign prince. Who among the mighty are so illustrious as thou art? To whom, then, should I yield my homage or turn for aid? God of my fathers in the olden time, thou art my soul's monarch and liege Lord.' -- Charles Spurgeon.
(Psalm 44 - Exposition) 'Verse 8. In God we boast all the day long. We have abundant reason for doing so while we recount his mighty acts. What blessed boasting is this! it is the only sort of boasting that is bearable. All other manna bred worms and stank except that which was laid up before the Lord, and all other boasting is loathsome save this glorying in the Lord, which is laudable and pleasing. And praise thy name for ever. Praise should be perpetual. If there were no new acts of love, yet ought the Lord to be praised for what he has done for his people. High let the song be lifted up as we bring to remembrance the eternal love which chose us, predestinated us to be sons, redeemed us with a price, and then enriched us with all the fulness of God. Selah. A pause comes in fitly here, when we are about to descend from the highest to the lowest key. No longer are we to hear Miriam's timbrel, but rather Rachel's weeping. -- Charles Spurgeon.
More to come....
A Room I Love
From Country Living
Fieldstone Hill did this on their blog, and I thought I'd give this a try at least once, to better gauge what I like and why when it comes to home decor, and perhaps inspire some of my readers.
What I love:
1. The worn fireplace and wooden pieces in creamy shades.
2. The white furniture and airy, peaceful feeling.
3. The linen cabinet and the antique dollhouse on top.
4. The wooden floors.
5. The pops of green in the plants and apples.
6. The informal fabrics and textures.
7. Candles.
8. Coffee table with a drawer for more book space, not taking up all the room on top.
I might add some more color and/or something on or above the fireplace and change the ceiling lamp a bit, but otherwise it's a great, comfy space!
What do you think? Would you change anything about it?
Friday, March 22, 2013
Damascus Countdown - Book Review
I read it in two days (took a break for a few days partly out of necessity--and I admit I wanted to see if I could beat my record of reading the last Rosenberg book in three days).
I don't know if I agree with everything, mostly the Holy Spirit speaking to people, almost as if audibly, but then again I have relatives who have gotten strong impressions of things from God (not voices), which I believe is in keeping with what Scriptures say. There was quite a lot of violence and darkness and that was a bit taxing and depressing at times. However, it did make me want to study the Bible more on the subject of eschatology, and to want to witness more to people.
And I appreciated that there were hopeful notes throughout the story, as well--a testament that God is always in control and that even in the darkest times there is grace and a remnant of God's people.
I received a copy for review from Tyndale, but I was not required to post a positive review.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
I Exalt You, O God - Book Review
This book presents four main elements or reasons for worshiping God--for His greatness, for His holiness, for His wisdom, and for His love. Each of these parts divides into sections, or "days," going more into depth on each attribute. I really appreciate how many Bible verses there were throughout, and how they were applied.
After the initial introduction about worship and the way we are to worship every day, each section ended in a prayer taking many thoughts and quotes from the Bible. There were also quotes from other authors such as MacArthur, Charnock, Calvin, and more.
The last part, on God's love, reminded me of the total grace of God shown through His Son, something I needed to hear, and often do. It's not enough just to think of God's love in a vague way, but to read the verses of His unmerited, unchanging grace and love is highly important. To be reminded that we are full of sin and all made from the same clay was what the Lord used in my heart when I read it. This is a good devotional book I think I may pick up again and again. Though it may not go into as much depth as the old Puritan writers, it is clear and concise and helpful.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but my opinions are my own.
For more info, please click here.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Les Miserables - The Radio Drama
My sister and I listened to it while doing dishes and other things, but sometimes I wanted to pause it or rewind it to make sure I caught everything. It obviously must have been edited quite a bit from the lengthy classic book (which I haven't read).
The music and sound effects are perfect for the story. Though a sad story in many ways, there were enough joyful and touching moments (even a few of humor) that it is easy to listen to. It is a story of grace and forgiveness. Though Catholic in background, the story does not focus on that, though a priest is of course one of the characters. The subject matter is a bit more mature than some stories, but there is no swearing that I heard or overtly graphic things. All in all very enjoyable.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this audio, and has not required that I post a positive review.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Quote about Psalm 42
Psalm 42 is one of my favorite psalms, because I'm often kind of
downcast/fearful and it encourages me to hope in God. Here is a good
quote about 42:7 by John Bunyan:
"Deep calleth unto deep." What's that? Why, it is expressed in the verse before: "O God," says he, "my soul is cast down within me." "Down," that is deep into the jaws of distrust and fear. And, Lord, my soul in this depth of sorrow, calls for help to thy depth of mercy. For though I am sinking and am going down, yet not so low but that thy mercy is yet underneath me. Do, of thy compassions, open those everlasting arms, and catch him that has no help or stay in himself. For so it is with one that is falling into a well or a dungeon.'
"Deep calleth unto deep." What's that? Why, it is expressed in the verse before: "O God," says he, "my soul is cast down within me." "Down," that is deep into the jaws of distrust and fear. And, Lord, my soul in this depth of sorrow, calls for help to thy depth of mercy. For though I am sinking and am going down, yet not so low but that thy mercy is yet underneath me. Do, of thy compassions, open those everlasting arms, and catch him that has no help or stay in himself. For so it is with one that is falling into a well or a dungeon.'
Monday, November 26, 2012
Poll Results
What form of pre-marriage relationship do you believe is best?
Dating
|
0
(0%)
|
Courting
|
2
(22%)
|
Just friendship
|
0
(0%)
|
Friendship, then betrothal
|
3
(33%)
|
Courtship, then betrothal
|
4
(44%)
|
Dating, then betrothal
|
0
(0%)
|
Arranged marriage
|
0
(0%)
|
I'm really not sure. 0
(0%)
|
Interesting that there are so many who believe in betrothal. :)
I don't have another poll up; haven't thought of one, yet. If you have a good idea for one, let me know.
Monday, November 12, 2012
The Lazy Man's Rut - A Poem
by Melissa M.
11-12-12
Clinging to past success,
Like spider to web,
I dangle precariously,
Fear tickling my gut,
But outputting nothing--
The lazy man's rut.
Tomorrow will be enough,
My heart wants to say.
But will it be, indeed?
Or will I fall prey
To hopes dashed
And a wasted day?
Tackle the goal head on,
Even if hard the load.
Easier now, I'm sure,
Than tomorrow's hour,
When panic and shame
Defeat and devour.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Quotes from "Treasury of David"
From Psalm 40. (I forgot that I posted this earlier, but it bears repeating.)
'Verse 8.--"Thy law is within my heart." The will of God in which Christ delighted, was (as appears by the coherence, and the quotation of Heb. x. 5) that Christ should make his soul an offering for sin, as more acceptable to God than all other burnt-offerings and sin-offerings. This law was in his heart, in the midst of his bowels. He did as much delight in it as we do in following those inclinations which nature has implanted in our hearts, as we do in eating and drinking. So he expresses it (John iv. 34), "My meat is to do with will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.' He was as willing to bleed and die for thee as thou art to eat when hungry. He was delighted as much to be scourged, wounded, crucified, as thou delightest in meat when most delicious.' -- David Clarkson.
Amazing, no? Not to deny Him praying "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me;" of course.
From Psalm 42.
'Verse 2.--"My soul thirsteth for God," etc. See that your heart rest not short of Christ in any duty. Let go your hold of no duty until you find something of Christ in it; and until you get not only an handful, but an armful (with old Simeon, Luke ii. 28); yea, a heartful of the blessed and beautiful babe of Bethlehem therein. Indeed you should have commerce with heaven, and communion with Christ in duty, which is therefore called the presence of God, or your appearing before him. Exodus xxiii. 17, and Psalm xlii. 2. . . .' -- Christopher Ness's "Chrystal Mirrour," 1679.
'Verse 2. "Come and appear before God." . . . To little purpose we go to church, or attend on ordinances, if we seek not, if we see not God there.' -- Isaac Watts, D.D., 1674-1748.
'Verse 8.--"Thy law is within my heart." The will of God in which Christ delighted, was (as appears by the coherence, and the quotation of Heb. x. 5) that Christ should make his soul an offering for sin, as more acceptable to God than all other burnt-offerings and sin-offerings. This law was in his heart, in the midst of his bowels. He did as much delight in it as we do in following those inclinations which nature has implanted in our hearts, as we do in eating and drinking. So he expresses it (John iv. 34), "My meat is to do with will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.' He was as willing to bleed and die for thee as thou art to eat when hungry. He was delighted as much to be scourged, wounded, crucified, as thou delightest in meat when most delicious.' -- David Clarkson.
Amazing, no? Not to deny Him praying "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me;" of course.
From Psalm 42.
'Verse 2.--"My soul thirsteth for God," etc. See that your heart rest not short of Christ in any duty. Let go your hold of no duty until you find something of Christ in it; and until you get not only an handful, but an armful (with old Simeon, Luke ii. 28); yea, a heartful of the blessed and beautiful babe of Bethlehem therein. Indeed you should have commerce with heaven, and communion with Christ in duty, which is therefore called the presence of God, or your appearing before him. Exodus xxiii. 17, and Psalm xlii. 2. . . .' -- Christopher Ness's "Chrystal Mirrour," 1679.
'Verse 2. "Come and appear before God." . . . To little purpose we go to church, or attend on ordinances, if we seek not, if we see not God there.' -- Isaac Watts, D.D., 1674-1748.
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