"What was the secret of such a one's power? What had she done? Absolutely nothing; but radiant smiles, beaming good-humor, the tact of divining what everyone felt and everyone wanted, told that she had got out of self and learned to think of others; so that at one time it showed itself in deprecating quarrels, which lowering brows and raised tones already showed to be impending, by sweet words; at another, by smoothing an invalid's pillow; at another, by soothing a sobbing child; at another, by humoring and softening a father who had returned weary and ill-tempered from the irritating cares of business. None but she saw those things. None but a loving heart could see them. That was the secret of her heavenly power. The one who will be found in trial capable of great acts of love, is ever the one who is always doing considerate small ones."
F. W. Robertson.
"He who is faithful in little, will be faithful in much."
~Luke 16:10
Friday, July 8, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Whoso hearkens unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Proverbs 1:33
Proverbs 1:33
"Divine love is rendered conspicuous when it shines in the midst of judgments. Fair is that lone star which smiles through the rifts of the thunder clouds; bright is the oasis which blooms in the wilderness of sand; so fair and so bright is love in the midst of wrath. When the Israelites provoked the Most High by their continued idolatry, he punished them by withholding both dew and rain, so that their land was visited by a sore famine; but while he did this, he took care that his own chosen ones should be secure. If all other brooks are dry, yet shall there be one reserved for Elijah; and when that fails, God shall still preserve for him a place of sustenance; nay, not only so, the Lord had not simply one Elijah, but he had a remnant according to the election of grace, who were hidden by fifties in a cave, and though the whole land was subject to famine, yet these fifties in the cave were fed, and fed from Ahab's table too by His faithful, God-fearing steward, Obadiah. Let us from this draw the inference, that come what may, God's people are safe. Let convulsions shake the solid earth, let the skies themselves be rent in twain, yet amid the wreck of worlds the believer shall be as secure as in the calmest hour of rest. If God cannot save his people under heaven, he will save them in heaven. If the world becomes too hot to hold them, then heaven shall be the place of their reception and their safety. Be ye then confident, when ye hear of wars, and rumours of wars. Let no agitation distress you, but be quiet from fear of evil. Whatsoever cometh upon the earth, you, beneath the broad wings of Jehovah, shall be secure. Stay yourself upon his promise; rest in his faithfulness, and bid defiance to the blackest future, for there is nothing in it direful for you. Your sole concern should be to show forth to the world the blessedness of hearkening to the voice of wisdom."
~Charles Spurgeon
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Do We Embrace the World?
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
James 4:4
James 4:4
Dear Sisters,
I am ecstatic to find the amount of like-minded, sweet hearted, Christian, young ladies that are spreading truth without fear in "blogging land". It's a delight to see sisters building up their siblings, daughters honoring their parents, talented artisans developing their gifts and thoughtful, mature women living and learning life. This is what prompted me to join such a community, the lovely, wholesome, God-honoring words of righteousness, sweet pictures and delightful humor. I love reading posts that encourage and edify me to live in a deeper understanding of Christ's power, but of late I have been saddened by a wave of blogs and posts that do not glorify God, that tear down purity and honor and create desires that young women should not have or want. These posts are enemies of the Lord's work, they tempt and destroy years of faithfulness in the hearts of our brothers and sisters. What is so sad is that many of these authors are proclaiming Christ while advocating the world and it's fleshly desires. The world and the Spirit are not one~ they are enemies, opposites more different than night and day. When we talk, look, act, write, sing and photograph like the world; what is different? Nothing; we are one and the same. In Matthew 5:13 God says, "You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost it's flavor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of man." When there is no difference between the unsaved and the flavorless "Christian", we are useless, good for nothing, and lukewarm. This quote of Matthew Henry gives some insight:
"We have fair warning to avoid all criminal friendships with this world: "You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?" Worldly people are here called adulterers and adulteresses, because of their perfidiousness of God, whilethey give their best affections to the world. Covetousness is elsewhere called idolatry, and it is here called adultery; it is a forsaking of him to whom we are devoted and espoused, tocleave to other things; there is this brand put upon worldly-mindedness—that it is enmity to God. A man may have a competent portion of the good things of this life, and yet may keep himself in the love of God; but he who sets his heart upon the world, who places his happiness in it, and will conform himself to it, and do any thing rather than lose its friendship, he is an enemy to God; it is constructive treason and rebellion against God to set the world upon his throne in our hearts. Whosoever therefore is the friend of the world is the enemy of God. He who will act upon this principle, to keep the smiles of the world, and to have its continual friendship, cannot but show himself, in spirit, and in his actions too, an enemy to God. You cannot serve God and mammon."
Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. also elaborates on this subject,
"Too often we train our children to make their way in the world. I want to train my children to make war on the world.” In the days that have passed I have been asked by several different people not what such training would look like, not how my children make war on the world, not what are the weapons of their warfare, but what do I mean by “the world.” That expression, the world, is in fact used in different ways in the Bible. Sometimes it refers to the whole of the created order. Sometimes it refers to the whole of humanity, as in John 3:16. Other times, however, it refers clearly to the city of man, to the army of the serpent. When John warns us that “If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15) he is not suggesting that God’s love for the world in John 3:16 means that the love of the Father is not in the Father. Here “world” refers to the world system, that realm of darkness out of which we have been called.
It is a sure sign of our worldliness that warring with the world is seen as someone nonspiritual, rather than the zenith of spiritual maturity. We have come to believe that we love the world in a John 3:16 sense by loving the world in a I John 2:15 sense, and the devil just laughs.
I understand the temptation. The very first time I broke open the Word publicly, when I was 9, I followed in the same path. At Bible camp I had been chosen by my cabin to be counselor for the day. My duties included leading evening devotions. My brilliant theme? What if, I wondered, the biblical account of creation, and the scientific theory of evolution could both be true?!?!? And so that evening I shared by insights with my little troop. My hope was that not only might I not offend anyone but I might help my charges not to offend others in the future.
CS Lewis, in his brilliant Screwtape Letters, warns us against the temptation of Christianity and… It doesn't matter what we add. Vegetarianism, socialism, nudism, libertarianism, if added to the Christian faith will swallow the Christian faith. He was right. But there is another danger, Christianity minus… We are always looking for ways to keep the faith, and lose its hard edges. Nowhere is this more so than our desire to hold on the faith, and jettison the truth that we will be hated by the world. Every generation we find new ways to try the same folly. Hipster Christianity is just a younger demographic of the same spirit that wafts through Willow Creek and Saddleback. Let us remove the offense, and keep, what exactly?
What the world hates about us isn’t our conservative politics. It isn’t our disapproval of their sexual escapades. It isn’t our insistence in disbelieving Darwin. What the world hates about us is Jesus in us. If they don’t hate us, John is telling us, Jesus isn’t in us. There is no safe,reasonable, palatable Christian faith. There is only faith and unbelief. If the world does not hate you, fear for your soul. If the world does hate you, blessed are you for great is your reward in
heaven."
I am ecstatic to find the amount of like-minded, sweet hearted, Christian, young ladies that are spreading truth without fear in "blogging land". It's a delight to see sisters building up their siblings, daughters honoring their parents, talented artisans developing their gifts and thoughtful, mature women living and learning life. This is what prompted me to join such a community, the lovely, wholesome, God-honoring words of righteousness, sweet pictures and delightful humor. I love reading posts that encourage and edify me to live in a deeper understanding of Christ's power, but of late I have been saddened by a wave of blogs and posts that do not glorify God, that tear down purity and honor and create desires that young women should not have or want. These posts are enemies of the Lord's work, they tempt and destroy years of faithfulness in the hearts of our brothers and sisters. What is so sad is that many of these authors are proclaiming Christ while advocating the world and it's fleshly desires. The world and the Spirit are not one~ they are enemies, opposites more different than night and day. When we talk, look, act, write, sing and photograph like the world; what is different? Nothing; we are one and the same. In Matthew 5:13 God says, "You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost it's flavor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of man." When there is no difference between the unsaved and the flavorless "Christian", we are useless, good for nothing, and lukewarm. This quote of Matthew Henry gives some insight:
"We have fair warning to avoid all criminal friendships with this world: "You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?" Worldly people are here called adulterers and adulteresses, because of their perfidiousness of God, whilethey give their best affections to the world. Covetousness is elsewhere called idolatry, and it is here called adultery; it is a forsaking of him to whom we are devoted and espoused, tocleave to other things; there is this brand put upon worldly-mindedness—that it is enmity to God. A man may have a competent portion of the good things of this life, and yet may keep himself in the love of God; but he who sets his heart upon the world, who places his happiness in it, and will conform himself to it, and do any thing rather than lose its friendship, he is an enemy to God; it is constructive treason and rebellion against God to set the world upon his throne in our hearts. Whosoever therefore is the friend of the world is the enemy of God. He who will act upon this principle, to keep the smiles of the world, and to have its continual friendship, cannot but show himself, in spirit, and in his actions too, an enemy to God. You cannot serve God and mammon."
Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. also elaborates on this subject,
"Too often we train our children to make their way in the world. I want to train my children to make war on the world.” In the days that have passed I have been asked by several different people not what such training would look like, not how my children make war on the world, not what are the weapons of their warfare, but what do I mean by “the world.” That expression, the world, is in fact used in different ways in the Bible. Sometimes it refers to the whole of the created order. Sometimes it refers to the whole of humanity, as in John 3:16. Other times, however, it refers clearly to the city of man, to the army of the serpent. When John warns us that “If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15) he is not suggesting that God’s love for the world in John 3:16 means that the love of the Father is not in the Father. Here “world” refers to the world system, that realm of darkness out of which we have been called.
It is a sure sign of our worldliness that warring with the world is seen as someone nonspiritual, rather than the zenith of spiritual maturity. We have come to believe that we love the world in a John 3:16 sense by loving the world in a I John 2:15 sense, and the devil just laughs.
I understand the temptation. The very first time I broke open the Word publicly, when I was 9, I followed in the same path. At Bible camp I had been chosen by my cabin to be counselor for the day. My duties included leading evening devotions. My brilliant theme? What if, I wondered, the biblical account of creation, and the scientific theory of evolution could both be true?!?!? And so that evening I shared by insights with my little troop. My hope was that not only might I not offend anyone but I might help my charges not to offend others in the future.
CS Lewis, in his brilliant Screwtape Letters, warns us against the temptation of Christianity and… It doesn't matter what we add. Vegetarianism, socialism, nudism, libertarianism, if added to the Christian faith will swallow the Christian faith. He was right. But there is another danger, Christianity minus… We are always looking for ways to keep the faith, and lose its hard edges. Nowhere is this more so than our desire to hold on the faith, and jettison the truth that we will be hated by the world. Every generation we find new ways to try the same folly. Hipster Christianity is just a younger demographic of the same spirit that wafts through Willow Creek and Saddleback. Let us remove the offense, and keep, what exactly?
What the world hates about us isn’t our conservative politics. It isn’t our disapproval of their sexual escapades. It isn’t our insistence in disbelieving Darwin. What the world hates about us is Jesus in us. If they don’t hate us, John is telling us, Jesus isn’t in us. There is no safe,reasonable, palatable Christian faith. There is only faith and unbelief. If the world does not hate you, fear for your soul. If the world does hate you, blessed are you for great is your reward in
heaven."
"As you love your souls, beware of the world: it has slain its thousands and ten thousands. What ruined Lot's wife?-the world. What ruined Achan?- the world. What ruined Haman? - the world. What ruined Judas? -the world. What ruined Simon? -the world. What ruined Demas? -the world, and "what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"
- 6000 Sermon Illustrations
In Psalm 101:3 David says, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me."
Cleave? What does to cleave mean? Here is the definition: "to cling closely, steadfastly, or faithfully to somebody or something. to unite aptly ; to fit, to adhere, to stick, to hold on to, to be united in interest or affection; to adhere to with strong attachment." Are we united in interest or affection with the work of them that turn aside? Do we set evil before our eyes? In blogging, not only are we setting our posts before our own eyes- we are setting them before the world to read and glean from. What will the many souls, searching our blogs find? Will they find God's wisdom and knowledge or man's pleasure?
Our Music: Is it full of praise and glory to Him who made our ears to hear, or is it sensual in rhythm or lyrics? Do we embrace or entertain ourselves with the world's sensual music? Do the lyrics of the songs back up Scripture? Does it promote biblical thoughts concerning; purity of heart, courtship, marriage and treating men and boys as brothers in Christ?
Our Writing: Do we write in a direct, mature way- not using terms and slang that the world admires? "Like, whatever"...."Sweet,dude"..."like, that was totally random?" (Providence and Randomness do not coincide.)... "This post rocks"...."what a rock star!" (Do the lives of rock stars glorify God with their lifestyles, if not should we be praising someone with this phrase?) Are these terms full of loveliness and discretion?
Our Speech: Does each sentence, word and exclamation mark honor HIS name? Are we viewing men and boys in a right and pure way? Are we focusing on our outward appearance, more than our heart appearance?("As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion."Prov. 11:22) Is our heart striving to "fit it" with the crowd? All of these questions are vastly important in regards to matters of the heart. The Lord says we are to, "keep our heart with all diligence; for out of it spring the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23) Our heart is precious in God's sight. We were bought with a price, therefore let us gratefully bless the buyer by delighting in His commands.
Our Videos: Is the visual entertainment we post and link to, full of grace and glory. Do the people interacting on screen praise God or blaspheme Him? Do the clothing and attitudes of the men and women portray modesty, humility, innocence and a quiet and gentle spirit?
Our Pictures: When others see our photos do they think of the world? Do we look like what we claim to be-Christians? Is there a true look of unsophistication, simplicity and virtue to our pictures? Do they focus on me, myself and I, or do they lift up our families and friends and godly men and women of faith? We recently went to a conference where we heard Taryn and Mirren Martin of Biblical Discipleship Ministries. They exhorted, "If you took everything off your blog about yourself, how much would be left?" This has been convicting to me in all areas of my life.
Our Writing: Do we write in a direct, mature way- not using terms and slang that the world admires? "Like, whatever"...."Sweet,dude"..."like, that was totally random?" (Providence and Randomness do not coincide.)... "This post rocks"...."what a rock star!" (Do the lives of rock stars glorify God with their lifestyles, if not should we be praising someone with this phrase?) Are these terms full of loveliness and discretion?
Our Speech: Does each sentence, word and exclamation mark honor HIS name? Are we viewing men and boys in a right and pure way? Are we focusing on our outward appearance, more than our heart appearance?("As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion."Prov. 11:22) Is our heart striving to "fit it" with the crowd? All of these questions are vastly important in regards to matters of the heart. The Lord says we are to, "keep our heart with all diligence; for out of it spring the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23) Our heart is precious in God's sight. We were bought with a price, therefore let us gratefully bless the buyer by delighting in His commands.
Our Videos: Is the visual entertainment we post and link to, full of grace and glory. Do the people interacting on screen praise God or blaspheme Him? Do the clothing and attitudes of the men and women portray modesty, humility, innocence and a quiet and gentle spirit?
Our Pictures: When others see our photos do they think of the world? Do we look like what we claim to be-Christians? Is there a true look of unsophistication, simplicity and virtue to our pictures? Do they focus on me, myself and I, or do they lift up our families and friends and godly men and women of faith? We recently went to a conference where we heard Taryn and Mirren Martin of Biblical Discipleship Ministries. They exhorted, "If you took everything off your blog about yourself, how much would be left?" This has been convicting to me in all areas of my life.
These are hard issues to evaluate, I would love if you girls would keep me accountable. If you see anything on my blog or in my life, that is questionable or does not glorify God, please let me know. I would love to have your counsel.
Love, Maddie
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be
any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be
any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8
Here are a couple of external
sites and resources that relate to this subject:
Grace Gems: A free daily devotional of Puritan writings.
Identity Theft: A two part message by Doug Phillips Esq.
Charles Spurgeon's writings- The Prince of Preachers
P.S. ~
Today, I visited Grace Malley's blog, it was encouraging and uplifting, it made me want to go out and tell others of Christ and His goodness. Check it out and tell me what you think. :)
sites and resources that relate to this subject:
Grace Gems: A free daily devotional of Puritan writings.
Identity Theft: A two part message by Doug Phillips Esq.
Charles Spurgeon's writings- The Prince of Preachers
P.S. ~
Today, I visited Grace Malley's blog, it was encouraging and uplifting, it made me want to go out and tell others of Christ and His goodness. Check it out and tell me what you think. :)
Monday, June 13, 2011
What is Discipline?
When I was twelve years old Mama bought a book of poetry by Amy Carmichael called Mountain Breezes. While reading through the collection she found and loved one called, What is discipline? Soon, we had all memorized it as a family. I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself quoting a line or phrase of this wonderful poem. At night I enjoy quoting it to myself that I might not forget it. It has, in a way, become a family reminder of our duty to God, home and each other.This is one of my favorite verses and it happens to go right along with the poem.
"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Hebrew 12:11
WHAT IS DISCIPLINE?
"When I refuse the easy thing for love of my dear LORD,
and when I choose the harder thing for love of my dear LORD,
and do not make a fuss or speak a single grumbling word;
That is discipline.
When everything seems going wrong and yet I will not grouse,
When it is hot, and I am tired, and yet I will not grouse,
But sing a song and do my work in school and in the house;
That is discipline.
When Satan whispers, "Scamp your work"-to say to him, "I won't,"
When Satan whispers, "Slack a bit"-to say to him, "I won't,"
To rule myself and not to wait for others' "Do" and "Don't";
That is discipline.
When I look up and triumph over every sinful thing,
The things that no one knows about-the cowardly, selfish thing-
and when with heart and will I live to please my glorious King;
That is discipline.
To trample on that curious thing inside me that says "I,"
To think of others always-never,never or that "I,"
To learn to live according to my Savior's word, "Deny";
That is discipline."
~Amy Carmichael
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
"Is 'me' a noun?"
The girls and I were reading a book this morning. There were the general giggles and exclamations when we saw the cute and quirky pictures from:
When we finished, Bella said,"Maddie, Is 'me' a noun?" She pointed to herself and looked questioningly at me.
"Yes, Bella, you are a proper noun."
"I'm one too," screamed Lizzie. "Look I'm a noun verbing on a noun." She began jumping around. Then Wiggy, for no reason except that she likes to jump, copied Lizzie. Ah, looks like I've got a host of frogs (nouns) in my room (noun)!!
I love when they understand a concept!
What books do you enjoy reading to your sisters and brothers?
Monday, May 9, 2011
My B.F.F.
~Thomas Fessenden
"Said a mother to me one day: 'When my children were young I thought the very best thing I could do for them was to give them myself. So I spared no pains to talk with them, to teach them, to pray with them, to be a loving companion and friend to my children.'
"Women know
The way to rear up children (to be just)
They have a merry, simple, tender knack
of tying sashes, fitting babies' shoes,
And stringing pretty words that make no sense,
And kissing full sense into empty words;
Which things are corals to cut life upon
although such trifles."
~Elizabeth Barret Browning
Proverbs 31:27-31
"She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. "
The way to rear up children (to be just)
although such trifles."
"She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. "
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Poems and Ponderings
What Love Have I?
What Love have I to shed abroad?
What love grows in this worthless sod,
unless The Gardener add seed,
and pluck the wayward, fleshly weed,
sprinkle His pure righteousness
covering dry sinfulness?
What love grew I alone?
What love have I to shed abroad?
What love can I shine long and broad
from an extinguished flame,
doused by my own foolish rain?
Unless my heart’s desire
be lit with God’s immortal fire.
Fanned to blaze bright with glory,
telling His eternal story.
What love shine I alone?
Alone? Not I!
My Lord did die,
grafting His own Love scarred hands
Into my barren, fruitless lands.
A love that withers not, nor fails;
touched not by winds or driving hails
now His forever yield.
And the cold and deadly flame?
My Lord has wrought a happy change.
Warmer, wider does it seek
to cheer the faint and aid the weak,
brightens home and lightens labor.
I have no love but through my Savior.
His Love He shed for me.
What love grows in this worthless sod,
unless The Gardener add seed,
and pluck the wayward, fleshly weed,
sprinkle His pure righteousness
covering dry sinfulness?
What love grew I alone?
What love have I to shed abroad?
What love can I shine long and broad
from an extinguished flame,
doused by my own foolish rain?
Unless my heart’s desire
be lit with God’s immortal fire.
Fanned to blaze bright with glory,
telling His eternal story.
What love shine I alone?
Alone? Not I!
My Lord did die,
grafting His own Love scarred hands
Into my barren, fruitless lands.
A love that withers not, nor fails;
touched not by winds or driving hails
now His forever yield.
And the cold and deadly flame?
My Lord has wrought a happy change.
Warmer, wider does it seek
to cheer the faint and aid the weak,
brightens home and lightens labor.
I have no love but through my Savior.
His Love He shed for me.
~Madeleine Wynn~
3/22/2010
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
True and False Beauty
"Hearing a young lady highly praised for her beauty, Gotthold asked, 'What kind of beauty do you mean? Merely that of the body, or that also of the mind? I see well that you have been looking no further than the sign which nature displays outside the house, but have never asked for the host who dwells within. Beauty is an excellent gift of God, nor has the pen of the Holy Spirit forgotten to speak its praise; but it is virtuous and godly beauty alone which Scripture honors, expressly declaring, on the other hand, that a fair woman which is with out discretion is as a jewel of gold in a swine's snout (Proverbs 11: 22) Many a pretty girl is like the flower called the Imperial Crown, which is admired, no doubt, for it's showy appearance, but despised for it's unpleasant odor. Were her mind as free from pride, selfishness, luxury and levity, as her countenance from spots and wrinkles, and could she govern her inward inclinations as she does her external carriage, she would have none to match her. But who loves the caterpillar and such insects, however showy their appearance, and bright and variegated the colors that adorn them, seeing they injure and defile the trees and plants on which they settle? What the better is an apple for its rosy skin, if the maggot have penetrate and devoured its heart? What care I for the beautiful brown nut, if it be worm eaten, and fill the mouth with corruption? Even so external beauty of person deserves no praise, unless matched with the inward beauty of virtue and holiness. It is therefore, far better to acquire beauty than to be born with it. The best kind is that which does not wither at the touch of fever, like a flower, but lasts and endures on a bed of sickness in old age, and even unto death.'
~ taken from 6000 Sermon Illustrations, an alphabetical collection from leaders and writers of the ages, by Elon Foster
"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman who fear the Lord, she will be praised."
Proverbs 31:30
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Peep Behind the Scenes.....
On a recent trip my family listen to this audio drama. We were fascinated! I've read the book and enjoyed it thoroughly- now to be able to hear it dramatized in an exciting, fast-paced, refreshing way was wonderful. I loved each of the colorful characters and, of course their accents. Even, six year old, Lizzie and five year old, Bella, listened and were engrossed. I was greatly convicted of my need to share my faith in God openly without restraint and fear. Rosalie's innocence and quiet modesty was a gentle example of what girls should strive for in our world today.
Lamplighter's description:
"You will be transported back in time to the world of the traveling theatre. Written in 1878, A Peep Behind the Scenes quickly sold over 2.5 million copies. Now, over a century later, it comes to life as a powerful audio drama! You will meet Nora, who, enticed by the lure of fame and blinded by the romance of the theatre, soon grasps the reality of what life is like behind the scenes; Augustus, who thrives in the very small world of himself; Rosalie, whose faith shines bright in a very dark world; Betsy Ann, convinced that nobody loves her because nobody ever did, until she meets the Good Shepherd, Who goes to extremes to seek and to find those are lost. Once you hear this seven-episode epic drama, you will be compelled to share it with family, friends, and neighbors, here and around the world! A Peep Behind the Scenes audio drama-an unforgettable experience!"
~ Taken from Lamplighter publishing.com
"You will be transported back in time to the world of the traveling theatre. Written in 1878, A Peep Behind the Scenes quickly sold over 2.5 million copies. Now, over a century later, it comes to life as a powerful audio drama! You will meet Nora, who, enticed by the lure of fame and blinded by the romance of the theatre, soon grasps the reality of what life is like behind the scenes; Augustus, who thrives in the very small world of himself; Rosalie, whose faith shines bright in a very dark world; Betsy Ann, convinced that nobody loves her because nobody ever did, until she meets the Good Shepherd, Who goes to extremes to seek and to find those are lost. Once you hear this seven-episode epic drama, you will be compelled to share it with family, friends, and neighbors, here and around the world! A Peep Behind the Scenes audio drama-an unforgettable experience!"
~ Taken from Lamplighter publishing.com
Death: Victory and Joy!
Each night before bed, Daddy gives us a bedtime snack of Charles Spurgeon from his Morning and Evening devotionals. What an amazing man of God! We sink into our beds overcome with hope and awakened to the mercy of our Heavenly Father. Some of my favorite quotes are about death. Martin Luther wore a ring with a skull on it and told his children, "to think on death often." I wish to share a few of Spurgeon's thoughts regarding death, heaven and the joy beyond.
"Now, recollect there is no pain in death, the pain is in life: when a man dies there is an end of life’s pain: death is the pain killer, not the pain maker."
"Some look with intense delight to the prospect of the Saviour’s coming, as a means of escape from death. I confess I have but slender sympathy with them. If I might have my choice, I would prefer, of the two, to die. Let it be as the Lord wills; but there is a point of fellowship with Christ in death which they will miss who shall not sleep; and it seems to me to have some sweetness in it to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, even though he descend into the sepulchre."
"Oh, if we could not die, it would be indeed horrible! Who wants to be chained to this poor life for a century or longer?"
"When you are in good health any form of religion may satisfy, but a dying soul wants more than sand to rest upon. You will want the Rock of Ages. Then let me assure you, that in light of the grave, all confidence, except confidence in the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ, is a clear delusion."
"I never yet heard regrets from dying men that they had done too much for Christ, or lived too earnestly for him, or won too many souls, or given too much of their substance to the cause of God: but the regrets all lie the other way, God save us from them for his mercy’s sake."
- Charles Spurgeon
Quotes from: Spurgeon.us
Monday, February 7, 2011
Poems and Ponderings
My Daddy is the wisest and godliest man I know. He inspires me through his daily dying to self and inexhaustible love for us. He and Mama are both wonderful communicators, so some of the best moments of my life are spent in deep and earnest conversations with him. Growing up under my earthly father's tutelage I have learned of my heavenly Father's righteousness and mercy. Daddy has taught me theology, politics, art, science, nature and, most importantly, soul matters. We catch snatches of good talks just about everywhere: in the car, on the way to the store, cleaning his office, on special Daddy/Daughter dates, round the kitchen table and before bed. Anywhere and anytime.
This Christmas I wrote a poem explaining the joy these heart to heart talks have brought to my life.
I based the poem on a picture I bought a few weeks earlier
This Christmas I wrote a poem explaining the joy these heart to heart talks have brought to my life.
I based the poem on a picture I bought a few weeks earlier
The Herring Net by Winslow Homer
Telling Daddy
He guides the oars of wisdom
through waters of my soul.
He, in the stern
I, eager in the hold.
We fish.
Each wish,
each dream,
each scene,
leaps from the deep,
I cannot keep
them in.
I talk to him.
I set them out,
we sift them through,
just us two.
He explaining life in Christ,
of laying down my
self and rights.
Suddenly, the waves and wind
look small.
Duty is not hard at all.
Little things I know to do
turn golden in my eye
I leave a different person
than I came.
Wiser from his wisdom,
advancing the Kingdom,
trawling an inheritance
of the happiest kind.
~Madeleine~
12/24/2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The other day was hair cut day and Bella and Louisa were formally introduced to the world of hair salons......... it was hilarious! We trooped into Pro Cuts looking like a bunch of drowned rats because it just happened to be raining. :) Standing at the door; dripping on the welcome mat, smiling and signing six names on the waiting list was just the beginning. Mama and I found enough empty seats to accommodate the gals and tried to quiet the loudest member of the group.....who was ecstatic over the fact that two of her younger sibling were going to be given a trim.
Lizzie : "Mama, this is going to be so wonderful. I am sure that Bella and Lou will hold still, cause if they move it wouldn't be good- would it?"
Lizzie : "Mama, this is going to be so wonderful. I am sure that Bella and Lou will hold still, cause if they move it wouldn't be good- would it?"
I turned to see a look of horror masking Louisa's (age three) face.
"Lou, what is wrong?"
Blank look and hands grasping the edge of the chair with a grip of steel.
"What they ganna do wiv those scissors, Adgie?
"Oh, those scissors, they are going to cut your hair with them. It won't hurt."
"Weally? For sure.""For sure. Watch- they're going to cut mine now, see how much fun I'm having."
Me; sitting under the all too common treatments of the haircutting department. Snip, snip, snip..... endeavoring to appear excited.
The next Pro Cut's lady in line to cut my family's hair calls out, "Next!"
Louisa is led to the chair with fear and trembling. I smile at her. "Doing good, Wiggy. Isn't it great?"
A slight nod at me and a stare for the woman wrangling her hair.
Bella and Lizzie are placed in various chairs surrounding mine. ( What other girl gets to see three of her sisters having their hair cut at the same time while having hers cut, too.)
Bella; quietly shy, waits for the first snip of the scissors and grins at me from her red leather throne.
"Tilt your head to the left, honey."
"Yes, ma'am." Bella whispers, her face partly concealed by her hair- still watching me.
Then there's Lizzie, six years old- going on twenty! Discussing all the tools and implements used in the process. Questioning and laughing, fearful? Lizzie? Ha! She's an old pro at this whole hair cut thing, been through it a million times. ( well, maybe once.)
"Did you know that Bella... that's Bella over there, has never had her hair cut? It's her first time here. I've had mine trimmed before, when I was a little girl, only four. When did your first get your hair cut? What is that comb slanted for? Is it made to slant with my head? Speaking of heads, do you know, I had to have six stitches in my head once? I didn't even cry........ Isn't that so big?..........."
Lou sits like a statue through the whole proceeding, but as soon as the hand of the woman is lifted from her, she takes off like a rocket, lands next to Mama and proceeds to eat her sucker (given to her by the haircutter) with evident coolness.
"Louisa, say thank you!" Mama says.
"Thank you," lick, lick."
Each of us finish and head to the car. Well, we have passed another life milestone, now what's for dinner!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Poems and Ponderings
~I Like The Fall~
I like the fall,
The mist and all.
I like the night owl's
lonely call-
and wailing sound
of wind around.
I like the gray
November day,
and bare, dead boughs
that coldly sway
against my pane.
I like the rain.
I like to sit
and laugh at it-
and tend
my cozy fire a bit.
I like the fall-
the mist and all.
Dixie Willson
~Autumn~
The morns are meeker than they were;
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.
The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a Scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on.
Emily Dickinson
The morns are meeker than they were;
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.
The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a Scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on.
Emily Dickinson
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A Summary of Many Months
In which we visit a Castle.
This lovely castle/mansion/ mission was built during the 1800s and was a delight to my old-fashioned heart. We were able to tour and see various rooms and three stories of this mansion. There was an endless supply of pictures I could post, but I will not overdo it.
The Kitchen:
The Dining Room: (wouldn't you love to set yourself down at a feast such as this!)
The Library: (this one has everything a girl needs- a large supply of books and your very own Knight in Shining Armor.)
Next we headed to Pikes Peak. The view was amazing. Please notice the clouds swallowing up the landscape, they looked even more surreal from the tip top.
Psalms 36:4,5
"Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.....
... Thy righteousness is like the great mountains, Thy judgements a great deep. O Lord You preserve man and beast."
"Hey! Look this paper says that the if you aren't back on the train in fifteen minutes they will leave you on the top. Huh! Let me see that!" (They really told us this and you can be sure we were on the train fifteen minutes before it left :P)
We then rode to a haunting reminder of the past, some Indian ruins called The Cliff dwellings. They were a favorite of pretty much all involved,
except Louisa who was incredibly scared an Indian brave was going to come shrieking up to scalp her any moment. ( I am not joking about this, I guess it comes from watching too many Roy Rogers' movies.)
Mama and Bella peering into a home that once belonged to a family with an elderly person, notice the supports on either side of the doorway for aid.
All of us kids "hanging out"!
While I admire the intricate stonework, Louisa finds the perfect hiding spot, "No injuns will find me here."
The Threesome.
That morning we went to, where else......
We visited Focus on the Family's Visitors Center and had a fantastic time. Even us big kids (Dad included) were impressed. The sets were very realistic.
The actual bell that was rung at the opening scene when the Whit's End door is opened!
As Lizzie was going to go down the long, long three story slide, she met Eugene heading down. He was so nice and agreed to pose for a snapshot, he's a bit shorter than I supposed.
The girls met the cutest little girl at the Garden of the gods RV camp, they played for hours together.
Big screen movie night at the camp. The viewing is projected onto a large sheet while we kickback in our lounge chairs. We invite all our neighbors and pop in some of those good ole' family films that we love-one of which is FIREPROOF.
Bella's birthday shebang! Please observe Lizzie's dirt with a little face on it. ha, ha. ( the little girl in the middle practically latched onto us and was integrated into the celebration. She even had cake and ice cream. :)
Nana (my Mom's mom) made the girls matching capes and skirts. The theme of the party was Queen Esther, thus the crown on Bella's head.
The BIRTHDAY GIRL all dressed up in her finery, also Lizzie and Louisa in the background preening. I cannot believe Bella is five years old, she is such a sweetie!
Ah, here comes the cake......Nana baked.
To top off the fun trip, Bella won a bag of cotton candy in a drawing at the local train ride and
she shared the treat with her sisters. ( I am afraid that stuff in not very healthy for you, something that blue has to have at least a pound of artificial ingredients.)
Nana and Katie, laughing
GIGGLE
We had the privilege to go to the Baby Conference in July. Mama and I love dressing the girls alike and so this day was white dress day. I have a great time listening to men of God expound Scripture and debate the precepts surrounding it. Some of the best times were in the hallways of the conference center where I met so many godly young women and formed ties that can be used for His glory.
Dad and Jonathan were able to get a picture with one of our media heroes, Mr. Duggar! We love those Duggars....they are the greatest.
Yay! Mama, the girls and I with Mrs. Duggar, who won the "Mother of the Year" award.
Back at home we went to our local Rodeo. Ride em' Cowboys. We were duded out in our western duds, the weather was perfect and we managed to nab a front row seat. Shelbi, Savannah and I were immersed in the cowboy culture enough for all year long and all in one night! Ha. Especially when the bulls came out- I could have fled. ( I hate bull riding.)
So, thhhhattt'ssss all folksss. From us gals on the ranch, so long.
This lovely castle/mansion/ mission was built during the 1800s and was a delight to my old-fashioned heart. We were able to tour and see various rooms and three stories of this mansion. There was an endless supply of pictures I could post, but I will not overdo it.
The Kitchen:
The Dining Room: (wouldn't you love to set yourself down at a feast such as this!)
The Library: (this one has everything a girl needs- a large supply of books and your very own Knight in Shining Armor.)
Next we headed to Pikes Peak. The view was amazing. Please notice the clouds swallowing up the landscape, they looked even more surreal from the tip top.
Psalms 36:4,5
"Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.....
... Thy righteousness is like the great mountains, Thy judgements a great deep. O Lord You preserve man and beast."
"Hey! Look this paper says that the if you aren't back on the train in fifteen minutes they will leave you on the top. Huh! Let me see that!" (They really told us this and you can be sure we were on the train fifteen minutes before it left :P)
We then rode to a haunting reminder of the past, some Indian ruins called The Cliff dwellings. They were a favorite of pretty much all involved,
except Louisa who was incredibly scared an Indian brave was going to come shrieking up to scalp her any moment. ( I am not joking about this, I guess it comes from watching too many Roy Rogers' movies.)
Mama and Bella peering into a home that once belonged to a family with an elderly person, notice the supports on either side of the doorway for aid.
All of us kids "hanging out"!
While I admire the intricate stonework, Louisa finds the perfect hiding spot, "No injuns will find me here."
The Threesome.
That morning we went to, where else......
We visited Focus on the Family's Visitors Center and had a fantastic time. Even us big kids (Dad included) were impressed. The sets were very realistic.
The actual bell that was rung at the opening scene when the Whit's End door is opened!
As Lizzie was going to go down the long, long three story slide, she met Eugene heading down. He was so nice and agreed to pose for a snapshot, he's a bit shorter than I supposed.
The girls met the cutest little girl at the Garden of the gods RV camp, they played for hours together.
Big screen movie night at the camp. The viewing is projected onto a large sheet while we kickback in our lounge chairs. We invite all our neighbors and pop in some of those good ole' family films that we love-one of which is FIREPROOF.
Bella's birthday shebang! Please observe Lizzie's dirt with a little face on it. ha, ha. ( the little girl in the middle practically latched onto us and was integrated into the celebration. She even had cake and ice cream. :)
Nana (my Mom's mom) made the girls matching capes and skirts. The theme of the party was Queen Esther, thus the crown on Bella's head.
The BIRTHDAY GIRL all dressed up in her finery, also Lizzie and Louisa in the background preening. I cannot believe Bella is five years old, she is such a sweetie!
Ah, here comes the cake......Nana baked.
To top off the fun trip, Bella won a bag of cotton candy in a drawing at the local train ride andshe shared the treat with her sisters. ( I am afraid that stuff in not very healthy for you, something that blue has to have at least a pound of artificial ingredients.)
Nana and Katie, laughing
GIGGLE
We had the privilege to go to the Baby Conference in July. Mama and I love dressing the girls alike and so this day was white dress day. I have a great time listening to men of God expound Scripture and debate the precepts surrounding it. Some of the best times were in the hallways of the conference center where I met so many godly young women and formed ties that can be used for His glory.
Dad and Jonathan were able to get a picture with one of our media heroes, Mr. Duggar! We love those Duggars....they are the greatest.
Yay! Mama, the girls and I with Mrs. Duggar, who won the "Mother of the Year" award.
Back at home we went to our local Rodeo. Ride em' Cowboys. We were duded out in our western duds, the weather was perfect and we managed to nab a front row seat. Shelbi, Savannah and I were immersed in the cowboy culture enough for all year long and all in one night! Ha. Especially when the bulls came out- I could have fled. ( I hate bull riding.)
So, thhhhattt'ssss all folksss. From us gals on the ranch, so long.
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