TGC Women's Conference: Part 2

UPDATE:  Video and Audio from the conference are now available!  click here...

Hello blog friends!  'Just finished reading Ephesians 1-2, and the beautiful language there which describes our salvation and inheritance in Christ.  Take a look if you haven't read it in a while. :)  But this jogged my memory, reminding me of all I learned at the TGC conference a couple of weeks ago.  A few key things have stayed with me from that time, and sharing them with you here may be good for me (and maybe you?)

Our weekend-long journey through the redemption story began with Pastor Tim Keller's Friday evening plenary session, with a talk centering on Moses' encounter with God on Mt. Sinai.  Paige Benton Brown moved us from the mount, to the OT temple, and God's promise to dwell among us.  On Saturday morning, we began with the Getty's modern day hymns (check them out here)...followed by a talk by John Piper on Isaiah 6, which was particularly moving.

"Holiness is Christ's infinite worth, when on display, it is His glory...His holiness has gone public."--John Piper, on holiness

What a challenge to have to choose between many wonderful speakers for our break-out sessions Saturday afternoon!  But Lord willing (amidst a busy week of packing and lesson planning...) I will get back for Part 3 of this series, in which I will share a few nuggets I picked up from those sessions.

Kathleen Nielson--source

I want to leave you with some thoughts from my FAVORITE talk from the entire weekend...I can't wait for this talk to be posted on the TGC page so you may listen for yourself!  (I'm sure I won't do it justice...but will try :) ).  Kathleen Nielson was so kind to spear-head the organization of this lovely conference, but she also brought one of the final talks and it pierced the hearts of so many.

Her words have stuck with me since that weekend, as I've gone through my day, spent time in prayer, and interacted with others.  Her text was Revelation 4-5, with this main theme:  The Creator, Redeemer God reigns....worship Him!  Perhaps you, like me, approach this book with a bit of trepidation.  However, Nielson's explanation of the symbols found in the book was very helpful: the throne of God at the center of all, the reflective beauty of the stones, the colors which show His majesty and glory, etc.  We imagined with her, the 24 elders sitting around the throne, the lightening flashes, the torches of fire, and the sea of glass.  Add to this the 4 creatures....and you have a pretty dramatic scene.  But her emphasis was not on FEAR, as it is for many, but on AWE and WORSHIP.  Yes, we do tremble, as Isaiah did here, but having studied the indwelling God all weekend, and then to hear this culminating talk on His greatness displayed in the throne room....I was brought to my knees in grateful praise (okay, I was still sitting, but you get the point :) ).

The first chapter of the text, chapter 4, is intended to lay the foundation for what will happen in chapter 5, and at this point, I felt like I was right there, watching it all happen.  (I was going to thank Kathleen here, just now...but the inspired Word and our Great God are to be praised!) The drama created in chapter 5, as the scroll in God's right hand is mentioned, and then horror at the thought of NO ONE being able to open it, well that kept me at the edge of my seat.  This is better than any box-office hit we have today!  But I won't spoil it for you....go and read the two chapters yourself.  PS--it's a good ending.  Really good!  And it has caused me to worship God with a glad heart this past couple of weeks, humble myself in His presence, and thank Him, that He would stoop down to choose us, to choose me, knowing my sin and weakness.

Praise be to our Almighty and Gracious God!

[One more to come in this series...and be sure to keep checking the TGC website for the videos, which were promised to be coming soon!]

Blessings
Ruth :)

Recap from The Gospel Coalition Women's Conference: Part 1

I'm struggling for words.  I just attended an amazing conference this weekend, and I wish I could download it all for you right here!  Okay, so I'm going to try, but do yourself a favor and check out the Gospel Coalition website in a week or two, for the videos of every main stage plenary session.  Over the next few days, I'm going to give a {somewhat?} brief summary of what I learned from this incredible event, and I hope it encourages you and helps you see our Great God more clearly, as it did for me!


Pre-conference:  Three great speakers, even before main event Friday evening started....


Tim Keller (senior pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian in NYC) and wife, Kathy, Marriage in Gospel Focus

Marriage is wreck in the United States, let's face it.  Not all marriages, but the large majority have unreal expectations and even if Christian, oftentimes are distorted in their effort to display the Gospel and Glory of Christ and His church.  Tim and Kathy gave some staggering statistics, including one widely known:  the divorce rate in and out of the Church is 50%.  The secular view of a 'me-centered' marriage is devastating, and besides being greatly flawed, it is more likely than not, very unsuccessful!  Tim and Kathy pointed out the incredible impossibility of finding someone who wants to give in to the other's 'me-centered' viewpoint, and even worse, if both have this viewpoint....I have heard it described as having 'two ticks and no dog'... :)  {Thanks, Evan and Bev} The idea of love as covenant is based in Christ's love for us, and is not only legal, but deeply spiritual.  Another point that struck me, was Tim's comment that the 'thrill' of the early days of love actually serves to stroke one's ego, and is not 'real' love....the deeper love comes later, after days, months, years of self-sacrifice.  And this is only made possible through Christ.  Kathy finished with a reminder that BOTH husband and wife get to display aspects of Christ to the other; Jesus displayed submission, through accepting the Father's will, and Jesus showed headship, in providing for His bride, the Church.  She also commented on the great danger we face in marriage, of idolatry to our spouses....This talk left me excited to live up to the calling I have received as a wife, a tremendous opportunity to display Christ's love to both my husband, and the world.

Don Carson:  I missed this talk for lunch {the sessions were jam-packed next to each other :) } but check back on TGC's website soon for the complete video.

John Piper (Pastor for Preaching & Vision at Bethlehem Baptist):  The Search for Joy and the Supremacy of the God in the Gospel

Wow.  I was so excited to hear Piper speak!  My expectations were {happily} met, as he discussed the Good News with great passion and a genuine heart of love for our Savior.  It is obvious that Piper believes what he preaches!  But on to the summary....Piper has one main point, in all his writings, all his talks, and that is the truth that Jesus is our all-satisfying treasure, as seen in the Gospel.  His definition of the Gospel was this:  "the great work of God through the death and resurrection of Jesus, in which He destroys every obstacle to our joy, and shows His glory most fully by becoming the object of our joy."  He then went on to lay out 7 obstacles to finding joy in Christ:  the wrath of God (Rom. 5:9 and Gal. 3:13), our alienation from God (Eph. 2:13 and Rom. 5:10), our guilt and sin (1 Peter 2:24), our absence of righteousness (Rom. 3:10, 2 Cor. 5:21 and Rom 5:19, our death from this life (Heb. 9:27 and Rom. 8:11) , spiritual deadness (Eph. 2:4) , and the fact that Satan hates our joy (Col 2:15).  He followed with the question:  how do we know if we have experienced the Gospel?  His answer:  "if we realize that these 7 obstacles are only a MEANS to the Gospel.  So, you might be thinking {as I was} What IS the goal of the Gospel, if it is not these 7 things?  Well in true Piper fashion, he lured us in with these 7 points and came back with his main point {always is his main point :) }, that the goal of the Gospel is "to enjoy, savor, be satisfied in, and walk with God."  "No one praises what he/she does not enjoy," said Piper.  "We are to be filled with happiness in Jesus at the expense of everything else," he said, followed by recounting the parable of the man who sold all to buy a field (Matt. 13:44).  He closed with this:  "We are called to an unremitting pursuit of happiness in Jesus and not the world, or broken cisterns," (Jer. 2).  I came away from this talk with a renewed desire to pursue God as my greatest joy, not as an obligation or duty...what a privilege we have to be called His children!

Blessings...and stay tuned for more on the conference...

Ruth

  

Marvelous May

Now that it is June already....I thought I'd share some of my joys from last month with y'all here at RL (ha ha yes I did just say ya'll!).  It might give you a reason to come down and visit us in FL, but it also helps me remember the goodness of the Lord to us.  Here are my top three faves:

~ the airboat tour on Loughman Lake with Jesse and Kelly

~ my new Chocolate Blueberry Smoothie recipe

Makes two 16-oz servings:

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
6 oz. spinach, optional
1 frozen banana
dates/date paste to taste
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups frozen blueberries

Puree all the ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth.  Enjoy!  (Thanks Forks over Knives cookbook, for the yummy recipe!)

~becoming members of River Oaks church--we are so happy to have found this fabulous church!  So Christ-centered, wonderful pastor and church family, such love among us, and the many opportunities to grow, help others grow.  Thank you, Jesus.  :)

What did you enjoy from your past month, week, or even today?   There is so much that God is doing in and around us--take the time to do some remembering and rejoicing!

Blessings in Jesus,

Ruth :)

Following Christ When We Think We Can't....

Several weeks ago, I accepted a job to teach a 5th-6th grade class in the fall, and am waiting for the class to be filled so I can be offered a contract.  In the meantime, I've been all over the place in my thoughts and actions, doubting more than I'd like to admit.  Today at lunch my husband's questions both pierced and healed me:  'Why don't you think you can do this?'  'I don't want to fail, to disappoint anyone.....,'  I trailed off as I thought of how ridiculous that must sound....knowing I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I have heard the opinions of others.....and I have to go back to what God is calling me to, for this season.  I will keep you posted on what happens, but will leave you with some thoughts from my journal, and my thanks on this Multitude Monday.

"Thank you for speaking to me [Lord]....You are helping me to trust my husband……and therefore trust you.  I’ve met with the love of my husband, and unconditional acceptance and support that I have known no where else.  He gives it to me freely, and shows me Christ in this.  I waver, and he stays true…..moving forward every day towards Christ.  I doubt and fear and wonder...and he keeps loving me, u.ntil I believe that I am loved.  

Lord, help me to do this job you have called me to!  Help me to prepare, believing that You will give me all I need to do this job.  I have wavered....You’ve already gone before me and prepared the way.  Why would I not come?  Why do I trust my own understanding more than your perfect will....Oh that you would crucify my flesh and make me new in you again, my Lord.  That you would kill the part of me that resists your goodness and grace.  That I would rise with confidence in all you are doing.

I come to you empty-handed, expecting a feast as I sit before the enemies that plague me—doubt, fear, unbelief, stubbornness, sloth, the opinions of others, and so many more.  Feast with me, my Lord, let us fellowship together at the table of Love.  Amen."

Inspired today by this Chris Tomlin song....

My multitude of thanks:

~my dear husband, who can speak to me with confidence, grace, and truth, always in love guiding me towards Christ

~the job that is waiting for me in the fall

~the ability to do what you have called me to

~this season of rest that I am in right now

~new friends who accept me as I am, encourage me to be more

~the fun Segway tour this weekend--happy birthday to Paul and anniversary to us both!

~evenings reading and watching BBC Planet Earth, TED talks, and Ray VanderLaan with hubby

~my new HCSB iPad app--can't wait to dig into this more!

~the chance to sing in this River Oaks Easter Choir this past Sunday, See What a Morning, indeed!

~my Science student passing his semester test missing only 1/2 point out of 40....and the encouragement on this from Paul
~the eternal life brought to us through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ

And some photos of our weekend:

Our first stop on the Segway tour....yummy bakery!

Outside the resort where tour was offered

Ron Jon Resort Lobby

Paul takes a break while I snap photos at the beach

A small jet flew over the beach to wish us all Happy Easter!

Springtime Adventures

The weather is just gorgeous down here, and we've had friends and family in, doing all sorts of exploring....so I've been AWOL from my online world, sorry. :(  Just having fun making memories and sharing life together.  Dear friends from PA, my aunt and family, and then time with Paul have kept me busy for the last two weeks or so....and there are more visitors to come!  I guess that is one of the positives of living in Florida--everyone wants to visit :)  So feel free to look us up if you are in the area, and we will show you around :)

Orchid gift from the Ladies' Tea I helped to host--thanks Meghan!

Trying to keep these tasty herbs growing is fun!

Pancakes made on the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant,  DeLeon Springs

In case you want to put in your order....

Interesting antiques inside the restaurant

Aunt Ruth, Uncle Dave and a 'portion' of their family--believe it!

The springs are beautiful and great for wading and swimming

The outside of the Sugar Mill Restaurant--was in use years ago

Beautiful New Smyrna Beach

This little guy was having a ton of fun!

I just love wading in the shallow water

'Nothing like reading and relaxing on the beach!

Time for a hike at Wekiva Springs State Park, Longwood, FL

The palmettos are a common plant in Florida

We hiked in the hot sun for a while--it reflects beautifully off the palmettos

Paul, my fearless leader.  What a great guy.

Our one-year anniversary is coming up next week, and we have all sorts of fun things planned--starting this weekend and continuing into next.  So I'll be sure to post more pics.  I just have to say briefly however, I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and all the special memories we have had together so far.  God is so good to us, in the good times and bad.

Blessings be on your day,

Ruth

When You Have to Pinch Yourself Because You're So Blessed

The weekend was like a photo, beautifully framed with love, sincerity, and blessings from above.  And then I read this morning from Mark 14, the story of the woman with the alabaster jar poured on Christ--do you know it?  It hit home.  I'm finding that pouring love on another only splashes back on my hungry soul.  Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.  Nothing special done on my part, except some gifts of a favorite soda, a special meal, and lots of kisses.  I remember the missions trips I took in college--how I always returned home feeling as if I had been given more than I had given.  And here I am again, but on a different mission--to love my one husband, in this one life, as beautifully as is possible with Christ-love.

[source]  --  Gemini Springs Park

I offer my thanks to the One who makes it possible:

~beautiful mild weather for a hike in God's creation
~Mom's famous chicken and dumplings--almost like Mom's?
~peach pie made with love
~clean and creative rental--the movie Hugo points us to live with purpose
~a new favorite Mexican restaurant
~the celebration of baptism with the little one of dear friends
~chances to express and receive love
~long walks and long talks
~learning guitar together
~help with dishes....every night....with no complaints!
~learning to lean in, and listen to his heart
~watching him, helping him, find his way in this crazy world
~time with old friends, so dear, gift from above

Wishing you a week filled with the delights of a thankful heart (it can be yours too!)

Ruth

Multitude Mondays

Oma is looking pretty in pink at 93

 Hello online friends!  I am coming off of a great weekend with family!  I've included some photos for your perusal.  Perhaps you will see some family resemblances.  There's nothing like home-cooked food (Mom, aunts and uncle were here) and good fellowship.  We got to see lots of fun places and caught up on many important topics.  I trust you had a wonderful weekend as well.

Blue Springs Park

Aunts Christa, Ruth, and Ortrude

Uncle Werner and Mom

The crew in front of the historic Thursby house

Enjoying authentic German food at Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe

But on to the rest of today's post:  here at RL I'd like to join up with Ann Voskamp's Multitude Mondays hosted on her site, A Holy Experience, as it is a great endeavor.  I hope you are keeping your list of gratitude in your own way....whether with a journal public or private, online or old-fashioned.  There is even an app to help you in this joy journey.

I find that whenever I make the choice to turn my mind to gratitude, my spirits lift, my God is honored, and out of my heart flows words, actions that are more in line with what God calls us to in His Word.  Now, I am not suggesting that any 'formula' can guarantee Christ-like behavior, far from it...but I believe that God's word also teaches that a heart of thanksgiving leads to much joy.  More on that here.

All that being said, here are highlights from my gratitude list for this beautiful Monday.  (It was in the mid-70s down here in FL today and will be all week...visitors are welcome :)

~chance to connect with Mom and her siblings
~Saturday afternoon at the beach
~time to think and reflect, apart and together
~times of closeness
~being cared for by my love, my family
~rest being offered by my Father God
~beautiful Florida weather
~tutoring jobs are popping up--God is faithful!
~home remedies to bring renewed health and hope
~special moments caring for my love, who is not feeling well

Setting Sail with the Wind of the Spirit

"The Senator" in Big Tree Park, Longwood, FL

It was a beautiful, balmy day and we had set out to enjoy nature for the afternoon.  This included a very large, very old tree, and a walk by the marina, watching the boats float in the deep blue water.  So nice to get out and get a new perspective on the day.  We had things to 'discuss'...eh-hem....you understand, right? So a beautiful view was in order to make that go a little more smoothly.  It has been a good first few months together, but we're thinking through our vision for the future, and having different expectations on things can make that a little tricky at times.

So, what are your expectations for your New Year?  How do you handle the switch from one year to the next?  Is it as uneventful as a sneeze, or does it come in like a bang, fireworks and all?  Perhaps for many of you, it is something in between....you take inventory...make a few small changes...and by the middle of February, it's back to normal, just the daily grind, trying to get through the week with as little grief as possible.  On the other hand, this may be a year where you are SO determined to do things differently, that you have come up with a three-volume set of resolutions that is sure to set you up for success.  I've been there.  Ask my sisters about the year a Brio article revolutionized my life and I had to make my very own list of resolutions.  This wasn't your average list....it was divided into categories of my life that 'needed work', be it exercise, relationships, my faith, diet...you name it, I had a resolution for it.  And I took that list with me throughout the year, referring to it almost as much as I did my Bible.

Sanford Marina -- photo credit

Now, don't hear me wrongly, I think resolutions are wonderful with the right heart attitude.  But for that one year back in high school, I was so into my own goals and my own efforts, that I had lost sight of Christ, and what HE might have in store for my year, rather than my sails being filled by the Holy Spirit, to make progress in any of those areas.   Since then, I've come to see that I have a radically good Father and Savior, and HIS power to change me is much greater than anything I could muster up on my own.  (My over-achieving goals and resolutions only lasted for that one year, by the way...)

All that being said, I still do like to take inventory, ask the Lord to work in my life in new ways, and give myself fully to the new things God might want to do in and through me.  To that end, there are some new things on my heart and you'll see a few changes around here in the coming weeks.

~Who I Am in Christ series:  I hope to go through this list of Bible passages that has been an encouragement to me over the years, and that I have found myself gravitating back to again in the last few weeks.  I thought perhaps you would enjoy hearing my journey through those meditations.
~Focus on Joy and Contentment:  I have been working to cultivate these two virtues, and I'd like to have a greater focus on them here, and what God has been teaching me.  This blog may look a little different, or it might stay the same, I haven't decided for sure, but I'm hoping to incorporate those things somehow.
~My business/affiliate programs: I have a new health & wellness business that I've started since coming down to FL and I have mentioned it at the very bottom of the page. You can take a look at that if you are interested.  I also plan to become an affiliate for a couple of companies I like, to review and recommend things that I've benefitted from and that may bless your home as well.  I don't want to get into doing a lot of ads, rest assured...but if adding some of the aforementioned things in an occasional post, sidebar, or banner would make this blog less of a blessing to you, please let me know as I will take that into consideration.  Disclaimer:  if you buy an item from the links I provide, I would receive a small portion of the sale, but you can consider that a chance to support our new family!  :)
~Guest posting: I've been wanting to get some guest bloggers on here, to spice things up, and also for your personal enjoyment, so if you would enjoy doing that, or know someone who would, stay tuned for more info. coming on that.
~Aesthetic changes:  I have some design changes in mind, but just consider that my need for some newlywed nesting, and this is my online home.  I hope you like how things will look when I'm done!  Shabby Blogs has some fun designs I'd like to experiment with.

That's all from sunny Florida, and I pray your New Year is both blessed, and a blessing to others!  I'll leave you with my Bible passage theme for the upcoming year....and challenge you to find a passage to focus your upcoming year as well!  Ruth

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

¹⁸ “Forget the former things;
   do not dwell on the past.
¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!
   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
   and streams in the wasteland.

When Doing More Doesn't Matter

At the Christmas Eve service

The holidays seem to bring so much stress to so many people.  Did you fall into that category this year?  I typically do, but was blessed with a different Christmas this year...and some lessons that will carry me into the New Year...

[excerpt below from my journal, Christmas Day 2011]

*********

Manatees at Blue Springs

 Jesus, you have given me a wonderful husband.  Thank you!  I still can't believe how he doesn't have crazy expectations for me for the Christmas dinner....expectations of extravagant meals or gifts or decorations.  I felt like You had just opened up a wound...and poured a healing balm right into it....and I cried....he didn't understand [my tears]...to think, you've given me a husband who will allow me rest from all the Christmas expectations always placed on women.

Little Blue Herons

The same thing happened on Friday, when I had planned to work all day, preparing for Christmas....and he told me to go.... hang out with his family [at Blue Springs State Park].  And I did....all day....didn't get to the grocery, or
get the Christmas letters out, or clean the house....gasp.  And was I ready for Christmas?  


Yes.  I was humbled, to receive Grace from my husband, to receive the gift of Christ come to serve us, to renew us, to live in the hearts of those who are humble enough to receive Him.  Not those who are all shiny and put-together, and not really in need of Him....but those who, like me, are less than perfect, ready for the gift of Christmas, come as a child.  What a special way to spend my very first married Christmas.  I couldn't think of anything better...


***********

Even when I did try to stop at the grocery to get 'just a little more' for our Christmas meal....it 'just so happened' that the doors to Wally-world were closing, and we would have to 'make do' with all the food we already had in our sweet little apartment...

And there was plenty....enough ham for an army, plenty of side dishes, a new recipe, and even some to share with Oma (my German grandma).... And gifts given of time together and memories made.  Earlier, we enjoyed the lovely Christmas services and then ended the weekend with family time at Downtown Disney, some oh-so-good Ghirardelli ice cream, as well as a trip to Willow Tree Cafe for some yummy German food.  We also had fun with Paul's nephew, playing with Loud Crow Interactive books, that are currently on sale.  (Cool books for this TV and video game generation!)

This berry cheesecake sundae was worth the wait!

I do hope your Christmas memories were special, and that you found a place in your schedule for all that matters.  I am so thankful for the Christmas God gave us together...and as I look towards a New Year, I can already see that relying on the strength of my God, and my husband,  (not my own efforts) will be the strength that carries me through...


Ephesians 2  (HCSB)  ⁸ For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast.

Blessings

Ruth

Christmas: Embracing the True Beauty

The Rose Garden at Leu Gardens, Orlando, FL

This IS possible in sunny FL, in December!

Soft and sweet

There are so many strikingly beautiful things about the Christmas season....more superficial things like the holiday lights, Christmas decorations, lovely wrapped presents, and softly fallen snow.  However, I'm thinking of the hearts of those that have brought Christmas memories to me over the years, friends and family with their hearts to honor the Lord....like my sweet husband has done for me this holiday....and even more, the players in the Holy Story.  Mary, with her desire to give herself to exactly what God had in mind, Joseph, with his courageous choice to remain betrothed to Mary and protect the unborn child, and of course, our Lord and Savior, who humbled Himself to come into our world and be born into a life of struggle and grief....for our sakes alone.

This Christmas, Paul and I have enjoyed our Advent readings and making weekend memories that will last a lifetime.  While I may be scarce the next few days, I do hope for all of us that during this time we are able to embrace the True beauty of the season, found in Jesus Christ alone.

And here, just for your perusal, I've included some of the beautiful creation we enjoyed this past weekend at Leu Gardens.

May God make all your Christmas moments truly beautiful, in Him.

Christmas Blessings,
Ruth

This rare variety, also known as my husband, is a keeper!

I chose style over comfort, and paid for it!  Still enjoyed myself, however...

The REAL Charlie Brown Christmas tree :)