Down on the Farm...

Paul says hello!

Hello and Happy Monday from central Florida, where Paul and I are  laughing with each other and at the animals, and trying to keep our heads on as we manage the farm and settling into our new apartment.  You'll find some of the photos I promised, and just to keep things exciting, I'll post the emus a little later....they...are.... hilarious.... Honestly, I laugh every time I tell someone I am babysitting emus!  Okay, maybe you just have to be here to understand.  (But let us set up our guest bedroom before we invite you over...)

Oh no--the dogs got out!!

We weren't able to make it to the Sunday morning service yesterday, but listened to a home-run sermon from Northland church, that really impressed me.  Pastor Joel Hunter talked about service and sacrifice in light of the September 11 anniversary and the life we are called to as authentic Christians, using passages from Psalms 90 and Hebrews 11, among others.  Wow.  It left me with a lot to think about.  Am I living a life that will leave a legacy for my children?  The kind of sacrificial life Christ modeled?  And then in the evening, we were able to make it to the church we are calling home right now, St. Andrews in Sanford, Fl, and were challenged and encouraged by a sermon from Burk Parsons, on 1 Corinthians 7: 1-4.  Tough passage, but he handled it well.  He was tough on the men and left me feeling like it is okay to desire affection and attention from my husband, but also remembering to give him the respect that I owe him.  We are learning and growing!

Lucy is an old mare, one of the easier animals to care for :)

These chickens are fat and happy....

In between those services, we were corralling animals (Or were they corralling us?  I'm not sure which is more accurate...) and listening to the sad Steelers loss over internet radio.  Today I am reflecting on how far God has brought us as a couple and all He has done to establish us as one unit, to the praise of His glory, and for our good.  

Max is really in charge, don't be deceived...

God is always faithful to provide (thanks for all the reminders, Mom!) and we are seeing the fruit of our answered prayers in many ways.  It has certainly been an adventure!



God be with you as you place stones at all your memorials....and reflect on the goodness of God in your own life...


Ruth

Remembering the Oaks

beautiful colors on my walk

The day was long at some points, as I didn't have my car, and I felt the need to wander through the neighborhood where we are currently staying and shoot some photos.  I stumbled upon several very interesting trees, and that brought to mind one of my favorite scriptures, from Isaiah...

 ³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor.


I think it is interesting how trees, just like people, all have different personalities.  And while I am not the tree connoisseur that my brother is (shout-out to Sam!), I was having fun today marveling at God's creation.  

stretching out to serve

 I was also remembering how so many 'oaks' have gone before me and given me the shade from the world that I needed in order that I could grow and become who God was calling me to be.  Just like this tree, dear friends and family have 'stretched out' to cover me during trials and times of weakness.  


I have met some great people down here in Florida, but I will always remember what God has done through my friends and family up north....

small and spunky

 And today I am grateful for the chance I have to become an 'oak' as well, to the people that I come in contact with.  And just between you and me, I have my eye on a couple of spunky little trees, young Christians like this young sapling, that I want to encourage.  

And I am also thankful for the 'oak' that my husband is, and the big steps he is taking to be who God has called him to be!  Today is just a great day for remembering....

All because God asked the Israelites to remember that first great trip across the Sea, and what the generations to follow needed to know.  Will you remember God's goodness in your life today, as well?  

Because He is worth it, 

Ruth   

Elusive Rest...the Who and Why...

What is it on your list that seems hardest to get to?  Is it the laundry, the bills, that important phone call, or the important date with either your significant other or your God, my God?

For me, this past month, it has been my time with the Lord, the elusive Rest that is only to be found at the feet of Christ.  And yes, this does happen most often during busy times, such as the upheaval of a move that we have been through, but this Rest is something worth fighting for!

This weekend, we, my love and I, fought to carve out time alone, away from home, just to relax and reconnect.  It is so hard to get that on the calendar and then get away!  But it is even harder with God, I find, to really connect my soul, to His eternal Wellspring of Life.  Always an interruption, something silly or something big and important (or so we think...)

Today I remember and reflect on the God I have come to know, who is always faithful to FIND ME...in the busy moments and in the slow moments, when I am distracted by this world and all that threatens to draw me away from Him.  I put a Memorial Stone next to this Jordan...and cross over into the deep peace and rest that are mine for the taking, in the Promised Land of Life in Christ....imperfect and yet still so life-giving in this world.  While we all long for the true Heavenly Rest that is to come, I take comfort and delight in My God today, and remember all the times He has come running to find me when I am lost, and nowhere within His reach.

Wherever you are, He will find you too....

Ruth

UPDATE:  Link to great blog post on REST and the creative process here...

I am Loved...as are YOU...

It's funny how something someone says, or does, can stick out and make a normal day better than average...and it's those things I reflect on at day's end.

Today it was my husband, again....with humble, sacrificial grace to serve me, listen, and give, in response to my less-than-graciousness...and so I know, as I end the day, that I am loved...

And a small phrase, from Dr. Sproul, Jr., as he spoke from the pulpit on the first chapter of Phillipians. I don't know that the words that stuck with me were even directly related to the passage, as worries from last night brought fitful sleep and I was not fully cognizant of all that came from the pulpit this morning. But alas, there it was, sticking out like a neon sign..."Do you know what is the hardest thing for a pastor....?" I didn't know, and was curious, so my ears were pricked, as I waited for an answer. I wasn't sure I would like his answer (in pride), but perhaps that is why it struck me all the more.... "The hardest thing is that they love you...." Wow. And into my mind poured memories of so many that have loved me, friends, family, my dear Savior, and my precious husband. I think of Paul the Apostle, and how he groaned and was burdened 'til Christ was formed in his churches.

Isn't this love? The bearing with one another, the taking up of our crosses, the giving up of our rights, so that someone other than ourselves can grow, be blessed, live.

Tonight, I remember (a bit early) that I have been loved. Psalm 78 captures it so well, as we reflect on all God did for his beloved Israelites. What if we were to reflect on all God has done for us, not as a rote exercise, but as a love letter from our Father, who bled love for us through his Son, and does it each day, through those around us who love us for the sake of Christ, to finish the work He began.

I...am....loved....so that I may love....

May the sweetness of that Truth bring you dreams that are even sweeter...

The People of God....for the Glory of God....

It has been wonderful getting to know the folks over here at St. Andrews church.  It has been such a blessing to be welcomed into fellowship so quickly, going out to lunch, having coffee, 'coincidental' afternoon meetings, as well as encouraging Bible teaching and worship times.

At this Jordan River, I am setting up a 'memorial stone' in remembrance of how God has always provided me with wonderful fellowship in each new journey I have taken, and this time is no different.

We have faced several trials in our short time here, but having the joy of fellowship has lessened the blow of each challenge.  This week I am looking forward to a ladies' prayer time and Bible study, as well as a couples Bible study that will be meeting here in Deland, on Fridays.

I have heard it said that to have one true friend, you are truly blessed....and though it has been a heart-ache to leave some dear friends and family behind...I am hopeful that we will find a handful or more of those true, Christ-seeking friendships here in the Deland area.

God be praised!
Ruth

It's All About Remembering, Lately....

....and unfortunately, my memory is a little foggy on the fundamentals.  Don't you find that to be true?  Your hardest-fought lessons are the ones that you have to be reminded of over, and over, and over again?  That's what good friends are for....and husbands...and the Holy Spirit...and of course....the Word of God!  [Not in that order, of course]...

Sunday church has been so good down here in Florida (I say 'Sunday church' because don't you find so many 'worship moments' throughout your week?  Let's talk about that sometime....)  I promise to load some pictures of the beautiful place where we are worshipping these days, but until then, I will share some of the words of Christ that have been shared with us.  We are in James, and if you know your Bible, you know just how humbling and convicting this small little book can be!  I can barely get through the first chapter before I am shaking in my boots, honestly [in a reverent sense, of course] knowing that I need the trials and the wisdom that are spoken of there.

Which brings me to my point....the 'needing of the trials'.  'Can't believe I said that, really!  That's one of those things you hope that Daddy-God is not listening to, because none of us really want trials, now do we?  But should we?  Can we get to a place where we want the trials because they are actually the blessings (Laura Story)....?  In Sunday school yesterday, I was pointed back to Hebrews 12, which is another passage that makes me shudder just typing it.  Read on if you are not familiar with this one....


God Disciplines His Children
 ⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. ⁵And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

   “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
   and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
⁶ because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
   and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

 ⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! ¹⁰ They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

 ¹² Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ¹³ “Make level paths for your feet,”^[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

With each passing trial, I come closer to understanding this passage a little more, but wow, does it still sting!  It is so hard for me to see the LOVE of the Father in his chastening hand.  But that is where I am right now, and if you are too, perhaps this post will encourage you to embrace the suffering, rather than running away from it, just as I was encouraged to do by a dear, and true, friend today.  God is being faithful to you--and me....

Today, I REMEMBER:

~past moves and all God has done to bring me through

~God bringing people to me to encourage, always at the right time

~God always providing for my financial needs

~never having more than I can handle!

~learning to find joy in the struggle

Be blessed by the trial....

Ruth

Safely Home...

Well, we are here and the boxes are starting to grow on us....a small joke, of course, but we are finding grace amidst the challenges!  I am trying to look at all the changes as a privilege to grow in the image of Christ and in a deeper relationship with Him...but it is easy to be frustrated by the upheaval and forget that God is in the details...waiting to answer when we call!  Thanks to all who have been lifting us up in prayer and rejoicing with us as we have headed out on a new adventure.  I have nothing profound to say, save that Christ is my all, and I am counting on Him to be just that as we wade through the waters of all things new here in Florida.  If you have a tip that helped you through a move or hard time, feel free to post and we will not be ashamed to try what worked for you!  (I suppose that's y'all where I am, now!)

I look forward to posting pictures of the beach and all the wonderful state parks very soon....I have been enjoying my new-to-me bike and look forward to exploring all things domestic with my Oma as I try to settle into a foreign place, keeping my eyes on my true Eternal Home....

My Monday Memorial Stones:
~meeting up with acquaintances and old friends from home--here in Florida!
~finding a church service on Sunday that really brought blessing and conviction to our hearts...beautiful St. Andrews church in Sanford, FL
~getting our bed and dressers set up (moving them, just the two of us, was a memorial stone for sure!)
~being able to support and encourage each other in this hard time
~listening to Oma's WWII stories in wonder and awe....God's grace and her strength and courage...
~Prayers and support from so many dear friends and family
~finding wireless hotspots before we get our internet set up (okay, does that really count as a MMS?)

Signing off for now....

RAF

Freedom Is....?

'Had a lot on my mind today.  It's a big transition time for us over here in Western PA, that combined with the ramifications of all today stands for....well, it had me mulling over several things....

~ What is freedom?  Is it truly just the absence of external coercion, as my college scholarship essay suggested?
~ What brings freedom to a soul, each of us?  And why do we often make choices that enslave us, rather than bring true liberty?
~How did God bring together the families of opposing sides of WWII, my grandfathers from each side....one Axis, one Allies....to unite my parents in holy matrimony?
~And lastly, and most importantly, are we aware of the true battle that wages war within us, the battle of the flesh and the spirit, and how this victory over spiritual death brings ultimate freedom in Christ (the only lasting freedom out there...)

So, as you can see, my mind was on over-drive (which certainly helped me get a lot of packing done for the trip down south!)  We, my sweet husband and I, have been getting to know each other's weaknesses and strengths a little better, and I can say (from just a little experience) that marriage can be freeing....if I allow it to be.  Amazing to me how submitting to another person, giving up my rights, so to speak, dying to myself, and putting another person before me on a regular basis, can free me from the demanding and self-absorbed nature I have, we all have, thanks to Adam and Eve....and giving up my 'independence' as a single woman has in fact given me a deeper and truer liberty in Christ, as I surrender to the crucifying design of marriage.  Today I was aware of the battle...which is only just the beginning of victory....but for me, it was a huge victory, indeed.  Enough to make a huge memorial of stones!  (Check out Monday Memorial Stones post...)

I pray you are tuned in to the battle of your souls....the battle of Life over Death, Self-Will over God-Will, and Joy over Misery.  It is a battle worth fighting....and while many are now, and have throughout the years, fought for the safety and prosperity of this great nation....this battle of your soul is the true Eternal battle....the battle where we are all soldiers, all victors in Christ through His death, and all recipients of the spoils of this Eternal battle....

Keep fighting!

Ruth 

You Will Know the Truth...

...and the Truth will set you free (John 8:32).  This was my lesson today.  An appropriate lesson for a Memorial Stone Monday, I thought...  There are so many times I can look back on my life and see how either 1) I was not allowing truth to inform my behavior  OR  2) I was allowing truth to inform my behavior, and reaping great benefits of closeness to my Savior, community and family.  Today I was struggling to allow Truth to inform my behavior.  Thankfully, I did catch myself near the end of a long and arduous afternoon, and realize that the Enemy was getting the upper-hand in my heart and life.  I knew I was in serious need of some Truth.  Striking how my name is found right there in the middle of that important word...TRuth.  Something that I especially need to focus on!  I pray that wherever you are and whatever you are doing, as a Child of God, you are finding joy in the hope of heaven, purpose in the truth that we are adopted and beloved, and victory as you put to death the things of the flesh.  And if you are doing that, find a few big stones, and pile them next to whatever 'Jordan River' you are crossing at this season in your life.  God is faithful.... (and I would be remiss to not add...my husband, though not Christ, is a darn good representative to me of Christ's love, and was surely faithful to that today!)

Remembering God's Grace

Well, we are going to try and get back to 'Monday Memorial Stones'...because it is just as good for me to remember God's faithfulness as it might be for you!  Check out this post to catch up with what we are doing in this series...

Today I went to my old stand-by, the book of Isaiah, for some spiritual encouragement...and I was sure to find it!  Sometimes slogging through all the Old Testament in a row, with the woes of those awful kings, and the crazy Levitical laws...well it just makes me a little crazy too (okay, enough with the confessions...)  But seriously, sometimes I need to just go back to some of my favorite books and passages, and that is what I tried today.  [Actually, I just came across this 'Genres-Literature Style-Bible Reading Plan' and am so excited to give it a try.  This plan goes through each genre style of the Bible in one week, so that the reader is able to keep things interesting and encouraging as he/she reads through the Bible in a year.  I will let you know how it goes!]  But as for MMS...

Reading Isaiah 28 this morning reminded me of God's faithfulness to both the Israelites, and to me in giving grace when I couldn't handle the fire anymore.


Here is the passage that reminded me of that today:

²³ Listen and hear my voice;
   pay attention and hear what I say.
²⁴ When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually?
   Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil? 
²⁵ When he has leveled the surface,
   does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin?
Does he not plant wheat in its place,
   barley in its plot,
   and spelt in its field?
²⁶ His God instructs him
   and teaches him the right way.

 ²⁷ Caraway is not threshed with a sledge,
   nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin;
caraway is beaten out with a rod,
   and cumin with a stick.
²⁸ Grain must be ground to make bread;
   so one does not go on threshing it forever. 
The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it,
   but one does not use horses to grind grain.
²⁹ All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, 
   whose plan is wonderful, 
   whose wisdom is magnificent.

I can recall many times when I was experiencing great trials, feeling as if I was at the end of my rope...and after crying out to the Lord, I would see the tides turn.  Not immediately, mind you...but I believe that God is a gracious God and Father, and he does not give us more than we can handle.  His goal is not to see how much we can suffer!  But I do believe that He is forming us into the image of Christ, and oftentimes, that is a little painful!  Can I get an 'Amen'?  *smile*  Be encouraged today, that your All-Wise Farmer knows just how much plowing and breaking in our stony hearts you and I can handle, and nothing happens to any of us that has not first passed through His hand.  Remember Job?  There was a heavenly discussion about his impending trials before they happened, and if you remember, God limited the Enemy from doing more to Job than He (God) wanted Satan to do....  

I take comfort in this today, that there are Mighty Forces guarding my path and lighting my way...and if you are His child, the same is true for you!

A blessing to leave you with:

Isaiah 30: 18

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
   therefore He will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
   Blessed are all who wait for him!

Monday Memorial Stones (belated...)

Hello all...I'm still getting in the groove here, but I wanted to post a 'memorial stone' for yesterday...Today my praise is simply for our God whose plans are firm, and never fail.  Psalm 33:11, But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.  I recall my journey through the wild uncharted territory of Colorado...spiritually, and in so many other ways.  I remember how the Lord took me by the hand and led me there, with a glad and also anxious heart, knowing that there were many trials and joys ahead.  And I remember how roughly four years and a week ago, God led me back across the country to be closer to family and friends, to grow and heal in new ways.  I delight in the ways of the Lord, and how He offers us free will within His great and mighty Sovereign plans.  It is a mystery I will not begin to unpack here, but I have been the recipient of walking in this grace and I find it to be such a great joy.  As I approach marriage in just 19 days, I delight in the fact that my Father has led me here, but has also given me the complete freedom to make these choices and has trusted my judgement at each fork in the road.  He is such a faithful and wise Father, and I trust that moving into the future, while having different sign posts, circumstances, and joys, I will have the same Father, who will hold my hand, allow me to co-pilot the journey, and together we will rejoice as the days unfold.  What a joy to be a child of the King~knowing that nothing I do can thwart the great purposes of the Lord.

Monday Memorial Stones

Happy Monday!  I'd like to start a little series here with you all, to help us start the week out right and bring glory to God as we remember and reflect on all the wonderful miracles He has wrought in each of our lives.  I'd love to 
hear your stories of God's faithfulness, and in just about a month, I'll be celebrating my first 'memorial stone' with many of you!  Today I remember and reflect on God's goodness in bringing Paul & I together.  I can't say how many times I resigned myself to thinking and feeling that God had forgotten me, that there really couldn't be another man left out there that I would truly enjoy, respect, and admire.  But there he is, and the days are nearing when we will begin the process of becoming one in Christ.  He is also celebrating a birthday this week, so there are lots of reasons to be thankful for his life!  It is incredible how God can bring two people together who are so different, who are going different directions (except for following Christ), and have no way of finding each other, aside from the Eternal Grace of God.  I hope we will all find joy as we reflect not only on what God has done for each of us, but what that tells us about Who He is....and that is something great to start off every week!  Celebrating love! ~RP 
(see below for Scripture on 'memorial stones' and how the Israelites were commanded to do this...)

Joshua 4

 ¹ When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, ²“Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, ³ and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.”

 ⁴ So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, ⁵ and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, ⁶ to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ ⁷ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”

²¹ He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ ²² tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ ²³ For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea^[b] when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. ²⁴He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.”