The Modern Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

This is definitely something worth listening to. I am so thankful for men of God (like John MacArthur, Allistar Begg, Phil Johnson, and Al Mohler, just to name a few) who are able to help us recognize the "newest" trends that Satan uses to cause confusion and deception in the world today.

The Modern Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

Beach Vacation

Boy, has it been a busy summer!   This is the first summer where it's so much easier to travel with three little boys.  Everyone's potty trained, can eat anything, and can even miss a nap. :)  So, we have some fun pictures to share of the beach vacation we took last week to Newport.  The weather was PERFECT...which isn't always the case at the Oregon coast.  We enjoyed staying at a beach house right across the street from the ocean. 

One of the highlights of the trip was a 2 hour boat trip out to sea.  We saw sea lions, birds, and WHALES!  The wales were about 30 feet away from our boat! (At one point I was a little afraid one would get too close and maybe tip our boat...perhaps I just remember the Moby Dick story.)  In any case, we had a safe and wonderful boat ride...if it were any longer than 2 hours I think we may have begun to get seasick. (It was pretty bouncy at times! I just told the boys to imagine what the Mayflower must have been like...this was to console myself, as well.) 

Being out enjoying God's creation brought so many opportunities to bring attention to who our Creator is.  All of the boys love to know how things work and we are at the point where they now understand that man makes buildings and roads and cars, but God makes the materials that we need to build things. I remember a sweet time Isaac and I were walking down to the beach alone and he asked, "How did they build the ocean?" I smiled and replied, "God made the ocean...remember in creation when God separated the land from the waters?"  Isaac said, "Oh yeah, all He had to say was "WATER" and there was water."  It was a great reminder to me of how powerful our God is...simply by Him speaking His words, things are created. 

Everyone enjoying themselves!

Zechariah enjoying the life in a tidepool.

In front of Yaquina Lighthouse.

Michael loving all the rocks to climb.

Isaac, brave enough to go into a small cave.

Dirt digging is a family favorite...well for the younger people in our family.

On the boat to crab and find some whales!

Enjoying the trip out to sea.

Isaac driving the boat!

Michael driving!

The boys all got to learn how to handle crabs.

If you look closely, some of those rocks are sea lions!

That would be a whale...headed our way.

Zechariah and Isaac heave ho-ing the crab trap back up into the boat.

A fun filled trip...We learned lots of new things and made a few new family memories.

"Praise the LORD from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths;"

Psalm 148:7

Homemade...Handmade

We love trying new things.  We also have some wonderful church family who have amazing gifts for making things.  Here are a few little projects we or our friends have enjoyed building or making.

Good old Lincoln logs.  Here is the fort the boys and I made one morning.

Isaac enjoying his new Lego table that Dad built.  There are edges that keep the Legos from falling all over the ground.



A beautiful bouquet that my dear friend, Nancy made.  Such a sweet thing that brightens up the day! 

This was made by a young lady (Jessica H.) in our church.  Since I don't quilt (though someday would like to), I asked her if she would make this for me.  If anyone ever needs some quilt work done...she does great work!

My rag rug, inspired by Bonnie (another dear friend from church).  I have always wanted to try this.  Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration, Bonnie.

Pickles!  Grandma Ernie's dill pickle recipe is the best!  I only do a jar at a time, as that's how many cucumbers are ready at a time...so quick and easy.

A birdhouse, Isaac got a kit for his birthday (thanks to Michael, Jessica, and Elizabeth!).  Grant and Isaac built, stained, and put up this cute birdhouse.

This was a little pond that we converted to a flower/herb garden.

Trying new things and enjoying what we have on hand is so rewarding.

God Moves in Mysterious Ways

photo by Evgeni Dinev

In recent years I've come to love so many hymns...Here is one that brings such peace and hope in life.  Resting in His sovereignty and kindness towards us as believers.

William Cowper (1731–1800)
God Moves in Mysterious Ways

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds you so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Amen.

Isaac Jonathan

Isaac Jonathan.  Full of joy, love, and energy! As I have with the other boys around their birthday I wanted to share somethings about Isaac. I remember when Isaac was only a few months old and he had a hard time sitting in my lap.  He would stiffen his body and not allow anybody to fold him down to sit...he wanted to be standing and jumping. (He loved his little "Johnny Jumper")  In fact, he got so good in his jumper that he would bounce for awhile and then spin to a stop...kind of like some Fred Astair move or something. :)  I look back and think of how energetic he was then and still see it today! 

Now, all that energy is great for working (he is a great helper at picking up wood and stacking it!).  He loves to be outside helping Dad or Mom do whatever...

As wonderful (and at times difficult) as that energy is, what stands out even more is his joy and love for things.  He is the one always giving Mom and Dad hugs throughout the day saying "I love you, Dad" or "I love you, Mom".  And even as recent as this week saying it to Zechariah and Michael as well...on his own. He also seems to have a great sensitivity to his concience (thank you, Lord!).  He will frequently come to me and say he's sorry for something he had lied about or something he did that was wrong. (The things I don't see). God is truly working in His heart...   As he continues to have his heart tuned to the things of a holy and kind Father, we pray that his passion and love will be overflowing to people out of a motive of love for His heavenly Father.

Isaac looking up at Dad.

Isaac and Zechariah.

Isaac in the Johnny Jumper!

Cheese.

Going for a ride to the park with Dad!

Little knight.

Picking blackberries.

First fair, last year's (2010) Strawberry Festival fair.

First plane ride.

Building a snowman.

Michael and Isaac making sure it's just right.

Some kind of slide or ramp or bridge...I'm not sure.

Playing at the park.

Practice hike.

Walking on our trail, in the fall.