Under His Wings

Lately, all I can do when I come into the Presence of the Almighty is to be still. I bow in awe of His goodness, His mercy, and His power. He works in mysterious ways. He allows certain situations into our lives to mold us, to shape us....even tonight I was talking with someone about the fact that if the Son of God learned obedience by what He suffered, why shouldn't we. We need to stand before Him with our hands open ready to receive what He is wanting to give, whatever that is whether it is a fish or something we would consider a scorpion. Our Heavenly Father only gives good gifts so why do we see the things in our lives that are unpleasant as though they are not gifts from His hand.

We have been waiting nearly three weeks. My husband had been investigated for an accident that he had with a work vehicle and also for falling asleep for a brief time. Since he works 3rd shift this is a very easy thing to do. Yesterday, we received the news with regard to the accident; a 10 day suspension, 5 of which would be taken immediately and 5 carried over the next 6 months to be taken in the event of another accident. This was great news considering our expectation of a 30 suspension without pay. Today we received the news with regard to the other investigation--dismissal from his job. We were in shock.

But, our shock lasted only briefly. We know that our God is faithful. He so often meets the need before we know that we have it and just within the last week the guys have gotten $100 in tips in their paper routes. Before we even knew that we needed them. God is good....all the time. There are many at the railroad who are upset with this decision. The union is going to appeal. The correct protocol was not followed. "You would have been better off taking drugs!" someone suggested because drug users get 6 months off and at least get to keep their jobs.

My Redeemer is Faithful and True and every morning His mercies are New! We have been trying to teach the homeless woman who has been living with us this very fact and now we get a chance to live this out before her. To walk with God. Oh the depth of the riches! God WILL provide what we need! And I will keep you updated on the progress!

For His Name's Sake.

Well, not exactly old news, but it happened a short while ago.   At the beginning of the summer Josh and his dad got a paper route and Josh invested in a new "toy".   You know what they say!  "Big Boys Big Toys"!

I am afraid to get on the thing.  You know those Funniest Home Video Movies where the women get on the motor bikes and crash into the trees?  That would be me if I got on the thing.  BUT!  It does get over 100 miles to the gallon.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and
walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us,
an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. (Eph. 5:1-2)

This is the second week of my summer Bible study. We are doing a topical study this year on "Walking with God". This walk with God begins with relationship as the above passage says, "as beloved children." God has a vested interest in us. He is known by His discipline, as well as, His love of His children.

We are able to love because He first loved us as it says in first John. We are able to walk with Him and be imitators of Him because His grace makes it all possible. "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus who
gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify
for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." (Titus 2:11-14) As these verses in Titus show us, and I may have mentioned this before, God's grace is the power that redeems us from lawless deeds and makes us zealous to live sensibly, righteously and godly RIGHT NOW. IN THIS PRESENT AGE. Salvation is for this present time.

God saves us to walk in relationship with Him and to imitate Him by walking in love.

For His Name's sake.

I'm currently working on a second post regarding covenant obligation.  But, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with projects I have going on right now.  I am trying to work on my term paper for the soteriology class, trying to knit and trying to learn a new way to eat.  I have been finding more and more things that have been triggering migraines since I did the candida cleanse in November and the list has grown to include beef and possibly nuts.  We have found that wheat is in many more things than you can ever imagine including spices, rice milk, and commercially canned soup.  At least I don't have a migraine today!

And we are not getting any snow.  In southern Wisconsin they are getting a lot, up to more than a foot where my sister lives near Milwaukee.  Josh is in Wisconsin Dells with a couple of families from our fellowship group and they are staying an extra night because of the storm there.  Of course, this is nothing compared to the severe weather in Arkansas and Tennessee.  Right now I am thinking of Beth and her family and hoping that they are ok.

This afternoon is my time to volunteer at First Choice.  I pray that the Lord will give me compassion and sensitivity to the needs of the clients that come in.  I pray that I would have discernment and wisdom and a listening ear.  I pray that I would be on God's agenda and not my own.

For His Name's Sake.

My family and I are going away for an overnight this evening so I need to be busy getting ready.  I will announce the destination when I return because it is top secret.

In other news......I am taking an online class taught by Tim Hegg at Torahresource.com on the Biblical Doctrine of Salvation.  We are two weeks into the class.  Hopefully when I return I will be able to share a few thoughts on what we have covered so far.  When I share my thoughts it helps me learn.

After some months I finally was able to contact a good friend of mine who recently moved to Canada.  I had several varying email addresses for her and I finally found the one that worked.  I am so excited to be in touch with her again and I was able to give her my blog address.  "Hi, Joan!"

I pray that you all have a wonderful weekend and I will reveal our secret destination when I return.  Perhaps even with pictures.

Well, since I have not written anything for a couple of weeks again I suppose I can just sit here an wax less than eloquently about some of the things that have been happening at this White house. Let's see, what's been happening here?

I've begun leading a Bible study on the Book of John for a group of elderly ladies. They are so sweet, I just love getting together with them each week. The Bible study only lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes, but they have to be sure to have their social time which can last almost as long with coffee and dessert. Gotta love it. I will also be leading a Bible study for the volunteers at the crises pregnancy center beginning in early June. This one will be on the Sermon on the Mount. This one will be more of a challenge as I deal with a much different end of the spectrum as far as age and thinking.  The interesting thing is that both studies may end up being on Mondays.   I am glad that I have the opportunity to present a Hebraic perspective to these women.

I found out recently that I have Adhesive Capsilitis (frozen shoulder) .  I have had it for several months and have been apprehensive about going to the doctor.  The doctor sent me to physical therapy and I now have exercises to try to improve the limited range of motion that I have in my shoulder.  But, it will take up to a year and a half for my shoulder to "unfreeze."

Hannah is excitedly reaching a new phase in her life.  She will be moving into an apartment with another Christian girl in June.  This is a bittersweet time for her father and I, but we know this is right for her.   Everyone says, "Time goes so quickly."  Well, it certainly does.   All too soon Buck and I will have this house to ourselves and what will we do then?   Hannah has also gotten a part in the community theater production of "The Crucible".  She is so excited because she has wanted to be a part of the community theater for some time.  So in a couple of weeks she will be performing.  Hopefully, I can post some pictures.

Josh will be playing his baritone at the state solo and ensemble competition on Saturday.  Hannah will accompany him and my mother is coming to watch.   There is also a cultural festival at the high school that day so I am hoping that my mom will enjoy spending some time there.

I guess I won't bore you with anymore rambling right now.  It's finally spring here in Central Wisconsin; everything is beginning to turn such a beautiful shade of green.   I really need to write about something worthwhile.  It will come.

For His Name's Sake

We interrupt this series to bring you a service announcement. Really I just want to tell you that we are buried in snow. Last weekend we got 18 inches of snow in two days and another 6 on the third day. Between today and Friday we are expected to get another 10-16 inches depending on how 2-3 degrees of temperature goes. That means if the temps are just slightly warmer we could get sleet and freezing rain mixed with snow. They are telling us to get supplies and errands run now and hunker down for the duration. After having almost no snow all winter we are getting smacked here at the end. I guess we will just take it when it comes enjoy our time inside where it is warm.

Since I changed my picture in the header I want to change the font color.  I thought that I did that, but it doesn't seem to be working.  Does someone have a suggestion?