Family Pictures

Here are just a few of the family pictures that my sister took about a month ago. As you can tell by the last one, the boys had alot of fun! :) The apples weren't planned props, they were actually just an attempt to keep the boys happy as they were hot and tired...but it ended up working out great and I love the ones she got of them eating. So precious! We had alot of fun and marvel and the way God has gifted my sister. Thank you Cheryl!!!

Best Buds

The Meaning of Grace: But God . . .

I just finished a wonderful book by John Piper titled, Finally Alive. He spends the whole book unpacking, from Scripture, the glories of our new birth in Christ. I love this section describing the meaning of grace.

The Meaning of Grace: But God . . .

Then comes one of the most precious phrases in the Bible (verse 4): “But . . . God.” We were foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to sinful pleasures, malicious, envious, hated and hating. But . . . God . . . “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God appeared, he [God!] saved us.”

This is the same amazing sequence that we saw in Ephesians 2:3-5: “[We were] carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” We were dead, but God made us alive. This is the meaning of grace. The dead can do nothing to make themselves live. But God . . .

That’s what we have here in Titus 3:3-5. We were slaves to desires and pleasures that were so powerful we could not taste and see that the Lord was good. So far as our ability to know and trust and love God was concerned, we were dead. But . . . God. Verse 4-5: “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” (Finally Alive, p. 90-91)

Only one life, twill soon be past...

Song by CT Studd — Missionary to China, India, and Africa, after hearing this quote by David Livingstone: "Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last."

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat; Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice, Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When satan would a victory score; When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, "Thy will be done"; And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all"; Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.