The Philosopher's Scales :: In Honor of the Pearl of the Season, "The Pearl of Great Price"

A monk, when his rites sacerdotal were o'er,/In the depth of his cell with its stone-covered floor,/Resigning to thought his chimercial brain,/Once formed the contrivance we now shall explain;/ By inspiration, dream, deep seated thought we know not; indeed, 'tis no business of ours.

Perhaps it was only by patience and care,/At last, that he brought his invention to bear./In youth 'twas projected, but years stole away,/And ere 'twas complete he was wrinkled and gray;/But success is secure, unless energy fails;/And at length he produced

THE PHILOSOPHER'S SCALES

"What were they?" you ask. You shall presently see;/These scales were not made to weigh sugar and tea./O no; for such properties wondrous had they,/That qualities, feelings, and thoughts they could weigh,/Together with articles small or immense,/From mountains or planets to atoms of sense.

Naught was there so bulky but there it would lay,/And naught so ethereal but there it would stay,/And naught so reluctant but in it must go:/All which some examples more clearly will show.

The first thing he weighed was the head of Voltaire,/Which retained all the wit that had ever been there./As a weight he threw in a torn scrap of leaf,/Containing the prayer of the penitent thief;/Then the skull rose aloft with so sudden a spell/That it bounced like a ball on the roof of the cell.

One time he put in Alexander the Great,/With the garment that Dorcas had made for a weight;/And though clad in armor from sandals to crown,/The hero rose up, and the garment went down.

A long row of almshouses, amply endowed/By a well-esteemed Pharisee, busy and proud,/Next loaded one scale; while the other was pressed/By those mites the poor widow dropped into the chest:/Up flew the endowment, not weighing an ounce,/And down, down the farthing-worth came with a bounce.

By further experiments (no matter how)/He found that ten chariots weighed less than one plough;/A sword with gilt trapping rose up in the scale,/Though balanced by only a ten-penny nail;/A shield and a helmet, a buckler and spear,/Weighed less than a widow's uncrystallized tear.

A lord and a lady went up at full sail,/When a bee chanced to light on the opposite scale;/Ten doctors, ten lawyers, two courtiers, one earl,/Ten counsellor's wigs, full of powder and curl,/All heaped in one balance and swinging from thence,/Weighed less than a few grains of candor and sense;/A first water diamond, with brilliance begirt,/than one good potato just washed from the dirt./Yet not mountains of silver and gold could suffice/One pearl to outweigh, -- 'twas THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.

Last of all, the whole world was bowled in at the grate,/With the soul of a beggar to serve for a weight,/When the former sprang up with so strong a rebuff/That it made a vast rent and escaped at the roof!/When balanced in air, it ascended on high,/And sailed up aloft, a balloon in the sky;/While the scale with the soul in't so mightily fell/That it jerked the philosopher out of his cell.

by Jane Taylor (1783-1824)
(with a slight liberty taken by me in the intro)

Why Can't We Forgive Ourselves?

*Grace isn't grace if we have to be good enough for it to apply to us.

"Tear Free from the Shroud of Bondage of Unforgiveness"

The Lord has been dealing with me in my own life regarding the subject of forgiveness -- of others, but mainly of myself.

Have you ever found yourself thinking "I just can't forgive myself for thus and such?"

I wonder who hasn't thought that at one time or another? The devil would love to keep us in self-condemnation for the things we have done or failed to do. He knows it paralyzes us and prevents us from making the kind of impact in our lives and the lives of others that has God intended for us.

Many of us have read a while back of the young teenager who accidentally struck his 5 year old sister, with a car, tragically killing her in their driveway. And as tragic as it is for a child to die in that way at such a young age, the greater tragedy is the difficulty this young man will have forgiving himself.

Though few of us have faced something as dramatic as this, many of us have pasts that we cannot let go of... secret things--big things , horrific things, or nagging little regrets that the enemy tricks us into focusing on, making us continually believe we just don't measure up... we all need to overcome these thoughts that are aimed against us to render us ineffective in God's Kingdom

Let's beat these thoughts into the ground -- haven't they beaten us long enough?!

1. Realize that we only deserve forgiveness because of the blood of Jesus. Not because what we did wrong "never happened," or it wasn't that bad or ugly or wasn't sin. Give up rationalizations and excuses.

2. It was that bad, but God is even MORE good! James 2:13 says mercy triumphs over judgement. His mercy toward you TRUMPS your judgement over yourself. Believe that God is bigger than what you did, thought, felt etc. In Luke 22, Peter denied the Lord 3 times, and Jesus forgave him. Later, Peter preached the first sermon after Jesus rose from the dead, and 3,000 people were saved in a day! Peter was able to forgive himself when he knew Jesus accepted him. In the same way, realize that you have been accepted by God, no matter what you have done -- simply by believing on the work of the cross of Jesus Christ.

3. Give up your right to hold against yourself ANYTHING that God Himself does not hold against you. If God can forgive you, you can forgive yourself. His standard is absolute perfection, and He forgives you. Psalm 103:12 says, "As far as east is from west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

* It is as though our sins don't exist anymore--they are gone, gone, gone, gone!

4. Stop rehearsing what you did. It's done. It's over. Now accept the blessing that God offers;

Philippians 3:10 says "forgetting what lies behind, and reaching forward."

* Not forgiving ourselves is a subtle way of competing with Christ's atonement. God has already punished jesus for what we did. (see 2 Corinthians 5:17. When we don't accept our own forgiveness we are punishing ourselves (Dont we just always want to "do" something to earn our favor?)

Instead of accepting jesus' sacrafice for my failures. This competes with our Lord, Christ's finest work.

5. Believe that condemnation doesn't come from God. He doesn't condemn you toward repentence. The Holy Spirit will convict of sin so that we may repent and be in fellowship once again with a clean conscience.
Romans 2:4 says it is His lovingkindness that leads us to repentance. Since this guilt and shame and condemnation do not come from God, there can be only one other source -- the devil. James 4:7 says, "Submit to God -- resist the devil -- and he will flee from you."

* Walking in the light means following without compromise anything God shows you to do


6. Give up the SELF-PUNISHMENT -- some people have said to themselves in essence: "I'll make myself feel bad to pay for what has been done." Why should we pay the price that has ALREADY been paid for what we've done wrong? Stop beating yourself up -- no one beats us up better than ourselves. The fact is whatever we have done that we can't seem to forgive ourselves for is already forgiven. By trying to "pay for what we have done," we are insulting the very blood of Jesus that HAS PAID the price in full.

THINK IT AND SAY IT...

I receive mercy today, because of the blood of Jesus. Though I didn't deserve it, God proclaims over me, that I am "not guilty". Where I have failed, God's mercy triumphs over judgement.

I give up my right today to hold ANYTHING against myself -- I deserve to be punished, but Jesus took THAT punishment for me. I forget what lies behind and press on, moving forward in my life with God, even though I feel like I have blown it beyond repair.


*Relinquishing bitterness (even against yourself) is an open invitation for the Holy Spirit to give you His peace, His joy and the knowledge of His will.

I reject this guilt and self-condemnation that the devil is trying to put on me. God is the God of 2nd chances. I will no longer try to make myself feel bad to pay for what has been done. The price for what I did or failed at has been paid in full by God! In Jesus' Name!


* And finally, a prayer for when the devil tries to make you to go back on your resolve:
Father, I ask you to help me during these times of prayer, recommitting the devil's thoughts to you. I thank You that the weapons of my warfare are not carnal, human or fleshly but are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ and bring every thought unto the obedience of Him and His finished work and my identification with Him.


Pray diligently, Keep moving forward! and keep looking up!


God's Blessings to ya'll





Majority written by Pastor Gregory Dickow,
along with Pastor RT Randall


& some editing & editions from me :)

Katy kicks back

It's frigid outside, but cozy, warm in. Katy enjoys this weather, as do we... We take advantage of the intimacy that the early evenings and the home centered days with heavy draperies, warmth and the aromas of stick-to-your-rib meals for my dear hubby , as we help ready him for work in the late afternoons :) Lots to do this winter... but plenty of (in time) to get it done! Thank you Lord for small blessings as well as the big ones :)

A CALL TO ACTION

Protest the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008!
Share
shared by Pamela Vasquez
Thu 12:18pm

(My daughter posted this after I sent it to her and did such a good job expressing herself, I asked if I could copy and paste it.)
I would only add that in addition to Etsy and people who sell there, this will kill church bazaars, fundraisers, craft shows, and other home businesses.
At this moment, there is actually debate over whether one is able to make something to give to a child without having it tested. That seems rather outrageous and unbelievable, but so it the law in general, so why not?
This is not a rumor - some of the links go to the actual act on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.) If you're like me and love sites such as Etsy and the like, you can pretty much kiss them goodbye after January. I love Etsy because pretty much every product on there is hand made, one of a kind, no two the same, or they are very old and vintage.
Either way, if it is for children under 12, it'll be illegal to sell after January. Maybe they have good intentions, but it is NOT their right to kill small business like this.
These artists and DIY folks are not going to be able to pay to have everything tested, especially since EVERYTHING THEY MAKE IS UNIQUE. They would have to have EVERY item they sold tested. It's just not going to happen.
Things sold on eBay and Garage sales will be effected, too. It doesn't really effect the majority of us reading this now, because it's only for products for children under 12. But it does effect a lot of other people and it's just not right.Please take the time to read this and then take some sort of action against it.

Thanks,Christina

If you haven't read about the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of2008 (HR 4040), you need to. This will affect EVERY item you buy for your children or grandchildren. Clothing, bedding, feeding utensils, wipes,cloth diapers, disposables, toys and on and on.
Starting in Feb 2009, every item made for a child under the age of 12 must be tested AFTER MANUFACTURE (not testing the components) to ensure it complies with the flammability, lead and phthalate limits set in this law.
The law specifies that testing must be done at the SKU level (which means atthe SIZE level--so if you have a rack of blue shirts at Walmart, EACH size of that shirt must have 1 unit tested to ensure it complies).
And when the lot changes (new bolt of fabric, new batch of snaps, new batch of zippers,etc) it must go through testing AGAIN.
The tests are estimated to costbetween $180-$4000 EACH, and must be done at CPSC approved labs. Any inventory on the shelf on Feb 9 that does not have a compliance certificate stating it meets the requirements will be considered "banned hazardous material" on Feb 10, and will not be able to be legally sold in this country.
Obviously, this will be the END of the hand-crafted, one of a kind industry in our country, as there is no way someone with a small cottage business can afford the testing on small batches like they make.
This will also affect Goodwill, thrift and resale shops, ebaying your child's used items and even garage sales. The grandma knitting baby blankets for the church bazaar will be a felon.
Fines are $100,000 per violation, with felony jail time a real possibility.EVERYTHING you buy will be more expensive, and your options will be severely restricted.

I just read (may be hearsay, it wasn't from Fuzzi Bunz) that they will be reducing their selection to one color per size to comply with the new CPSI Alegislation. (they currently have 15 colors and 6 sizes. That's a cost fortesting for EACH lot, cost range 16,200-360,000.
Fabrite fabrics come on bolts of 50 yards, and you can get about 5-6 large diapers per yard.)
Also, Haba and Selecta (European toy manufacturers who make toys to a more exacting standard than the CPSIA requires) are pulling out of the US marketas of the end of 2008 due to the cost of the end unit testing requirement.
Their wood toys are made with wood and finished with beeswax. NO possibility of lead issues or phthalates, but doesn't matter, each sku must still be tested.

Thank you Washington for eliminating the option for consumers to choose something other than plastic MIC for our children.
It is really important that everyone contact their reps to protest this bill as written. Some links if you feel like learning more: http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/

(scroll down to the video testimony linksof Rick Woldberg and watch--it is really good).
http://www.thesmartmama.com/bg/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=195&Itemid=23http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/faq.html#102pppa (the cpsc faq page)

http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/handmade-childrens-items-unintended-consequences-consumer-pr-3056/
(Etsyadmin's letter about this)

If you are stymied about what to say, or short on time, use this: http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/issues/alert/?alertid=12274476
(there issome required text and then an editable portion for you to customize it, aswell as drop down boxes at the bottom to fill in who it needs to go to andfind the right addresses for you).

It is tempting to just stick our heads in the sand and think, "it can't REALLY be that bad, can it?" But it is. I've been reading a LOT about this in the past week. I've read opinions from lawyers, and others involved in the children's markets both big and small. It is HUGE. And Feb 10 is not being called National Bankruptcy day for nothing. Expect the next industry group to be in front of congress asking for a bailout to be the big boxretailers. But there will be no bailout for the thousands of home-crafters. Take the few minutes to write or call your reps, and spread the info on any other groups you are on to have them do the same. (You can copy this post if you like). The grassroots effort IS beginning to spread and build steam.We need to FLOOD Washington with protests about this legislation as it is currently written.The intent is good--to protect our children from harmful substances in toys. The implementation is HORRIBLE. The fact is, the toys that werere called in 2007 did not meet the laws on the books at THAT time. More legislation is never the solution to keep the bad guys from breaking the law. It only impacts the honest. Lawbreakers will still try to get around it.Thank you for reading, and taking action.

Thank Your Dear Lord

Lord, I thank You for my family, my dear husband and my sweet daughter. I thank You for my daughter & son back in PA and for the grandsweeties that You have blessed me with as well... Lord, keep them all in Your loving arms and put a strong hedge of protection around about them... Draw them nigh unto you, keep their hearts soft and help us all be sensitive to our sin. We need you Lord, Thank You for your graciousness... and keep loving and drawing us to yourself!

Another blessing... another deer visiting our yard shortly before the end of summer... I just love these creatures...

Open Arms

Reaching out to find surrender, Open arms can find a peace.

Faith becomes a holy blessing, hidden just beyond release.

In the depths of never knowing, trust can find a place to grow.

Seeds of deeper understanding, blossom into letting go.

Open arms can hold acceptance, letting us begin to see.

faith reveals the arms of Heaven, holding our security.

--jean pomeroy

Cozy Pages

Do YOU have cozy pages?
:)

I have always loved studying and reading from my own Bible. My Bible was given to me by my father, back in 1987, the year of my 2nd birthday... The day I was born into God's family.

For the past 20 some years... I have marked faithfully what The Lord has faithfully shown me or spoken to my heart through His word in that same Bible. So, suffice it to say, It is well marked, well loved and well marked ;)

I reading the other day and my daughter comented on my marked up book... I proclaimed that they were my "cozy pages!" coz they, to me are a comfort.. (cozy) and are a tangible reminder in a ambiguous "feeling oriented world" ... of God's faithfulness to me through the years. (well, At least My world is feelings oriented :) ~maybe a bit too much, but the Lord keeps me balanced in various and sundry ways, one being, sending me a pragmatic husband to walk by my side through my feely, feelings oriented life LOL! helping me keep my feet on the ground!
Never failing Is the Love and the reminders He sends my way when I open my Bible to seek Him and His truths...

~~Thank - You Lord for my many cozy pages!

Just A Mother?

"I remember a few years ago, when I was picking up the children at school, another mother I knew well, rushed up to me. She was fuming with indignation. "Do you know what you and I are?" she demanded.
Before I could answer - and I didn't really have one handy - she blurted out the reason for her question. It seemed she had just returned from renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office.
Asked by the woman behind the counter to state her "occupation," she had hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the clerk, "Do you have a job, or are you just a ......?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped my friend. "I'm a mother."
"We don't list "mother" as an occupation... "housewife" coversit," said the clerk emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high-sounding title, like "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."
"And what is your occupation?", she probed.
What made me say it, I do not know. The words simply popped out."I'm....a Research Associate in the field of Child Developmentand Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in mid-air, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly,emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pompous pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"
Cooly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters (the whole darned family) and already have three credits (all healthy).Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are in satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voiceas she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- age 7 and 5. And upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model (six months) in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt triumphant. I had scored a beat on bureaucracy. And I had gone down on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another......"

Home...what a glorious career.Especially when there's a title on the door."

--Author Unknown

Freedom Means... You'll not want to miss this one!

Click off the playlist widget before clicking this on... But whatever you do, please click this on and be blessed!

To Tom, My Beloved

To Tom, My husband , my lover, my fellow sojourner and my hero...

I love you,
Not only for what you are,
But for what I am
When I am with you.

I love you,
Not only for what
You have made of yourself,
But for what
You are making of me.

I love you
For the part of me
That you bring out;
I love you
For putting your hand
Into my heaped-up heart
And passing over
All the foolish, weak things
That you can't help
Dimly seeing there,
And for drawing out
Into the light
All the beautiful belongings
That no one else had looked
Quite far enough to find.

I love you because you
Are helping me to make
Of the lumber of my life
Not a tavern
But a temple;
Out of the works
Of my every day
Not a reproach
But a song.
I love you
Because you have done
More than any creed
Could have done
To make me good,
And more than any fate
Could have done
To make me happy.

You have done it
Without a touch,
Without a word,
Without a sign.
You have done it
By being yourself.
Perhaps that is what
Being a friend means,
After all.

--Roy Croft--

Heartfelt Thank-Yous -- (and don't forget the CONTEST below!)

Hi all, I have been really neglectful with my bog as of late. I am sorry about that... as I enjoy the blogging. It helps me to feel connected and in turn is an encouragement to me... and hopefully some of you once in a while as well.
I have recently asked for prayer.
My request was vague but what a blessing of a response I had! Thank you in big ways for all of your encouragemant... your prayers and notes of wisdom shared have been water to my parched soul... and a much needed spiritual hug as well.
I was vague about my request as it was one of those things that , well, the Lord knows... Nothing mysterious... nothing unusual, but basically just a crying out for comfort in a more tumulteous time of the storm and a desperate need for breakthrough. I feel stuck. I have felt your prayers... I know the Lord hears, just as I know He put it on my heart to not keep keeping it all in, and to just share my request :)

A dear sister that the Lord has used during another pivotal time in life well-- the Lord used her again with just what I needed to hear:) She invited me to give her a call... (it had been a couple of years since we had spoken on the phone) -- so when she invited me to give a call again, I thought it might be a God--appointment so was sure to call and well enough , it was. I am thankful for that chat... (thanks sister ;)

I have another sister that the Lord has recently brought into my life though happenstance. Jamie has been an encouragement as well. The Lord has used her in ways that I had not expected... in ways that have shown me and my family in tangible ways that He truly does care when even when we are not at our best.We don't have to have arrived , being a shining example of a perfect overcomer to have Him bless us in His personal way with things that speak to us... "I am with you child and I do care ,in ALL things. She has been a wellspring of wisdom for me and a help in getting a grasp on things that I thought I was already well informed about. (lol & wink)
I Praise the Lord for showing me through these months that He has not forsaken me.. in the ways that only He can... so that I "Know" that it is most assuredly Him

So, There have been trials, some really painful as of late. There are things that I have carried (too long) that I know the Lord wants me to put down. I know that when I don't put down some of these self imposed burdens, I am much hindered from being used in the ways he wants to use me.. and as well... when I hold onto things... and get my little fumbly paws in His workings... I surely mess things up... where-as if I'd have been still and held my faith... He would may well have worked some things out already and with much less pain! How slow I am to learn.
There is more here to share... my thoughts are just disjointed right now... so I will share more on this on another posting... different post-- same issues to be sure. It is His timing and not mine-- on of the things that are sinking in to my spirit of late (I'm learning to not feed into the lie that (if there are not instant answer's the problem areas in my walk then that means that God's not working !)... these things are treasures and worthy things take time to forge into all they will become...
Blessings to you all
Lots of ((e-huggs)) from me and thank you all again.. you are all blessings to me :)

MckMama's SmallFry Fryday Contest!

Ok Hey!
I found a fab new blog!... a blog from a fellow shuttersister to boot-- with really photogenic kiddos ( much like my own (wink... a bit of basis here:) it's MckMama's site featuring Stellan, Small Fry and Prince Charming (hubby I believe (wink) & two other Mck kiddos!
aswhich is as far as I got to see before I rushed over to my blog to sign up for this cool contest :)
I like it... tips & inspriation... my favorite kind!
--the first post I found made me smile as it denoted "contest" It's a Fryday contest... in honor of her sweet "small-fry" gal's photo shoot :) -- so click above on the big font/word "contest" for details! coz, well who doesn't like a contest!? -- Prizes?!?
yep!... She mentioned a header or lens's etc... for the winner chosen ;)

I am excited as I happen to be looking for a header for my photography blog ... so cool!

If I don't win, maybe one of my visitors will...
~~ here's to hoping the best for you all!
Again... Go to Smallfry contest !
and check it out! Sounds like much fun and I think you'll like her site :)
but act fast... it ends some time this week-end!
~~best to ya'll and sorry I haven't been very active.. I have been in a dry spell...but am feeling inspired again ;)
Blessings, Suz

1 Corinthians 2:14-17

"But thank be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the Word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God."

Open Arms

Reaching out to find surrender,

Open arms can find a peace.

Faith becomes the holy blessing

Hidden just beyond release.

In the depths of never knowing

Trust can find a place to grow.

Seeds of deeper understanding

Blossom into letting go.

Open arms can hold repentance,

Letting us begin to see.

Faith reveals the arms of heaven

Holding our serenity.

--Jean Pomeroy (September 2003)

(photo by Andrea Herrlinger)

Peroxide!

"Is it twoo mum?"

"It weally does all dat??"

"Yay!"

I got this from a woman on a message board who said feel free to pass on... so I am!

Incredible... and very cool!

This is what Oxi clean is... did you Know that????

The benefits of The brown bottle 3% peroxide

"I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store.

My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars."

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe)

No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes.

Use it instead of mouthwash (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)

2. Periodically Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of "Peroxide" to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishcloth when you wipe... or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board pour peroxide on the cutting board to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day.

My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine.

The gangrene was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold or plugged sinuses. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria.

Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day.

The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through.

You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde.

It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide, instead of bleach, to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it set for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors and there is no smearing. I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without!

With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner.

(and one more I knew of... dilute it in a bath of water to soak your fruits and veggies in to get rid of all the pesticides etc... !)-- and I'm sure there's plenty more where these came from... maybe google it if you're interested... I think I will...

:D

~Send on to others who might need to know the benefits of 3% peroxide

Have a blessed day!

Reformation Day Celebration Cake...Black Forest Cake! (Indulgence Cake--the good kind! ;)

I know so little about celebrating Reformation Day as some do and have for years... but I love the idea! It is a wonderful alternative to a "Halloween" observance... and another option besides the "Harvest Festivities" which are fine, but I just thought this was a great option as well.
Reformation day marks the separation of our faith from the hands of the Catholic Church and its control and oppression... and brought God's marvelous truths and the Truth of His Son's grace and redemptive work on the cross back into the minds and hearts of the commoners of the time. We now have a Bible that we can read ourselves without interpretation from the popes and cardinals or any church hierarchy. Thank you Lord and Thank you Martin Luther for being obedient to the call of the Lord on your heart...

So, to commemorate, we're gonna do our own "indulging" on this delectable German cake!
It's been stated by a native from Germany that this specific recipe is the closet to the authentic German rendition of this cake as she has ever seen... only difference being the cherries in the original recipe were soaked in high proof alcohol for an extended period of time.
...and I'm sure if my daughter Noelle has her way ... we will all be relaxing after dinner and dessert to the annual showing of the film "Luther" starring Joseph Fiennes and Sir Peter Ustinov. It is a little off on the Katherina and Martin's relationship... but I hear the documentation of the facts through out are close to authentic. In any case, it is an inspiring work. (Note: I do have a few concerns to share about some of the contents of the movie for youngers...email me for details if interested at vintagemommy@gmail.com)

So, Here's the recipe...

Black Forest Cake Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Ready In: 2 Hours 10 Minutes
Yields: 12 servings

"Wonderful chocolate layer cake which is soaked in Kirsch liqueur, with cherry filling.

"INGREDIENTS:1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
t1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1/2 cup kirschwasser
1/2 cup butter
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon strong brewed coffee
2 (14 ounce) cans pitted Bing cherries,
drained 2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon kirschwasser
1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Line the bottoms of two 8 inch round pans with parchment paper circles.
Sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt.
Set aside.
2. Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.-- Beat in eggs and vanilla. --Beat in flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until combined. -- Pour into 2 round 8 inch pans.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.-- Cool completely.
Remove paper from the cakes.-- Cut each layer in half, horizontally, making 4 layers total.-- Sprinkle layers with the 1/2 cup kirshwasser.
4. In a medium bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy.-- Add confectioners sugar,-- pinch of salt, and coffee;-- beat until smooth.
If the consistency is too thick, add a couple teaspoons of cherry juice or milk.-- Spread first layer of cake with 1/3 of the filling.-- Top with 1/3 of the cherries.-- Repeat with the remaining layers.
5. In a separate bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks.-- Beat in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1 tablespoon kirshwasser.-- Frost top and sides of cake.-- Sprinkle with chocolate curls made by using a potato peeler on semisweet baking chocolate.

Yum!

I asked the Lord

I asked the Lord that I might grow

In faith and love, and every grace;

Might more of His salvation know,

And seek more earnestly His face.

I hoped that in some favored hour

At once He'd answer my request;

And by His love's constraining power,

Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel

The hidden evils of my heart,

And let the angry powers of hell

Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with his own hand He seemed

Intent to aggravate my woe;

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,

Blasted my hopes, and laid me low.

"Lord, why is this," I trembling cried --

"Wilt Thou pursue Thy worm to death!"

"Tis in this way," the Lord replied,

"I answer prayer for grace and faith."

"These inward trials I employ,

From self, and pride, to set thee free;

And break thy schemes of earthly joy,

That thou may'st seek thy all in Me."

~and now for something new and totally different...

The Great Soy Deception

...because I feel so strongly about this topic...
Below is an article I found of interest...
It couters popular opinion on the health benefits of soy. Please read and judge for yourself. being a premenopausal wonaman and hearing so many others lauding soy as a remedy and treatment option for symptoms most of us know all know too well... I had to share this.

The Great Soy Deception
The article posted below gives a great overview of the confusion and misrepresentations put out by the soy industry in this country. Their propaganda has been so successful that even many in the natural health field have been duped into thinking soy is the holy grail of health foods.It is critical to understand that the soy used in the vast majority of food products here in the US is not the same as fermented soy used in Asian countries, and that the way soy is consumed is completely different than the way it is used here. Cheap, unfermented forms of soy are one of the favorite ingredients and fillers used by food manufacturers and processors in the West, and despite their attempts to convince us this is beneficial for our health, the main reason they do it is because this type of soy is almost always genetically modified, thus cheap and plentiful. Rather than being a healthful choice, soy consumption has led to an onslaught of concerns, and is a factor in a multitude of disease conditions. The mass consumption of soy has led to an epidemic of unhealthy situations that is the direct result of the hormonal imbalances triggered by an excess of soy in our diets.

Six Surprising Facts About Soy
by Ella Andersen

(NaturalNews) When people think of living healthfully, usually what comes to mind is eating tofu or drinking soymilk. Why wouldn't they? After all, the popular magazines point to soy consumption as the ultimate form of health. This article will show some surprising facts that many do not know about soy, and facts that are actually contrary to what the magazines print and the health "officials" promote.

Soy is not the cornerstone of Asian diets

This is probably by far the most common misconception about soy products. Many of the fitness magazines, and even some dietitians, overplay the role of soy in the Asian diet. In China and Japan, people only eat about 10 grams (2 teaspoons) a day. What's more, soy is viewed and consumed as a condiment, not as a replacement for animal products or as an entire meal. Basically, soy in those regions would be like ketchup or mustard, rather than the main dish.Additionally, the type of soy that is consumed in the Asiatic region is quite different from the way it is eaten in the West. The soy that is prepared in Asian countries is fermented. More will be revealed below about fermented soy.

The soy that westerners eat is unhealthy

Yes, that's right. The popular soy-mantra that "soy prevents osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer," is what the soy industry would like you to think, but in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Above, fermented soy was mentioned. The reason it was mentioned is because raw, unfermented soy contains anti-nutrients that pose great risks for those who consume soy on a regular basis.The main anti-nutrients that are in soy are phytates, trypsin inhibitors and phytoestrogens. Soy processing results in some undesirable components as well: toxic lysinoalanine, carcinogenic nitrosamines, monosodium glutamate or MSG (a potent neurotoxin), and aluminum (a toxin to the nervous system and kidneys).The phytates in soy reduces the assimilation of the minerals copper, iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium, creating deficiencies. Methods such as soaking and sprouting are ineffective at reducing the phytate amounts in soy.The trypsin inhibitors make digesting proteins problematic and can lead to pancreatic disorders.Phytoestrogens are potent anti-thyroid agents that interfere with the endocrine system, along with causing menstruation problems in women. Furthermore, women who consumed soy during pregnancy had a higher chance of giving birth to babies born with hypospadias, which is where the urethral opening of the penis is misplaced (near the base of the penis instead of at the tip). Also, phytoestrogens, along with PCBs and DDE, contribute to premature development of girls.

In Asia, soy is fermented, so many of the above problems, with the exception of the phytoestrogens, are eliminated.

Soy does not contribute to bone health

Despite popular belief soy does not contribute to bone health. Soy increases the body's need for calcium and vitamin D, actually taking away from bone health! Also, Westerners are deficient in vitamin D as it is, eating soy foods will just make the problem worse!

Soy contributes to infertility

This fact is what many men and women need to know because if you are consuming large amounts of unfermented soy products, you will likely experience this effect. Since the phytoestrogens interfere with the delicate hormonal systems of healthy individuals, such problems are not uncommon. In fact for women, painful and irregular periods are common and for men, a decreased sperm count can be found among heavy soy consumers.Additionally in Japan, when housewives want to decrease the virility of their husbands, typically they give them soy products.

Soy is not good for postmenopausal women

Since soy contains high amounts of phytoestrogens, a potent anti-thyroid agent and endocrine disruptor, the problems of low thyroid function during postmenopausal years is heightened. Also, tumors that require large amounts of estrogen can feed off of the phytoestrogens in the soy.

Soy formula is not a good substitute for breast milk or even milk formulas

All infants should be fed breast milk for at the very least, the first year of life. The best substitute after breast milk is raw goat's milk. Soy formula should not be considered. This is because soy-based formulas are high in phytoestrogens and the other anti-nutrients.

Bottom line, feeding an infant soy formula is comparable to giving the baby five birth control pills. For girls, this can cause premature development such as breast buds, pubic hair and even menstruation before age eight. In boys, this can retard sexual development and even cause learning disabilities.At the risk of being redundant, the point must be made again: soy formula is not a good replacement for the highest form of infant nutrition, breast milk. It is also poor when nutritionally compared to wholesome raw goat's milk.SummarySoy has been upheld for many years as the pinnacle of health and wellness. It has been over-glorified by being placed on a pedestal above foods that truly should represent health. Through all of its promotions, through all of the publicity, it has failed many people, leaving them with problems that are difficult to treat. Not every health fad is what it is cracked up to be. A little research into these effects goes a long way.

http://www.naturalnews.com/z024407.html

Cute Mug!

~ this sweet little mug is one of our neighbors ...her and her bother & sister were the subjects of a great photo shoot my daughter Noelle did for them the other day. It turned out just fabulous!... see her pics of the kiddos on her blog! :)



She was a natural... just knew exactly how to pose! How fun1 I took these few here ;)

My dh, and best friend Tom shopping our local grocery store...
I have always thought of taking the camera on a shop with me... Something different, ya know?
um...well maybe not.. but I know some of you out there might relate?!
~well, till this day, I hadn't had the nerve.
I guess I was in a nervy mood! :)
I had fun... and my husband took the cart and humored me.. (he's a good sport) :)
(not to mention we were only running on for a couple of items)













Like I said, he "is" a good sport... and a great husband ;)

What the World Finds Unbelievable

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

--Anonymous--

Tagged!

I've been tagged by Susan at Safe Thus Far! :)

Here's the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag sixish people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know he or she has been tagged.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

So here's my six trivia:

1. One of my favorite songs is The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot.
2. I like ice cream heated up (slightly) in the microwave. Tastes richer! Try it! :)
3. I adore pictures of sheep.
4. My hubby and I married after 30.
5. I almost died giving birth to Noelle (and she had a true knot in her umbilical cord and had to be resuscitated).
6. I cook pretty well, and never use a recipe. To me, it's art.

And I tag...

Whoever wants to participate! :)

a few pics from my trip :)

Brandi & Noelle at Brandi's in Pgh PA
Hi all, I want to thank all who might have seen my daughter Noelle's blog and prayed for me and my trip to PA this past week. I am happy to be home and am thanking the Lord for all.
I got to visit my son Josh and my mom and step-father Bill and my dad and stepmom Leslie as well. besides almost missing my flight, (They had the wrong person on my seat and had began taxying down the runway before I got to the gate! (they fixed the problem (wink) and I got home (on time!) -- to coming down with the bug during the trip... and my sweet husband having to drive down to get me -- to the hard but needful things that were discussed by my dear daughter Brandi and myself during my visit that lightened both our loads and cleared up many things that needed to be cleared up...and to her being even somewhat receptive to the message that she isn't gonna be able to do the things or be the mom/wife that she desires to be without Christ in her life as her Savior and Guide-- It was a very necessary and successful trip!
Thanks again to all who lifted us up. :)
I wanted to post a few pics in memory of my trip and as a tribute to these people that I love and hold up in prayer.



Noelle took care of my flowers before I left (before the frost) here in the U.P.!
She hung them for me to dry and arrange into into gifts later... somehow ;)
Jacob and to the right of him, Jocelyn, my grandsweeties

My Mom and Bill (and below-- her kitties that hid in the wardrobe in the basement) :(

and lastly, my 2 adult kiddos, Josh and Brandi...

My Dog Hobbes // a fun post

~~ well, he's the family dog, but I'm the "mommy" & he is such like a child... sooo smart & intuitive and , well, a mama's boy ;)
We adopted him 5 plus years ago (when he was 4) .We are all in agreement that he was a gift from the Lord in a time when our family needed a diversion. He needed us, as he had come from a pretty rough place in his life and needed a respite and a family to dote on him. Like I said, God knew-- Hobbes was special and a fit for us...yep, we needed him. Sometimes in life , there come blessings in packages that we ordinarily wouldn't look for them in.... Hobbes was one of those. This is a tribute to our sweet, faithful Hobbes.
PS.. yes, he is winking... and he shows his teeth & squints when he's happy to see us as well... and for the record, his ears usually stick way up... (big ears!) LOL!

Live and Shine
(the TV addiction poem)

Our Source of time and light and life,
forget Him not In the midst, and as blight prevails in time and space
capturing egos amidst self exaltation lusts and guises ,
however chosen to pose for capture …

scourge seeps in amidst the furious green and blue, the glow of the orb, that sits exultant in an idols stance, by chance , though no-one notices,
they wink and lounge in it's midst… reveling in the iniquity , relevant to our time, transcendent, they view it as sublime, to each his own …
it covertly errodes the mind...

Come away and live, or lie down and sigh, in the, seemingly serene, in the repose of self sacrifice to the darkness
Flee, fear, fly away!
relinquish to the Light, there's still a chance
come away~~ Live and Shine

little by bit...

A few misc. snapshots that capture an ecclectic view of my life and that of my families, and a few of their loved ones, over the past (few?) ha! years. Not nearly in order... and not nearly a complete portrayal.. . it gives a peek into some fun, poignant, joyous, reflective and a couple regrettable times in my life and our lives together.

A Heart of Hope, New Beginnings, and Old Places Revisited

Wow, it's late and I have much to share, but I need to get some sleep. I will see how far this is gonna go :)
First off, I am heading back home! To Pgh, PA to visit my dd, Brandi and my ds, Josh... and... my mom & my dad & step mom... and hopefully a friend or two...( so...if anyone thinks of me on the 29th of Sept.. . through the next week or so thereafter)...please send up a prayer for me, for closeness and reliance on the Father. I also ask for prayer for my family here in the UP -- as well as my family there (in Pgh) and all that we'll be collectively going through. I am sure this is going to be a trying as well joyous time. Ihave seen the Lord's hand has orchestrating this whole thing from the beginning. He is confirming in so many ways. First off, it is for my kids... I believe He wants me to intercede for them and be there to share many things in ways that can only be shared by living out your convictions and your peace (from Him) amidst lifes barrages of unpredictability! He's looking to do only good things I know, this as well as others. That is so like the Father, to take care of so many intricasies of things in one feel swoop! There is a lot of healing that needs to happen and His time is perfect. I also see how incredibly, wonderfully, perfect His timing is for my own healing through this (which has everything to do with and directly affects the relationships and issues of my family here as well)

My husband and I are in the midst of some pretty intense counsel... prayer... repent and re-learn... etc...type of things together. I would love to share more on the medium the Lord chose for us (and I will later, Lord willing) as a tool to enlighten us to some blind spots and to work through repentence and forgiveness issues .. etc... and I just know that my visit home has everything to do with seeing things / facing things in new light and deeper ways that were heretofore (msp?) too painful to delve too far into... His time is perfect (I said that huh!?) ;) and I praise Him..and though I am apprensive, no matter, all things work together for good....


on another note.. I am sobered in huge ways by the state of our economy and the state of the underworkings (covert and sinister) not to sound like an alarmist ...of the government's plans to overthrow and undermine with the end goal to knock out of the running... the natural health and nutricuitical companies... etc... so as to monopolize things even more-so than already-- and that is only the beginnning of things.. I would go on, but that's all out there for anyone who wants to get into it and be more privy and look deeper into these things... many blogs and sites expose are alive and kicking... sharing the real deal on these and so many other similar and just as relevant (and eye opening at times) issues... I just thank the Lord that none of this is news to Him :) In any case, the heart of my blog isn't geared to these things... (though I've been tempted) :) and I may post a section with links to the best of the best (by popular consensus) where this type of info is to be found. I am hoping my husband will begin (when his work slows down this winter) will blog on some of these issues himself...I am excited for that :)
well,
goodnight all...
have a blessed tomorrow,
In Jesus,
Suz

It seems like an age since I've posted... But it's been good...

...Being away that is... as the Lord has been at work in my heart in ways that only He can. I knew I was getting to be in a stale place and it grieved me. He knew it too... and again, is ever so faithful not to leave us in these barren places forever. He heard my heart-cry for revival and a renewed zeal. Though God's time is not our time and it seemed like forever that I felt dry and deserted... I did know better as His time is perfect. I didn't call out to Him for renewal so that I could "feel" better... but so that I can again have that calm purposeful insight and assurance that He is in all and that therefore -- "All Is Good!" I long to be used in any way he chooses... So I continue to grow... and love basking in that very process. Hope rekindled is all I needed to be content as he sifts me... as I know how it all ends! (big smile)

~So, anyway, thanks for visiting :) Here are a few pics I thought I'd share. I have really neglected my photo blog... but , well... all in due time. I surely have enough shots to build it up-- in the thousands... no doubt, as I just cannot stop capturing life and it's moments, via looking at everything partially filtered though the eyes of photography!...
~but first things first... I think they'll still be there!

About the pics below...

~This sweet little bird, well, It flew directly into our closed window and seemed to be experiencing a bit of brain fog... I could definately relate! LOL! I took pity on him sitting there in a daze on the porch and made him a cave like place to feel safe as he tried to get a grip and catch his breath ... which he did, and was soon off again, on his way home, I suppose, :)
Just wondering...Anyone have any idea what kind of bird this was?

~ The next photo is jsut an evening shot up on a ski hill the other day ~It's called Mt. Zion... and has a beautiful view.. for miles and miles!
directly above the ground off the far horizon, before the sky... you can, just barely see Lake Superior...

~The other photo is a chipmunk under our tree (that holds our bird-feeders)... (the birds are really droppy/sloppy, which he loves!-- and visits often ... doing his part to keep the ground clean :)

~That's about all exciting photo-wise going on around here lately. Things will look up in that arena too I am hoping-- LOL!
~Though, I do have my hands full lately...and I also have much to share--including more thoughts on the different aspects of the causes and cures of fibro....
~Well, I'd best take my tired bones to bed...
Nighters all!


~ isn't he just adorable? he makes my mama heart swoon ;)
~he is beginning to have his wits about him again...
~he seems to be thinking that he'd best get going!
~that's a plane off in the distance. We are close by small airport ~the little chipmunk cleaning up the fallen seeds.. he munches while his cheek/pouches are full of loot to carry on home for the long winter...
Doesn't it look like a fairy tale scene the way it is misty looking?

I believe the majority of people want to sing, but die with the music still inside.

photo compliments of a photographer on flickr :)

The Child

This is a piece my daughter Noelle wrote at 12 or 13.

In it, she shares some of her innermost upon us moving North... It tells of her, while a 10 yr old child, confused and a bit apprehensive. It is a provocative piece that captures these feelings poignantly... I think you'll like it too ...

The Child

The truck lurched and rumbled gruffly as the wheels cringed into the small entrance of the gas station. The child stared out the window soberly. It was dreary and muddy, and dusk was very slowly happening upon the little family in the Penske truck. They were in Wisconsin. They were almost there. They were almost home.

And yet, what really was home? Had they not just left ‘home’? Or were they on their way ‘home’? As the child stepped out of the huge truck, holding her daddy’s hand, her heart leapt at the thought of their destination. Yet somehow, deep, deep inside of her, she knew there was something she had left behind that she could never recapture. Her roots had been yanked out of her native soil, and brought to a foreign land…for what? For the sake of life and hope. Yet what was really in store?

Her mama squeezed her shoulder as they walked side by side into the convenience store. Fluorescent lights glared inside, steady and strong; the outside breeze, dizzy and unsteady, swirled and churned, kneading the air. The child smiled softly and tucked a wisp of sunny hair behind her ear.

With bright eyes she peered around the store as they stepped inside, curious to know what it was about this strange area that so intrigued her. Suddenly her eyes fastened on some objects hanging on the far wall, and she felt herself moving toward them slowly. “Wait for me,” she heard her mother say. Suddenly forgetting her former distraction, the child winced as the strained, tired voice of her mother pierced her heart. Oh, what lay ahead? And would it be worth it?

They made their purchases and walked outside. Their legs were cramped from the tight cab of the truck, and they so wanted to get a bit of exercise; but they had to keep going. Pressing on, ever onward…would it never end?

So the child walked on between her parents, slowly, heavily, tiredly toward the huge truck that would take her away from all familiarity, and slam her down into a garden with soil she was unaccustomed to. Almost tearfully, she plodded on. Suddenly lifting her head to look at the sky; so grey, so bleak; she gasped and stopped in her tracks. Big as life, colorful as hope, beautiful and heart-wrenching as a rose being tramped upon by the feet of men, was a rainbow in the sky…

Oh, what was the meaning of life?

--Noelle Mathison, 2008--

Thy Soul Delights In Me

Thy Soul Delights In Me

Thy soul delights in me:
I, depraved with sin,
Am actually loved by Thee;
With all my faults, my rebellion within:

Still, oh perfect Love, I am loved by Thee.
I am Thy servant, whom thou upholds;
Thy Love, oh Love!, around me folds;
And though I flounder, though I fail,
I am upheld by a Love too sweet to describe...
Oh Lord, Thy Love is ever upon me;
Though I see it not at times,
It is there -- wastefully abundant;
Thy Love is like an ocean, Lord --
Oh, let me return it to Thee full.
Thy soul delights in me:

I, depraved with sin,

Am actually loved by Thee;

With all my faults, my rebellion within:
Still, oh perfect Love, I am loved by Thee.

--Noelle Mathison, 2008--

~After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor slowly stood up,walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening,he briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening. In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service. with that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak. "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast ," he began, when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized.' the old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking some what interested in his story. the aged minister continued with his story, grabbing a rescue line, the father had tomake the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy would he throw the other end of the life line. he only had seconds to make the decision.the father knew that his son was a christian and he, also, knew that his son's friend was not. the agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, "Ilove you, son!" he threw out the life line to his son's friend. by the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night. his body was never recovered. by this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister's mouth. "the father", he continued,"knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the hought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus..therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend." how great is the love of God that he should do the same for us. Our heavenly Father sacrificed His only begotten son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line he is throwing out to you in this service.' with that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room. the pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. However, no one responded to the appeal. within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. "that was a nice story," stated one of them politely, but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a christian." "Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible. a big smile broadened his narrow face. he once again looked up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it?" but, I'm standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up his Son for me. You see... I was that father and your pastor is my son's friend.

shared by ShuttersBuddy

~found a few more minutes... to post a couple more pics before retiring

-- Hobbes thoroughly enjoyed his day at the beach

-- the driftwood sat like a bump

-- and my sweet husband made me smile