Don't Forget!

Please don't forget to send out your red envelopes tomorrow, and above all else, don't forget to pray! God can change the heart of even the most stubborn pro-abortionist, and cause them to understand the miracle of birth and the preciousness of life.

posted by Lydia

Spring Cleaning

Our porch floor was in desperate need of cleaning after a winter of sand and salt. While I scrubbed I listened to a song by the music group Casting Crowns.

~East to West~

Here I am Lord I and I'm drowning in a sea of forgetfulness

Chains yesterday surround me I long for peace and rest

Don't want to end up where You found me and it echoes in my mind

Keeps me awake tonight

Know You've cast my sin as far as the East is from the West

And I stand before You now as though I've never sin

But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away for You leaving me this way

Jesus can You show me just how far the East is from the West

I can't bear to see the man I've been rising up in me again

In the arms of Your mercy I find rest

You know just how far the East is from the West

One scarred hand to the other

I start the day the war begins

And less reminding of my sin

Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in

Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Jesus can You show me just how far the East is from the West

I can't stand to see the man I've been rising up in me again

In the arms if Your mercy I find rest

You know just how far the East is from the West

One scared hand to the other

Know You've washed me white

Turned my darkness into light

I need Your peace to get me though this night

Can't live by what I feel

But by the truth your word reveals

I'm not holding on to You

But Your holding on to me

Jesus You know just how far the East is from the West

I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again

In the arms of Your mercy I find rest

You know just how far the East is from the West

One scarred hand to the other

( Esther enjoying fresh air )

Our porch all clean and in order!
posted by: Caroline

Ski Reatreat (finally)

So, here is the post I promised my friends I would put up about...umm...two weeks ago. Better late then never, right? Two weekends ago, Caroline, my dad, and I went to a ski retreat, hosted by a sister church in the Catskills. We had such a good time. And I have pictures to prove it! ;-)

We're on our way! Lovely Jakie. She's just got the best picture face, doesn't she?
Matthew got the navigator chair. I thought those shades really completed the look.

And of course, lovely Caroline. We girls got packed in the back with the luggage, if you can't tell.

We picked up Ethan, and seats got traded around. Caroline and Jackie promptly decided that it was nap time. Ethan and I amused ourselves by snapping pictures of them, which didn't seem to faze them in the least. ;-)

We were mildly shocked when we got there and saw all the kids! We sure weren't expecting that many, and it was a lovely surprise.

This was the only thing about an oodle of girls sharing two bathrooms.

Do some people's bathrooms actually look like this??? That mess wouldn't sit for 10 minutes in my house!The bus arrived at 8:00 on Saturday morning to take us to the ski slopes.

And another picture of the bus, just because it's a novelty to us totally un-sociallized home schoolers.

Ethan and I got to sit in the back of the bus. No car sickness to report. Just some jostled brains.

Andy's art in the bus window. A little snowboarder prejudice, perhaps? We love you too, Andy!

Finally on the slopes! Check out that view!

The BEAUTIFUL Catskills.

I'm actually not sure who this is. I just like his snow pants. Snazzy!

Another breath taking view.

Sooo....why are we here? Oh yeah, skiing! Down the hill we go.

So this is what ski loges look like in the big city. We country bumpkins were impressed.

Lunch time! One of the ladies in the church graciously allowed some hungry skiers to invade her home.

Caroline and Razz enjoying hospitality.

Viewing the ski slopes from the back deck.

Time for a break!

Daddy takes five before heading back up the slopes.

Jackie. Love the hat. Ethan. He was all ready to go. Never sat down for a minute.And me. Well, part of me anyway. It's sort of awkward taking a picture of your own face.

Heading back to camp. Some sleepy skiers/snowboarders caught a few zzz's on the bus. I seem to have a fascination of taking pictures of sleeping people. I kinda think it's funny ;-).

Well, we're home now, safe and sound. No broken bones or cracked skulls to report. Yeah, I know. Boring! We had a great time, but I hope that was the last skiing trip of the year. I am so ready for spring!

posted by Lydia

Telemachus

A friend told me this story several days ago and it has been on my mind.

In the 5th century, a monk named Telemachus made a journey to the city of Rome. While he was there, he attended a gladiator game in the Colosseum. Hundreds of people had come to the game and they were enjoying themselves greatly as men fought each other for their lives. Telemachus, however, was appalled and could take no more of the violence. He ran down to the center of the arena and cried out for the violence to cease and even tried to separate the fighting men. The crowd was indignant that anyone would dare to interfere with their entertainment. With one accord the crowd rose up and stoned the monk. Telemachus died trying to stop the horrible sport of gladiators.

When the emperor heard of this outrage, he decreed the end of all gladiator games. One man's voice and death brought a end to the gladiators.

I was struck at the power one man's voice can have. I am certainly not in the position of being martyred for my beliefs, but isn't it strange that I still fear to speak up for a righteous cause? I pray that when a opportunity arises I will not shrink from speaking up for my Lord. This story has inspired me.

Posted by: Carissa

Musing

The hero does not set out to be one. He is probably more surprised than others by such recognition. He was there when the crisis occurred...and he responded as he always had in any situation. He was simply doing what had to be done! Faithful where he was in his duty there...he was ready when the crisis arose. Being where he was supposed to be...doing what he was supposed to do...responding as was his custom...to circumstances as they developed...devoted to duty-he did the heroic!
~Richard C. Halverson

posted by Lydia

Lifted

Have you seen this pixar short film before?

p.s. Post with pictures coming soon!

posted by Lydia

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

We sang this lovely song this evening during family worship.

How Deep The Father's Love

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

We finished the last couple verses of the book of Mathew tonight and the words to this song fit beautifully.
I shall never cease to wonder and praise God for His mercy and love for us. Christ suffered so much for our deliverance. What a merciful God and what a wonderful Savior!

Posted by: Carissa

Caroline is excited!

Lydia and I will be at a youth retreat this weekend. Please pray we will have a profitable time.

God, be merciful to me;

On Thy grace I rest my plea

Plenteous in compassion Thou,

Blot out my transgressions now;

Wash me, make me pure within;

Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.

My transgressions I confess;

Grief and guilt my soul oppress.

I have sinned against Thy grace,

And provoked Thee to Thy face.

I confess Thy judgement just;

Speechless, I Thy mercy trust.

I am evil, born in sin;

Thou desirest truth within.

Thou alone my Savior art,

Teach Thy wisdom to my heart;

Make me pure, Thy grace bestow,

Wash me whiter than the snow.

Broken, humbled to the dust

By Thy wrath and judgment just,

Let my contrite heart rejoice,

And in gladness hear Thy voice;

From my sins O hide Thy face,

Blot them out in boundless grace.

Gracious God, my heart renew,

Make my spirit right and true.

Cast me not away from Thee,

Let Thy Spirit dwell in me;

Thy salvation's joy impart,

Steadfast make my willing heart.

Sinners then shall learn from me,

And return, O God, to Thee

Savior all my guilt remove,

And my tongue shall sing Thy love

Touch my silent lips, O Lord,

And my mouth shall praise accord.

~From the Psalter~

posted by Lydia

First Signs of Spring

I am sooo excited! Look what I spotted today when we pulled into the driveway!

Little iris' poking their heads up from the ground. I had this crazy desire to bend down and kiss them. Silly, I know. But I was so happy! ;)

Dirt! Wonderful dirt. I rubbed it all over my hand so that I would have to go in and wash it off.

And as I am writing this there is a mourning dove cooing about two houses over. I love that sound they make! To me the sound sums up everything that is calm and peaceful. And...it means SPRING!!!

Posted by: Carissa

Ski Trip

Caroline, Lydia and I went skiing last weekend with a group of friends. It was lovely, sunshiny weather and landscape was beautiful. We truly live in beautiful country, here in central New York. From the top of the skiing mountain you could see the foothills of the Adirondacks. Everything was crystal clear only as it can be on a winter day. I guess winter is not totally all bad. :)
And yes, I have already been yelled at for not getting more people pictures. I'm sorry. :( When I was not concentrating on staying upright, I was too interested in the scenery. I'll try to do better when we go again next year.
(This first picture is of Lydia on the lift.)

Posted by: Carissa

A Few Favorite Things

I have been feeling poorly the last two days. I caught some sort of flu virus that makes me ache all over. This afternoon I was feeling somewhat better, just tired of being in bed. I got my camera out. These are a few favorite things from around my room.

Sisters being silly. What would I do without sisters?!

A sweet smelling candle, sea glass, and a picture of a dear friend.

My grandmother's mirror, a tea cup from Perkins Cove, Maine (I wish myself there right now), and snail shells from the coast of Maine. Can you tell that I love the sea?

A new book I am reading right now and enjoying very much, at least the first chapter.

Ivy growing up our mirror.

A old, much beloved rag doll.

For-Cynthia's sitting on top my hope chest with my books and laptop.

And most of all, the sunshine outside my window. I could not get a picture of that but I have been greatly enjoying it all day. It is nice to doze in the sunshine when you do not feel well.

May you all have a good, peaceful evening.

Posted by: Carissa