Study.Quiet

Peace that Surpasses Understanding

2012-01-21T15:30:00.002-06:00

The Christmas decorations are finally put away, so one sad looking poinsettia is all that remains of the Christmas season. Somehow, the melodies of Fum, Fum, Fum, and Feliz Navidad continue to be on my mind, however, and I find myself humming and whistling them all the time. Christmas is never completely banished when I am around!

Fresh hotdog and hamburger buns.

To break the silence of an often too quiet apartment, I have been listening to a steady stream of praise worship -- many by Chris Tomlin -- and this helps to improve my mood no matter what else is going on. I am also on the lookout for soothing music that will help create a peaceful environment during labor and delivery (only about nine weeks away!). My mom found an old recording put out by Integrity Music called Peace that she listened to when she was in labor with me more than twenty years ago, so that forms a good foundation for my playlist. I have also added some personal favorites such as Ashokan Farewell and some new finds including a beautiful arrangement of Come Thou Fount by Stephanie Immordino.

I was so excited to see a beautiful snowfall -- my first of the season.

Just as I expected, I completed the baby boy quilt two weeks ago, and I started piecing the baby girl quilt the same day. Unfortunately, my sewing machine and I didn't get along for a few days, and it took longer than it should have for me to discover it was because my Singer didn't like the thickness of the new thread I gave it. There was supposed to be all-purpose thread in the machine, but, somehow, I managed to buy and load heavy thread instead. Anyway, I was so upset that I lost two days because of a simple mistake on my part that I sewed almost all day and finished piecing the new quilt top that day! It was "sandwiched" in time for our weekend trip to visit family and friends, so I was able to get a lot of quilting done while enjoying family time.

French Toast on a relaxed Saturday with my husband. Served with honey!

The last two weeks have had some unexpected challenges in it, but I am so thankful for the promise in Philippians 4:7:

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

My Ladies Bible Study has been studying Hebrews as part of the Faithful, Abundant, and True study put out by Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer, and Beth Moore, and it has certainly helped keep my troubles in perspective. We serve an awesome God!

Many blessings on your week!

~Elizabeth

Queen of the Home

2012-01-16T14:37:00.000-06:00

"Are you working?"

It shouldn't, but the question still makes me feel uncomfortable. Nice, well meaning people ask me this all the time, and it seems to be part of the "getting to know you" process. Still, as common as the question is, I don't always know how to respond. Answering, a flat "no" seems dismissive and rude. Plus, I do work -- just not in the way they mean. Wrong or right, I feel the need to justify myself. But how? What can be said?

I could tell them I make dinner for my husband, clean the apartment, do the laundry, and, well, I'm pregnant, so I take naps, and I will be feeding a baby and changing diapers in a few months... but then, other women do all that and more. A lot of wives are balancing responsibilities at home and at work. When I think about that, I shrink a little inside, and any answer I could give seems insufficient.

Yet, I needn't feel inadequate. Zachary and I agree that we have different roles in our little family, and both sets of responsibilities are equally important. We believe that the family works better when there is one "bread winner" and one "bread baker" -- not that other members of the family can't bake. Right, Dad? :)

My schedule is flexible and gives way to Zachary's more rigid one, and this allows us the maximum time possible to be together, to communicate, and to build our relationship as husband and wife. For right now at least, I do the majority of the household chores while Zachary is at work, so our home can be a place of rejuvenation and peace when he returns. Dividing our duties in this way will hopefully allow our home to be a haven of rest, play, and productivity for years to come.

So, I am happy with our decision, and I take great joy in my role of homemaker. Still, in a world of predominately two income households, the temptation to squirm at the "Are you working? question is still there.

Encouragement can come from many sources, and, over the last few weeks, I have been uplifted many times by a little book I am keeping on my bedside table. Queen of the Home, compiled and edited by Jennifer M. McBride, was one of my Christmas presents, and I wish every Christian wife had the privilege of reading this special volume of essays, poetry, and other quotes.

The wisdom shared concerning the honor, nobility, and power of Biblical womanhood builds me up and encourages me in my resolve to be a blessing to my husband. The world says I would bless him more by bringing in a second income, but Queen of the Home reminds me that a wife and mother is replaceable in the job market but irreplaceable to her husband and children.

John Angell James, one of the authors quoted in the book, put it this way in 1853:

"The Bible gives her place of majesty and dignity in the domestic circle -- the heart of her husband and the heart of her family. It is the female supremacy of that domain, where love, tenderness, refinement, thought and tender feeling preside. It is the privilege of making her husband happy and honored, and her sons and daughters the ornaments of human society. It is the sphere of piety, prudence, diligence, in the domestic station, and a holy and devout life. It is the sphere that was occupied by Hannah, the mother of Samuel; by Elizabeth, the mother of John; by Eunice, the mother of Timothy; and by Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is the respect and esteem of mankind."

Just as I would not gulp down a soothingly delicious, hot mug of tea, I am not in any hurry to rush through Queen of the Home. I am reading it one quote or essay at a time and savoring the sips of wisdom within. I know it will be a book I return to many times as my household duties claim more of my energies.

There are so many other things I wish I could say about this little book, but I can't even begin to do it justice. Nothing can replace actually reading it. I strongly encourage girls and women young and old to find this book and benefit from the godly wisdom Jennifer M. McBride has compiled for our edification.

You can buy the book HERE.

Music, Baby, and Faith

2012-01-08T13:39:00.000-06:00

The first week of January has sped by, and even though the Christmas decorations aren't put away yet, Christmas is definitely over. My media player and Pandora channel can attest to the fact that I have transitioned into "regular" praise and worship music and put my December favorites away. "Silent Night" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" probably won't have to wait until the next Advent season arrives before I start humming and singing them again, but they do get a break.

Zachary and I are reading straight through the Bible this year, so we covered the creation of the world through Abraham this week. I was reminded again that Abraham did a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong -- just like us -- but it was his faith in God that mattered.

"And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness."
(Genesis 15:6 ESV)

I want to make sure that my actions spring from faith in God. Just doing the "right thing" isn't enough. When it comes down to it, it is the heart that matters. I have a lot of questions this week about practical evangelism, but I trust that God will help me know what to do and say in the moment even when I don't have the big picture filled in. I just need to believe God and keep asking Him for His help. He is faithful.

In other news, I am excited to be in the third trimester of my pregnancy! We have one childbirth class left, and it is becoming more real every day that there is a little person inside of me that we will get to "meet" in less than three months! Since we won't know the gender of the baby until it is born, I am making two baby quilts so we can have both a girl and a boy quilt on hand. Over the top? Maybe, but it is so much fun, and I am not decorating a "nursery," so I guess my energies are going into one of my favorite hobbies instead! The boy quilt should be finished today, and the fabric for the girl quilt is already bought, washed, and ready.

Have a great day!
~Elizabeth

Zachary and Elizabeth: 2011 in Review

2012-01-03T13:59:00.000-06:00

We have been married for six months now, and what an amazingsix months it has been! From day one, wehave felt God’s blessing, and we are thankful for His provision and protectionas we begin our new lives together as husband and wife.

Our June 11^th wedding was a day we will alwayslook back on with fond memories. Ourdear friends and family helped us in so many ways in the days leading up to thewedding, and we are immensely thankful. We felt the love of both the family members who came from near and farto witness our vows and the dear friends who went above and beyond to care forus and give us a good start.

We miss our church, First Baptist Church of Ponca City, verymuch now that we are away from Ponca City,and we look forward to every visit “home” to see our church family. They continue to be in our thoughts andprayers.

Our honeymoon took usto Missouri and Arkansaswhere we enjoyed visiting the beautiful underground caverns. We photographed hundreds of stalactites,stalagmites, and columns that awed us with a fantastic reminder of the grandeurof God’s creation. One of the highlightsof our stay in Branson was a stop at The Butterfly Palace. One large blue butterfly landed on Elizabeth’sforehead!

Our first home together is in Okmulgee, Oklahoma – a two and a half hour drivesoutheast of our hometown of Ponca City. Zachary is attending the OSU Institute ofTechnology here in Okmulgee as hepursues a degree in Information Technology.

We were met with openarms by our new church: First Baptist Church of Okmulgee. A visit to the church was one of the firstthings we did upon our arrival in Okmulgee,and we were instantly struck by the love that is to be found in the body ofChrist. They made us feel at home andprovided job leads, temporary work until Zachary found his full time positionat Covington Aircraft, and – most importantly – friendship. We have met manymen and women who are faithfully serving the Lord in both word and deed.

Knowing that every child is a blessing, we decided longbefore we were even married that we would leave family planning to the one whogave each of us life – our Heavenly Father. Practically speaking, we didn’t know if we would be parents within theyear or the decade, but His timing is best. About a month and a half after the wedding, we found out it would be theformer! Our baby is due in late March of2012, and we are so excited! Elizabethhas been blessed with good health during her pregnancy, and we eagerly lookforward to our baby’s arrival. Feelingthe baby become more active is a joy that provides us ready smiles! We know God will use parenthood to continueour own spiritual growth as He blesses us with the responsibility of loving andtraining this little one that He is even now forming in the womb. Please pray for the safe arrival of “Baby”Pruett.

The Advent season hasbeen a special time as we remember God’s precious gift to us in the form ofanother pregnancy and baby – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It has been fun to come together as a newlyformed family and begin our own Christmas celebrations that include a time eachevening to read and pray together.

Zachary was privileged to be a cast member and soloist inour church’s Christmas production on December 11^th. He played the part of a young assistant ofthe Magi who is “Searching for the King.”

Elizabethcontinues to expand her meal plan repertoire, and, in addition to her otherhousehold duties, enjoys hobbies such as quilting and genealogy. The wedding quilt was finished just in timefor the cold weather to set in, and she is now working on a baby quilt for thespring arrival. Zachary continues to enjoy photography and has beenexperimenting with both digital and 35 mm film.

2011 was a momentous year for us, and we know that2012 will be equally life changing. Wepray that each of you would be blessed in theyear ahead.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T22:28:00.000-06:00

This is the first day of my first full year as Zachary’swife. I am looking forward to the yearto come with great expectations. Ourbaby will be born, and we will begin the exciting and challenging adventure ofparenting! Most of all, I want to growin my relationship with my Heavenly Father and my husband and learn to balance myvarying responsibilities wisely. Thisyear will demand much more patience and diligence than I am used to demonstrating,but I know that with the Lord’s help, I will be up to it. He never gives us more than we can handlewhen we are faithfully leaning on Him.

I will not have time to waste this year. I need to make sure that every daycounts. Psalm 90:12 reads, “So teach usto number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” I want wisdom. I desire a heart that is faithful to both myGod and my husband. The words of ElizaLucas Pinkney have been on my mind lately, and I want her resolution to be myown in the years to come.

She wrote:

“I am resolved by the grace of God assisting me to keep, tomake a good wife to my dear husband in all its several branches; to make all myactions correspond with that sincere love and duty I bear him… To be careful ofhis health, of his interests, of his children, and of his reputation: …and nextto my God, to make it my study to please him.

“I am resolved to be a good Mother to my children, to prayfor them, to set them good examples, to give them good advice, to be carefulboth of their souls and bodies, to watch over their tender minds, to carefullyroot out the first appearing and budding of vice, and to instill piety, virtue,and true religion into them.”

I know the children mentioned here are older than my littlebaby that is yet to be born, so my mothering will not look quite like theimages that come to my mind when I read this. However, it is never too early to pray for my baby. It is never too soon to be a follower ofChrist worth emulating. No little eyes arewatching me yet, but they will be soon, and I want to reflect Christ in the wayI seek after the Lord, interact with others, and care for my husband and home. I feel like I fail at this in so many ways,but I must trust that He will help me to grow and change. This daily transformation does not magicallyhappen. It is the result of time andeffort, and I pray now that I would have the diligence to put that time andeffort in.

I am trying not to set myself up for disaster by committingto a long list of resolutions this year since I know my life is going to beturned upside down in a few months, but there are a few certain things that arealways important. Prayer, Bible reading,and witnessing make that short list. After my relationship with God, my relationship with my husband must be firstin my life. I will never be successfulif I do not have these two things in their proper places. Hobbies, amusements, friends, etc. are nice,but they are secondary, and I am determined that I will not let them distractfrom what is truly important this year.

Seasons on Sixth

2011-12-07T15:00:00.001-06:00

I was going through some old computer files this afternoon and came across something I wrote during the summer of 2009. Although it is a couple years out of date, and it has been months since my last stroll down Sixth, I felt like posting this in memory of my many enjoyable walks through a much loved historic neighborhood.

I have read that, "Sixth Street north of Ponca City’s Grand Avenue is a special place. Strollpast the library on a summer afternoon, and across the tree-shaded sidewalksyou'll see a flutter of activity.”

This neighborhood has a special place in my heart. Forthe past year and more I've been a part of that "flutter ofactivity." I work as the genealogy library clerk just down thestreet, and much of my recreational and study time is spent close by aswell. A handsome young man and I have been courting for many monthsnow, and we love to talk while walking through our town’s neighborhoods –almost always beginning on Sixth Street.

We have watched the seasons change together; it was hot whenwe began, and it is hot again now. I felt the change as everythingcooled, and our walks seemed easier. I was overjoyed by the colorfulyellows and oranges on the many trees. There is no better way to enjoy autumn than by taking a walk and hearingthe crunch of leaves under your feet. The park at the end of 6th Street is the very one where Zachary told me forthe first time that he loved me. A special place.

The weather continued to become colder. I dreaded thefrigid temperatures of winter, but nothing could hold us back. We put onour heavy coats and gloves and continued our ramblings. The homes in the historic neighborhood wereflashes of color on an otherwise bland background. I enjoyed all thehomes for their differing characteristics; the windows, porches, swings, gates,and other decorative touches. Theadditional lights around Christmas time added a playful touch to the grandhomes.

To my joy and relief, our town became fresh with the arrivalof spring. Yellow daffodils proclaimedthe coming of warmer days. Soon, a myriad of colors awoke: green, red,purple, pink, and blue.

The seasons have come full circle.

“Clearly, it is a place of diversity. Yet somehow,it's also harmonious and complete -- this tiny neighborhood, a mere threeblocks long, sandwiched between the library and the park."

Citation: quotations written by Marlys Bush Thurber,September 2001.

Our First Advent

2011-11-28T18:17:00.001-06:00

Zachary lighting the first Advent candle

I have many fond Advent memories going back to when I was a small child. It is one part of the Christmas season untainted by commercialism, secular music, and the busyness so many people feel this time of year. For me, it is a time to take a deep breath, be quiet, and focus... focus on Jesus' first coming as the baby Savior, His present working in my life, and His future return as King.

This is the first year I have been away from my parents, brother, and sister during the Advent season. I miss them even as I relish an opportunity to begin something afresh with my husband. The two of us -- our little family -- set aside a time for prayer, an Advent storybook and devotional, and the lighting of the first Advent candle last night. I look forward to many more evenings spent the same way as we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Lord.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T10:30:00.001-06:00

Growing up, Thanksgiving was always one of my favoriteholidays. The comforting fragrances of turkey and gravy, cornbread stuffing,cranberries, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin would fill the house, and the rich,deep colors of autumn warmed our dining room and built our excitement.

Miniature paper Pilgrims and Indians ate their feast on thepiano in sight of our own Thanksgivng meal, and my parents were faithful toteach us about the Separatists who came to the New Worldseeking religious freedom. It was allvery real to us since we lived in Massachusettsduring my early childhood. We werewithin an easy driving distance of Plimoth Plantation where “historicalinterpreters” spoke to us in first person about the journey across the Atlantic Ocean and early life in Plymouth.

Each Thanksgiving, our parents reminded us that, just likethe Pilgrims, we had a lot to thank God for. Often, we would go around the table and take turns naming something wewere thankful for that year.

The story about the Pilgrims and the Mayflower voyage has always been part of my spiritual and nationalheritage, but there is added depth to my celebration this year. Thanks to some genealogy research during thepast year, it is all much more personal to me now. The Pilgrim’s journey on the Mayflower and their harsh first winter, successfulharvest, and feast of thanksgiving to God may now be recognized as part of myfamily’s history. The Pilgrims are myforefathers in more ways than one!

I don’t have all the records lined up yet, but my researchstrongly suggests that William and Alice Mullins, John and Priscilla Alden, andMyles Standish can all be counted among my ancestors. I am descended from five Mayflower passengers!

William Mullins was a shoemaker who traveled on the Mayflower with his wife Alice, childrenJoseph and Priscilla, and servant Robert Carter. The Mayflowerwas comprised of two different kinds of settlers: the separatists who had justrecently lived in Holland (Saints)and those who had been recruited by the separatists’ sponsors (Strangers). From what I can tell, William Mullins and hisfamily do not fit cleanly into either category.

According to one researcher, he had some legal trouble a fewyears before his Mayflower journeythat “was most probably associated with the religious controversies of thattime.” Neither his marriage or his children’s baptisms were recorded in theparish registers where he was from, so it is very likely he was a Dissenter. The researcher continued, “William purchased anumber of shares in the Pilgrims joint-stock company, becoming one of theMerchant Adventurers. However due to his previous religious values, I have towonder if he was both a ‘saint’ and a ‘stranger’. William was also a signer ofthe Mayflower Compact.”

Unfortunately, William, his wife, son, and servant all diedthat first winter in the New World. Only his daughter Priscilla survived, and shelater married fellow Mayflower passengerJohn Alden. John was a cooper (barrelmaker) who was hired to maintain the barrels aboard the Mayflower. He may haveintended to return to Englandwith the ship, but he did not. Instead,he became one of the signers of the Mayflower Compact and lived to be a prominentmember of the new colony. It is thoughtby many that he was the first of the Mayflowerpassengers to step ashore their new land. Regardless, he outlived all of the Compact signers and all but one ofthe passengers.

John and Priscilla’s daughter Sarah married the son ofanother famous Mayflower passenger,Myles Standish. According to Wikipedia, MylesStandish “was an English military officer hired by the Pilgrims as militaryadvisor for Plymouth Colony. One of the Mayflower passengers, Standishplayed a leading role in the administration and defense of Plymouth Colony fromits inception. On February 17, 1621,the Plymouth Colony militia elected him as its first commander and continued tore-elect him to that position for the remainder of his life. Standish served asan agent of Plymouth Colony in England,as assistant governor, and as treasurer of Plymouth Colony.” He was also a signer of the MayflowerCompact.

I am currently taking steps to verify my lineage to thePilgrims with solid primary sources, but that could take a while. My research thus far leads me to believe thatMyles Standish and John Alden are my 11th great grandfathers on the Beem sideof my family, so if you are descended from Arthur and Irene Beem of Hornick, Iowa,this is your heritage too!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Groom and His Family

2011-11-20T21:17:00.001-06:00

More wedding photos!

Zachary and his parents

A true gentleman: Zachary's dad

I love this one!

Such a blessing: Zachary's mom

Two generations of Mr. and Mrs. Pruett

Zachary's honorary grandmother, Mrs. Petersen

Zachary's honorary grandmother, Mrs. Horner

Getting Rid of Stuff

2011-11-17T14:52:00.001-06:00

I have been reevaluating some of my priorities recently. Primarily, I have been thinking about "stuff" and what items are worth keeping vs. what needs to be given or thrown away. It is so easy to accumulate souvenirs, gifts, craft and school supplies, old toys, music, decorative items, etc. Where is the line? How much of my stuff is worthy to be stored in boxes or closets if I don't have room to display them?

This is a current battle, so I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I do believe there is hope.

Every move or "spring cleaning" -- which tends to happen randomly for me regardless of the weather -- is an opportunity to organize and clean out. Well, I was married earlier this year, and many, many things were deaccessioned from my personal "collection" at that time, but it wasn't enough. I still had to ask my parents to store things for me, some items were actually abandoned in my room, and still others -- the things I am struggling with right now -- made it to my newlywed apartment only to be left untouched for months in boxes and closets.

By the way, "deaccessioned" is a tactful word I learned during my library days, and I couldn't resist using it here since it is practically useless in everyday life!

Now that Zachary and I have a little bundle of joy on the way, I am realizing that the stuff I have been putting up with will soon be even more in the way than it already was. For example, the tote that (up until yesterday) sat in front of my dresser? I will need those bottom dresser drawers for baby clothes sooner than I may realize. I will not want to move a heavy box every time I want to dress the baby. One small victory: I did clear that and a few other areas yesterday and was able to deaccession a large box full to overflowing!

I was recently inspired by a blog post I read at Under African Skies. Jessica and Rachel were closing their blog in anticipation of their move to New Zealand, and Jessica posted a follow up comment on their post that listed the few things she was taking with her. She wrote:

We are excited about the move and it will be like starting a new life! We have sold/disposed of just about all worldly goods (All I have is a suitcase full of clothes and a few personal items, my Bible and a smallish box of things I just couldn't get rid of, and of course, my guitar!

It made me stop and think. "Could I do that? Would I be capable of leaving behind almost everything?"

What freedom would come if I stopped thinking, "What do I not have room for?" and instead focused on "What am I able to keep?" In other words, being thankful for what I have room for and graciously giving up what I don't have room for.

In this season of thankfulness, I wonder, is thankfulness more than just being grateful for what I have right now? Could it be a willingness to part with things I have kept for years while still having a content, grateful attitude? The Lord has blessed me with more than I need, but that doesn't mean everything He blessed me with in the past is supposed to be part of my current blessing.

So, the battle continues. I threw a lot away yesterday, but there are more strongholds that need to come down. We still need more room where the crib will go!

Coming Soon!

2011-11-13T18:30:00.001-06:00

Meet the newest member of our little family!

Zachary and I went to our 20 week ultrasound this week. It was so exciting to see our baby! We do not know if it is a boy or a girl. We have a modest baby, and that is alright with us since we do not want to know the baby's gender before the birth anyway.

the baby's foot

The baby is giving us a thumbs up! Both hands are in front of the face.

The face's profile in 2D

The baby has its arm and hand raised up to the forehead.

The baby in 2D

Some people have already looked at this picture and said the baby looks like Zachary!

Remembering Micah

2011-11-11T09:32:00.001-06:00

My dad called me with bad news last night; Micah, my mom's Cockatiel, is dead. I hate writing that so bluntly. Dad put it much better when he wrote:

This afternoon, Christina and Ispent a few moments with our Cockatiel, Micah, knowing that he wasn't feelingwell. The little bird came to us in Massachusettsmore than 13 years ago, shortly before we returned to Oklahoma.Before dusk this evening, he gave two short tweets and expired. Christina washis constant friend, so it's not easy. We do thank God for the beautifulanimals he's created for us.

I took it really hard. I was making Fettuccine Alfredo when dadcalled and told me. I loved that bird. We had him longer than any other pet, and he was a significant piece of my childhood. Yet, he wasn't my bird; he adored my mom and thought she was the best thing in the entire world. He laughed like her, whistled like her... there was no place he would rather be than on her shoulder. So, on hearing the news, I didn't feel bad for me. I was a distant star in Micah's world; my mother was the sun! So, I felt sad for her and wished I was close enough to give her a big hug.

Even in our sadness, there is thankfulness. God created beautiful animals, and we were privileged to have Micah as our pet for so long. He was a blessing who brought joy to my mother and the many children who came through our door.

Reading the blog post I wrote about him two years ago brought back many fond memories. You can read it HERE.

Word cloud made with WordItOut

My Grandma's Birth Story

2011-11-04T11:59:00.000-05:00

From the very beginning, my grandma's life has been a blessing and a miracle. I am so thankful for her! Click here to read her birth story.

Jeanette Beem, Age 3

Wedding Quilt 2011

2011-10-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

This week was momentous! I finished my fifth quilt -- a wedding quilt to commemorate the beginning of my marriage with Zachary! After much work, it is finally completed. I love having a new quilt finished!

My main desire with this quilt was to use two fabrics only -- instead of the four or five that many patterns suggest. A traditional, classic design in blue fits my style preferences exactly!

The Future of Five Years Ago

2011-10-18T13:44:00.000-05:00

Fall 2006

I came across a “random” question online today that made methink. It asked:

“Today is the future of fiveyears ago. Are you enjoying it as much as you thought you would?”

Five years ago, 2006, was the toughest year of my life thusfar, and the fall was particularly difficult. I still had high hopes for the future, however, and I think I amenjoying that future just as much – and probably much more – than I thought Iwould. I serve an awesome God who caredmore about my hopes and dreams than even I did.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah29:11 ESV

1841 -- The Moor Family Roots

2011-10-14T21:15:00.001-05:00

In 1841, John Moor [my great, great, great, great grandfather], a farmer, was about 55 years old and living in the parish of All Saints in Saltfleetby – or “Soloby” as the locals call it – a village on the shores of the North Sea in Lincolnshire County, England. This put the Moor family in the registration district of Louth and the sub-registration district of Saltfleet.

His wife, Sarah, was 50 years old. The oldest boy at home was 25 year old John [John Parks Moore], and the youngest boy was 13 year old Charles. Every member of the family was a Lincolnshire native and may have lived the entirety of their lives up to that point in the same county.

Also in the home were two men: 25 year old agricultural laborer Rowland Webster and a man about 20 years old. In place of a name for this second man is the note, “n. k.” Since the census was supposed to include in each household the “Names of each Person who abode therein the proceeding Night” it is very possible that one or both of the non-family members may or may not have actually lived with the Moor family. If “n .k.” stands for “not known” it is very likely this man “about 20” was only traveling through on June 6 – the day the census was taken. The box for “born in the same county [Lincolnshire]” is not checked for this individual.

Some of the Moor family’s closest neighbors included the families of John Ricardson, a publican (so there was probably a public house nearby); 80 year old John Moody of independent means; William Richardson, the grocer; Thomas Madison, the blacksmith; Charles Osborne, a cordwainer (shoemaker); Edward Garton, a farmer; Mary Jaques, a nurse; William Harvison, a farmer; Robert Wright, a weaver of linen; and Richard Kelvington, a clerk.

View of the North Sea from the Saltfleet Dunes in Lincolnshire County, England

Too Much Soup

2011-10-10T21:55:00.000-05:00

I made the Wedding Soup from the King Arthur Flour websitethis week and ran into some trouble. It"suggests" that you have at least a 6 quart pot for the recipe, andmy largest is just barely 3 quarts, so I planned to half the recipe. Unfortunately, I only remembered that I was makingless soup when I didn't need to remember, and I forgot when remembrance would have come in handy – when I was actually makingthe soup. At that point, I forgot.

So, I had a pot full of cooked onions, carrots, seasonings,etc. and had already begun to pour in the chicken stock before I realized mymistake. I didn’t have enough room forthe rest of the chicken stock, never mind the spinach, meatballs and orzo that would goin last. I couldn't divide as it was toolate...

So, I ended up using all three of my pots and a stove safe metalbowl to finish the soup in.

Do you know how hard it is to make one soup in fourcontainers! It was a hot kitchen, but Ihad to stand by and watch very carefully. There wasn’t much room at the topof each pot, so they would boil over quickly.

It is a good thing that exact measurements weren'trequired. Each soup came out with aslightly different taste, and they also had varying thicknesses. Onewas soupy, one was stew like, and another was more like a regular pasta dish. I ended up dishing up our dinner bowls fromtwo separate pots!

1850 – Fords and Flansburghs: One Big Family

2011-10-09T19:35:00.000-05:00

The Ford family came from New York, but when they moved to Michigan in 1841, they came in great numbers. By 1950, there were 20 native New Yorkers carrying the Ford name in Sheridan Township, Calhoun County, Michigan. This does not include the Ford girls who married into other families. Although I have not personally proven every relationship, it is likely that they came under the leadership of at least two brothers: James and Abraham Ford.

I do not know if Abraham married or had children, but James certainly did. James died in 1848, but it is his wife Ruth and their children and grandchildren who make up the Fords of Sheridan, Calhoun, Michigan in 1850.

James and Ruth’s son Nathaniel (44), a farmer with real estate worth $1,000, seems to have been the head of the largest Ford household in 1850. Eleven of the previously mentioned 20 were under his roof, and there were a total of 17 people in the household. There was his wife Mercy (41) and their children Morris M. (20) Malvina (15), Oscar D. (16), John (8), and Jos H. [James Hammond] (2). Morris and Oscar were farmers, and Malvina, Oscar, and John had attended school within the year. Young James was the only one born in Michigan.

Also in the home were Nathaniel and Mercy’s married daughter Melissa O. Flansburgh (18) and her husband Clarkson (21) who worked as a blacksmith [The future parents of Evangeline].

I do not know who Saml (28) and Geo Armold (21) were exactly, but they lived with the Fords as well. Both were born in New York; Saml was a laborer with real estate worth $400. Geo was a house carpenter.

Lewis Ford (27) – a farmer – was probably Nathaniel’s brother [although I have yet to solidly prove the relationship] and was also in the home with his Canadian wife Francis (27) and their children Charles W. (4), Elma A. [Alma Ann] (2), and baby William H who was just a month old. Interestingly, the three children are listed as being born in New York, even though their births would have been after the main family migration. This is either a mistake, or, since these birth places are listed the same way in the future 1860 census, it is possible that the Lewis Ford family followed the rest of the family to Michigan several years after the main exodus. Their recent arrival – possibly just a month or a few weeks before the census – could explain why the family is staying temporarily in Nathaniel’s home.

The final member of the household was 71 year old Abraham Ford. As I have said, I have yet to prove the relationship, but he was probably Nathaniel’s uncle.

Click HERE to go forward and read about the Moore Family in 1851.

1851 – Moore/Moor English Time

2011-10-07T08:33:00.000-05:00

In 1851, nine years before the family first appeared on a U.S. census, 36 year old John Parks Moor[e] was living in the parish of All Saints in Saltfleetby, a village in Lincolnshire County, England on the shore of the North Sea. To locals, Saltfleetby is known as “Soloby.” Sea dunes and both saltwater and freshwater marshes are in the area. For census purposes, the family was settled in the registration district of Louth and sub-registration district of Binbrook.

The church in Saltfleetby All Saints

Their home in Saltfleetby was only about five miles southeast from John Parks Moore’s birthplace in North Somercoates – a place which means "North Summer Grazing Area" since it is in the Marshes area of Lincolnshire and is only dry enough for grazing sheep and cattle during the summer.

In 1851, John Parks Moore worked as a servant – more specifically, he was a groom. His wife Ann was 27, a native of Skidbrooke which is less than two miles away from Saltfleetby All Saints. Both of their boys, however, were born in the local parish. William was two, and his little brother Fred was 8 months old.

John Parks Moore and his family would remain in England for about five more years before immigrating to the United States.

Just next door was John Moor, the father of John Parks Moore. He was 67 and worked as a brewer. He was close to his native home, since he was born in the St. Clement parish which was also in Saltfleetby. His wife Sarah was 61 and was the family member furthest from her birth place. She was originally from Lincoln, a cathedral city about 36 miles away. Depending on when Sarah left Lincoln, the imposing and beautiful Lincoln Cathedral would have been a familiar sight to her.

Still at home was John and Sarah’s 22 year old son Charles, a bricklayer, who, like his brother, was born in North Somercoates.

Also in the John Moor household was 28 year old lodger John Thornhill. Mr. Thornhill worked as a footman, but he wasn’t from Lincolnshire. His birthplace was in Etwall in Derbyshire County – more than 100 miles from his 1851 home.

Click HERE to go back and read about the Flansburgh and Ford Families in 1850.

Click HERE to go forward and read about the Moore and Flansburgh Families in 1860.

1860 -- Moore, Flansburgh, and Ford Connections in Calhoun County, MI

2011-10-06T19:59:00.000-05:00

Sheridan Township in Calhoun County, Michigan was the 1860 home of two families who may or may not have known each other but would eventually be very important to each other. Eleven year old William Moore and seven year old Evangeline M. Flansby [Flansburgh] were just school children at the time. So, even if they did know each other, they probably wouldn’t have guessed that they would one day be husband and wife.

William’s family had immigrated to the United States from England about five years before and was now settled in the village of Albion. The closest post office was in Homer – a town about 9 miles to the south. The head of the household, John Moore, was 45 years old and possibly working as a gardener [his occupation is difficult to interpret from the census record]. His real estate was worth $600, and his personal estate was worth $100.

As the wife and mother of the family, 37 year old Ann Moore was listed as a housekeeper. Besides William, there were two other boys in the family. Fred was nine years old and went to school. The youngest, Thomas, was the only one born in Michigan and was two years old. The only girl in the family was buried on American soil about four years before.

Outside of the village lived the Ford family where little Evangeline Flansburgh lived with her grandparents and uncles. Nathaniel Ford (54) was a farmer with real estate worth $3,600 and personal estate worth $1,000. He and his family were native New Yorkers who had moved west more than a decade before. Nathaniel was once head of a large household, but there were only five others living with him in 1860. His wife Mercy, the housekeeper, was 51 years old. Their sons included Oscar (26) who was a clerk, John (19) who was a farm laborer, and Michigan born James (12) who was still a schoolboy. The last member of the household, Evangeline, was the daughter of Melissa Olivia Ford Flansburgh – Nathaniel and Mercy’s daughter who died about four years before in 1856. Born in Michigan on 23 Apr 1853, Evangeline was still in school.

Evangeline’s father, Clark [Clarkson] Flansburgh (31) – a native New Yorker – was remarried and working as a blacksmith in Summit Township in Jackson County, Michigan, about 21 miles away from his in-laws and daughter. The closest post office was in Jackson. He had no real estate, but his personal estate was worth $150. His wife Catherine was 23 years old, and they had two children at home; George (8), Clarkson’s son from his previous marriage [making him Evangeline’s full brother], and baby Cornelius.

Click HERE to go back and read about the Moore Family in 1851.

Click HERE to go forward and read about the Moore Family in 1870.

1870 -- Moore Roots: The Flansburgh and Ford Families

2011-10-04T10:27:00.000-05:00

In 1870, Eva Flansburgh [the Evangeline who was later married to William Osborn Moore] was a 17 year old student living with her maternal grandparents in Albion, Michigan – a town in Sheridan Township in Calhoun County. Her grandparents, Nathaniel (64) and Mercy Ford (61), were originally from New York but had been farming in Michigan for over 20 years. Nathaniel’s real estate was now worth $7,000, and his personal estate was worth $500.

Also in the home were 29 year old John Ford and his family. John was Nathaniel and Mercy’s son who worked as a laborer on the farm. He and his wife Jennie (20) had a two year old son named Charles and a personal estate worth $700.

It appears as though Eva was fully incorporated into the Ford household from the time she was four years old – when her mother Melissa died – although there is a slight possibility she could have been a summer visitor at her grandparents and spent the rest of her time with her father’s family. Eva’s father Clarkson Flansburgh and older brother George were living about 30 miles away in Leslie, Ingham County, Michigan, so even if Eva didn’t live with her father, it is likely she was able to visit him occasionally.

Clarkson Flansburgh (40), a native New Yorker and a blacksmith, married Kate (33) after his first wife’s death, so in addition to his son George (18), they were now blessed with a son, Cornelius (11), and a daughter, Mary (10). Clarkson’s real estate was worth $1,000, and his personal estate was worth $500.

Click HERE to read about the Moore Family in 1870.

Click HERE to go forward and read about the Moore Family in 1880.

1870 -- The Moore Family by the Shores of Lake Michigan

2011-09-30T12:34:00.002-05:00

By 1870, John P. Moore – a native of England – and his family had been living in their new country of The United States for about 15 years and were now settled in the village of South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan. Although born outside the U.S., by age 55 John was now counted as a citizen of his adopted country. He worked as a carpenter and his real estate was worth $2,000. This was about average for the neighborhood. Others had less, and a few had a lot more.

John’s 46 year old wife Ann – also English born – was unable to read or write, but she worked hard to take care of their home and family of three boys: William, Frederick, and Thomas.

In 1870, William (21) [the same William Osborn Moore from my previous sketches] and Frederick (19) worked as sailors on the Great Lakes while the youngest boy, Thomas (11 or 12), was still in school. Thomas was the only member of the family born in Michigan, and there was quite an age gap between him and his older brothers. Part of this was due to the death of their sister Sarah who had died shortly after the family’s arrival in the U.S.

Although settlers first came to South Haven in the early 1830’s, it wasn’t until the 1850’s that the first permanent residents moved to the area. Of the ten families who shared the same 1870 census page with the Moore family, only the young people were Michigan born. The others came from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Canada, or as far away as Ireland and England. Of the neighbors, the Irish blacksmith was doing the best financially, but many made less as laborers, domestic servants, clerks, butchers, teachers, etc.

To John Moore and his family, the shipping industry and coastal scenery of South Haven would have been very reminiscent of the home they left behind in Saltfleetby in the county of Lincolnshire, England. They would never be able to see the familiar sight of the North Sea again, but living so close to Lake Michigan may have helped them feel more at home in their new lives as Americans.

Click HERE to go back and read about the Moore and Flansburgh Families in 1860.

Click HERE to read about the Ford and Flansburgh Families in 1870.

The Bride with Her Parents, Siblings, and Grandparents

2011-09-25T21:51:00.001-05:00

Sister, Friend

Best Brother Ever

The Three Moore "Kids"

My Fantastic Parents

Daddy's Little Girl

A Girl's Best Friend -- Her Mother

My Family

With My Maternal Grandparents

With My Paternal Grandpa

1880 -- Going Back in Time with William and Eva Moore

2011-08-24T11:51:00.000-05:00

1880 found 31 year old William O. Moore working as a laborer in Leslie, Ingham County Michigan – a tiny town less than 30 miles south of Lansing, Michigan. The native of England married Michigan born Eva (27) five years before in December of 1874, and they were now blessed with two children: three year old George E. and a December baby, Anna M.

It is possible that William and Eva moved to Ingham County to be closer to Eva’s father, Clarkson Flansburgh (57), who was a blacksmith in the area, and her older brother, George C. Flansburgh (28), who was a music teacher. Due to the untimely death of Eva’s mother, she had been raised by her maternal grandparents and was not geographically close to her father and brother as a child. Now, all three of them and their new families were settled within a few miles of each other.

Even in their first years of marriage, William and Eva’s home was a welcoming place. William’s sister-in-law Barbara (26) – his younger brother Frederick’s wife – and her two daughters Ivy B. (6) and Nellie L. (1) were staying with William and Eva’s family that June while Frederick, a sailor, was probably away on the Great Lakes.

When at home, Frederick (30), Barbara, and their growing family lived on the shore of Lake Michigan in South Haven, Van Buren County, Michigan. William and Frederick’s younger brother Thomas (22) – who was also a sailor – lived with them. Their parents, John and Anne Moore, had died five and six years before leaving the youngest parentless at age 16.

It is obvious from their 1880 living arrangements that this immigrant family formed close bonds as they determined to help each other get through any challenges that came their way.

1920 -- William and Eva Moore's Growing Family

2011-08-22T14:13:00.002-05:00

Lawrence Moore in his Navy uniform

By 1920, things had quieted down some for 71 year old house carpenter William O. Moore and his wife Eva (66). They were now living in their rented home at 120 S. Stockton Street in Elkhorn (Lodi), San Joaquin County, California. The last decade had brought a lot of change to the family – and the country. Except for 26 year old Lawrence, all the children were married and living on their own.

Five years earlier – in 1915 – William, Eva, and their youngest son had returned to Allegan County, Michigan to be close to their oldest son George and his family. Much of the world was at war at the time, but the struggle seemed far away from the Moore’s peaceful home in the United States. That changed when the U.S. joined the struggle in 1917. The war became very real to the Moore family when their “baby,” Lawrence, left to serve his country during the Great War.

The return to Michigan only lasted 3 years, and William and Eva returned to San Joaquin County, California, in 1918. The war was over, but Lawrence was still an engineman in the Navy, so they probably didn’t see him much. Four of their children were in Elkhorn, however, so William and Eva had 7 of their 11 grandchildren living in the area.

Anna and her family lived only a 10 minute walk away at 505 E. Hilborn Street. Anna’s husband, George W. Van Noate was still working at a plumbing shop, and the two boys were working too. Leon B. (19) was a janitor at a hardware store, and his younger brother Reid M. (16) did the same thing at a dental office.

Ruth E. (33) and her husband Fredrick Dougherty (31) were living at 18 W. Lockeford Road – a home they owned free of mortgage. Fred had moved up in his business and expanded as well. He worked of his own accord as a real estate agent, but he also worked in insurance.

William F. (35) and his wife Ethel (38) were renting a farmhouse on Lockeford Road, and he worked as a truck driver to support their growing family. He and Ethel were blessed with two boys and a girl: Kenneth (7), Frances (6), and Charles (4).

Glen O. Moore (29) was still self-employed as a farmer. His general farm was now supporting wife Elisabeth (24) and two children: Lloyd (6) and Grace (5).

William O. and Eva Moore’s daughter Bess was probably still living in Spokane, Washington where her husband Dr. M. E. Galbreath was a dentist. He was enumerated on the census while at his workplace, but their home address has proved trickier to locate.

Back by the Great Lakes, George (42) and his family had jumped the Michigan/Indiana border a couple of times in the last decade. By 1920, George was working for the South Bend Toy Company in South Bend, Indiana. Although under mortgage, George and Elsie owned their home at 1619 Leer Street – which wasn’t too far away from the factory. Their oldest, twelve year old Richard W. was a carrier boy for the newspaper, and they had three young daughters: Ruth (10), Margaret (8), and Georgene (2 ½).

Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Pruett

2011-08-19T17:32:00.000-05:00

1910 -- The Moore Family: Hard at Work

2011-08-19T12:04:00.002-05:00

The Moore household was a bustling place in 1910. William O. and Evangeline M. Moore had relocated to the Elkhorn township in beautiful San Joaquin County, California, and would have considered themselves residentsof Lodi, California. The 61 and 56 year old couple were now renting a home that housed three generations. William made ends meet by working as a house carpenter, but business wasn’t always good. He had been out of work for 3 months during the previous year, but at least he had a job. Two of his neighbors – also house carpenters – were still out of work. Those doing really well in the Moore’s neighborhood were involved in the local grape and cheese industries.

This mission-style arch was built in Lodi, CA in 1907, and this photograph was probably taken about 1909 or 1910.

The move away from Michigan meant leaving their oldest boy behind. George (32) was currently a sailor on the Great Lakes and had a family of his own after marrying Elsie (26) three years before. The young family was now blessed with 2 year old Richard and baby Ruth.

William F. was now the oldest single child at home. At age 22, he was working out as a laborer – probably on a local farm. His job was slightly more consistent than his father’s. He only missed one month of work during 1909. Nineteen year old Glenn O. was an ambitious young man and already a proprietor working of his own accord. In other words, he was self employed. The youngest, 16 year old Lawrence L, wasn’t working all the time yet, but he too was doing his part as a helper at a garage.

Also living in the family home were William and Evangeline’s daughter and son-in-law Anna and George W. Van Noate and their 9 and 6 year old boys Leon and Reid. At age 31, George Van Noate worked as a plumber, and Anna, although a laborer of some kind, was currently unemployed – if you call caring for two young boys unemployment! Her youngest son, Reid M., was the only true Californian of the household as his family’s migration had taken place before his birth.

William and Evangeline’s middle daughter wasn’t even in California. Bess (27) had married Merritt E. Galbreath (28) two years before. He was a farmer’s son from her home state of Michigan. By 1910, they were living in Spokane, Washington, where he was a dentist.

At least the youngest girl, newlywed Ruth E. (25), was still in town. Her husband Fred A. Dougherty, Jr. (22) was a third generation Californian who followed his father into the real estate business. He worked as a notary public and clerk in the office.

1900 -- The William and Eva Moore Family

2011-08-18T15:09:00.002-05:00

Lawrence Lloyd Moore as a boy

In 1900, William O. Moore was working as a blacksmith. He owned his house in Ganges, Michigan – a little town barely a mile from the coast of Lake Michigan – but the home was still under mortgage.

William was a native of England, but, by age 51, he had been living in his adopted country of the United States for 44 years. He and his wife Eva (48) had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. In all, the couple had eight children, but only six were still at home. One of their children had died young, and their oldest daughter Anna (20) had just recently married a fruit grower named George W. VanNoate, Jr., and the young couple was living with his parents.

William and Eva still had their oldest child with them, however. At age 22, George E. Moore was working as a telephone lineman. Seventeen year old Bessie J. was already out of school, but the youngest four, Ruth E. (15), William F. (12), Glenn O. (9), and Lawrence L. (6) were still hard at work in school. Only little Lawrence (my great grandfather) didn’t know how to read or write yet.

Sneak Peek

2011-06-30T11:54:00.001-05:00

Wedding Morning Prayer

2011-06-30T11:34:00.000-05:00

Written Saturday, 11 June 2011, 7:17 AM

It is morning – and not just any morning – it is the morning of my wedding day. When Mom greeted me with, “This is the day!” it was reminiscent of her usual greeting, “This is the day that the Lord has made.” The significance of her statement is immense, but it didn’t keep me from finishing it for her, “…that the Lord has made!”

I have been so blessed! Zachary is an honorable, God fearing man. He is also a rock of conviction. His sense of humor, laughter, and smile are only a small part of why I love him. If my heart could express the deepest part of me, my list of his great qualities would be endless. My vocabulary just isn’t good enough.

This morning, I pray for everyone involved in the wedding today: Zachary and me, our families, our musicians, the pastor, best man, and the sound, video, and projection people, etc. I pray that God would put his hand of peace over all of us, that we will all be where we need to be at the right time.

Yesterday, with its church decorating, family arrivals, rehearsal, pizza party in the park (accompanied by a severe thunderstorm), and our evening need to be written about, but, for now, I sign off as,

Elizabeth Ellen Moore

Marriage Announcement!

2011-06-25T15:27:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone! I just wanted to update my blog and let you know that Zachary and I have been married for two weeks now! I will post pictures when I get them.

Remembering Grandpa Gray

2011-05-30T12:17:00.000-05:00

We had a great lunch with my Grandpa Moore yesterday and enjoyed conversation, sandwiches, and cake. Now, on Memorial Day, I am remembering my Grandpa Gray and the blessing he was in my younger years.

Grandpa Gray left me many fond memories, and as one of the youngest of his five grandchildren, I treasure every one like a jewel. In my mind he was like a great big teddy bear – soft and cuddly, and so much fun to be with.

Sitting on his lap was a treat. One time, Grandpa and I were sitting together in his favorite chair in the living room. My head rested comfortably on him, and I remember looking up and saying that Grandpa was better than a pillow. Everyone laughed, but I only snuggled closer.

I realize now what a privilege it was to have my grandparents close. We were able to visit Grandma and Grandpa’s house a lot, and I always felt special with them. His home videos of our birthday and family gatherings have provided hours of happy reminiscing, and some of the best parts are always when Grandpa’s voice is heard. The camera shows what he saw – the cute, the good, the bad, and everything in between.

On one occasion, my mom was decorating the house for Susanna’s fifth birthday party, and Grandma and Grandpa were assigned the task of keeping Susanna and me out of the way. They took us to Burger King, and we had a blast running up the stairs and sliding down the slide over and over again. We even tried to go in the other direction and climb up the slide! My grandparents watched and cheered us on (and occasionally corrected us) until it was time to bring us home for the party. I guess they didn’t want me to feel left out with all the presents Susanna was going to receive from her playmates, because they gave Susanna and me matching water baby dolls before we returned home!

The last time I saw my grandpa was on my mom’s birthday on April 13th 1997 – just a few short weeks before he died on April 26th. We went out to eat pizza and celebrate. Grandpa wasn’t quite himself that night, but we still had a good time. I didn’t know anything was wrong with his health. When it was time to go home my family walked out to our van. My mom was a little behind us, and she stopped in the parking lot to finish her conversation with my Grandpa and Grandma. In my mind I can still see the three of them standing there talking. It was the last time I saw my Grandpa on this earth, but I know that I will see him again.

It means a great deal to me that my Grandpa Al Gray was saved by the marvelous grace of Jesus Christ. I love listening to the tape recording of my grandpa speaking to a group (I don’t know when it was or where) about the Believer’s righteousness through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

My favorite memory of Grandpa occurred one night when I was staying overnight at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. I was only a small child, and I wasn’t accustomed to sleeping by myself. My sister Susanna and I had always shared a room. Being away from home was an exciting adventure, and I had a great time with my Grandma and Grandpa – until it was time for bed.

The room was dark and the bed unfamiliar. It had seemed so comfy while the light was on, but now the darkness closed around me, and I was terrified. The only thing that helped ease my loneliness was a small baby doll I had been playing with earlier. Its sociable squeak made me feel less isolated.

I don’t know how it happened, but it did. My doll was lost in the dark. Too timid to turn on the light, I just laid there in fear until the darkness was more than I could bear. I tiptoed out of my room and into the hall. I almost went down the stairs to my grandparents, but I stopped at the top of the steps. They might think I was silly to be afraid of the dark and worried over a lost doll! So I sat down, right there, on the top step and cried as quietly as I could – taking what comfort I could from the warm light reflected up from the living room.

My imagination could see them sitting there. Grandpa would be sitting in his favorite chair with his laptop. Grandma was probably on the couch. Their distant voices reminded me of how far away and alone I was.

It seemed like a long time, but it may have only been a few minutes before the talking stopped below. It sounded like someone was getting up and coming toward the stairs. Would I be in trouble for getting out of bed?

It was Grandpa. He came up the stairs and gently asked me what was wrong. I tearfully answered that my doll was lost.

Grandpa led me to my room and gently said, “Let me help you look for it.” He turned on the light, and we began the search. We looked on the floor, under the bed, and behind the door. I think he must have found it, because he asked suggestively, “Have you looked under the pillow, Elizabeth?”

While Grandpa looked on I peaked under the pillow. There it was! My baby doll had been hiding just inches away from me the entire time!

Grandpa tucked me in and said goodnight. I felt much better now that the doll was tucked securely under my arm, but it wasn’t really the toy that comforted me. It was Grandpa’s love.

I loved Grandpa very much. A child couldn’t ask for a better Grandpa, and I thank God that Thomas Allen Gray was mine. I look forward to seeing him again some day.

Elizabeth Ellen Moore

Spring Time!

2011-03-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

Bread

2011-03-08T21:03:00.000-06:00

Fresh from the oven: whole wheat sandwich bread with character.

Adrian Rogers on Discerning the Will of God

2011-02-24T16:26:00.001-06:00

Zachary’s parents gave me What Every Christian Ought to Know by Adrian Rogers for Christmas, and I have been immensely blessed by it so far. There are several things I have read about the assurance of salvation, etc. that spoke to me in a powerful way and reminded me of a few things from my childhood that I hope to share sometime.

The chapter I read today was about how to discern the will of God – a perfect topic for me right now since it has been on my mind lately.

Rogers began the chapter with one of the most comforting – and convicting – passages of scripture:

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

To rephrase and personalize something Rogers wrote: it is my greatest desire to know God’s will. My delight is to do His will. Nothing is right for me if it is not God’s will.

There is no way I can share even a fraction of the wisdom from this chapter, but I was struck by the certainty and peace we can have in Christ. It is God’s desire that we know and follow His will, and he has promised His guidance. One of many verses of promise is Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye.”

Rogers was very clear in his explanations of God’s prevailing will and His permissive will, but the section about God’s personal will had the biggest impact on me today. As Rodgers put it:

“God has a will for each of us. He has as many plans as He has people. God is interested in each individual. In fact, ‘the very hairs of your head are all numbered’ (Matt.10:30). ‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord’ (Ps. 37:23). God has a plan for my life, for your life, for everyone’s life.”

I am reminded of a turning point in my life – when my family made the decision to move from Massachusetts to Oklahoma. My parents felt that it was God’s will to move south to either Texas or Oklahoma, so we took a vacation to scout out the land. I was excited about the trip in general because it meant my first time on a plane, visiting my Aunt Becky and Uncle Bob, seeing my birth city and state for the “first time” (since we left when I was a baby), and exploring places new and different from the northeast home I knew. But when I asked myself, “Am I supposed to live here?” as we drove through various towns in two states, I felt nothing… until we heard about Ponca City. I was immediately interested, and we hadn’t even seen the place yet! After going through countless Texas and Oklahoma towns, we arrived in Ponca City, Oklahoma. It felt like home. Even though our visit wasn’t perfect – we experienced the worst food of the trip (they are no longer in business) and saw the bad as well as the good – it was home. God expressed to me (and the rest of my family) His personal will for the next season of our lives.

As I have grown up, discerning God’s will has required spiritual growth on my part. It isn’t always as obvious to me as our move to Oklahoma was, but His will is available for us to discover by reading His Word, listening to His Holy Spirit, and by being willing to do the will of God.

When I do this, there is great joy – the joy of my engagement to Zachary, the joy of a job where I can serve during this season of my life, the joy of belonging to a church fellowship that builds me up and encourages me to share God’s love with others, and – most importantly – the joy of being at the center of God’s will for my life. The list of His blessings is endless, and I am thankful that we serve a God who loves and cares for us enough to guide our steps.

One last quote from Adrian Rogers:

“The will of God will never take you where the power of God and the grace of God cannot enable and keep you.”

Stand Strong

2011-02-22T23:54:00.001-06:00

From my chronological Bible reading:

"You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God" (Leviticus 18:3-4 ESV).

Don't give in to the peer pressure or expectations of those around you; we have a higher standard: God's standard.

2011 One Year Chronological Bible Reading Plan (ESV)

2011-02-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:30:00.001-06:00

Whistling

2011-02-10T15:48:00.000-06:00

I am whistling again. I noticed this yesterday while making a mug of Breathe Easy – a medicinal tea that instructs me to break most of Cindi Bigelow’s recommendations. It is steeped for 10-15 minutes, and… (are you ready for this?) you are SUPPOSED to squeeze the tea bag! I just got over that bad habit! I don’t know what Bigelow would say about that, but then, she didn’t have my flu.

Yes, I caught the flu – a textbook case of it. It came on so suddenly that I didn’t even stop to think about how I was feeling on Saturday morning until I was being driven to work and realized, “I don’t feel well.” I suffered through my four hour shift (I didn’t have the car) and went straight home to bed where I spent the majority of the next 2-3 days. Add in another major snow storm, and you can see why I haven’t stepped outside my house in five days.

But, I am whistling again, and that is a good sign my health has returned. Normally, I whistle a LOT (just ask my patient family) and it takes great effort to be quiet sometimes. Unfortunately, whistling doesn’t come naturally when I am flat on my back with a 101-103 degree temperature. I thank the Lord for healing me! I am blessed!

Snowed In!

2011-02-02T17:17:00.000-06:00

Yes, I was snowed in yesterday. Most everything was closed, but the library where I work was open, so I did my best to make it in (with my dad's help). We didn't make it any further than the street in front of our house. The library closed three hours later, so it was just as well.

All of these pictures were taken from the comfort of indoors!

I spent a good part of the day working on family history and other stuff on the computer, eating comfort food made by my wonderful parents (including grits for lunch and acorn squash for dinner), and drinking tea!

I did make it to work today, but it was no fun getting out of our neighborhood. The roads are bad!

YuanBao

2011-01-27T12:19:00.000-06:00

My friend Hannah shared these pictures of a chick hatching at their home and gave me permission to share them with you all.

Here is YuanBao while he was hatching...

five minutes old

ten minutes old

several hours old

one day old

According to Hannah, "YuanBao means "precious treasure" and is sometimes used for money or gold (YuanBao is golden right now, and his mother considers him very precious). He is out of a Japanese bantam father, and a Rhode Island Red mix mother. He is very lively and curious, and he twitters and cheeps while he is eating. When he is done eating, he burrows under his mother's wing and peeps out until he falls asleep."

If you care to know how to pronounce this chick's name, you can listen to it HERE.

Oklahoma Aquarium

2011-01-24T10:52:00.000-06:00

My mom and I went to the Oklahoma Aquarium on Friday and had a wonderful time! Here are a couple of my photos and a narrated slide show video. Enjoy!

Perfectly Timed Knowledge

2011-01-17T22:28:00.002-06:00

My Bible reading today was about the family of Israel’s move to Egypt. What stuck out to me is that God let Jacob/Israel think his son Joseph was dead for many years. God was silent. Only later – in His own timing – was the silence broken in a way that gave hope and reassurance to Israel about the years to come. God told Israel:

“I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes” (Genesis 46:3-4).

God is always a step (and then some) ahead of us, and He will always provide us the information we need at the time we need it. It was not in Israel’s timing – I am sure he would have appreciated hearing that his son was alive much sooner than he did – but it was God’s perfect timing that made it possible for Joseph to rise to prominence in Egypt and stockpile food for the terrible drought.

The family’s move to Egypt would prevent the Israelites from assimilating with the pagan Canaanites. God’s timing brought this about. If Israel had known everything in his own timing, he would have “rescued” Joseph from Egypt and potentially caused the downfall of his family.

I can apply this to my own life. There is much that I care to know about the upcoming days, but God will provide this knowledge in the time that is best for me. I will trust Him with my today and all of my tomorrows.

A Perfect Cup of Tea with Cindi Bigelow

2011-01-13T23:57:00.010-06:00

It is warming up today, but we are recovering from some very cold weather here in Oklahoma. It was only 3 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday morning when I went to work, so the 41 degrees of this afternoon was a welcome change. That is one thing I love about Oklahoma; if you don't like the weather, stick around. It won't last long! So, I don't expect our snow (which fell on Sunday) to last much longer.

But this post isn't primarily about the weather. It is about tea.

I love tea, but my appreciation for the beverage is reaching new heights since last night. Why? Because making tea is an art, and art requires technique -- something I was sadly lacking. I have a feeling yesterday's discovery will have ramifications that will last long after this cold weather has disappeared.

It happened like this. Zachary was giving me a ride home from church and bell choir last night, and, in an effort to combat the bitterly cold temperatures, we were imagining our favorite hot drinks (after Zachary tried to get a reaction out of me by suggesting ice-cream -- which worked). Hot chocolate and tea were both brought up, but we both agreed that tea was the beverage of choice.

I told Zachary, "I am going to go home and make a hot cup of tea." Something better than my usual efforts was about to be enjoyed, but I didn't know that when I said goodnight to Zachary and headed in.

Dad had something to show me almost as soon as I stepped in out of the cold -- a YouTube video made of Cindi Bigelow demonstrating how to make the perfect cup of tea. She is the president of the family-owned Bigelow company and is the granddaughter of the woman who created the Constant Comment recipe (a favorite of mine). As Cindi put it, "I do think there are some fun things you will really enjoy learning about [...] that will really make a difference to ensure that you are getting all the flavor in a cup that you deserve."

Her video made my mouth gape with enlightenment. You see, I knew I had some bad tea habits -- such as occasionally forgetting my brewing tea until it is stronger than medicine, etc. -- but I had no clue that I was still missing out when I made a "good" cup of tea. Watch the video, below. If you are anything like me, you might pick up on a few new things.

While I was watching the video, my dad was practicing his new skills, and he handed me a perfect cup of Constant Comment at the end. I smelled the difference before I tasted it. It was a clearer fragrance, and the taste lived up to my new expectations. It was quite possibly the best cup of tea I have ever tasted. It was fresh and pure, and the slight bitterness I am used to was gone.

Based on her video, I can now recognize a few of my worst tea making habits.

1. Occasionally reusing the water in the tea pot
2. Letting the water boil too long
3. Brewing the tea for longer than 4 minutes (Cindi prefers 3 minutes)
4. Not covering the cup while it brews
5. Squeezing the tea bag to get the most out of it (doing so actually makes the tea bitter -- not better)

What do you all think? After watching the video, did you learn anything new, or were you already making the perfect cup of tea?

A Baby Quilt for My Cousin

2011-01-07T23:50:00.000-06:00

My cousin Christal and her husband Andrew were blessed with a baby this last autumn! Little Alyvia is my very first, first cousin once removed of the next generation (I like genealogy, so I think about stuff like that). Based on the pictures and videos I have seen, she is an adorable baby, and her parents are so blessed! I decided to make a baby quilt for the family to help celebrate this gift of life. I used yellow, green, and blue Winnie the Pooh fabric, so it can be used for both girls and boys.

This is my cousin Christal with her baby Alyvia.

Letting Others Go First... and a Quilt Update

2011-01-04T22:41:00.002-06:00

My Bible reading today was about the Tower of Babel, the generations leading up to Abram, and the beginning of his wanderings. The key verse I picked out today is Genesis 13:9. Abram and Lot’s servants had been arguing over land, but Abram said to his nephew, “If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left."

Abram let Lot choose first. He allowed someone else to take precedence over him, even though he was the elder of the two and – naturally speaking – had more right to the best land than his nephew did. Yet, Abram chose to trust God and to prefer another over himself. I need to do the same in my everyday interactions with others.

In other news, I started working on my new quilt again today for the first time in months! The last thing I did on it (before my school schedule made quilting impossible) was WRONG, so it took me a long time just to figure out what I did last time and how I could fix it. Well, I did that and was able to move on... to create even bigger mistakes! Let's just say I took out a lot of stitches tonight. I feel like I didn't get much done, but I know that just organizing my supplies, reminding myself of the steps, etc. is progress in itself, and I will get back into the flow of piecing a quilt soon!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T19:47:00.003-06:00

2011

2011 is here! I am so excited to welcome the new year. It is the year I have been looking forward to for many reasons.

First, Zachary proposed to me in April, so we will be getting married in June of what is now THIS YEAR!

Second, I finished my last college courses in December, so I will be graduating with my BA in March of THIS YEAR!

Over the last couple days, I have been reviewing 2010 in a unique way. You see, I was so busy with school, the One Thing! Challenge, etc. that, sadly, I didn't keep up my personal journal very well during 2010. What I did keep up was my Monthly Planner Calendar which was actually quite detailed (although it did not contain everything). I copied its contents into my journal (which I keep on my computer), so now the journal reflects my busy year a little bit better.

Looking over my calendar made me aware (again) of God's amazing provision and help. There is no way I could have survived 2010 without His help. For all the joy I experienced in 2010, there were many challenges to overcome as well. Some of them are reflected in blog posts and deal with school, etc., but others were of such mammoth proportions that I didn't write about them -- I just prayed about them and shared them with my family and Zachary. I am so grateful for these relationships!

I look forward to 2011 with great anticipation, but I rely on my Heavenly Father's help to get me through the as yet unseen challenges I know I will face. Our God is faithful!

Happy New Year!

2010 One Thing! Challenge: The End... and Another Beginning!

2010-12-31T14:09:00.000-06:00

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen."

Revelation 22:20-21

Last year, under the leadership of Pastor Mike, our church committed to read the entire Bible together during 2010. We planned to be on the same page each day as we let the Lord speak to us through His Word. It has been an amazing year, and I am blessed to belong to such a Bible centered fellowship of believers! Through difficulties and change, Pastor Mike led and taught us by his faithful example. For this, I am extraordinarily grateful.

This is the last day of the One Thing! Challenge. I didn't manage to get through the year perfectly -- there were days that I missed -- but the practice of a disciplined Bible plan helped me in my spiritual growth, and it gave me the accountability to read my Bible on days when I might otherwise have missed out on God's great gift to us. In an attempt to finish strong, I made it an almost daily habit to post my One Thing! thoughts on this blog starting in October. What a blessing this year of Bible study has been!

2011 will see me reading the Chronological Bible, and I look forward to another great year of reading as the Lord instructs me through His Word!

One Thing: Jesus is coming soon! Be faithful as He is faithful!

One Thing: Peace

2010-12-30T13:14:00.001-06:00

"True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity."

Malachi 2:6

Peace. Do we really know what it means to have peace, and, if we do, what steps are we taking to have peace? Am I being a peacemaker? I do so want to have peace in my life and relationships!

I have found that peace is often the hardest to achieve when I feel I am right about something and others don't see it my way. That is exactly what this verse in Malachi is addressing. We need to take care that we do speak truth and are not wrong when we speak, but we are to walk in peace and uprightness at the same time. That is the hard part!

Peace can be difficult to walk in when there is a "point" to be made and we want to persuade others about the correctness of our ideas and behavior. But what are we trying to accomplish? It is my desire to turn many from iniquity, and how does Malachi 2:6 instruct us to do this? We are to speak truth while walking in peace!

One Thing: Please, Lord, help me to have a soft, peaceful answer. Help me to speak truth with gentleness so that those I speak with are drawn toward You and away from sin. Thank you for your patience toward me, and help me to show this same patience toward others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

One Thing: Defend

2010-12-29T22:34:00.000-06:00

"Open your mouth for the mute,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Proverbs 31:8-9

One Thing: It is my duty to defend the rights of whose who can't speak for themselves. Who is that in my life?

One Thing: Strength vs. Honor

2010-12-28T23:17:00.000-06:00

"The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love."

Psalm 147:11

One Thing: Strength or talent is not what matters to God. Hope solely in Him and give Him all honor and obedience.

One Thing: Stop Talking

2010-12-27T23:46:00.000-06:00

For pressing milk produces curds,
pressing the nose produces blood,
and pressing anger produces strife.

Proverbs 30:33

As I was meditating over what this verse meant -- and how to practically apply it to my life -- I checked my dad's Twitter account. He has been most faithful this year to post his One Thing thoughts on both Twitter and Facebook. His most recent post said exactly what I was trying to capture in words, so, today, I am adopting his One Thing:

"There is a time to stop talking -- learn to recognize it."

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T23:56:00.000-06:00

One Thing: Worship

2010-12-23T23:59:00.000-06:00

"Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."

Revelation 14:7

One Thing: Nothing can compare to the greatness of His power. Worship the Creator this Christmas!

One Thing: No Condemnation

2010-12-21T23:20:00.000-06:00

"Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God."

Revelation 12:10

One Thing: In Christ, there is no condemnation.

Night Sky

2010-12-21T02:48:00.000-06:00

Yes, I stayed up for the lunar eclipse. It was a sight to see! It went from looking like the picture above to looking like those below. It got even neater looking than this, but I will leave those pictures for the experts.

"Geoff Chester of the U.S. Naval Observatory inspected a list of eclipses going back 2000 years for NASA. 'Since Year 1, I can only find one previous instance of an eclipse matching the same calendar date as the solstice, and that is 1638 DEC 21," Chester said, according to NASA. "Fortunately we won't have to wait 372 years for the next one ... that will be on 2094 DEC 21.'"

One Thing: Nothing Hidden

2010-12-20T23:27:00.000-06:00

"For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

   in your book were written, every one of them,
   the days that were formed for me,
   when as yet there was none of them."

Psalm 139:13-16

I absolutely love this Psalm. Life is precious, and we are each fearfully and wonderfully made.

One Thing: Nothing about me is hidden from the Lord. Live every day in a way that is worthy of His book.

One Thing: Rejoice Always

2010-12-18T23:55:00.001-06:00

"...Yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Habakkuk 3:18

By reading the verses that come immediately before this one, we see that Habakkuk is declaring his continual rejoicing in the Lord -- even if things go really wrong.

One Thing: Rejoicing in the Lord is not based on happenings; I can always take joy in His mercy.

11 to 22: A Story of Friendship and Love

2010-12-17T13:00:00.003-06:00

Zachary and I have known one another for about half our lives. When you know someone that long, you collect a lot of memories and stories together. This account could be much longer, but this is the short version of our long history!

Zachary and I started having music lessons together in 2000 when we were both 11 years old. Although we didn't talk to each other at first, we became good friends by the time we were 14. Our friendship continued to grow when we were 15, but our schedules took us apart shortly after our 16th birthdays. We did not see much of each other at all for a year until our paths crossed again. We did not stay in contact for long, however, and events outside of our control divided us again in the fall of 2006.

Zachary was easy to like (and imagine a future with), but I needed to keep my heart and will in the right place and let God rule that part of my life. After an intense emotional struggle, I surrendered my desire to have a future with Zachary to the Lord on November 11, 2006 -- shortly before our 18th birthdays. I never expected to talk to him again. This time in my life was incredibly difficult, but with God's grace, I learned to trust the Lord with our futures.

Once my heart had been checked and placed in my Lord's capable hands, He was able to work wonders in our lives. Zachary began attending the church my family went to -- First Baptist Church -- in October 2007. He was in Sunday School and Choir with me so -- once again -- we saw each other regularly. Even though Zachary had not done anything wrong, I was reluctant to be his friend again. I had given him up for good, and I was afraid of becoming emotionally vulnerable again. Zachary persevered, and we were able to be reacquainted during 2008 as I graduated from my high school studies, got a job, and planned for college.

My hope of a future with him had been reignited, but I was confused and unsure of his feelings. He was always such a good friend and gentleman -- which I admired -- but it didn't make interpreting him any easier. Understandably, I was confusing him as well with my somewhat friendly but distant interactions with him.

On August 11, 2008, Zachary removed all doubt and asked my father's permission to court me. I was overjoyed! Even though our parents wanted us to get to know each other better before an official courtship was entered, it was a milestone in our relationship. We began to spend much more time together. My admiration for Zachary grew quickly, but I was still partially withdrawn and reserved. I was afraid he would decide not to move forward with the relationship, and I would be left heartbroken. There was no question in my mind that I loved him.

There was no need to fear; Zachary assured me of his love (which I gladly returned) on October 11, 2008, and our official courtship began on April 11, 2009. In the following months, our love only grew as we enjoyed long walks, games, church activities, and conversation together and became more than friends; we became sweethearts!

Zachary and I were at the Cann Memorial Gardens on April 24, 2010 when he asked me to marry him. We had been talking about it for some time, but he still managed to surprise me! We held hands for the first time that day and chose a wedding date: June 11, 2011. He had spoken to my dad the day before, so my family knew it was coming, but it was so exciting for me to tell them all the good news!

The Lord worked a miracle in leading Zachary and me to each other! Our engagement has been a productive time of work and college, but we are both eagerly anticipating our wedding and a life spent together as husband and wife!

One Thing: Neither Poverty Nor Riches

2010-12-17T08:30:00.003-06:00

"Two things I ask of you;
   deny them not to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
   give me neither poverty nor riches;
   feed me with the food that is needful for me,
lest I be full and deny you
   and say, "Who is the LORD?"
or lest I be poor and steal
    and profane the name of my God."

Proverbs 30:7-9

One Thing: Desire moderation and be content with "enough."

One Thing: What is Good?

2010-12-16T23:21:00.001-06:00

"He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?"

Micah 6:8

One Thing: Be just, kind, and humble.

One Thing: Bless the Lord!

2010-12-15T21:35:00.001-06:00

I related to several parts of today's OneThing! reading. First, I can say with Agur, "I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out" (Proverbs 30:1).

It has been a long two and a half years of college, but I have finally fulfilled the requirements for my bachelor's degree in English. I submitted my last essay last night and took my last examination this afternoon. I am done. Finished. Tired. My mind was whirling so fast last night that sleep eluded me, and I had a work Christmas party at 8:00 AM this morning. So, I am weary.

But more than weary, I am thankful! God has sustained me through these long months (often using my incredible family and Zachary). Right now, I want to shout with the Psalmist:

"Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,
who stand by night in the house of the LORD!
Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the LORD!"

Psalm 134:1

I feel like shooting off fireworks in celebration, and I would do it if not for a few considerations...

1. I don't own any.
2. They are illegal within city limits.
3. It is cold out.
4. I know nothing about shooting fireworks, so...
5. It wouldn't be safe.
6. Most importantly, I am exhausted!

So, short of fireworks, I am enjoying a big mug of tea and the knowledge that I can sleep in tomorrow! Have a great day!

One Thing: Bless the Lord!

One Thing: Source of Justice

2010-12-14T11:26:00.000-06:00

^"Many seek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice".

Proverbs 29:26

It is just a thought, but is our nation looking to the federal government to solve our problems when we should be turning to the Lord and asking Him for justice?

One Thing: Ask the Lord to be your source and rely on Him.

One Thing: Trust

2010-12-13T17:49:00.001-06:00

"The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe."

Proverbs 29:25

One Thing: Fear only makes the situation worse, so give every concern to the Lord and trust Him with it.

This is my last week of college! There were once 12 notes on my door to represent the last semester of my school work, but there is only one left. My Children's Literature final exam is this Wednesday afternoon, and I have an essay to write for "One Writer's Vision: Jane Austen." I am almost there!

COMING SOON: A short story about Zachary and me will be posted on Friday!

My Advent One Thing: Hope

2010-12-13T00:30:00.000-06:00

Psalm 131

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
   my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
   too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
   like a weaned child with its mother;
   like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, hope in the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore.

My family has been studying "hope" during our Advent devotions this year. Today's One Thing! reading from Psalms perfectly coincided with our theme. God is our hope, but what is hope?

Hope is the secure place of refuge where our enemy cannot reach us. It is the expectation of good.

God is all this and more to us, His children. We look back and see His faithfulness in sending Jesus to earth as a baby, and we look forward to His second coming with hope. This is what Advent or "arrival" is all about.

As in so many years in the past, my dad has led our family in our nightly Advent devotions this season. I want him to know how grateful I am for his leadership in this area. He has been a rock of sound advice, loving discipline, godly fatherhood, Christian faithfulness...

This is my last Advent season at home with my parents, and I feel blessed that both my dad and mom devoted their time and energies to teach me the true meaning of Christmas. Our Advent tradition has meant so much to me, and I look forward to the next two weeks of Bible reading, teaching, and prayer!

Thank you, Dad!

One Thing: Seek

2010-12-11T22:10:00.000-06:00

"Seek good, and not evil,
that you may live;
and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you,
as you have said."

Amos 5:14

One Thing: Endeavor to find the good, and the Lord will be there.

One Thing: Fruit of Your Labor

2010-12-09T23:58:00.001-06:00

"Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you."

Psalm 128:1-2

One Thing: Walk in the way of the Lord and work hard. Blessing will follow, and all will be well.

One Thing: Mercy with Fear

2010-12-08T23:55:00.000-06:00

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."

Jude 21-23

It can be difficult in our minds, hearts, and attitudes to distinguish between the sin and the sinner. While hating "even the garment stained by the flesh," we are to show mercy to doubters. This isn't easy. There is a lot to consider and pray about in these verses, and I do not pretend to understand it completely, but it does remind me to love others while hating the sin. We are to do what we can to snatch "them out of the fire," but whatever course they decide, we must be merciful and remember that we are not the Judge.

One Thing: Show mercy and love toward doubters -- but with fearful understanding of the spiritual danger they are in.

One Thing: Influences

2010-12-07T20:45:00.000-06:00

"Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good."

3 John 1:11

One Thing: What is influencing me? Find what is good and imitate that.

One Thing: Venting

2010-12-06T22:44:00.000-06:00

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back."

Proverbs 29:11

One Thing: Don't "vent." Wisely hold your tongue.

One Thing: Help

2010-12-05T23:45:00.000-06:00

"Our help is in the name of the LORD,

who made heaven and earth."

Psalm 127:8

One Thing: I hope in the help of my Lord!

One Thing: Greater

2010-12-04T20:38:00.001-06:00

"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

1 John 4:4

One Thing: The Lord is bigger and greater than my problems. He will handle them.

PRAYER REQUEST: There are two weeks of school left, and I would appreciate your prayers. I have 7 papers to write in the next week, and the midterm I took on November 11th never made it to my mentor. Please pray that the college would find it quickly and get it to my mentor as soon as possible. Thanks.

UPDATE -- 7 Dec 2010
I received an email from my mentor today with good news! She received my midterm and will grade it within a few days! Thank you for your prayers!

One Thing: Back It Up

2010-12-03T23:30:00.000-06:00

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

1 John 3:18

One Thing: Back up your words with deeds. True love is active and demonstrated physically though your behavior, conduct, and attitude.

One Thing: The Source

2010-12-02T23:53:00.000-06:00

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121: 1-2

These verses encouraged me this evening. My help does come from the Lord.

One Thing: I will look to my Lord for the rest, strength, and peace that I need.

One Thing: Wisdom

2010-12-01T23:26:00.000-06:00

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Proverbs 28:26

One Thing: Don't let education make you foolish. Rely on God's Word for wisdom.

One Thing/Advent: The Light

2010-11-30T22:32:00.001-06:00

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."

1 John 1:7

My Advent One Thing: Jesus is the light, and it is His sacrifice that cleanses us from Sin! Praise the Lord!

I had a wonderful time with my family and Zachary today! To all my friends and family who made my birthday special, thank you!

One Thing/Advent: Waiting

2010-11-29T22:36:00.001-06:00

They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." [...] But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. [...] But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

From 2 Peter 3

My Advent One Thing: Wait Well.

One Thing/Advent: Faithfulness

2010-11-28T23:47:00.003-06:00

Advent!

Today is the first day of Advent -- a season I look forward to every year. It is a time of reflection and remembrance. We look back on God's faithfulness as shown through the first coming of Jesus, and we look forward with faith to His second coming!

One Thing!

"A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished."

Proverbs 28:20

One Thing: Be faithful, and God will take care of the rest.

One Thing: Myth vs. Truth

2010-11-27T23:59:00.001-06:00

"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

2 Peter 1:16

I had to learn about the four kinds of traditional literature for my children's literature class: folktales, fables, myths, and legends. The definition my textbook gave for "myth" included the following (emphasis added).

Every ancient culture made up stories that answered questions about the creation of the world, the origins of people, and the reasons for natural phenomena. the Greeks called these explanations mythos, which means "tales" or "stories." Today, people sometimes use the word myth to describe any story they consider to be untrue. However, in literary terms, a myth is a story containing fanciful or supernatural incidents intended to explain nature or tell about the gods and demons of early peoples. In distant past, as in some traditional cultures today, the stories were taken as fact and made sacred by religious belief.

Many people would consider the Bible a myth and attach this definition to the Holy Word of God. It is not. We can have confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ.

One Thing: Be bold. We do not tell mere myths; we have been entrusted with the Word of God.

Zachary and Elizabeth

2010-11-26T17:03:00.000-06:00

Sweethearts!

One Thing: Gift

2010-11-26T11:52:00.002-06:00

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace."

1 Peter 4:10

One Thing: Everyone has a gift. Use yours to serve others.

One Thing: Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T23:35:00.007-06:00

"To you, O God of my fathers,

I give thanks and praise..."

Daniel 2:23

This verse is fitting on the day we set aside to thank the Lord for His many blessings. Yesterday's post listed many things I am thankful for, but I am reminded again today of His amazing provision. I spent a special Thanksgiving with family and friends -- my last as an unmarried girl -- and there were a lot of questions about the upcoming wedding, Zachary, our plans, etc. I may not have all the answers, but I am confident that our Lord will provide; He is faithful! It will be nice to spend Thanksgiving with Zachary next year instead of just thinking about him! :)

One Thing! Give thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

One Thing: Preparing for Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T23:43:00.003-06:00

"Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious."

1 Peter 3:4

One Thing: Be more concerned about the state of your heart than the outward impression you give others.

In Thanksgiving news, my family is excited about seeing some dear friends of ours and my grandma tomorrow. Two tired ankles and a burned middle finger means I am able to put sweet potato pies on the table -- you should see me trying to type this with one hand while my blister is soaking!

As I anticipate tomorrow, a few special blessings to give thanks for come to mind:

My incredible fiance Zachary
My supportive and understanding family
My church
My job
Only 3 1/2 weeks of school remaining
My health
And above all, the amazing grace of my awesome God

Thank you, Lord!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

One Thing: Put Away

2010-11-23T22:58:00.000-06:00

"So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander."

1 Peter 2:1

"Put away." You mean they don't just go away by themselves? No, we must work at it and continue in obedience. With His help, we must put away these sins and honor Christ.

Later in the chapter, Peter went on to say, "Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy" (1 Peter 1:10).

One Thing: We are God's people. Honor Him by being true, humble, forgiving, content, and gentle.

One Thing: Mercy

2010-11-22T23:12:00.000-06:00

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

1 Peter 1:3

One Thing: I am thankful for God's mercy today!

One Thing: Grumbling vs. Thanks

2010-11-21T23:30:00.001-06:00

"Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door."

James 5:9

There are so many ways that we can grumble. You can gripe and complain under your breath, to your best friend, to your mom, to a group, to a coworker -- even to yourself by dwelling on a "situation" longer than you ought. Grumbling comes naturally, but it reflects an ungrateful heart. We have so much to be thankful for! Grumbling doesn't help anyone, but a thankful heart encourages, uplifts, and gives glory to God.

One Thing: Be thankful for the people in your life and focus on their good qualities instead of complaining about them.

A Fourth Study in School Books

2010-11-21T13:04:00.001-06:00

Monday

I started reading Persuasion by Jane Austen.

Tuesday

Both classes have kept me busy reading!

Wednesday

I read many contemporary, realistic fiction storybooks.

Thursday

I wrote 1 1/2 book evaluations about Song of the Swallows by Leo Politi and Working Cotton by Sherley Anne Williams. I also finished reading my favorite Jane Austen book: Persuasion.

Friday

No school! Zachary and I spent the day at the zoo. We had a marvelous time. I will post a picture later when I get it from Zachary (taken on his camera).

One Thing: Humility

2010-11-20T20:58:00.001-06:00

"There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"

James 4:12

I am often too quick to judge or criticize others, but the Bible shows me that this is not my place. Verse 6 reminds me that, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

One Thing: It is not my duty or right to judge others; be humble and let the Lord handle the rest.

One Thing: Peaceful Wisdom... and Zoo News

2010-11-19T22:34:00.001-06:00

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17

One Thing: Make God's wisdom a priority to be sought after with all diligence. Practice gentle manners and a peaceful spirit.

For today's news, I spent a wonderful day with my fiance at the zoo! We had so much fun, and it was a blessing to having a schedule free day and just enjoy spending time together. Check back later for pictures or visit his blog to see a video he will post sometime on Saturday.

One Thing: Slow to speak

2010-11-18T22:40:00.000-06:00

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger..."

James 1:19

I read our One Thing! scriptures out loud to my mom tonight. We decided our One Thing today should be "Keep your mouth shut" -- at the appropriate times, of course. :) I am so thankful for a mother who has read the Bible out loud to me for so many years. Now, I can read to her while she crochets, and we continue to form wonderful memories together.

James was very pointed in his instructions, and both my mom and I agreed that we need to work on being quick to hear and slow to speak. Oh yeah, and slow to anger too. A lot of trouble -- and sin -- will be avoided if we slow down, listen, and consider our words carefully before speaking. We must not be hearers only of the Word, but doers also.

Thanks, Mom, for being an example of a godly woman who desires to become more like Christ!

One Thing: Be slow to speak.

One Thing: Joy During Trials

2010-11-17T22:36:00.001-06:00

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faithproduces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-3

Stuff happens. Trials are inevitable. How do I react? It my faith tested and found true?

Questions.

I don't like being inconvenienced. I don't like being wronged. It hurts when people misunderstand me or think I am not doing something "just right."

"Count it all joy." How do I count it all joy when I am not happy?

It is not about happiness or what is going on around me. It is not about everything being just so. I make mistakes. I cause more problems for myself than anyone else could ever manufacture. God will help me find His joy in every situation and problem. I am being tested, and I trust that it will produce steadfastness. Steadfastness will have its full effect in my life, and I will (with God's grace) be made perfect and complete -- lacking nothing.

One Thing. Live in God's joy -- regardless of the trial. Be steadfast and use every situation as an opportunity to grow.

One Thing: Contentment

2010-11-16T20:52:00.002-06:00

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

Hebrews 13:5

Am I satisfied with what God has blessed me with? Do I have peace of mind? One of the definitions for "content" from Webster's 1828 Dictionary reads, "Rest or quietness of the mind in the present condition."

One Thing! Whatever my situation, be content with what God has already given me.

One Thing: Peace and Cake

2010-11-15T21:21:00.002-06:00

"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."

Hebrews 12:14

One Thing: Strive for peace and holiness. It is worth the effort.

The carrot cake with pineapple was frosted and eaten with gusto tonight. I couldn't let the autumn go by without this annual favorite! This year, I chose not to put nuts in the cream cheese frosting, and I used almond extract instead of vanilla.

One Thing: Discipline

2010-11-14T23:24:00.001-06:00

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

I don't like being wrong, and I hate it when others think I am wrong. Discipline isn't something I ever enjoy, but I am thankful that my parents loved me enough throughout the years that they took the time and effort to train me. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

My parents aren't the only ones who have disciplined me, however. I have the Holy Spirit who is working in me as He transforms my life. While painful at times, I pray that it will yield peaceful fruit of righteousness.

One Thing: Accept discipline -- from God and others -- with grace.

In other news, I baked an October tradition in November this year. This carrot cake will be frosted tomorrow!

A Third Study in School Books

2010-11-14T13:00:00.002-06:00

Monday

I wrote my essay about Jane Austen's Emma on Monday. I made edits throughout the week and submitted it on Thursday.

Tuesday

My modern fantasy book evaluation was about Hans Christian Andersen's The Wild Swans.

Wednesday

I wrote an essay about suspending disbelief in modern fantasy and used the example of Mary Norton's The Borrowers.

Thursday

My Intro to Children's Literature midterm examination was on Thursday morning. I continued to read from my textbook and poetry books in the afternoon.

Friday

I read a lot of poetry by many authors, but I wrote my essay about Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses.

Saturday

I wrote a book evaluation about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. I am happy that I have only five weeks of school left!!!

One Thing: Dripping

2010-11-13T23:59:00.001-06:00

"A continual dripping on a rainy day
and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
to restrain her is to restrain the wind
or to grasp oil in one’s right hand."

Proverbs 27:15-16

It has been raining for two days. It is slightly irritating, but at least the walls and roof of my house keep the rain and wind from sounding like it will never stop. These verses remind me of the kitchen faucet, however, since it will drip continually if you don't turn it off right. I know I don't last very long in the kitchen without adjusting it. The dripping can grate on me, and I am compelled to get rid of the sound as quickly as possible.

What if the dripping kept going, and there was NO WAY to turn it off?

I am going to be a wife in seven months, and I don't want to be compared to dripping water that won't stop. I don't want to irritate my (future) husband as much as the dripping faucet irritates me. So, what do I do?

One Thing: Practice peace. Work at avoiding a quarrelsome attitude.

One Thing: Faith

2010-11-12T23:34:00.003-06:00

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

There are many things we can't see, yet we know they exist. I can't see oxygen -- yet I breathe it. I can't see my college diploma, yet I expect to earn one soon. I can't see the home Zachary and I will live in next year, yet I know God will have a place for us to live. This is normal. This is faith.

Yet, it isn't always easy -- especially when it comes to God's promises. A spirit of doubt has overtaken much of the world. Even Christians are not always immune. We can have assurance that God is faithful. He promised his followers eternal life with Him. He promised that our needs will be provided for. He promised that He will never leave us or forsake us.

The list is virtually endless. Do we believe it? Do we trust Him?

One Thing! Have faith in God's promises. Not seeing something doesn't make it any less real.

One Thing: Confess

2010-11-11T15:41:00.002-06:00

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

Hebrews 10:23

Confess. What does that even mean? In part, it means "to own, avow or acknowledge; publicly to declare a belief in and adherence to" (Webster's 1828 Dictionary).

How public is my declaration of the work of Jesus in my life? This is a work in progress for me, but I trust that God will help me get out of my quiet comfort zone and declare His good news with boldness.

One Thing: I must not waver in my confession of Jesus Christ. He was faithful, and He will help me be faithful too.

By the way, I took my midterm for Children's Literature this morning! I don't have a grade yet, but it wasn't traumatic!

One Thing: With God

2010-11-10T23:35:00.000-06:00

With God we shall do valiantly;

it is he who will tread down our foes.

Psalm 108:13

My One Thing! Do not worry or take too much onto yourself. With God, we are victorious!

One Thing: Deliverance

2010-11-09T20:28:00.000-06:00

He sent out his word and healed them,

and delivered them from their destruction.

Psalm 107:20

I am sorry I do not have much to say today. I am tired beyond measure. On one hand, I am counting down the hours until I can go to bed; on the other, I am overwhelmed by the school work that still needs to be done. At a time like this, it helps to look at the big picture. Because school is the most time consuming thing in my life right now, the big picture can look no bigger to me sometimes than the 12 week courses I am in right now. But that isn't the big picture.

The real big picture is that I am eternally grateful for God's continued grace. I don't deserve the magnificent grace He has given -- and continues to give -- to me. He sent me His word. He healed me. He delivered me from my destruction!

No wonder we can say:

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1

That is my One Thing! today. Give thanks!