Let me share with you a quote I read the other day that I have read over and over.In fact you can say that I have meditated upon it and found a lacking in my own life.
"Why does the intake of God's Word often leave us so cold, and why don't we have more success in our spiritual life? Puritan pastor Thomas Watson has the answer. "The reason we come away so cold from reading the Word is, because we do not warm ourselves at the fire of meditation." DONALD WHITNEY
For a great book of Puritan prayers is "The Valley of Vision".
Have a glorious day in the Lord.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Inspired and soon to be fired!
Nothing inspiring to post today, yet I had two inspiring sermons to listen to which did some inspiring. One encouraged me to think of my eternal treasure beginning here on earth and how we invest our “earthly treasures” or as the Bible calls it, “unrighteous wealth” (Luke 16:11). I never thought about being a shrewd manager of God’s money. Shrewd always had a negative connotation to me and I would never have wanted to be call by that name, yet I can see how it could further the kingdom of God if I could shake loose a few extra coins on a regular basis. So, I am inspired to take a full month’s grocery money and give it away. My family is not happy in the least, in fact they are all aghast at the mere thought of such a foolish idea. Hey, the way I look at it, their reaction makes it all the more right. I plan on saving the rest of this month’s money and buy milk and salad stuff as needed as the month of May becomes the month the Fogarty’s “died”; at least that is their thoughts. I will keep you posted as the month of May unfolds. Pray for us!!!
The other excellent sermon was an “oh me and oh my” kind. It was on the flesh which come to think about it serves to fortify the first one very nicely. Nothing can kill the flesh faster than a month where mama does no grocery shopping. In all honesty though, it is accurate it say that it is hard to kill something that we love. We love our flesh and it is the enemy of our souls. We indeed cry “give” much too easily where as our Lord never did. Jesus felt the full weight of our sins, and to think of it causes me to pause in deep gratitude. “Each day look for a chance to die”. Amy Carmichael. I think she was talking about this thing we love that rules our lives. God will be faithful and give us these tests each day, and each day he will be faithful to see us through them.
I guess I was inspired in two ways today after all.
May your day be inspired as you look for His hand upon your life and listen to His voice as He whispers your name. He is pleased even in with all the work that is yet to be done. One step at a time. Blessings!
Hi to Bethany. Thank you Amy. Debora, the coffee was delicious.Today was great fun.
Love to a cool family!!!
The other excellent sermon was an “oh me and oh my” kind. It was on the flesh which come to think about it serves to fortify the first one very nicely. Nothing can kill the flesh faster than a month where mama does no grocery shopping. In all honesty though, it is accurate it say that it is hard to kill something that we love. We love our flesh and it is the enemy of our souls. We indeed cry “give” much too easily where as our Lord never did. Jesus felt the full weight of our sins, and to think of it causes me to pause in deep gratitude. “Each day look for a chance to die”. Amy Carmichael. I think she was talking about this thing we love that rules our lives. God will be faithful and give us these tests each day, and each day he will be faithful to see us through them.
I guess I was inspired in two ways today after all.
May your day be inspired as you look for His hand upon your life and listen to His voice as He whispers your name. He is pleased even in with all the work that is yet to be done. One step at a time. Blessings!
Hi to Bethany. Thank you Amy. Debora, the coffee was delicious.Today was great fun.
Love to a cool family!!!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
A life that smiles
Sometimes, and if you look just a little, God will show you things that will bring a smile to your face. Something to lighten the day and take the heaviness from your heart. Yesterday as I was getting ready for the Titus 2 meeting at church and I happened to look out my bathroom window to see a warrior in my front yard.
Earlier in the day I mentioned to Carson that the “carpenter bees” were becoming a huge problem and boring holes in our house. I had called the University of Maryland’s Corporative Extension Service and found out these things are like salmon and return to the same place year after year. And since bees lay more than one egg, we have many returning home boring sometimes 2 feet into our home. Our fort was in danger and the enemy was invading. Yet my solders in the reserve unit were on duty; something the enemy was not aware of.
I could see clearly in my minds eye this solder just outside my window dressed in his battle gear. The helmet was in place and the breastplate securely fitted. He was ready for battle. With a hose in one hand and a broom in the other, war was declared. One by one the enemy was brought to its (bees) knees. It is so comforting to know that my battalion is equipped and ready at all times. So, groundhogs go for cover, ants say your last rights and bees be aware we are armed and dangerous. Just as the green faces bring terror to the enemies of the United States, so the solders on the hill with brooms in their quiver and hose pistils packed on their sides.
Today, a tennis racket stands by the front door; another weapon in our vast artillery.
There is a saying that goes, “You see what you are prepared to see”. Look just a little and I promise God will give you something to smile about today.
Tennis anyone?
Earlier in the day I mentioned to Carson that the “carpenter bees” were becoming a huge problem and boring holes in our house. I had called the University of Maryland’s Corporative Extension Service and found out these things are like salmon and return to the same place year after year. And since bees lay more than one egg, we have many returning home boring sometimes 2 feet into our home. Our fort was in danger and the enemy was invading. Yet my solders in the reserve unit were on duty; something the enemy was not aware of.
I could see clearly in my minds eye this solder just outside my window dressed in his battle gear. The helmet was in place and the breastplate securely fitted. He was ready for battle. With a hose in one hand and a broom in the other, war was declared. One by one the enemy was brought to its (bees) knees. It is so comforting to know that my battalion is equipped and ready at all times. So, groundhogs go for cover, ants say your last rights and bees be aware we are armed and dangerous. Just as the green faces bring terror to the enemies of the United States, so the solders on the hill with brooms in their quiver and hose pistils packed on their sides.
Today, a tennis racket stands by the front door; another weapon in our vast artillery.
There is a saying that goes, “You see what you are prepared to see”. Look just a little and I promise God will give you something to smile about today.
Tennis anyone?
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Please sit down Martha
Today is the day before Easter. The breeze is delightful as I sit here by the window and there is a hint of fragrance in the air. Spring is in all its glory and I am loving it.
As I prepare for my extended family for Easter dinner, I am turning into a Martha; busy, busy, busy, again. I am making sure all things are done today so I can relish in the day tomorrow. Yet, today is the only day I know I have and it is a glorious one at that. Is it not silly to work so hard today for tomorrow? Where is the balance? I wonder.
Please pray for us, as we are the host tomorrow to many who do not truly know the Lord; some even hostile towards Him. Even though I will rejoice in the day, I will be somewhat sad I am not in the company of fellow believers. However, I will take comfort in knowing that my Lord and Savior will be here with us.
HAPPY EASTER!!
As I prepare for my extended family for Easter dinner, I am turning into a Martha; busy, busy, busy, again. I am making sure all things are done today so I can relish in the day tomorrow. Yet, today is the only day I know I have and it is a glorious one at that. Is it not silly to work so hard today for tomorrow? Where is the balance? I wonder.
Please pray for us, as we are the host tomorrow to many who do not truly know the Lord; some even hostile towards Him. Even though I will rejoice in the day, I will be somewhat sad I am not in the company of fellow believers. However, I will take comfort in knowing that my Lord and Savior will be here with us.
HAPPY EASTER!!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Pauses and ponderings
When I was younger I was always perplexed by the term “Good Friday”. I couldn’t for the life of me think of anything that was good about it. It had to be the saddest day of the year, yet now that I have been able to reflect on the day, I can see why it is called such.
Think about what happened on that day and one can tend to feel the burden of the moment. Jesus, perfect in all ways, chose to die a hideous death for the sins of His beloved; you and me. I have a hard time wrapping my arms around that thought yet, I know that it is true.
In the scope of eternity, God always does things for a good and perfect reason.Besides the obvious, the Lord says in this “Good Friday” that no matter what things look like from our perspective, He works ALL for good. If God can call something good that was as gruesome as the “crucifixion”, who are we to say something is bad?
I would like to encourage all who read this blog to take a moment out of this day and feel the weight of the memory. In pondering this, your Sunday will be all the more joyful and amazing.Today is indeed Friday, but Sunday's a commin'.
Jesus lives!!! Halleluiah!
Think about what happened on that day and one can tend to feel the burden of the moment. Jesus, perfect in all ways, chose to die a hideous death for the sins of His beloved; you and me. I have a hard time wrapping my arms around that thought yet, I know that it is true.
In the scope of eternity, God always does things for a good and perfect reason.Besides the obvious, the Lord says in this “Good Friday” that no matter what things look like from our perspective, He works ALL for good. If God can call something good that was as gruesome as the “crucifixion”, who are we to say something is bad?
I would like to encourage all who read this blog to take a moment out of this day and feel the weight of the memory. In pondering this, your Sunday will be all the more joyful and amazing.Today is indeed Friday, but Sunday's a commin'.
Jesus lives!!! Halleluiah!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
"Band of Brothers"
It has been more than a few years now that whenever we would go out as a family people would comment that we had such a large family. I would even take some pride in the fact that I indeed have my quiver more full than most. Until recently, when we had the privilege of befriending two dear families with many more arrows in their quivers. Like about twice as many. Now, I am humbled by their sacrifice and jealous of the amount of joy that surrounds big families. Please don’t get me wrong, I am totally grateful for what God has given me and I love these guys that I have watched turn into fine young men. It has been awesome to be their mother and it has been such a joyful experience for me. Yet, it was not always so.
As I was about to give birth to my fourth, I was convinced this bundle was going to be the girl that would round out our family. Everyone told me so, and I chose to believe them. I even went out and bought new little onesies with pink rose buds. Nevertheless, this was also not to be. Carson was born all boy and I said right there in the hospital room that if I was to have one more baby you might as well take me from the delivery room straight to the neighboring mental institution. Yes, the oneies went back and the faded, limp, blue ones that were his brothers before him were used. It funny how casual one gets after a couple.
Anyway, as things usually are revealed in time, having all boys was a great thing and a huge blessing. They grew up to be each others best friends and they became this “band of brothers” as they like to be called. You know the kind, when you mess with one you must take on the whole crew. I’m talking loyalty here.
As I look back, it was a lifetime ago and yet it was yesterday. The greatest days in my life circles around these boys. And now, I even have my girl. And even though I had to fly half-way around the world to get her; she was worth every inch, even if I had to walk. My life is full and though I don’t have 10 or 11 children I am happy with my lot. God has been so good to me. My hat goes off to those families that gave God free reign in family planning. I respect you and admire you more than you know. Blessings and a blessed Easter to ALL.
As I was about to give birth to my fourth, I was convinced this bundle was going to be the girl that would round out our family. Everyone told me so, and I chose to believe them. I even went out and bought new little onesies with pink rose buds. Nevertheless, this was also not to be. Carson was born all boy and I said right there in the hospital room that if I was to have one more baby you might as well take me from the delivery room straight to the neighboring mental institution. Yes, the oneies went back and the faded, limp, blue ones that were his brothers before him were used. It funny how casual one gets after a couple.
Anyway, as things usually are revealed in time, having all boys was a great thing and a huge blessing. They grew up to be each others best friends and they became this “band of brothers” as they like to be called. You know the kind, when you mess with one you must take on the whole crew. I’m talking loyalty here.
As I look back, it was a lifetime ago and yet it was yesterday. The greatest days in my life circles around these boys. And now, I even have my girl. And even though I had to fly half-way around the world to get her; she was worth every inch, even if I had to walk. My life is full and though I don’t have 10 or 11 children I am happy with my lot. God has been so good to me. My hat goes off to those families that gave God free reign in family planning. I respect you and admire you more than you know. Blessings and a blessed Easter to ALL.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Ant epilogue and Easter thoughts
Looking outside today it looks warm and inviting, yet when I step outside I think that it would be better to sit closer to the fire and get warm. So, inside I go longing for a more pleasant (which will be soon) day to be outside. Even the ants are in hiding finding some warm corner of the house, hidden away, all hunkered down eating what is left of their winters provisions.
So for an ant update. You’ve heard of the saying; If you can’t beat them feed them”. Well, something like that. The last thing I want to do is allow these little urchins to have their way while I patiently wait them out to see where they go. To be a really good ant eradicator one must watch where they come in and where they make their retreat. Having these rude things slapped for the hundredth time I decided to do as the experts do and watch. And my patience won out. I found where they were coming and going and I placed a little bit of ant food in the corner of their entryway. Little did they know, ha-ha, that this tiny tasty concoction was laced with poison. One by one they came, telling all the other ants in their little kingdom that there was a delicious meal not far from their home. Others came and went and before long, none came. Not one! So, I guess this is the end of my ant story. That is for now. I sleep in peace once more. That is also for now!
To turn to other thoughts…
Today, I have been thinking a lot about this coming week and its meaning to the Christian community. It is Passion Week and it is THE most holy time of the year for us. Once again I turn my head at the commercialism displayed in all the malls and stores and feel sorry for all the people who believe that the Easter bunnies with their creamed and colored eggs is what this time of year is all about.
I find myself fighting the tears as I sit in church thinking of the sacrifice Jesus did on my behalf. I want to cry not only for what He did for me, but moreover for what little I have done for Him. Just when have I truly suffered and when has my faith cost me something? My extended family members don’t understand my faith which leads to misunderstandings, I must be gracious when an unkind word would feel better to my flesh, I must serve when I would rather be served and I must forgive when holding a grudge would be the worldly thing to do; and much more satisfying. Yet, these things are bearable and I do them with a glad heart; most of the time; and I am deeply grateful for the blessings that are totally underserved. A quote that I heard last week in church keeps haunting me as I run the thought through my head over and over. “The only thing we deserve from God, is His judgment”. There has never been a truer statement. Everything the Lord grants me is underserved and given by his gracious hand, BECAUSE He loves me and calls me His own. I am a daughter of the KING. I sit at his table as an invited guest and I can talk with Him whenever I want, and the amazing thing is, He listens. I am truly a blessed person, grateful He has chosen me and honored to be in the company of many other saints that point the way safely home.
Have a blessed Easter week to those I love and to those I have yet to meet and call friend. Ponder His goodness in your life; it is definitely worth the thought.
I love you!
So for an ant update. You’ve heard of the saying; If you can’t beat them feed them”. Well, something like that. The last thing I want to do is allow these little urchins to have their way while I patiently wait them out to see where they go. To be a really good ant eradicator one must watch where they come in and where they make their retreat. Having these rude things slapped for the hundredth time I decided to do as the experts do and watch. And my patience won out. I found where they were coming and going and I placed a little bit of ant food in the corner of their entryway. Little did they know, ha-ha, that this tiny tasty concoction was laced with poison. One by one they came, telling all the other ants in their little kingdom that there was a delicious meal not far from their home. Others came and went and before long, none came. Not one! So, I guess this is the end of my ant story. That is for now. I sleep in peace once more. That is also for now!
To turn to other thoughts…
Today, I have been thinking a lot about this coming week and its meaning to the Christian community. It is Passion Week and it is THE most holy time of the year for us. Once again I turn my head at the commercialism displayed in all the malls and stores and feel sorry for all the people who believe that the Easter bunnies with their creamed and colored eggs is what this time of year is all about.
I find myself fighting the tears as I sit in church thinking of the sacrifice Jesus did on my behalf. I want to cry not only for what He did for me, but moreover for what little I have done for Him. Just when have I truly suffered and when has my faith cost me something? My extended family members don’t understand my faith which leads to misunderstandings, I must be gracious when an unkind word would feel better to my flesh, I must serve when I would rather be served and I must forgive when holding a grudge would be the worldly thing to do; and much more satisfying. Yet, these things are bearable and I do them with a glad heart; most of the time; and I am deeply grateful for the blessings that are totally underserved. A quote that I heard last week in church keeps haunting me as I run the thought through my head over and over. “The only thing we deserve from God, is His judgment”. There has never been a truer statement. Everything the Lord grants me is underserved and given by his gracious hand, BECAUSE He loves me and calls me His own. I am a daughter of the KING. I sit at his table as an invited guest and I can talk with Him whenever I want, and the amazing thing is, He listens. I am truly a blessed person, grateful He has chosen me and honored to be in the company of many other saints that point the way safely home.
Have a blessed Easter week to those I love and to those I have yet to meet and call friend. Ponder His goodness in your life; it is definitely worth the thought.
I love you!
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