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Amazing Love, How Can It Be?

And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.

'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,

bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Music: Thomas Campbell
Listen: Hymnsite.com

June 27, 2004  |  Comments (9)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

To the Least of These

In times when there is grievous sin, never forget that there is more grace in Christ than there is sin in your heart and your child's heart combined. In Christ there is a way back from the far country of a life style even for children who have given full expression to heart depravity." --Sinclair Ferguson

Update: Carol has more on this.

June 27, 2004  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Parenting and the Westminster Divines

From a recent Christian History Corner article:

In their teaching on the fifth commandment ("Honor thy father and thy mother … "), the Calvinist divines who authored the Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) extended the terms "father" and "mother" to cover all relations of "superior" to "inferior" persons. Like Benedict's rule, the questions dealing with parental responsibilities and failures reflects a balanced, wise treatment of the subjects of authority and discipline. . .:

Q. 129. What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?

A. It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to love, pray for, and bless their inferiors; to instruct, counsel, and admonish them; countenancing, commending, and rewarding such as do well; and discountenancing, reproving, and chastising such as do ill; protecting, and providing for them all things necessary for soul and body: and by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, honour to themselves, and so to preserve that authority which God hath put upon them.

Q. 130. What are the sins of superiors?

A. The sins of superiors are, besides the neglect of the duties required of them, and inordinate seeking of themselves, their own glory, ease, profit, or pleasure; commanding things unlawful, or not in the power of inferiors to perform; counseling, encouraging, or favouring them in that which is evil; dissuading, discouraging, or discountenancing them in that which is good; correcting them unduly; careless exposing, or leaving them to wrong, temptation, and danger; provoking them to wrath; or any way dishonouring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behaviour.

I find this a striking passage. Parents, the catechism is saying, sin against their children when they "correct them unduly," "provoke them to wrath," or slip into any other "unjust … rigorous … behavior." Are you surprised, as I was, to see the tendency toward parental strictness (which I possess) decidedly not recommended or reinforced by these supposedly strict Calvinists? Frankly, as I read through this section of the catechism, I both said "ouch" repeatedly, and asked for God's grace to come more closely into alignment with the biblical standard.

I'm feeling convicted.

May God enable us to parent our children with wisdom and grace.

Update: Carol and Ange have added their thoughts on this.

June 26, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Mykynzy?

Hubby and I have been nearly in tears laughing at the Diana Goodman's sarcastic commentary on Bad Baby Names. We've had a few raised eyebrows at our kids names, so I'm not pointing any fingers. . . But really, what were these people thinking?

One of the trends that amuses me is the name-girls-after-a-president one. Like Madison, Kennedy, Reagan, Carter. Before long it'll be McKinley, Clinton, Roosevelt, QuincyAdams, and Taft.

(via Poppins Classical Academy)

June 26, 2004  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

From The Silver Chair

"One word, Ma'am," he said, coming back from the fire; limping because of the pain. "One word. All you've been saying is quite right, I shouldn't wonder. I'm a chap who always liked to know the worst and then put the best face I can on it. So I won't deny any of what you said. But there's one thing more to be said, even so. Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things -- trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have. Then all I can say is that, in that case, the made-up things seem a good deal more important than the real ones. Suppose this black pit of a kingdom of yours is the only world. Well, it strikes me as a pretty poor one. And that's a funny thing, when you come to think of it. We're just babies making up a game, if you're right. But four babies playing a game can make a play-world which licks your real world hollow. That's why I'm going to stand by the play world. I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia. So, thanking you kindly for our supper, if these two gentlemen and the young lady are ready, we're leaving your court at once and setting out in the dark to spend our lives looking for Overland. Not that our lives will be very long, I should think; but that's small loss if the world's as dull a place as you say."

--Puddleglum,
To the Lady of the Green Kirtle, the Queen of Underland;
in The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis

Immediately after reading this passage to the boys, I called Hubby in and read it to him. I was so moved by Puddleglum's staunch pronouncement of fealty to The Lion.

And while I believe Biblical Christianity to be objectively true and in line with the reality we can observe in this world, in my heart I would embrace the God of the Bible for His love, grace, holiness, and sovereignty--even if it were simply make-believe, because it is so full of richness compared to the hollowness of this world.

Jeff, of the Dawn Treader, seems to be reading the Chronicles of Narnia at about the same pace we are. He recently posted about this same chapter, but from the angle of faith and obedience.

June 25, 2004  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (1)  |  Permalink

 

 

Grade the Flags

This guy decided to grade the flag of each country, based on his very subjective, personal criteria.

Ukraine got a B-. His comment? "Bad colors."

I don't understand that--the clear blue of the sky over a golden yellow field of sunflowers. I mean, it's not like it's purple and orange.

A couple of his grades seemed like they could have been politically motivated. But Carol and Andrea will be pleased with how their country's flag fared.

(Via Andrew)

June 25, 2004  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Initials?

Does anyone who is reading have the initials B.W. ?

TIA!

June 25, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Go, Go Gryffindor!

I'm from Gryffindor!
Hogwart's Sorting Hat Quiz
made by The Genki Gang

We watched HP3 with the boys earlier this week--in Russian. Hubby recently finished reading it to the boys, so they new the story and we were a bit too impatient to wait for an English copy. I enjoyed it, but was a little annoyed at how many disconnects there were between the grounds at Hogwarts in this film compared to the previous ones. (I like how the new HW grounds look--but miss the spreading, green lawn and the Herbology greenhouse.) Also, Professor Lupin just didn't look right to me--though he acted the part very well.

Does anyone know when the next Harry Potter book comes out?

(Quiz via Andrea)

June 24, 2004  |  Comments (19)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Kangaroos, Breastfeeding, and Churches

It's long been known that premies benefit from "kangaroo care," skin-to-skin responsive contact. The April issue of Pediatrics published new information. "Research in full-term newborns found more good results. The newborns that had kangaroo care shortly after birth slept longer and were mostly in a quiet sleep state compared to those who didn't have it." Read more in laymen's terms or in the technical version.

Last week, a church in Australia banned breastfeeding by mothers during playgroup, for the inane reason that it "might offend passing tradesmen or ethnic groups."

Thankfully, other churches encourage breastfeeding mamas. I remember when we visited Marco Island Presbyterian and I saw an invitation to a monthly La Leche League meeting held in the church nursery. If churches don't embrace the way the Creator designed mothers and children, who will?

June 23, 2004  |  Comments (29)  |  TrackBack (2)  |  Permalink

 

 

Monday's Day Trip

On Monday, we went with our friends Sergei and Lena to Chernivskya (sp?), a small city about two hours north of here by marshrutka. It was a perfect day for walking around, seeing the old churches (from the 10th century forward), ancient sculptures from even before then, and just enjoying being out of Kyiv. I was amazed at how quiet the city was, and how fresh smelling. It was a wonderful day with dear friends.

Me with R5, J7, C3, T6 (left to right.)

June 22, 2004  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (1)  |  Permalink

 

 

Just in Time

Another new story at Voices of Experience:

"When J. was about 3 and a half months old, I started thinking he looked a little skinny. Everybody told me I was silly. Then he started fighting when I wanted him to nurse. And sometimes he would wake up half an hour into his nap crying. I, being a "mother in charge", let him cry himself back to sleep. It only took a few minutes usually. But I was concerned. What was going on?

We went to his 4-month appointment and he weighed in at 11 pounds, 6 ounces. He had lost nearly a pound in 2 months, where he should have gained at least 3.

I was horrified."

It was hard for me to read K.M.'s story, because it was so similar to what we lived through when applying the principles from Ezzo's Babywise* book. Thankfully, K.M. quickly connected the cause of Ezzo's misinformation with the effect of her son's weight loss, sleep problems, and milk supply loss and had a wonderful outcome when she tossed out Babywise with the bathwater.

*Babywise is the secular version of Let the Children Come Along the Infant Way, formerly known as Preparation for Parenting.

Update: Tim at Challies.com has some interesting things to add about Ezzo. Konkadoo, Rasita, and Shane are also blogging about Ezzo this week.

June 22, 2004  |  Comments (13)  |  TrackBack (1)  |  Permalink

 

 

Bloggers I Once Met. . .

I just found out that Kevin Bywater has a blog. Cool. I met him in. . . what. . . 1992? And saw him again when passing through Manitou Springs in 2001. It's fun seeing pics of his family, and I'm pretty sure this will be a regular read.

(via Mark Horne)

June 20, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Simply Divine

I'm sitting here eating fresh bread, spread with cool butter and warm strawberry jam. A taste of heaven.

Two batches done, one to go. . .

June 19, 2004  |  Comments (7)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Only in June

I have 7 kilograms of strawberries to jam! What am I doing sitting here?!

June 19, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

The Church and Racism

The letter seeks to provide a definition of racism, a theological perspective on racism, pastoral responses to racism and discussion of pastoral issues relating to racism. Racism is an explicit or implicit belief or practice that qualitatively distinguishes or values one race over other races. From a biblical perspective, it is the position of the General Assembly that racism, as it is defined in the letter, is sin, and that repentance must follow both individually and corporately.

I recommend reading and reflecting upon the complete PCA Pastoral Letter on Racism.

June 19, 2004  |  Comments (9)  |  TrackBack (1)  |  Permalink

 

 

Hubby on Hiatus

As many of y'all have likely noticed, Le Sabot Post-Moderne is going garver for the next two months.

As Hubby said, this is an amazing, and amazingly packed summer. I'll still be around, but with occasional lulls.

We've been so encouraged and blessed by our friends in the blogging world. Thank you for being part of our lives. *mush, mush*

June 19, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

What Kind of Homeschooler?

Salvador Dali Melting clocks are not a problem in
your reality. You are an unschooler. You will
tolerate a textbook, but only as a last resort.
Mud is your friend. You prefer hands-on
everything. If your school had an anthem, it
would be Don't Worry, Be Happy. Visit my blog:


What Type of Homeschooler Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Oh yes, LOTS of mud. Lots of books, reading aloud, and relaxed schooling. I enjoy pulling ideas and educational theories together for the boys, and our schedule is very loose. But my truly unschooling friends would think I'm too schoolish. *g*

(via Carol and Jess)

June 15, 2004  |  Comments (17)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Today's call to worship at Zavet Blagodati was Psalm 63:2-9:

I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

June 13, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

More on Reagan

"He had this sort of "God’s plan" theology. He really believed in the sovereignty of God. God is in control; God works all things for the best — even the bad things. Reagan believed that about his 1976 presidential bid that he lost; he believed that about his Hollywood career being washed up; he believed it about the assassination attempt; and he believed it about the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. And, if you believe that, it’s a very liberating feeling." --Paul Kengor, Reagan biographer

TRW links to the eulogies given by Thatcher, Bush, and others.

PossomBlog's tribute to Reagan is well worth the read, and we'd do well to heed his words.

Samantha remembers Reagan and the "land of opportunity."

And Adrian Warnock provides perspective from across the Pond.

A Must Read: Peter Hammond on how Reagan saved lives in Angola.

June 12, 2004  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Babywise in the Manse

New, on Voices of Experience:

"I read the book and thought it would solve all my problems. I was so excited. The book seemed to understand where I had messed up my baby and promised to fix her and make her a model citizen.

"I had assumed from the beginning that "crying it out" was the only way to get a baby to sleep. I started the three hour feeding schedule and thankfully she did it with no problem. We started putting her down at night awake, no sleep props, etc. She would cry and cry and cry.

. . .

"I remember laying on the couch listening to her cry and cry thinking motherhood wasn't supposed to be like this. And seriously considering not having more children. Yet I was convinced this was the only way to have a baby that was not in control of me and my marriage. My husband went along with it but I think if he had had a little more experience he would have put a stop to it sooner. "

Read the rest of M.H.'s story, A Pastor's Wife's Experience and Observations at Ezzo.Info.

June 11, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Noonie Encouragement

Have you seen this new website?

Lactations: Daily Inspirations for the Nursing Mother.

Yours truly is quoted with Today's Inspiration. *grin* Check back daily for noonie encouragement.

June 11, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Nutrition for Brain Dev't

"How often do we, as adults, need to eat to keep up our metabolism? Doctors recommend "six small meals a day" to keep up our energy, to repair tissue, and we don't even have to worry about making synaptic connections or growing and developing at an exponential rate the way infants do! . . . I have a real problem with someone telling mothers that their newborn, the baby with a stomach the size of its fist (look at a newborn's fist!) is supposed to do all that work off feedings that are spaced three hours or more apart." --Dy

The size of an infant's stomach.
Nutrition and early brain development.

June 10, 2004  |  Comments (7)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

What I've been reading. . .

I've been under the weather for over a week. I started getting better, but pushed too much yesterday, and so am feeling pretty feeble again. Hubby is, too. So, I've been reading several blogs, though feeling too blah to comment or write much myself.

Kristen praises Michael, "Excuse me, Bradley dad, coming through. Bradley dads -- the few, the proud, the douloi."

Last Thursday I made Marla's cream cheese poundcake.

Carol rejoices that the US has a life-respecting First Lady.

Samantha is looking for Christian survey-takers, especially African-American Christians who have yet to respond to this survey.

LaShawn fumes about afrocentrism.

EO muses on the differences among theTexas GOP, the Constitution Party and the Libertarian Party.

June 09, 2004  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Just what I was thinking. . .

"During announcements at the beginning of the service, I called attention to the list on the back of the bulletin of the missionaries our church supports. Notice how many times you see Ukraine in the list. Twenty years ago, the idea of Christian missionaries openly preaching the gospel and planting churches in any part of the USSR would have been unthinkable. But, in His providence, God raised up a leader who called evil by its real name and worked to defeat it. And because of that, hundreds of millions of people are free to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ. God willing that will happen again, and the door will open for a billion more souls. We ought to give thanks to God for bringing this to pass."

Batesline eloquently remarks on how God has amazingly worked. Earlier today, Hubby and I were sitting in amazement that we live in a Former Soviet country--something that was unheard of when we were kids.

June 07, 2004  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (1)  |  Permalink

 

 

Peggy Noonan Remembers

I've been looking for this since hearing of President Reagan's passing. Peggy Noonan's Thanks From a Grateful Country, in honor of Ronald Reagan.

"He was dying for years and the day came and somehow it came as a blow. Not a loss but a blow. How could this be?

John Rabe echoed the same sentiments on Hubby's blog.

And it's true.

And I'm near tears again with memories,

"It's not hard to imagine him now in a place where his powers have been returned to him and he's himself again--sweet-hearted, tough, funny, optimistic and very brave. You imagine him snapping one of those little salutes as he turns to say goodbye. Today I imagine saluting right back."

June 07, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

What a deal!

11 CDs for $20! Plus free shipping.

Featuring, my all time fave band.

June 07, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free;
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of thy love;
Leading onward, leading homeward,
To thy glorious rest above.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Spread his praise from shore to shore;
How he loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore;
How he watches o'er his loved ones,
Died to call them all his own;
How for them he intercedeth,
Watcheth o'er them from the throne.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Love of ev'ry love the best:
'Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
'Tis a haven sweet of rest.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
'Tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to thee.

Listen.

June 06, 2004  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

The Gipper Goes On

"When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead." --Ronald Reagan, 1994

Ronald Wilson Reagan, February 6, 1911 - June 5, 2004

June 05, 2004  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

D-Day 1944-2004

J7 and T6 in Normandy, saluting in front of a German pillbox

Here in Ukraine, World War II is known as the "Great Patriot War against Fascism." It seems to be remembered a bit more here, than in the US. Perhaps because the Germans occupied Ukraine for awhile.

The only time I've cried during the opening credits of a movie was for "Saving Private Ryan." Last year, Hubby and the two older boys were able to tour Normandy. It really made an impression on them. When they came home, J7 drew a picture of the rows and rows of crosses in the Normandy cemetary.

Britannica.Com's Normandy
National D-Day Museum in New Orleans
D-Day: American Experience

June 05, 2004  |  Comments (7)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

I'm sad. . .

It seems that President Reagan's health has taken a turn for the worse. He's struggled with Alzheimer's for so long. R5 was named in honor of Ronald Reagan, and so we've started talking to him about President Reagan being very ill. In our family, he will be greatly mourned.

I highly recommend Peggy Noonan's biography of Reagan, When Character Was King. Very touching.

June 05, 2004  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Which is the real John Kerry?

John "Honored by Communist Vietnam" Kerry

or

John "I Want You!" Kerry

(Via George Grant and Gleeful Extremist)

June 05, 2004  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Frazzled Babywiser

I was totally convinced that Ezzo was the way to go. In fact, before my daughter was born, nobody could convince me that Ezzo was bad. I was very determined to have a "good" kid. However, I was an extremely uptight, frazzled Babywiser. . .

Read the rest of K's story at Ezzo.Info's Voices of Experience.

Considering our previous discussion here about RAD, I found it interesting that this mama mentions

at the time we stopped using Ezzo's methods, she did not smile for me, would not be held, and gave no eye contact. By that time, she actually cried in our arms until we put her down! I actually stumbled across the ezzo.info website as I was researching Reactive Attachment Disorder due to these worrisome behaviors.

Update: Dy, Matt Hall and Michael Bates are also blogging on Ezzo this week.

June 03, 2004  |  Comments (7)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Le Sabot Update. . .

For those who are wondering why you can't join the discussion over at Le Sabot Post-Moderne, it's a technical problem on our end. Hubby is working on it, and it should be resolved by tomorrow.

Thanks for your patience. . .

June 02, 2004  |  Comments (11)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Man's Will

To read these verses and then still talk blithely about man's 'free' will is to invert Orwell's 1984 slogan to read "Slavery is freedom." --Hubby

June 01, 2004  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink