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Disturbing or Disturbed

Divine Vinyl for Dummies

*shudder*

February 27, 2006  |  Comments (9)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

The Heart of Grace

"The gospel tells us that our Creator has become our Redeemer. It announces that the Son of God has become man and has died on the cross to save us from eternal judgment. The basic description of the saving death of Christ in the Bible is as a propitiation, that is, as that which quenched God’s wrath against us by obliterating our sins from his sight. God’s wrath is his righteousness reacting against unrighteousness; it shows itself in retributive justice. But Jesus Christ has shielded us from the nightmare prospect of retributive justice by becoming our representative substitute, in obedience to his Father’s will, and receiving the wages of our sin in our place.

"By this means justice has been done, for the sins of all that will ever be pardoned were judged and punished in the person of God the Son, and it is on this basis that pardon is now offered to us offenders. Redeeming love and retributive justice joined hands, so to speak, at Calvary, for there God showed himself to be ‘just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus.’

"Do you understand this? If you do, you are now seeing to the very heart of the Christian gospel. No version of that message goes deeper than that which declares man’s root problem before God to be his sin, which evokes wrath, and God’s basic provision for man to be propitiation, which out of wrath brings peace. Some versions of the gospel, indeed, are open to blame because they never get down to this level."

- Dr. J. I. Packer

(Via Reformation Theology)

February 26, 2006  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

On Sin

Recommending reading: Hating Our Sin

(Via The Rough Woodsman, who also has dishpan hands)

February 26, 2006  |  Comments (0)  |  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.

Reposted from June 2004. Because it's good, and I need the reminder.

February 25, 2006  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Proverbs, Parellelism, and the Rod

A friend recently was talking with me about the "rod verses" in Proverbs and the importance of context for studying the Bible.

We can take the Bible seriously, without reading these verses as being symbolic--nor with it being prescriptive of hitting young children.

I believe that Proverbs is included in the 2 Tim 3:16 assurance that "All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

However, it is a Wisdom book, and the verses have less context around them to help clarify them, than others in the Bible. As John MacArthur writes of Proverbs that "These are wise sayings and truisms -- not necessarily inviolable rules."

And have you noticed, Proverbs appears to use quite a bit of hyperbole.

For example, earlier in the chapter that includes "beat him with the rod and save his soul from death", are the verses:

When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.
Proverbs 23:1-2

So when I read these "rod" verses, it's very easy for me to read them for the concept (don't be a glutton, faithfully discipline your child) rather than taking them as specific commands (slit your throat, beat with a rod.)

In these rod verses, the concepts seem clear when we look at the parallelism, for example:

"Withhold not correction from the child. . ."
". . .but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."
". . .but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."

These concepts are very much in line with what I think one of the clearest and strongest commands for us, both as people and as parents:

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Duet 6:4-7

February 24, 2006  |  Comments (17)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Moscow Market Disaster

You've heard of the roof that collapsed at a popular Moscow market, right? At least 50 people died, likely quite a many more. Thankfully it was in the early hours of the morning, before it was crowded with shoppers.

This has really hit me emotionally. I've never been to Moscow. But I picture my favorite rinok in Kyiv, and my favorite butcher among the rows of carcasses, the little old ladies who set aside the most appealing of the turkeys for our Amerikanski Thanksgiving, the produce lady who would give bananas to the street kids and gypsies. . .

One year ago, we were preparing to leave Ukraine. Cleaning and repairing our flat. Disbursing our goods. Trying to figure out shipping. And hardest, saying goodbye to so many people. (And so many memories and places.)

February 23, 2006  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Worth Reading

Bowden McElroy's Christian Counseling Notes

February 19, 2006  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Covenant Seminary Courses -- Free, Online

Guess what I found last week via Monergism?

The collection of lectures for the courses which make up Covenant Seminary's Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree.

NOTE: This is not a degree-granting program. This is a collection of course lectures for self-study and growing in the Word and wisdom.

Covenant Seminary Worldwide MP3s NEW! OUTSTANDING RESOURCE

Free educational resource for faculty, students, and self-learners around the world. It flows from Covenant Theological Seminary's grace-centered Gospel mission and exists to make high-quality, graduate-level theological education available to those who do not have the ability to attend seminary.

Covenant Worldwide: (1) Offers free downloads of Covenant Theological Seminary course materials. (2) Does not require registration. (3) Is not a degree granting or certificate-granting activity. The courses posted on this Web site comprise Covenant Seminary's Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree.

I started with the lectures on Calvin's Institutes.

What I don't see there (and haven't yet found online) is Gerstner's excellent series on the Westminster Confession. Listening to those tapes (twice+) were instrumental in me embraced grace-conscious parenting.

February 19, 2006  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Not a Picture to Promote Breastfeeding.

I'm warning you.

(Via darjeelingirl)

February 17, 2006  |  Comments (9)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Not a Tulip?

You are an Iris:

You are logical, analytical, dignified, and wise.
You are studious by nature and may prefer books to people. You tend to be a serious person but are capable of making others laugh with your dry sense of humor. Friends always benefit from your advice.

Symbolism: Over the centuries the iris has come to symbolize faith, wisdom, hope, and promise in love.

Which Flower are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

(Via BohemianMama)

February 15, 2006  |  Comments (12)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Of Frying Pans and Theological Fires

Karen weighs in on the theological-eduation-for-women controversy and the inane 'catechism' regarding women and theology.

And like mother, like daughter--Mollie wonders about homemaking training while caring for another woman's husband and children.

February 15, 2006  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

a sentimental song

children tremble
flowers fade so sadly
love is strange to understand
winter winds blow
does the truth seem badly
let your tears fall into my hands
let your tears fall into my hands

listen closely
and i will sing for you
a sentimental song
and you will know just how i feel
listen closely
i will sing for you
a sentimental song

hide with me tonight
love endures the weather
let the rain make everything new
in the morning
we will dance together
let my song fall down around you
let my song fall down around you

listen closely
and i will sing for you
a sentimental song
and you will know just how i feel
(in my heart)
listen closely
i will sing for you
a sentimental song
and you will know my love is real

listen closely
and i will sing for you
a sentimental song
and you will know just how i feel
(in my heart)
listen closely
i will sing for you
a sentimental song
and you will know my love is real

listen closely
and i will sing for you
a sentimental song
and you will know my heart is true

listen closely
i will sing for you
a sentimental song
and you will know how i love you...

(Thanks Derri, Steve and Dan)

February 14, 2006  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

ChewyMom: Mentors and the Ezzos

"I have no trouble with the way GFI started–it was a natural progression of events. It was a Titus 2 situation–older women teaching younger women, older men teaching younger men.

But now? Well, if I saw a family within my church who had two children, one of whom has no contact with them and the other of whom embezzeled 1/2 million from his company, I might question their parenting. The picture of their family would not be the goal I set for mine. I am imperfect, and I could well end up with children who have struggles–don’t get me wrong. But that is not my goal.

And so I seek out parenting role-models and mentors from among those whose relationships with their children I admire. I do not seek out those who have very serious problems in their relationships with their children–to the point that there is no relationship–as my parenting examples." --ChewyMom

Related to this, I encourage you to read these uplifting reminders that I've copied on my blog from one of my mentor-moms:

Biblical Relationships or Behaviourism
Children, Good and Grown

Tags: GFI / Ezzo / Babywise, Babywise, Gary Ezzo, Ezzo.Info, Titus Two, mentoring, Christian Parenting

February 13, 2006  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Submissive Parenting

As we grow in understanding of the Gospel, as we experience God's amazing grace towards us, it overflows into all relationship of our life.

Be encouraged!

I recommend Bryan Chappel's sermon, The Submissive Parent.

(Via Covenant Seminary Audio Files, via Monergism)

February 12, 2006  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Menu Planning Meanderings. . .

I enjoy puttering around the kitchen, preparing nourishing food for my family, blessing our neighbors and guests.

I'm less fond of having to cook.

And the way our life is right now, I've found myself very tired and wanting to spend less and less time in the kitchen, thinking, preparing, cleaning.

A couple of weeks ago I even resorted to. . . true confession time here. . . hamburger helper.

And while I'm borderline-vegetarian, Hubby isn't. He's willing to do meatless occasionally, as long as the food is hot and plentiful. But he's a carnivore at heart.

As are our boys who are growing like weeds. An extra potato for the pot no longer suffices.

All that put together, and I was in need of a bit more attention to meals and planning. Still with limited time and energy. With those restrictions, I'm pretty pleased with the meals stocked up and planned for the coming weeks.

I spent a little time planning on Friday, and did some marketing at Jessica's Organic and the grocery store. It was my first time at Jessica's. WMNF was on when I arrived, so I didn't miss the newstory that I'd been following, and wow--I've never seen such gorgeous heads of lettuce. I still need to go to Fruitville Market, better prices for local produce, even if it isn't organic. I need to make a trip to the little Mennonite health food shop for bulk items. My sis makes all her breads, and that sounds so appealing. But at this point we are content with stocking up on bread from the Pepperidge Farm Outlet.

Over four hours or so this afternoon, I spent probably two hours actually working in the kitchen. And I have ready for the coming weeks:

Two Meals of Southeast Asian Chicken Curry w/ Rice
Two Meals of Sloppy Joes
Two Meals of Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Two Meals of Beef Fajitas
One Meal of Chicken Divine
Four Extra Quart Bags of Rice
Two Quart Bags of Chicken Stock

And I have black beans soaking for tomorrow, which will then lead to two meals of chili, along with black beans and rice.

And I have the fixings for salads, breakfasts, and school lunches.

I'm feeling pretty pleased with how this went. I need to remind myself to do the little bits of planning ahead of time, and then go ahead and jump into it.

February 11, 2006  |  Comments (12)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Again, He Says. . .

Liberalism has become a philosophy of Western suicide.

February 10, 2006  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Losing, Being, Becoming a Mother

As hard as it is to read, I recommend PacemMama's story of becoming a mother.

February 07, 2006  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Independent Spirits

Independent Spirits
Freedom from the Umbrella of Deception

(Via X-ATI Guy)

February 06, 2006  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Another Online Personality Quiz. . .

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people. Conscientiousness: You have low conscientiousness. Impulsive and off the wall, you don't take life too seriously. Unfortunately, you sometimes end up regretting your snap decisions. Overall, you tend to lack focus, and it's difficult for you to get important things done. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have medium neuroticism. You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic. Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy. Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it.. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

Again, via Kim.

And to be honest, it's not all that far off. . .

February 06, 2006  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

TulipGirl Blog Cloud

Build your word cloud here.

(Via Kim in ON and Kim in IL)

February 05, 2006  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Bad Words All The Time

Read about it.

February 05, 2006  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Cartoon Controversy

The other cartoons that at the heart of this uproar? Check out Human Events.

February 04, 2006  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

SotU and Us

Last night, Hubby and I went on a date. We loaded up the kids in the van for jammy rides, stopped at the corner store for cokes, and then drove around the parking lot listening to NPR and the State of the Union Speech.

It was fun.

By the end, the three youngest were asleep, but J9 was still intently participating in our post-speech deconstruction.

Some of my fave parts?

". . .the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting. . ."

Acknowledging the appeal. . . good. . .

And we do not forget the other half – in places like Syria, Burma, Zimbabwe, North Korea, and Iran – because the demands of justice, and the peace of this world, require their freedom as well.

Reminds me of my Iranian friend who asked, half-joking and half-hopeful, "So, when are you going to invade us?"

"No one can deny the success of freedom, but some men rage and fight against it. And one of the main sources of reaction and opposition is radical Islam"

Not afraid to name names. . .

". . .the terrorists hope these horrors will break our will, allowing the violent to inherit the Earth."

What a turn of phrase.

"But our enemies and our friends can be certain: The United States will not retreat from the world, and we will never surrender to evil. . . . America rejects the false comfort of isolationism."

Hooah.

Hindsight alone is not wisdom. And second-guessing is not a strategy.

One of the key quotes from the speech, imo.

And tonight, let me speak directly to the citizens of Iran: America respects you, and we respect your country. We respect your right to choose your own future and win your own freedom. And our Nation hopes one day to be the closest of friends with a free and democratic Iran.

Can I say I wish this were stronger? But I think anything stronger may have been heard by Iran as militaristic--and I don't think that's where we are--or should--be headed at this point.

"We show compassion abroad because Americans believe in the God-given dignity and worth of a villager with HIV/AIDS, or an infant with malaria, or a refugee fleeing genocide, or a young girl sold into slavery."

Imago Dei.

More later. . . Getting tired and I want to finish this and give my thoughts on the offical Democratic response.

February 01, 2006  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink