Grasping With Both Hands

    Back in October, I began studying through the book of Colossians, taking a section or perhaps just a verse per day, and breaking it apart, desiring to be a better "miner" of the Word, not just a reader. As part of my Bible Study, I enjoy looking up the Greek meanings of words or phrases in the section I am reading (I could not more strongly encourage the acquiring of a Strong's Concordance), as well as taking those definitions and creating paraphrases of the passage using the Greek definitions to give greater understanding and depth to the passage. 

I arrived at Colossians 1:11 one morning, 

"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness..." 

Madeline's paraphrase: "Enabled with miraculous power, according to the glorious power of Christ, which is without limit, unto all cheerful endurance and forbearance with calm delight." 

"According to His glorious power" struck me that morning as I thought about Christ's marvelous power...that has NO limits! What manifold riches we have in Christ...but too often sorely neglect accessing. Ephesians 1 lists so many heavenly blessings we have in Christ and the scriptures are full of the rich promises that we have in Jesus as His children and as saints, but do I take full advantage of them? Too often, in my Christian walk, I have found myself seeking after earthly pleasures to satisfy a void in my heart, when Jesus Christ sits with all the fullness of the Godhead, desiring for me to access the manifold graces of my Lord. 

"The End of a Coil", by Susan Warner, accounts the struggles of Dolly Copley to live a life pleasing to the Lord amidst family challenges. At one point in the book, after a specifically arduous trial, she is found by a friend, a non-Christian young man, with her Bible open, receiving from it what comfort scripture offers. 

"Does that help?" said he, glancing at the book in Dolly's lap. 

"This?" said Dolly. "What other help in the world is there?" 

"Friends?" suggested Rupert. 

"Yes, you were a great help last night," Dolly said slowly. "But there come times—and things—when friends cannot do anything." 

"And then—what does the book do?" 

"The book?" Dolly repeated again. "O Rupert! it tells of the Friend that can do everything!" Her eyes flushed with tears and she clasped her hands as she spoke. 

"What?" said Rupert; for her action was eloquent, and he was curious; and besides he liked to make her talk. 

Dolly looked at him and saw that the question was serious. She opened her book. "Listen. 'Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.'" 

"That makes pretty close work of it. Can you get hold of that rope? and how much strain will it bear?" 

"I believe it will bear anything," said Dolly slowly and thoughtfully; "if one takes hold with both hands. I guess the trouble with me is, that I only take hold with one." 

"What do you do with the other hand?" 

"Stretch it out towards something else, I suppose. For, see here, Rupert;—'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.'—I am just ashamed of myself!" said Dolly, breaking down and bursting into tears. 

"What for?" said Rupert. 

"Because I do not trust so." 

"I should think it would be very difficult." 

"It ought not to be difficult to trust a friend whose truth you know. There! That has done me good," said the girl, sitting up and brushing away the tears.

I would suggest that we all can relate to the weakness that Dolly expresses. Oh, that we too would grasp "with both hands" to the abounding promises of Christ, not with wavering trust or with "only one hand", but with complete and absolute confidence in the character, and thus the promises of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Would we not dwell "outside the palace", eating what we can beg when there is a room in the castle reserved for us with riches and gifts beyond understanding. 

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14

"The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and He helped me." Psalm 116:6

 His "glorious power" holds strong, it is a sure and steady rope to grasp.

Family Life - August, September and October

 Ahhhh. Here it is, the middle of November, and we are staring Thanksgiving down in just a week! August and September were busy months, and I fully intended to do a family life update at the beginning of October to recount the rest of the summer, but with the passing of my aunt in October and all the ensuing travel and needs, blogging was driven from my mind and schedule.  

However...here is August, September, and because I am late, October.

In early August, Mom, Aunt Karen, and Uncle Tom drove Grandma out
to Wichita, Kansas where an Alzheimer's treatment clinic is located. 
While her parents were out of town, Kate came and stayed with us 
for a few days. It was a joy and delight to have her with us! The picture 
is a poor one and we look bleary-eyed with rough-looking hair,
but the hour was early as we headed out to sort and work some cattle.

That afternoon, we loaded up and headed down to the creek for 
water fun! Peaches and Kip are almost always ready to follow
us on any adventure and they were a joyful addition to the excursion.

Who just keeps being a cutie? I am thankful for the pictures and
FaceTime enables us to be a part of James' life, even at the
the physical distance we are apart.

In mid-August, Mom and I drove up to Iowa to attend Testify Training 

Camp. TTC is an event planned to help train and encourage being better 

equipped to share the gospel with clarity and comfortability. We had 

 practical and enjoyable sessions and then hands-on application at the Iowa 

State Fair. Mom and I both were blessed by the training as well as the fellowship. 

Such a beautiful girl!

In September, Caden and I took a brother-sister road trip to 
South Dakota to an event out there.

Having never been that far west before, the scenery was enjoyed
by both of us, but honestly, I do not wish to spend a winter out there. =)

Applesauce! After making and canning over 50 quarts, I admit
that I am rather sick of apples, but thankful for the productivity 
and the long supply over the next year.

Mom and Hope made a trip out to Kansas to visit Grandma.

In late September, I made a trip up to Louisville to spend some girl time
with Katie while Matthew was out of town. Their cat joined me for my
morning devotions

I am so thankful for this gal! It is more like having a sister-in-law
than a cousin-in-law. God gave me such a sweet gift in her.

September 29th, found me traveling south for a prison ministry trip. 
It was a blessed week with the Lord teaching me as well as many of 
of the women who attended.

Prison Ministry Trip Women's Team
October 2023

As my birthday was two days after the passing of Aunt Karen, we
postponed any celebration, but Leah was such a dear and made me
a mini cake. Love you, Leah!

With Emma, Stephen, and James coming into town for the 
funeral arrangements, it was a sadly sweet opportunity to 
spend that time with James. 

October finished with the 6 of us out in a cold October rain searching
for a lost baby calf. It was such a miracle finding her the way we did.
Such an answer to prayer! I am so thankful for this crew and I love 
being an older sister!

My Aunt Karen (1968-2023)

On October 14th we received a life-altering phone call. My Aunt Karen, my mom's sister and best friend, had had a stroke while they were on vacation in South Carolina. She was rushed to the hospital where they did surgery to remove the blood clot but during the operation, there was a brain aneurysm and Aunt Karen began bleeding in her brain. She remained in a coma, on full life-support, and there was only a small hope, but through a miracle from the Lord, that she would survive. The next days were a horrible nightmare of tears, traveling, and crying out to the Lord to allow her to stay with us. The day following her stroke, Mom, Dad, and I traveled down to South Carolina to see her and the family. It was a surreal moment standing there outside the ICU doors waiting for my turn to see her. We returned home quickly as Mom had to immediately fly to Kansas to break the news to Grandma. We continued to wait and pray and on October 18, 2023, Aunt Karen beheld the face of the Savior Whom she loved so much.  

All through those horrible days, the scripture Deuteronomy 33:27 was continually on my mind, "...underneath are the everlasting arms." My faith was strong in my belief in the Lord's sovereignty and perfect plan. If Aunt Karen still had work to accomplish for the Lord, then no medical prognosis or surgery could kill her, but if she had completed the tasks He had given her, then no procedure, medicine and no amount of time could keep her here. Aunt Karen's last text to me was, "The Lord will accomplish all He has planned. Nothing can thwart His purposes." The Lord's plan is much bigger than our temporal eyes can behold and His way is perfect (Psalm 18:30).  She ran her race, she finished her course, and she kept the faith.  

However, trust in the Lord's will working ultimate good in our lives, does not lessen our clinging to the relationships we enjoy here on earth and when one is taken, hearts break, as ours have been. Growing up, my siblings and I were like another set of children to Aunt Karen and Uncle Tom, and their children, Matthew (now with Katie), Chase, and Kate were like another set of siblings. We were just about as close as we could be. Aunt Karen was one of my biggest cheerleaders. She loved well. She faithfully made me feel like she saw me for me, not just one of the group, but singular with my own individual needs and interests. She loved well. She was such a loving and loyal supporter of this blog and in my desire to reach out to other girls, as she had the same heart. She loved well. She was a master storyteller and we loved hearing her tell stories in her dramatic and expressive way that would often leave us laughing. She loved well. She was an amazing example of one who invested in relationships and delighted in the body of Christ. She loved well. She had an extreme passion for the Word of God and thrived when teaching it to other women. She loved well. She enjoyed matcha tea, Korean food, dancing, and singing. She loved well. She adored her husband, children, and daughter-in-law. She loved well. One of her ultimate favorite places to be was the beach and South Carolina became a haven of rest for her, and it was there she had the stroke, sitting overlooking the beach. She loved well.

I love you, Aunt Karen. Thank you for loving me. 

I miss you...so much. 

Fall Devotional - Is He Bigger?

I recently arrived home from an event weighed down by an oppressive amount of fear. The fears that feel like a weighted blanket over your whole body and soul. I poured over scripture, sang hymns, quoted truth, and poured out many prayers to the Father. As I wrestled through the slough of anxiety and fearfulness, a deep and sweet truth dawned in my heart. I was not allowing God to be big enough for me at that moment. All that I feared, I was laying upon myself to be the answer for. All that my heart was weighed with, I was taking responsibility for, it all depended upon me. I had squished God into a human-sized box and I was laying upon myself the control of the situation. What a falsehood to live under! Could I not but trust the sovereign, loving hand of my Heavenly Father? Could not my heart unburden itself to the One Who said "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7) and believe that He was working all things for my good? A broken and pain-filled prayer emerged from my burdened heart to the effect of, "God, be big enough for me right now" Isaiah 40:12 became a soothing passage to my soul, "Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out the heaven with a span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighted the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance." My heart settled into a sweet rest in the surety of the Lord's care and sovereignty and what a transformation to my perspective and delight in the Lord's love and the ultimate control of my heart and life has come forth from this. 

I still have control over my decisions. It is my responsibility to be constantly abiding in the Spirit, discerning His will, and the decisions that I make to follow the Lord's direction or push against it do have an impact, either positively or negatively, but ultimately God's sovereignty will prevail. He is not slack concerning His promises (2 Peter 3:9) and Romans 8:28 is sure when it says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.". 

So my current anthem is "God is Bigger" and the Lord has been faithful and with the hand of the most Loving Father, He has continued to offer opportunities to embed this truth in my heart through other obstacles in life. His faithfulness endures and His love is everlasting! He will allow nothing in your life or mine that is not for our growth and benefit. What a Savior! Whatever impossible obstacle, broken relationship, insurmountable fears, or deepest pain you may be facing today, take this to heart...He is bigger! May we be moldable, attune to the movement of the Spirit, and ever trustful that our God is God above all gods...that He is bigger!

Jesus, Keep Me Close

 Jesus, keep me close to the cross,                                                                                                                     Would I never wander.                                                                                                                                      Close to Thee I would ever be,                                                                                                                           My head upon Your chest.

Oh Lord, my rebel heart                                                                                                                                     Too often strays away,                                                                                                                                        So blinded that I cannot see                                                                                                                             Your love is always best.

And when I wander, You never chide,                                                                                                               But with a father's love,                                                                                                                                    I'm guided back into the fold                                                                                                                             Led by Your gentle hand. 

I need You more day by day,                                                                                                                                Dependance I must have.                                                                                                                                      You daily restore my weary soul,                                                                                                                        My heart You satisfy.

Book Review- Marriage To a Difficult Man- The Uncommon Union of Jonathan & Sarah Edwards

Yes, I agree, this is an odd title for a book, but behind the title is one of the most impactful books that I have ever read. I have two books on my shelf that I consider to have made the strongest impression on my goals as a future wife, mother, and homemaker and this is one of them. Through the example set before you in this book, you will find your desires grow to raise a God-first family, be faithful in hospitality, follow submissively and lovingly your husband's goals, and create a home that is truly the center of the family. 

    Marriage To a Difficult Man is a biography, primarily on Sarah Edwards. It recounts her courtship, marriage, and subsequent years with her husband Jonathan (who himself referred to their marriage as uncommon), arguably one of the greatest theologians America has ever produced, the growth of their family, the joys and turmoil of pastoring a stagnant church, and having a constant flow of visitors through her home when housekeeping was without the modern conveniences that we take for granted today. You read about the season in Sarah's life when she reached her breaking point spiritually, but then rejoice with her as she rebounds to physical health and a renewed joy in the Lord's finished work on the cross for her personally. 

        There is not much more that I can say here except to strongly encourage you to put this on your reading list.  You will find yourself encouraged, convicted, edified, and goals settled as you read over this incredible piece of literature. 

"When one lives in a cynical world that has forgotten the beauty and power of a truly purposeful Christian marriage it is crucial to step back in time and walk with that generation of Christians for whom such a truth was not merely an ideal to be pursued, but a living reality. From page one to the end, Marriage to a Difficult Man grips the reader and refreshes the soul by allowing us to intimately peer into one of the greatest unions of man and woman in recorded history." (from an endorsement of the book)  

Family Life - June & July

 

June and July. Both were busy months filled with trips, storms, farm work, weekends with Grandma, projects, and time spent with special friends.

So here is a glimpse of some of the highlights from the previous two months!

I continued traveling on weekends to be a companion 
to Grandma as well as give assistance in various areas
of need. I know that I will never regret the time I spent 
with her. Here we are at Hobby Lobby picking out 
birthday and anniversary cards for family members.

While out in town for the purpose of grocery shopping, Ella 
and I popped into a children's consignment store. I went on
a baby onesie-buying spree when I came across the $1.50
rack! I'll need all these at some point, I am sure.

Florida prison ministry trip-June 2023

Grandma and I went and picked out flowers for her front
porch. Flowers make both Grandma and me so happy, so it
was a successful and happy day. 

We experienced a large series of storms through June and July.
One of the most serious occurred in mid-June when we had some
extremely high winds that had us in the hallway awaiting possible
tornadoes. We lost many trees, the side of a hay barn, and a heifer, 
but the losses could have been much higher, so we are thankful. 
We have watched the Lord encircle our farm with His protection
again and again. Storms have split on either side of the farm, gone
around us, or completely faded out before it reached us. We do not
take His sovereign care lightly and give Him all the glory.

Caden and Joel cutting a tree off a fence. 

One of the many blessings of growing up on a farm is the 
abundant wild blackberry bushes! This summer I gave a 
try at wild blackberry jam! A unanimous success! 

My cousin Kate and I taking a walk while I was in
Louisville with Grandma one weekend. 

Esther has been a sweet friend for several years now. She was 
working at the Bill Rice Ranch when I served a summer there in 
2019 and was an invaluable support to me and our friendship has
carried on past that summer. I had the privilege of being in "the 
know" when Isaac first began to show obvious interest in her, I
walked alongside her during their dating and subsequent engagement,
helped clean her apartment and move her belongings to her new home,
and attended her wedding! This summer, I had the great joy of getting to
hold baby Anna Rose who I prayed for, even before she was conceived!
It has been such a privilege to pray for the future mates and children of
my friends and then get to see the answers to those prayers unfold. Life
is such a miracle!

Grandma enjoys watching the birds that come to her feeder.

Sorting kale to freeze for smoothies. I am thankful for these memories.

In mid-July, my prison ministry, AmyGrace, and I both traveled to
Indiana to spend a few days with our friend MaryEllen, who served
with the prison ministry until the Lord called her to the ministry of 
marriage and motherhood.

We had two cats, who we believe were dropped, make their
way to our home and promptly adopted us!

Emma, Stephen, and James came at the end of July, and we
were able to celebrate Emma's 27th birthday and James' 1st! 

While they were in town, we traveled up to Louisville for 
Grandma, as well as the rest of the Louisville family, to spend
some special time with Emma, Stephen, and James. Here Grandma
points out "her birds" to James.

June and July were blessed months and I am grateful. The summer has been slow in some respects and sped by in other ways. It has been a summer of continuing to seek the Lord and often the strong feeling of needing Him more. I am thankful that He is patient with this "work in progress". He is wonderful!