With joy unspeakable!

Praying the attributes of God

2012-02-06T21:41:00.000-06:00

Prayingthe attributes of God

Attributes: A quality or feature regarded as acharacteristic or inherent part of someone or something.

Have you ever gotten stale in your prayer life in regardsto praising God? Not because you don’t want to praise him but because you justcan’t think of the different qualities that make God who he is? Have you usedthe same attributes over and over that you can say the prayer without muchthought behind it? I thought about this as I was preparing to sit down and workon the next ladies bible study for February.

As I started studying the attributes of God, the Lordopened my eyes to the fact that I take him for granted. There are so manyattributes that describe our God……… what a rich time of blessing it was tostudy out some of these!! My prayer time has been enriched and I have beenhumbled even more before my Holy God.

God our Creator:Neh 9:6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven ofheavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, theseas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host ofheaven worshippeth thee.

The Only God:Isaiah 4:5-6 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me:I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:⁶That they may know from the rising of the sun, and fromthe west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.

A loving God:1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God islove; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

A merciful God:Neh 9:31 Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterlyconsume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.

Long suffering, preserving God:2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men countslackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish,but that all should come to repentance.

A holy God:Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; andthey were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy,holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

The shepherd God:Psalm 23: 1-3 ¹TheLORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. ²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth mebeside the still waters. ³Herestoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name'ssake.

God our healer:Psalm 103:2-3 ²Blessthe LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ³Who forgiveth all thineiniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

The God of all comfort:2 Cor. 1:2-5 ²Gracebe to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ³Blessed be God, even the Fatherof our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; ⁴Who comforteth us in all ourtribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, bythe comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. ⁵For as the sufferings of Christabound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

The God who bears our burdens:Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shallnever suffer the righteous to be moved

God the lifter of my head:Psalm 3:3-5 ³Butthou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. ⁴I cried unto the LORD with myvoice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. ⁵I laid me down and slept; Iawaked; for the LORD sustained me.

A God of joy:Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness ofjoy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

A faithful God: Psalm 36:5-7⁵Thy mercy, O LORD,is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. ⁶Thy righteousness is like thegreat mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest manand beast. ⁷Howexcellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put theirtrust under the shadow of thy wings.

A God of miracles:Psalm 89:5-6 ⁵And theheavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in thecongregation of the saints. ⁶Forwho in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of themighty can be likened unto the LORD?

A forgiving God:Neh 9:16-17 ¹⁶Butthey and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened notto thy commandments, ¹⁷Andrefused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst amongthem; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain toreturn to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious andmerciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

A giving God:John 3:16-17 ¹⁶ForGod so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoeverbelieveth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ¹⁷For God sent not his Son intothe world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

New year.... new resolution?

2012-01-02T17:37:00.001-06:00

(A condensed version from ladies bible study)

Newyear…. New resolution?

While resolutions are not bad in themselves, I believe waiting to“fix” something in our lives until January 1^st is wrong. The HolySpirit, not a New Year's resolution, changes our lives.

What does the bible say about the role of the Holy Spirit?

John 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the HolyGhost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, andbring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, theSpirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall notspeak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and hewill shew you things to come.

What does the Bible say about change in us?

2 Corinthians 5:17 Thereforeif any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away;behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 4:22-24 22 That ye put off concerning the formerconversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man,which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Instead of making a New Year’s resolution every year what shouldwe look to do?

Let us look at Christ as he faces the cross and learn some important lessons:

Luke 22:39-42

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to themount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said untothem, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone'scast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will,but thine, be done .

43 And there appeared an angel unto him fromheaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Christ had a “habit” of praying.
He made the point that praying will keep us fromhaving temptation get the better of us.
Not that “posture” makes a difference in how wepray (standing, sitting, kneeling) but the humility and submission before aholy God does make a difference.
Our prayers should be purposeful and sincere witha desire to truly seek God’s will not just state “thy will be done”.

So…. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, let usresolve to:

Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will comeafter me (a deliberate choice), lethim deny himself (Denying self requiresus to give up anything that we would want or seek that would hinder our doingthe will of God. We must take our wants and desires and be sure theyare in the will of God.), and take up his cross (a cross was an instrument of death, not a piece of jewelry…. This issomething to take very seriously. Represents giving up your whole life to God),and follow me.

A New Year's Prayer

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God's love, peace, hope and joy to you in the year ahead.

Anonymous

What I am thankful for……..

2011-11-24T07:55:00.001-06:00

What I am thankful for……..

I am thankful for my salvation:

Psalm 95:1-6
"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rockof our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make ajoyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a greatKing above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strengthof the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formedthe dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORDour maker."

I am thankful for love:

I am thankful for my children:

I am thankful for my

grandchildren

I am thankful for my church family

I am thankful for my friends

Without the love of the Lord and thelove of family and friends my life would be empty.

Afghanistan - Pakistan relations, The war in Afghanistan

2011-10-09T08:11:00.000-05:00

This interview below is on ~Testing border relations~ and shows the FOB (forward operating base) near the Pakistan border where my son is stationed over in Afghanistan. He is about a minute and a half into the video. It is amazing for me to see a glimpse into his life while there. So very proud of him!

Welcome Olivia Alexandra

2011-09-23T07:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the newest addition to our family!

My niece,

Olivia Alexandra

September 19, 2011

6 pounds 8 ounces

19 inches long

7:18 pm

My prayer for you.....

2011-08-24T12:43:00.001-05:00

My dear Pastor Victor Mowery wrote this for me when my son left for Iraq. Today when worry and fear crept in, I re-read and thought I would share it with everyone else. It calmed this mother's heart and reminded me that God is in control. (Vic.. I hope this doesn't embarrass you that I have shared this. It just means so much to me that you did this and that it is still so helpful for me today with Brennan in Afghanistan).

MY PRAYER FOR YOU

Heavenly Father, I pray for our military men & women, serving all over the world.

I ask that you would put a hedge of protection about them.

I pray for wisdom for their commanding officers, that decisions would be made which keep the safety of our troops as the utmost priority.

I pray that you would strengthen their hands, as you taught David's hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken in his arms.

I ask that you would cast down the enemy on every side.

I pray that no weapon formed against them would prosper, but would only come

to naught.

Turn aside the arrows of the enemy.

Let them show themselves a man or woman and no more a youth, but a proven vessel of war, with honor, dignity and faithfulness to the ideals of our great nation.

Make their weapon find its mark; make their eyes sharp as the eagle's; make their ears

to hear as the wolf; make their strength like the bull moose; make their mind quick and their reactions quicker; make their armor impenetrable; make their commander wise. Build a fortress around their unit, to accomplish its mission and return home the heroes.

I ask your peace upon their families, wives, children, parents, brothers, sisters, relatives,

churches.

I ask that you move your people to bathe this unit in prayer daily.

I ask for your strength to be upon their families, awaiting at home for news of the war and news of their sons & daughters, grandsons & granddaughters, husbands and wives, and fathers and mothers.

I ask that you make every tear a tear of prayer and hear these petitions to accomplish your will in this just war upon the forces of darkness running loose in this wicked world.

End this war with splendid and clear victory for the side of righteousness.

Give America peace, O Lord, through victory over our enemies and justice for our fallen

fighters and slain innocents.

Help us not to forget the American civilian blood shed in time of peace by wicked emissaries of Satan in a cowardly act against men, women, children, handicapped, elderly and infants.

Give us the strength, patience and fortitude to allow our sons and daughters of war to do what needs to be done.

Raise our boys into men, our girls into women to do this job and give the rest of us the assurance and peace that God's work is at hand.

In the name of Jesus our Saviour and your only begotten Son, AMEN!

I CAN'T BELIEVE....

2011-08-18T21:04:00.000-05:00

I CAN'T BELIEVE.....
musing of a soldier's Mom

I can't believe this chubby baby I held in my arms
is now a tall, muscled young man

I can't believe this gangly accident prone adolescent
now handles ARMY gear with such confidence

I can't believe this unruly teenager
is now a Sergeant who leads others

I can't believe this boy I would give my life for
is now willing to give his own life for me
and this great country

Bridget Campbell

I AM A SOLDIER'S MOTHER

2011-08-15T11:34:00.000-05:00

I AM A SOLDIER'S MOTHER

I am a soldier’s mother; I sometimes march alone

And yet I stand with many, trying to be strong.

You may not recognize me as you pass me on the street;

I may look like any other that you by chance might meet.

Like any mother, in a lot of ways I still remain,

But watching my son become a soldier brought a forever change.

For deep down inside where you cannot see

My own battle rages that’s as real as it can be.

It starts with feeling pride in all he has become,

But often worry creeps in before the day is done.

Then there is his absence that never will seem right -

The days without a word that causes many sleepless nights.

And at the sight of another soldier, my heart skips a beat,

For it reminds me of my own, and that face I’d love to see.

And I have a deeper sense of the sacrifices our heroes make;

I can see the hardships on the families – the loneliness, the heartache.

But in spite of all that’s raging, this mother’s love holds strong

As I’m wrapped in God’s peace and comfort and given strength to go on.

© Cynthia Gibb

Gossip!

2011-07-14T20:11:00.000-05:00

This was another ladies Bible study that the subject was hard to teach on because I think we all can be pulled into or start gossip if we are not careful!

GOSSIP

Philippians 4:8 (King James Version)

⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The word “gossip” is not used in the Bible but the concept is. The words used for gossip are: talebearer, whisperer, backbiter, busybody, slander and tattler.

Gos-sip (noun)

Gossiped, gossiping, gossips (verb)

1. Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true

2. A person who likes talking about other people's private lives

3. Idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others

WHEN IS IT GOSSIP?

1. When we tell/or listen to something to build up our own ego. Some people want to look better than others by making the other person look “small”.

2. When we tell/or listen out of spite (malicious, usually petty, desire to harm, annoy, frustrate, or humiliate another person; bitter ill will; malice).

3. When we tell/or listen out of revenge (inflict punishment for a wrong with a resentful or vindictive spirit).

4. When we tell/or listen to something that tears down another person or elicits a laugh just for entertainment purposes.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT GOSSIP?

Talebearer:

Proverbs 11:13

Proverbs18:8

Proverbs 26:20-22

Backbiting:

Psalm 15:1-3

Busybody/tattlers:

2 Thessalonians 3:11

1 Timothy 5:13

1 Peter 4:15

Whisperer:

Proverbs 16:28

Does God hold us accountable for our words?

Matthew 12:36

Psalm 66:18

How should we talk/communicate with or about others?

Ephesians 4:29

Proverbs 17:27-28

Colossians 3:8

What should we do if we are the gossip or know of others who are gossiping?

I John 1:9

Psalm 32:5

1 Timothy 5:22

Proverbs 20:19

Ephesians 5:11

Daily devotions

2011-07-05T05:54:00.000-05:00

I have been teaching ladies Bible study on the first Sunday evening of the month and one of the ladies said I should post my study....

So far, everything I have taught on, I need to work on myself. This one was very convicting for me. Working outside the home, taking care of grandchildren.... etc etc etc... Too many excuses keeping me from having daily devotions. I can not say that since teaching this I have had devotions every day but it is getting more and more frequent. I find that the blessing of starting my day with the Lord is worth less sleep.....

DAILY DEVOTIONS/MEDITATION

Psalm 5:1-3

(1) Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. (2) Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. (3) My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

(Privately…. What takes the place of your daily devotions or keeps you from having them?)

Why should we meditate on God’s word?

Draw closer to God (James 4:8)

Prayer and confession of sin (1^st John 1:9)

Become intimately acquainted with God’s word (Colossians 3:16, Psalm 119: 97-99, 2 Tim 2:15)

So we may not sin against God (Psalm 119:11)

So we may be pleasing unto God (Ps 19:14)

So we may be knowledgeable to defend the faith (1^st Peter 3:15)

“Some people imagine that if they read so many chapters of the Bible every day, it will be much to their profit—but it is not so if the reading is a mere mechanical exercise. It will be far better to read a tenth as much and weigh it, and let it take possession of brain and heart.”— Charles H. Spurgeon

“‘My meditation of Him shall be sweet.’ ‘Of Him’—that is, of the Well-Beloved of the Father, of the Well-Beloved of the Church, of the Well-Beloved of my own soul—of Him who loved me, in whose blood I have washed my robes and made them white. It is meditation ‘of Him’ that is sweet—not merely of doctrine about Him, but of Him, of Himself—‘my meditation of Him.’ Not merely of His offices, and His work, and all that concerns Him, but of His own dear Self! There lies the sweetness and the closer we come to His blessed Person, the more truly have we approached the very center of bliss!”— Charles H. Spurgeon

Meditation - The act of meditating; close or continued thought; the turning or revolving of a subject in the mind; serious contemplation; reflection; musing.

The scripture are full of teaching about the use and importance of meditation……

The Psalmist speaks of meditation thru out the Psalms: Psalm 119:15

Jesus spent time in prayer: Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12

The Philippians were taught by Paul what they should mediate on: Philippians 4:8-9

Our Milly girl.....

2011-05-20T16:53:00.000-05:00

I know dogs don't go to heaven.... but I am thankful for God's creatures that bring us such joy!

Our sweet Milly.... who we had the pleasure of having in our lives for 16 years had to be put down today. I never imagined that it would be so hard to say goodbye to her!

Our sweet dog who survived parvo, eating two chicken carcasses causing a bloated stomach and almost death and pancreatitis that almost took her life too.... our church greeter, our boys best friend, our grandkids "grumpy girl".

Our puppy that loved to camp with us and was never far from us when we were home. Our smart girl who stole my strawberries off the plant and took green tomatoes out of our garden and hid them until they were ripe and yummy!

We mourn her passing but are grateful for the 16 years we shared with her........

Psalm 121

2011-03-20T08:15:00.000-05:00

Psalm 121

¹I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (aid, support)

²My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (the Creator of all)

³He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. (to nod off momentarily)

⁴Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. ( a state of inactivity, rest.... God does not sleep)

⁵The LORD is thy keeper (He guards and protects, stays attentive at all times): the LORD is thy shade (protection; shade refreshes us from the sun) upon thy right hand.

⁶The sun shall not smite (strike, beat, slay) thee by day, nor the moon by night. (protects day and night)

⁷The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. (To maintain in safety from injury, peril, or harm; protect)

⁸The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (in everything you do, every circumstance, forever)

" That which pertaineth unto a man"

2011-02-15T21:41:00.001-06:00

Since my pastor blogged about the current ~fashions~ of today (or lack there of),
http://andofasoundmind.blogspot.com/2011/02/unisex-agenda-marches-forward-in.html,
I thought I would finally post on this as well.

His post is good but how about the point point of view from a former pant wearing woman?. ****Clarifying from his comments posted**** He never mentioned skirts but didn't need to. What is wrong with unisex clothing.... no distinction between men and women. The other thing that strikes me with unisex clothing is the thought that men and women are equal. I don't want to look like a man or give the impression that I am fully capable of doing the things men do. Even if I can do some of the things men can do, is it what God wants me to do? His article on unisex clothing led me to finally want to post on feminine, modest clothing and why I no longer wear pants.

I am not going to go into the arguments of others who believe it is a woman's right to wear pants and that the Bible does not speak against it. Scriptures have been manipulated since the beginning of time to make them "fit" an argument. I am simply going to state what I feel the Lord would have me wear based on my own conviction. I also do not look down upon other women who wear pants. I believe every godly woman must come to their own conclusion. If you are unsure whether or not you agree with this, I would respectfully ask you to search God's word without trying to force a point and spend a great deal of time in prayer about it. If you are truly open to what God wants for you, I believe it will become clear to you what the right decision for yourself is.

I have grappled with this for years before I came to the decision to wear only dresses or skirts. When I made the decision to "try it out", I determined to wear no pants at all for at least three months.... that was over a year ago now.

Some things I have noticed since doing this are:

I feel more feminine than I ever did in pants.
I never worry whether or not I am dressed immodestly since my skirts are long and my shirts if I have any concerns I wear a camisole under.
I have been stopped on several occasions and either asked about why I only wear skirts or asked where I attend church! This has been a great opportunity to witness to others.

There are arguments that wearing a skirt makes it harder to do certain things. Everything I did before in pants, I can still do in a skirt. I may have to be a little more creative at times but it is not impossible.

A lot more could be said but I just wanted to touch on this and not necessarily go into detail. I feel feminine... girl-y and every bit a woman.

One of the best things of all is that NO ONE would ever wonder who "wears the pants" in our family!

God's peace and mercy in the time of trial

2011-02-06T16:48:00.001-06:00

This past week has been filled with trials and many tears. A dear family has lost a precious baby boy that was yet to be born.... Sweet Timothy Alexander. Another family has had a house fire.

We have taken solace in God's promises in His Holy Word.

Isaiah 41:10

¹⁰Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

³Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

⁴Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

⁵For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

⁶And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

⁷And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

John 14:27

²⁷Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

On Wings of Eagles

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,

Who abide in His shadow for life,

Say to the Lord, "My Refuge, My Rock in Whom I Trust."

And He will raise you up on eagles's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,

and the famine will bring you no fear;

Under His wings your refuge,

His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

You need not fear the terror or the night,

Nor the arrow that flies by day,

Though thousands fall about you,

Near you it shall not come.
(This verse is not in the song below)

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

For to His angels He's given a command,

To guard you in all of your ways,

Upon their hands they will bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

New Year...

2011-01-25T21:21:00.000-06:00

Do you believe in making New Years resolutions? I used to but I also know that some years it lasted a couple of months at best but most years I hardly got past the first few days! It has always been the usual things.... lose weight (100% failure :-), exercise, get organized and stay that way etc etc etc....
All of these have been complete failures. Is it laziness, perhaps, to ambitious, maybe, lack of discipline, most definitely.

What does it take to make something a habit?

1. What is your motivation? Understand the reason why you are wanting to do it.

2. Start small.... How many times have you over estimated your own self control?

3. Do it daily.... trying to do it a couple of times a week leads to inconsistency.

4. Get a buddy.... accountability is a very good thing. When you know that you are going to be giving a ~report~ of your week to someone, you are more likely to stay focused.

5. Keep track of your progress. Refocus and regroup if you need to.

6. Commit to 30 days, block out time on your calendar.

7. Most important, commit it to prayer. Pray every day about it.

I started this post right after the first of the new year. But I waited until today to complete it. Why?..... because I wanted to start the habits I had committed to. Let me tell you what my desires are for the year.....

1. Lose weight (go figure right?). Since January 11, I have lost 6.6 pounds using tools from www.doctoroz.com 's move it and lose it plan. Basically it tells me how many calories to eat, requires daily food tracking, and helps track your weight loss and exercise.

2. Start exercising (can I get another "go figure"?). Since January 11 I have worked out 6 days. Now that might not seem like much but it is major for me. I have a health condition that depletes my calcium and exercise can make that much worse, but praise God, He is helping me with the desire to exercise and the balance of my calcium levels. He really will give you the desire of your heart when it is firmly within His will.

Only two things but they are two very important things that need to be accomplished. If my body is God's, should it not be a reflection of that? If I am lumpy and bumpy because of overeating and lack of physical exercise am I not showing the sin of gluttony and the lack of self control?

I want to grow old with my hubby, be around for my kids and grandkids and I don't want to end up unable to move or participate in life.

So this is my desire, I am praying about it and I am working at it.

For unto us a child is born!

2010-12-24T08:04:00.000-06:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas to my Family and Friends.

May God remind you of His love for us when He sent His only begotten Son to be born of a virgin that one day He might die on the cross for our sins, be buried yet conquer death by his resurrection!

New life

2010-11-24T22:38:00.000-06:00

Although I am ~Grandma~ by adoption in a situation that is not typical, God has seen fit to allow Carl and me the opportunity to be a witness for Christ. Our situation with Lawrence, Kylie and now baby Zephyr is unique and there are even some who disagree about us "taking on" Kylie and Zeph but we are put on this earth to proclaim the gospel.... how much better than with children who are in need of it.

Zepher (Zeph) Mikhail Grindel was born November 24, 2010 and weighed in at a whopping 8 pounds 5 ounces and is 21 inches long. Daddy Joe and Mommy Jennifer are doing well and are both very happy. Zeph had to give Mommy fits and try to come out sideways and caused her to have a c-section.

As usual, I had my ever present camera ready to take a few dozen pictures!

A day at the park!

2010-11-10T22:54:00.000-06:00

For those who know me, you KNOW how much I love to take pictures. I can say I take good pictures, not great but I haven't had any complaints! Meredith and Abilene our pastor's children needed their "school" pictures done. Here are a few of the pictures.

Had to laugh at this one.... Abs does not have blue eyes but hazel ones. I did not change the color of them either. When I used the technique to keep the eye color but change the rest of the picture color, the sepia "drew" out the blue color! Blue or not, it sure is cute!

Pastor appreciation

2010-10-17T16:25:00.000-05:00

October is pastor appreciation month. Personally, I think it is silly to have a day or month to honor our pastor and instead believe it should be done year round. I don't know about anyone else's pastor but I can say not only do I love him but I know he genuinely loves me and my family. My pastor is Victor Mowery, pastor of Providence Independent Baptist church in Edwardsville, Ks, http://www.turntochrist.org/.
I am thankful that when I need my pastor, that he himself comes and doesn't send someone else in his place. I am thankful that he stands by the word of God and preaches even on the toughest of subjects (submission, modesty, faithfulness, attendance). I am thankful that he has a love for his congregation and if he says he is praying for me, HE REALLY IS! I am thankful for the text messages, emails and personal notes that come my way at just the right time.
I couldn't thank my pastor without thanking his wife, Stacey. Not only is she my pastor's wife but she is my dearest friend. She is her husbands wife, her children's mother, school teacher, book keeper, coupon cutter, cost saver, friend and many more things I don't have room to list! My pastor would not be able to do the things that he does without his wife and her service to him and our church.

Thank you Victor (and Stacey) for your service to the things of the Lord and our little congregation at PIBC.

Are you kidding me??? My issue with "christian" radio.

2010-09-25T08:09:00.006-05:00

While I am getting ready for work in the mornings, I usually turn on our local "christian" radio not so much to hear godly preaching (there is not much of that) but to keep track of the time. I start out with J. Vernon Mcgee ( I love his manor of speaking ;-). By the time he is done with his show, I had better be done with my make up and working on my hair! Then John Macarther comes on next and though I don't have major issues with most of his preaching I have MAJOR issues with the constant "peddling" of his goods. Buy this, buy that to ~better~ understand the word of God (as though God's word is not understandable without his commentary and thousands of notes).
All this to lead up to my issue with "christian" radio as if the reasons were not bad enough already.....
By the time the second program is over, I better be done with my hair and dressed and ready to leave for work. But one day this week I was running late and did not get the radio turned off as usual. Two ladies were on talking about motherhood. First of all, they were considerably off base from the get go but things really got much worse as the show progressed. I found myself yelling.... yes yelling at the radio and these two "christian" women. Personally I wanted to email the women and give them the link to one of the most godly mothers I know http://bealivingsacrifice.blogspot.com/ but why bother they are "experts" right? One woman had the audacity to make the statement that the goal of motherhood is not to raise godly children but to be a godly mother! Are you kidding me??? (Hence the title of my post).
What does the Bible say?
Deuteronomy 11:19
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (This can not be accomplished without much time investment. This is why I have come to understand the need to homeschool, reduce outside activities and influence of others).
Psalm 127:3
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (How many times have you heard a mother say she could never stay home all day with their child/children.)
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (This again takes much time and effort. My dear friend Sherry had great posts on child training that I do not need to attempt (nor could I) duplicate:
http://bealivingsacrifice.blogspot.com/2010/08/child-training-part-1.html http://bealivingsacrifice.blogspot.com/2010/09/child-training-part-2train-them-to-work.html http://bealivingsacrifice.blogspot.com/2010/09/child-training-part-3-train-them-in.html

God intended us to be stay at home mothers.
Titus 2:5
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. I know that this is contrary to what is taught over and over again in our society. How can we raise godly children if we hand them over to daycare and school and go off to work ourselves? I wrote a post about my regrets on this very issue http://withjoyunspeakable.blogspot.com/2010/02/keepers-at-home.html.

Ok, so back to my anger over the statement she was making and others almost as stupid. Yes, we are to be godly mothers, examples to our children but God intended us to raise godly children and just being a good example doesn't bring that about. This takes incredible amount of time and work. Why do we keep making excuses for not doing what God intended for us to do? I think part of this is because our pastors are not teaching what the Bible says about the role of fathers and mothers because of the risk of offending. I am thankful I am in a church that doesn't shirk this responsibility.

"Weighty" issues....

2010-09-10T21:41:00.002-05:00

(You can tell Rachel and I are sisters.... I have had this drafted but not yet complete. I had intended to post it this weekend).

Gluttony: –noun

excessive eating and drinking.

Self control: –noun

control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.

I have struggled with my weight for most of my life. My weight or food has consumed my thoughts for as long as I can remember. For those who have never had a struggle with weight, they really do not understand how it affects every aspect of someones life. But with prayer, I understand my weight is a sign of more things than I care to admit.

Being overweight is usually caused by excessive eating and lack of self control coupled with a sedentary life style.

What can excess weight cause? High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, inability to do physical activity, fatigue, osteoarthritis (which I have).... and the list goes on.

What concerns me most is what my "gluttony" shows to others... a total lack of control which is sinful. We look at smoking or drinking as a sin yet do we consider overeating a sin? We should look at it just as it is.... sinful. I am sure when God created man in his own image, that it was not a fat image! This is God's temple yet I have allowed it to be abused by food, lack of care and now I suffer some things that I wish I didn't.

So, where do I go from here.....

1 John 5:14-15

14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

I pray and ask God to forgive me of this sinful behavior and help me control my intake of food. I pray that he changes my thoughts regarding food. I should eat to live not live to eat. I have a responsibility to cook nutritious meals for my husband and not let his health suffer because the choice of food I provide is not good for him.

Now what do I gain by putting this information out there? I gain accountability.... It is important for us to confess our faults before our fellow brethren so we might pray for each other and help hold each other accountable.

Will you pray for me? Will you hold me accountable?

"White washed feminism"

2010-08-27T21:42:00.002-05:00

I came across this term, " White washed feminism" while I was searching for modest clothing. Having never heard of this term before I followed a few links. The first site showed a young woman wearing what she called "dickie" scrubs and a pink top asking the question if anyone would mistake her for a male nurse. She is obviously trying to show that even though she is in "pants", she is feminine. Although she is clearly a woman in the picture, and there is no mistaking that (just seeing the exposure on the top half would "clearly" show that) she only uses the argument of not being mistaken for a man in her "clothing" as the reason why she can wear pants and not dresses/skirts.
Several other links were "christian" women (as was the first) denouncing the very things that I have come to understand about my role as wife according to God's principles as He has given us in His word. As well as what I have come to understand in the past few years why careful dress and feminine attire is more than necessary. They denounce men as head of household and believe women have every right to be in a position to preach and teach claiming that it is clear from God's word that we are to "spread the gospel".
Obviously these women have no desire to die to self and allow God to be in control. Neither do they desire to see God's word as it is written but take things out of context.
I do not know how long this movement has been around and I am sure it is more complex than the brief things that I have read but I do know that it undermines the christian home and the church.

*****As I read back over this today, I don't want to give the impression that a woman who wears pants is not godly or doesn't love the Lord. It took me many years before I felt that pants should no longer be a part of my wardrobe. But this is a personal conviction and not one that I place on others. The sites that I went to just seemed to have the need to "down" women who either wore dresses/skirts only and who submitted to their husbands as head of household. This is one of the concerns I see with this movement. Putting down other women who feel differently than they do. Some of the comments regarding women who are "different" than them, were very snide in nature yet they called themselves christians.*****

Vacation

2010-08-26T22:54:00.000-05:00

At the airport waiting to board the plane

Our much needed mini vacation has come to an end. What a nice time away it was and all alone with my hubby! In our busy lives, we sometimes forget to take time to nurture and cherish our most precious relationship with our spouse.

Up in the clouds.... Beautiful!

Our first view of Florida

So excited!

Can you see the rainbow?

Our room

Standing in the sitting area looking towards the door

Sitting area behind curtains is the patio

Love this bathroom!

Around the resort

Golf course

Beautiful!

Although our time in Florida was short, it was much needed and gave us a chance to de-stress and simply enjoy our "down" time with no worries or concerns.

This picture was taken for our sweet "niece" Ally as she mentioned several times before we left that we need a picture with mouse ears!

Not a flattering picture.... lol but this is when we landed in KC!

Friends

2010-08-07T23:20:00.001-05:00

Had a wonderful night with an old friend, her husband and little girl. It had been a long time since I had spent any time with her. She went to the doctor Thursday to hear her baby's heartbeat and found out the baby had died 3 weeks prior. My heart goes out to her and her husband but she is relying totally on the Lord and not questioning the reason why this has happened.

As we sat here tonight and looked back on the many years of our relationship, we both agreed on several things.

God brings people in to our lives for a purpose and sometimes only for a season.
True friendship never really "dies"~~ even if you haven't seen each other for a while you can pick up right were you left off without any awkward feelings.
And finally.... in times of need and tragedy a hug from your dear friend who loves you can make things better if only in that moment.

Weddings....

2010-07-26T22:10:00.000-05:00

What a blessing it was on July 3rd to see my oldest son Brock marry his sweetheart Katie.

I am blessed to have a beautiful daughter in law who is sweet, endearing, thoughtful and funny.

The day could not have been more wonderful! Beautiful flowers (thank you Anna), beautiful dress, lots of laughter.

My prayer for Brock and Katie is that they always seek God first in their lives and grow in their love for each other because of God's love for them.

Tea Party Member Stuns Crowd!

2010-06-07T05:26:00.000-05:00

My first blogger award!!!

2010-06-03T21:17:00.004-05:00

My dear sweet friend Ally (http://www.thevalueofone.com/) gave me this award and I am now suppose to tell 7 things about myself! She picked 7 things she is enjoying..... I have picked 7 things I need to accomplish. (Although I must take credit for being the friend that provided her with the most delightful German chocolate :-).

1. Deep cleaning my house.... (well, maybe I will just settle for clean ;-)

2. Organize my guest room with a little desk and the kids preschool stuff.

3. Learn to sew.... probably never happen! (but I do have a sewing machine :-)

4. Become debt free so I can quit work. (I would like that sooner than later please)
5. Hmmm, this is harder than I thought! (so.... I need to complete this post)
6. I need to start blogging more often so I can "accomplish" the list of ideas I had when I first started this blog.
7. Take a photography course so I can REALLY take good pictures!

There..... it is done! See... I CAN accomplish something :-)

Masterpiece

2010-05-14T20:50:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Sherry sang this beautiful song during our family conference at Providence Independent Baptist Church this past week. Here is the link to hear her beautiful rendition of this song:

http://www.turntochrist.org/weekly/Music/2010_05_10_1.mp3

As I listened to her sing, the words of the song touched my heart. As I held my grandson Lawrence in my lap, the weight of the coming years and the responsibility of it overtook me. I look forward to homeschooling two of my grandchildren but I pray for their salvation and our influence over them. May we be a godly influence that may help our grandchildren realize their need of Christ.

Molding A Masterpiece

Master potter, why do you labor all day,

Giving such effort to rough worthless pieces of clay.

Why such feeling in your hands, why such care with every touch,

Why all the struggle, your creation is nothing but dust.

I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty,

I'm molding a masterpiece, my labor not done.

A trophy, a treasure, of worth beyond measure,

I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

Loving Jesus, why are the children all here,

Gathered around you and eagerly clinging so near.

Urgent matters clamor loudly and the children interfere,

Why do you hold them and so tenderly dry every tear.

I'm molding a masterpiece a work of great beauty,

I'm molding a masterpiece, my labor not done.

A trophy, a treasure, of worth beyond measure,

I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

Heavenly father, sometimes I question your way.

Why do you ask me to mold simple pieces of clay

Give me eyes to see the future though it's hidden from my view,

Give me compassion as I'm molding a treasure for you...for you.

I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty,

I'm molding a masterpiece, my labor not done.

A trophy, a treasure, of worth beyond measure,

I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

A MASTERPIECE OF LOVE

Musings...

2010-05-13T21:39:00.001-05:00

So how do you deal with knowing now that what you thought all along, is not really true? Did I turn a blind eye to it? Did I see only what I wanted to see? Is it that as I get closer to the Lord, more things become clear? I have gone from anger to sadness to not really knowing how to feel. Now I just ask God to give me grace......

Help meet....

2010-05-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet (Meet ~ fit; suitable; worthy) for him. Genesis 2:18

I have been reading a book that has brought me to a better understanding of my role as a wife/help meet and the impact good or bad I have on my husband. It was amazing for me to realize that I was created to fill a need! I was created to make my husband complete!

"You can only realize your womanhood when you are functioning according to your created nature." Debi Pearl

Through the book that I was reading and careful study of God's word, I finally understood that there were things that I need to change in how I act and respond to my husband. Although, I am blessed with a wonderful husband who loves and honors me even when I am not very lovable, God did not tell us to be our husbands help meet only if he is good to us!

A simple but thought provoking question was asked:
If God created a special woman, perfectly suited to be your husband's helper, would you be that woman?

Hmmm good question! I am thankful to the Lord for what I have learned and take the role of wife more seriously now knowing that I am created to be a worthy helper to my husband and when I am fulfilling my role as God intended, I make my husband complete!

Joy

2010-04-18T22:46:00.001-05:00

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22 - 23

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.... is it visible in your life?

Thankfulness is how you think; JOY is the abundance it produces!

I read this statement in a book about being a help meet to my husband. Such a simple statement yet one that can change so much in our own lives. Our thoughts produce our actions. If our thoughts focus on the negative, our actions will be negative.

God's word tells us what our focus should be:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

I desire joy....

Home school convention!!

2010-04-14T21:49:00.000-05:00

As the days are ticking away towards Friday, I get more and more excited about the prospect of educating my grandchildren! What a wonderful blessing it is to have such good examples around me in the families of our church! I see such articulate young men and ladies and pray that I do even half as good as their parents have and are doing. I have a little ways to go yet to be able to quit work but one thing that brought home the thought that it is now closer than ever before.... I have noticed lately that we hardly get any mail and worried that it was the post office at fault. My husband then reminded me that we have less mail because we have less bills!!!! So thankful to the Lord for providing a way for us to become debt free coupled with our hard work! He is ever faithful!

Babies times two!

2010-04-09T00:43:00.000-05:00

God has blessed us twice today! My nephew Jacob Aaron Flaggard was born at 8:50 PM. He weighed 6lbs, 11oz and was 18 1/2 inches long. Rachel and Jacob (Daddy too) are doing great!

My great niece Matilda Ann was born at 10:39. She weighed 7lbs, 15oz and was 20 inches long! Mom, Matilda and Daddy are doing great! Hopefully we will have pictures of her soon.

Children are such a blessing from the Lord and I am so grateful for His hand of protection over both Moms and precious babies!

The best laid plans......

2010-03-15T17:52:00.001-05:00

It is amazing how much satan and his dominions desire to keep us from telling someone of their need of Christ. I had decided that I needed to write two of my boys a letter regarding this very thing and bang! (wish I could insert an explosion of sorts here to get the magnitude of it), when with one of my sons, things hit a very rough spot. I am an emotional person to begin with but I have cried for the better part of two days and feel on overwhelming sadness that I can't quite shake yet. I am not sure how things will turn out but I know my church family are very faithful in praying for me and this situation. I am so grateful for those prayers and the support..... PLEASE.... Keep praying!

Should we stop?

2010-03-08T20:24:00.013-06:00

Recently someone asked me if they should stop telling a loved one about the Lord because they asked her to stop talking about it.

Acts 5:78 - 29
²⁷And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
²⁸Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
²⁹Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Matthew 28:19-20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing then in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen

We have been commanded to teach all nations..... not only if they accept it or don't get angry about it! We are not to be argumentative or aggressive in our manner. We should be loving and compassionate remembering that we were once in the very state they are currently in. Only but by the grace of God.....
We should prayerfully seek every opportunity to share the gospel. Should we stop if someone tells us to stop? I don't believe that we do. I believe that we can be respectful but continue to share our faith. I do not want to have any more regret for not having an urgency in spreading God's word. I want to be able to stand before the lord and have Him find me faithful.

Beautiful music!

2010-03-04T05:31:00.003-06:00

Three beautiful young ladies sang last evening in church. Ally attends our church and her two friends Katie and Tori flew in to spend this week with her. These three young ladies are like minded in their faith and love the the Lord. We enjoyed the music and sweet fellowship! Here is the link to listen to the song
(thanks Vic ;-):
http://www.turntochrist.org/weekly/Music/2010_03_03_PM_1.mp3

Upcoming posts...

2010-02-28T21:43:00.000-06:00

Since my pastor asked if I might list what my upcoming posts might be (since I said I had 11 so far that I had thought of), here are some of them in no particular order:

Hair... long versus short
Modesty... pants or no pants
Rejoice in the Lord alway... what does that really mean
Christian verbiage vs actions
Submission to husbands
Women's roles within the church
Missionaries
Children and our responsibilities

Not all are listed (need to keep somethings secret :-). I am keeping a list in my purse to add to it as the Lord lays it upon my heart. Not sure which one is next!!

Keepers at home

2010-02-27T20:16:00.006-06:00

Titus 2:4-5 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Author William Einwechter wrote an excellent article entitled

"Exegetical Defense of the woman as Keeper at home". His article can be found at:

http://www.visionforumministries.org/issues/family/exegetical_defense_of_the_woma.aspx.

As I said in my earlier post, one of my biggest regrets is not understanding my role as wife and mother. I have never been home with my children. They were carted off to daycare as babies as I went to work or school. Someone else had the influence over my children more hours than I did. When I was home I was exhausted from working outside of the home and never could "do it all". My home suffered by clutter and mess and always needing to be cleaned. My marriage suffered by the inability to meet the needs of my husband. And my children suffered because I was unable to teach and direct them as God would have had me to.

How often we have heard that a woman can have it all.... a career, husband, children.... What ever she wanted. It is a lie... woman who want to be obedient to God's word will understand that our most important job is within the home. If we are working outside of the home we neglect the God given responsibility of loving our husbands, our children and to work at home. Something always suffers and it is seldom our jobs. We go to work when we are sick, stay late when something needs to be finished and what suffers is our relationship with our husbands and our children.

My church family are praying with me about my desire to quit work and to home school two of my grandchildren. I was having an email "conversation" with one of the sweet ladies from my church and she asked if I planned on continuing to work if home schooling the grand children did not work out. My reply was " I have a desire to be my husband's wife, not my employer's employee more time than I am his wife. I want to have breakfast made and lunch ready and dinner hot on the table when he gets home. I want to be tired because I have worked hard at being the keeper of my home NOT because I am tired from trying to work 34 hours a week AND be the keeper of my home".

My dear friend Sherry has a wonderful blog that teaches the principle of what God created us for and what our responsibilities are. She also has a beautiful blog on the Proverbs 31 woman.

Please see her blog at http://bealivingsacrifice.blogspot.com/. She states it so much better than I possibly could.

I find now that God has given me the responsibility to teach the younger women. I want others to learn from the things that I have done wrong. I want others to see clearly their cherished role as wife and mother, not as the world sees it but as God sees it. I feel blessed by God giving me the ability to have an influence on two of my grandchildren. I am so thankful to Him for showing me what I need to be doing and how to do it.

Where to begin?

2010-02-26T06:44:00.004-06:00

It is hard to know where to begin with a blog if you do not want it to be "generic"! I have (so far) 11 topics I will blog on down the line! The Lord changed my life in 4th grade when He saved me from my sin. I wished that I could say I have always been faithful to the things pertaining to Him. My life has had its ups and downs as most would agree theirs has as well. My biggest regret is not really understanding my role as wife and mother until sitting under wonderful Bible teaching the last few years. At this time I work outside of the home and we are working very hard to change that so I may be the "keeper at home". Please pray with me that this will occur very soon! So.... this leads into my next blog.... Keeper of my home!

Until next time :-)

With Joy unspeakable!

2010-02-24T15:40:00.000-06:00

1 Peter 1
1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.