A Song and a Prayer

This song by Fernando Ortega has long been a favorite of mine. I first heard it back in the mid-90's and remember being struck by the simple beauty of it. It quickly became the cry of my heart.

1 Peter 1:13-16 says:

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 

This song is a prayer to be more like Jesus, to be more holy. By His grace, He will do that work in our hearts and lives by the power of His Spirit. What a beautiful song to sing and offer as a prayer to our Great Savior and our Glorious God. May we ever be growing more and more like our beautiful Jesus. May He grow more precious to us day by day.

Trusting in Jesus

One night i had been reflecting on The End, what it means to stand before Holy God... on and on. I think you get it. I can get a bit unnerved at times when thinking about it.

The next morning after my alarm went off, this song came on that had encouraged me so many other times before. How sweet and tender of my heavenly Father to orchestrate it to play that morning. I was, once again, put at complete peace, being able to completely trust in Jesus when that Day comes.

Help for Parents

Who of us doesn't need some encouragement, conviction, and practical help in the area of raising our children? I am one who definitely does.

Right now my husband is reading a great book by Voddie Baucham called Family Shepherds. I, being a bit nosy about what was being said in the book about children, read a fantastic chapter on formative discipline. Mr. Baucham quotes extensively from puritan Cotton Mather's book from 1699 entitiled "A Family Well-Ordered". Let me tell you, it is worth reading that chapter! I found so much practical, scriptural advice. And all of his quotes from Mather? Totally spot on! I don't want to say too much about it, as it would be great for you to discover the beauty of what is written on your own. 

This morning I decided to try to find Mr. Mather's book to purchase. Joy of joys, i found it for FREE online. It is only 31 pages (16 pieces of paper if you print two-sided), and includes and address to parents, AND an address to children. It is my intent to spend time studying and reading, with my Bible right by my side. 

One more thing: Brian and I will also be doing a study on that chapter on formative discipline together, so that we can be on the same page, working in the same direction, using the Scripture to train, teach, and correct our four beautiful children. 

{note: We do use the Bible in our parenting, often! The way Mr. Baucham writes about how to use it has given me new ideas and ways to incorporate it in our day.} 

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for

 teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in 

righteousness;

2 Timothy 3:16