Death, Law, and Faith

The Lord reminds me in the Word and exhorts me to look to the unseen. You see this is the most difficult thing to do. Sometimes as I read about others journeys, a Redeeming story comes from their journey, one that is "seen" now. I read a scripture the other day in II Cor. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. I also was reading in Galatians, Chapter 3 this morning and some thoughts seem to connect. It said the just shall live by faith. Death worketh in us, me but it is by faith to the unseen, believing what I can not see at this time, yet believing that this death of Joel is working in us, me. The law, (which brought death) were used as a schoolmaster, so it good in that sense to bring us to Christ. As I thought about law and death, there was a promise made to Abraham that the blessing would come upon his seed. That promise was fulfilled through Christ. v.18, but God gave it to Abraham by promise. It reminded me that the promise is to those that believe that look to the unseen, that have a faith of what is to come but it comes after the law and death. That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe, v.22. So I guess what I am trying to say is I was encouraged as I thought about, yes death can work a work and there is promises of redemption but it is by faith and believing in what is unseen and trusting in the ONE, the Promise Keeper.

I also had a another reminder in a different category this week. There was a little incident with two boys and the Lord gave me opportunity to demonstrate the schoolmaster verse to them as well. The law brings us to Christ, it brings repentance as we see that we can not measure up to the law. It is so easy as we correct, train to do it the "easy" way sometimes. I find myself doing this instead of the "way" that can bring fruit from the inside out. It's easy to bark out "do this, don't do that, be kind, love your brother," and yes we as parents get results, we get obedience but is there a change? Do seeds get planted and fruit come forth? After the incident I took each child aside separately and brought the law, the truth to their heart, I shared with them scriptures about the situation, I wanted to let the truth pierce the conscience. For one, there was sincere repentance and he had even gone and ask forgiveness with the other child on his own, there were tears that showed the sorrow of the heart. I was grateful and I admonished him some more. For the other child, he heard and I will trust that the truth will not return void. I saw from this that to receive fruit, and be blessed as a parent, it takes time to go the extra in bringing them aside and sharing instead of just shouting out and correcting. The law, our rules and commands of the home is a schoolmaster for our children as we train them and correct them, it softens and prepares their heart for Christ and to Christ. I want to take the time because I desire the results of fruit, I want obedience from the inside out! Help me Lord to obey you in admonishing and nurturing the children with your word and not just sounding it out from whatever I am doing!!

The guys decided to hang around here another day. They could have made it ok, but at the job site, everything would be covered up with the ice and snow, the boards and tools and all. They got some more sledding in, this stuff is beter than snow. The 4 wheeler is addding to the "real fun."

I really need to go grocery shopping but I guess I'll see how tomorrow looks. Tonight....Goat Chops and "The Widow's Mite movie." I think we are about through with the sickness. I rarely hear a cough these days.

Mercy is so sweet, on Saturday after Hosanna's party she said she was ready for the party, she felt good that day and she wanted to have it. I wish she would have felt good the day of, but that's how it worked.

This has got to be the funnest one yet......I love to tell people how many children we have, I like to share what God has done for us. Most of the times, you know the response.....shock, "glad its you," and other remarks. But I think the lady at Wal Mart the Thursday before Hosanna's BD would get the prize!! I was getting the netting for the chairs and she was curious why I was getting so much. I told her we were having a Princess Party. She asked how many were attending and I said , "well, we have 13 children, so with our crew we would have plenty." At that moment her face went into "red alert" or something!!! She went into comatose state, I started waving my hand in front of her face and said it'll be alright." She came to, and she could not believe it!! I proceeded to tell her they are a blessing. She said she could not handle the two she had, and that she had 10 grandchildren and she thought they were trying to get her back. I said good-bye and told her to enjoy her granchildren!! I wish I could have that one on video.....it was sooooooo funny!!!!!

Stay warm!!!!