How Not To Be The Charlie Browniest
6 years ago
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
my baby girls
I was just wondering tonight if we will have another baby girl in November or if God will mix things up a bit and give Grazzin a brother.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
self-righteousness defined
"Self-righteousness is being more aware of and irritated by the sins of others than you are conscious of and grieved by your own." - @PaulTripp
Very convicting.
Tonya
Very convicting.
Tonya
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Walking with the Wise
How exciting! I just found out yesterday that Sovereign Grace Music has released another children's album.
From their site:
The book of Proverbs tells us what it means to be wise. Being wise is more than just knowing a lot of being smart. It involves things like fearing the Lord, listening to others, loving God’s Word, having a joyful heart, being generous, not hiding our sins, working hard, and telling the truth.
One of the ways we become wise is by spending time with people who are wiser than us. That’s what it means to “walk with the wise”.
Most of all, wisdom is believing that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose from the dead so that we could be forgiven and follow Him. That kind of wisdom is more important than anything in the world.
“For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:11)
You can hear samples from each of the songs here. They are also giving a free download of one of the songs.
This would be a great CD to listen to while driving to the pool this summer or traveling on your family vacation!
Tonya
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Happy Father's Day to my husband
"Family Man" from Trevor Little on Vimeo.
Taj,
I love you so much. You are a wonderful daddy to our children. Can't believe I snagged such a great man. God was very gracious to me! Thank for teaching our children how to love God and for being an example worth following.
Dad,
Thanks for being my dad. I love you.
Grazzin
Daddy,
I love when you play with me.
Mia
Daddy,
umm, alfjojrwnghgopwrpjgn. (She can't talk but she tried to tell me something!)
Mom: "Kaci, do you love Daddy?" Kaci, "Yeah!"
Daddy,
kick, kick
new baby
Saturday, June 19, 2010
God and My Clothes
Just an encouragement now that summer is here. Please take the time to read a series of articles by C.J. Mahaney on modesty. This is taken from his blog. Please go here to read more articles on this topic.
The second of seven excerpts from C.J.’s chapter on modesty in the forthcoming book Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World (Crossway, Sept. 2008).
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Any biblical discussion of modesty begins by addressing the heart, not the hemline. We must start with the attitude of the modest woman.
This emphasis on the heart is front and center in 1 Timothy 2:9. Note the phrase “with modesty and self-control.” All respectable apparel is the result of a godly heart, where modesty and self-control originate. Your wardrobe is a public statement of your personal and private motivation. And if you profess godliness, you should be concerned with cultivating these twin virtues, modesty and self-control.
Modesty means propriety. It means avoiding clothes and adornment that are extravagant or sexually enticing. Modesty is humility expressed in dress. It’s a desire to serve others, particularly men, by not promoting or provoking sensuality.
Immodesty, then, is much more than wearing a short skirt or low-cut top; it’s the act of drawing undue attention to yourself. It’s pride, on display by what you wear.
Self-control is, in a word, restraint. Restraint for the purpose of purity; restraint for the purpose of exalting God and not ourselves. Together, these attitudes of modesty and self-control should be the hallmark of the godly woman’s dress.
In Paul and Timothy’s day, modesty and self-control were foreign to many women walking through the local marketplace, just as they were to Jenni and are to the majority of women at the local shopping mall today. And these concepts are certainly foreign to modern fashion designers, whose goal in clothing design is sensual provocation.
But for godly women, modesty and self-control are to be distinctly present in the heart. The question is, are they distinctly present in yours?
Such an attitude will make all the difference in a woman’s dress, as pastor John MacArthur has observed:
How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood?.... Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshiping God? Or is it to call attention to herself, and flaunt her…beauty? Or worse, to attempt to allure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshiping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance.*
Any conversation about modesty “starts in the intent of the heart.” So consider for a moment, what is the intent of your heart in purchasing clothes to wear? Does a humble heart and a servant’s heart dictate your wardrobe and appearance? Is your shopping informed and governed by modesty and restraint? Or is your dress motivated by a desire for attention and approval from others? Does your style reflect a lack of self-control?
There’s an inseparable link between your heart and your clothes. Your clothes say something about your attitude. If they don’t express a heart that is humble, that desires to please God, that longs to serve others, that’s modest, that exercises self-control, then change must begin in the heart.
For modesty is humility expressed in dress.
-----------
Taken from C.J. Mahaney’s chapter “God, My Heart, and Clothes,” in the book Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World, © 2008. The book will be available from Crossway in September. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.
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* John MacArthur, 1 Timothy, The MacArthur New Testament Commentaries (Chicago: Moody, 1995), 80–81.
The second of seven excerpts from C.J.’s chapter on modesty in the forthcoming book Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World (Crossway, Sept. 2008).
-------
Any biblical discussion of modesty begins by addressing the heart, not the hemline. We must start with the attitude of the modest woman.
This emphasis on the heart is front and center in 1 Timothy 2:9. Note the phrase “with modesty and self-control.” All respectable apparel is the result of a godly heart, where modesty and self-control originate. Your wardrobe is a public statement of your personal and private motivation. And if you profess godliness, you should be concerned with cultivating these twin virtues, modesty and self-control.
Modesty means propriety. It means avoiding clothes and adornment that are extravagant or sexually enticing. Modesty is humility expressed in dress. It’s a desire to serve others, particularly men, by not promoting or provoking sensuality.
Immodesty, then, is much more than wearing a short skirt or low-cut top; it’s the act of drawing undue attention to yourself. It’s pride, on display by what you wear.
Self-control is, in a word, restraint. Restraint for the purpose of purity; restraint for the purpose of exalting God and not ourselves. Together, these attitudes of modesty and self-control should be the hallmark of the godly woman’s dress.
In Paul and Timothy’s day, modesty and self-control were foreign to many women walking through the local marketplace, just as they were to Jenni and are to the majority of women at the local shopping mall today. And these concepts are certainly foreign to modern fashion designers, whose goal in clothing design is sensual provocation.
But for godly women, modesty and self-control are to be distinctly present in the heart. The question is, are they distinctly present in yours?
Such an attitude will make all the difference in a woman’s dress, as pastor John MacArthur has observed:
How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood?.... Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshiping God? Or is it to call attention to herself, and flaunt her…beauty? Or worse, to attempt to allure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshiping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance.*
Any conversation about modesty “starts in the intent of the heart.” So consider for a moment, what is the intent of your heart in purchasing clothes to wear? Does a humble heart and a servant’s heart dictate your wardrobe and appearance? Is your shopping informed and governed by modesty and restraint? Or is your dress motivated by a desire for attention and approval from others? Does your style reflect a lack of self-control?
There’s an inseparable link between your heart and your clothes. Your clothes say something about your attitude. If they don’t express a heart that is humble, that desires to please God, that longs to serve others, that’s modest, that exercises self-control, then change must begin in the heart.
For modesty is humility expressed in dress.
-----------
Taken from C.J. Mahaney’s chapter “God, My Heart, and Clothes,” in the book Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World, © 2008. The book will be available from Crossway in September. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.
-----------
* John MacArthur, 1 Timothy, The MacArthur New Testament Commentaries (Chicago: Moody, 1995), 80–81.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
summer book idea for adults
What Did You Expect? by Paul Tripp
Taj and I just purchased it. I am only on the 3rd chapter and it has been excellent. I would highly recommend it to any married couple or those wishing to be married.
Here's a short trailer:
You can purchase the book here.
Your marriage (or future marriage) will benefit in ways you never dreamed!
Tonya
Taj and I just purchased it. I am only on the 3rd chapter and it has been excellent. I would highly recommend it to any married couple or those wishing to be married.
Here's a short trailer:
You can purchase the book here.
Your marriage (or future marriage) will benefit in ways you never dreamed!
Tonya
Saturday, June 5, 2010
summer book ideas for kids
The Prince's Poison Cup
You can purchase it here.
The Jesus Storybook Bible
You can purchase it here.
Fool Moon Rising
Through this illustrated tale about the moon stealing the sun’s glory, children learn about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.
This rhyming, rollicking tale tells of a crime of cosmic proportions: the moon, blinded by pride, fails to see the true source of his abilities—the light provided by the sun. He boasts of his ability to shine, to change shape throughout each month, and to swell the tides. One day, overwhelmed by a piercing ray of sunshine, the moon repents of his pride and changes his ways, and from that point on he is happy to reflect the sun’s light.
This beautifully illustrated book introduces the concept of humility to children. Readers will be reminded that everything we have, including our gifts and talents, is from God. Just as the moon learns to boast only of the sun, children—and their parents—learn that to boast of anything other than the Son is utter foolishness.
You can purchase it here.
The Little Lights Set
A beautiful, bright, colorful gift set for that child 4-8 years of age! This offer includes all 6 illustrated books for little readers, or those who love being read to. Includes each of the following:
Who is the Bravest? The True Story of David Livingstone and his Astonishing Journeys
Are All of the Watches Safe? The True Story of Corrie ten Boom and the Little Dutch Watch Shop
Can Brown Eyes be Made Blue? The True Story of Amy Carmichael and her Looking Glass
Does Money Grow on Trees? The True Story of George Muller and the Hidden Coins
What's in the Parcel? The True Story of Helen Roseveare and the Hot Water Bottle
Could Somebody Pass the Salt? The True Story of Hudson Taylor and a Bowl of Soup
You can purchase them here.
Happy Reading!
Tonya
You can purchase it here.
The Jesus Storybook Bible
You can purchase it here.
Fool Moon Rising
Through this illustrated tale about the moon stealing the sun’s glory, children learn about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.
This rhyming, rollicking tale tells of a crime of cosmic proportions: the moon, blinded by pride, fails to see the true source of his abilities—the light provided by the sun. He boasts of his ability to shine, to change shape throughout each month, and to swell the tides. One day, overwhelmed by a piercing ray of sunshine, the moon repents of his pride and changes his ways, and from that point on he is happy to reflect the sun’s light.
This beautifully illustrated book introduces the concept of humility to children. Readers will be reminded that everything we have, including our gifts and talents, is from God. Just as the moon learns to boast only of the sun, children—and their parents—learn that to boast of anything other than the Son is utter foolishness.
You can purchase it here.
The Little Lights Set
A beautiful, bright, colorful gift set for that child 4-8 years of age! This offer includes all 6 illustrated books for little readers, or those who love being read to. Includes each of the following:
Who is the Bravest? The True Story of David Livingstone and his Astonishing Journeys
Are All of the Watches Safe? The True Story of Corrie ten Boom and the Little Dutch Watch Shop
Can Brown Eyes be Made Blue? The True Story of Amy Carmichael and her Looking Glass
Does Money Grow on Trees? The True Story of George Muller and the Hidden Coins
What's in the Parcel? The True Story of Helen Roseveare and the Hot Water Bottle
Could Somebody Pass the Salt? The True Story of Hudson Taylor and a Bowl of Soup
You can purchase them here.
Happy Reading!
Tonya
Thursday, June 3, 2010
summer ideas for your children
Summer is here and as parents we need to be active in using our time wisely. Spend lots of time teaching them more about Christ. Pray that they will grow to love Him. Over the next few days, I am going to be blogging about several ideas to boost their faith during the summer vacation.
Gladys Aylward may be small, but she serves a Big God! She’s seen Him lead through countless trials and challenges. But now, after eight years of service in China, Gladys is facing a crucial decision. Her village is under attack by the Japanese and the children in her care are in danger. Desperate to get the one hundred children out of harm’s way, the wounded Gladys awakens them in the night and begins a one hundred mile journey to safety. She is the only adult. There is no vehicle and no pack animal. They must carry what they need. It is a journey that can only be attempted with God at the lead.
In 1956, news from the steamy jungles of Ecuador spread rapidly around the world. Five young American men had been mercilessly killed by members of the Auca (Woadani) tribe – the very same people those young men had gone to serve and befriend. That seemingly senseless tragedy has become an inspirational marvel as family members of those young men have now befriended that very same tribe!
Our children love these movies! As a parent I am very thankful for them as well because it gives our children wonderful Christian heroes to look up to. Real heroes for Christ!
To learn more, visit the site.
Tonya
Gladys Aylward may be small, but she serves a Big God! She’s seen Him lead through countless trials and challenges. But now, after eight years of service in China, Gladys is facing a crucial decision. Her village is under attack by the Japanese and the children in her care are in danger. Desperate to get the one hundred children out of harm’s way, the wounded Gladys awakens them in the night and begins a one hundred mile journey to safety. She is the only adult. There is no vehicle and no pack animal. They must carry what they need. It is a journey that can only be attempted with God at the lead.
In 1956, news from the steamy jungles of Ecuador spread rapidly around the world. Five young American men had been mercilessly killed by members of the Auca (Woadani) tribe – the very same people those young men had gone to serve and befriend. That seemingly senseless tragedy has become an inspirational marvel as family members of those young men have now befriended that very same tribe!
Our children love these movies! As a parent I am very thankful for them as well because it gives our children wonderful Christian heroes to look up to. Real heroes for Christ!
To learn more, visit the site.
Tonya
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