A Weaker Vessel

A Day in the Park

2012-02-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

A friend and I decided to have a playdate in the park today. It was so much fun and we left JUST before it started to pour! Miles could have cared less that it was rainging--I'm pretty sure he would have loved to stay either way.

3 Years

2012-01-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

We celebrated our 3 year anniversary this morning at The Original Pancake House! It was a wonderful way to celebrate God's many blessings, specifically in the last few years in our live's. I'm thankful to our Lord at all the opportunities He has given us to serve in the local church, at Compass Bible Church. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else, doing anything else besides being a helper to my awesome husband, being a mom to Miles, in beautiful Aliso Viejo, CA.

2011-10-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

11 Months!

2011-09-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Miles is walking everywhere now!

10 Months

2011-08-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Miles is 10 months now!
...and he's sprouting two bottom teeth finally!
Doesn't my precious boy look excited?

Fevers, whining and clingyness is in full effect! Poor kiddo. How many more teeth do we have to go through now?!?! Eeesh!

I really am enjoying every minute that we have him though.

Are you free?

2011-08-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

"Are you free? Then stand fast in your liberty, and be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage. Listen not to those who by good words and fair speeches would draw you back to the Church of Rome. Beware of those who would fain persuade you that there is any mediator but the one Mediator, Christ Jesus, -any sacrifice but the one Sacrifice offered on Calvary, -any priest but the great High Priest Emmanuel, -any incense needed in worship but the savour of His name who was crucified, -any rule of faith and practice but God's Word, -any confessional but the throne of grace, -any effectual absolution but that which Christ bestows on the hearts of His believing people, -any purgatory but the one fountain open for all sins, the blood of Christ, to be only used while we are alive. On all these points stand fast, and be on your guard. Scores of misguided teachers are trying to rob Christians of Gospel liberty, and bring back among us exploded superstitions. Resist them manfully, and to not give way for a moment. Remember what Romanism was in this country before the blessed Reformation. Remember at what mighty cost our martyred Reformers brought spiritual freedom to light by the Gospel. Stand fast for this freedom like a man, and labour to hand it down to your children whole and unimpaired."

J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion

Fabric Wall Art

2011-07-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

First project: Decorating the Dining Room

So I decided that I wanted to do fabric panels and a piece in the middle of some sort.
My color scheme is black, white and blue, and my theme is birds on a wire.

Small wall #1: I bought the prints below from Target, and the birds on a wire paperclips from Urban Outfitters:

I did a makeshift, family name "sign"/plate myself when I was bored one day using a blue and black sharpie (It was for fun -- not for perfection...):

Then for my main wall. I bought a pack of 5 covered canvas frames from Michaels, and I bought black and white fabric from Jo-Ann Fabrics:

All I needed to do was cover the canvas and staple gun it into place, wrapping the corners as you would a present. Then I added saw tooth hangers so I could hand the panels easily.

I happened to find this at a local Target, that I had searched online for, and it was out of stock! But I found the last one to exist! Haha.

I didn't want the silver to be up against the white walls we have at our home. So I took a black frame, that I bought at Michael's, and stapled blue fabric to the back. I hung the frame and then nailed the birds to the wall.

And here's the final wall:

Next project to come soon...

Getting Crafty

2011-07-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

So, I'm getting into this home-making role of mine. I'm quite an amateur, but I'm trying...
I want our home to look nice. As Martin Luther said:

The above is a little something I designed (the fonts) to be printed out and framed so I remember this.

I'll be posting projects as they come along of things I will be doing around the house.

Stay tuned...

New Home

2011-05-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

We are officially residents of Aliso Viejo...and I must say I absolutely love it. The space we have in our new home is quite a blessing. Miles has his own room, I have a large kitchen and cupboards I don't even know what to do with! I've had a lot of fun these pas several days setting up the place. I'll have to post some pictures to give a virtual tour of the place after I have all the boxes unpacked. Just a few more for the bookcases and a few more of our bags to unpack.

The people here are great, and I have met many people from Compass, who I know I'm going to love and adore. The people here are pretty friendly too. Our neighborhood Trader Joe's is huge and full of many friendly people. I think I'll make that my main store.

I haven't checked out our beaches yet. I honestly have been way to chilly to even consider it. However, today is gorgeous and sunny out -- but I'll hold off and save it for a family weekend where Mike, Miles and I can go. I know -- how considerate of me! ;)

There's a nice mall near by, not that I'm super materialistic or anything, but a nice mall is a great thing! It'll be nice to go there just to walk around with Miles, when I want to get out of the house. There seems to be a lot of moms with strollers there during the day. Perhaps I'll be able to strike up some good conversation with some of them.

Well, thank you to everyone who was and has been praying for us regarding our move and starting our ministry. Please continue to pray for us. You can specifically pray for me, that I continue learning to be a servant of the Lord, a wife, and a mom, and be humble to ask and seek others to learn these responsibilities so that I may glorify God to my fullest.

Real Housewife of Orange County

2011-04-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

That's what I'll be. No, I'm not getting a spot on the unfortunately popular "reality" show...but I will be a stay at home wife and mom in Orange County! That's right, the Elliott's are relocating to Aliso Viejo, CA. Mike just took a pastor position for the young family ministry at Compass Bible Church. We found ourselves a nice lil' townhouse 5 minutes from the church. We will be trucking our stuff down on May 14, 2011. So soon -- I know! I have not even started packing up [I don't even want to think about it yet]! Browsing Craigslist for dressers, a coffee table and couches has been fun, but unsuccessful so far. So, if you know people looking to unload some furniture of their own, let us know!!!

More to come...soon...I hope...

Blogging FAILURE

2011-04-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I wasn't made to be a blogger. I pretty much am awful at updating -- but whenever I do, I'm like, "Man, this is fun!" So I'm not quiting yet!

III Months

2011-01-12T22:25:00.001-08:00

Seriously, time goes by so quickly...Miles is already 3 months old! I have spent the last few days clearing out Miles' outfits that no longer fit him from his drawers. All newborn sizes he no longer wears...and now I'm starting to go through his 0-3 m clothes that no longer fit. On to 3-6 month clothing! Exciting - but I'm also sad because I really liked some of his smaller clothes. I just can't believe how big he's getting and how much he's developing! I'm really enjoying every moment of this blessing God has given us...

Arts & Crafts

2011-01-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of an artsy or crafty person...I actually dislike it more than anything. When I hear those words, I think of clutter and "cutesy" things that have no use. I also think of mauve, doilies, and other period piece themed things. Not my personal style -- if it's yours, well, I'm sure you make it work for you.

Now saying that, I have stumbled upon a design DIY blog. I'm not one for doing it myself. I figure if someone has already made it -- I'll buy it. I don't have time to make my own things. So, as I was looking around this blog, I think I pretty much fell in love with it. I mean...I've had a change in heart...well, not completely, I still don't like all that is described in my definition of arts and crafts. But, I have this sudden urge and desire to take on all these projects that are listed on this blog! I do want my home to look nice, and honestly - it can be expensive to do so! So I just thought I'd share this blog with you! Hope you enjoy it as much as I am!

Design*Sponge

I'm going to eventually turn into that Proverbs 31 woman one day!

MILEStones

2011-01-04T09:23:00.001-08:00

So, there are certain milestones that babies go through that are just so exciting -- babbling, holding their head up, first words, etc. I never knew how much joy this one would bring though -- laughing! Yesterday I started using one of Miles' super soft blanket -- and I thought it would be fun to see how he'd react to some good ol' peek-a-BOO! Now, I always get so embarrassed of these videos because of how ridiculous I sound...but I hope Miles' cuteness is far more than my über-dorkiness.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

2011

2011-01-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

So far...so good. What is my goals for the new year? Falling in love with the Lord....aaannnd, discipline. Is this the read-your-bible-more blog post? Yes. [Rick Holland's jokes are wearing off on me.] I have committed myself to reading the bible in a year. This is my fourth or fifth time making this commitment to myself. Now, before you think I'm being prideful - let me shamefully admit I've never finished or even got halfway through one of these plans. This time is different though! [I think I've said that before to.] Here's the thing...this time it is different. I have a strong desire to draw closer to the Lord, and not just read the bible in a year because I think I should. That doesn't mean I won't stumble with laziness and what not, but I hope my desire to know my God more will conquer the enemy who might try and distract me from doing so.
   When did I decide to do this? Basically last night over dinner. My rad friend Joey was telling me how he was in the middle of reading the Bible front to back, and thought that was cool. I had just finished my time in John and was uncertain of what book to hop to next. However, I thought that reading the Bible front to back might be a challenge for me, as it's not in chronological order [a format that would be a lot easier for me to grasp].
   This morning I was browsing my iPhone app [I totally hate that I'm one of those people using the iPhone - what happened to the good ol' worn bible] called YouVersion [I also hate that I'm one of those people plugging an app], and I found they have reading plans, one of which is chronological. So I started it. I had the amazing opportunity to be blessed by reading Genesis 1-3 and dwelling on creation and the CREATOR!
   For those of you who are reading this, I ask that you pray for me as I commit time everyday this year letting the Word transform.

[Plugging again for those who are curious. YouVersion]

Here's to an amazing year!

Downhere - How Many Kings

2010-12-21T05:32:00.000-08:00

I heard this song for the first time this past Sunday. My prayer request recently has been for Jesus to be more real, and to understand the humanity of God in Jesus...and this is just one little way of how God has answered me so far.

Charity

2010-11-29T11:44:00.000-08:00

As I was reading through the chapter titled "Charity" in J.C. Ryle's, Practical Religion, I thought of how the word CHARITY is not completely understood, and how people claim to have charity when indeed they do not. I looked up the word charity and found that probably most people's knowledge of the meaning of charity consists of 1-6, and leaves out the true Scriptural meaning that falls last on the list at #7: Love.

Ryle states, "Thousands delude themselves with the idea that they have 'charity,' when they have not, from downright ignorance of Scripture. Their charity is not the charity described in the Bible. The charity of the Bible does not consist in giving to the poor. It is a common delusion to suppose that it does. Yet St. Paul tells us plainly, that a man may 'bestow all his goods to feed the poor' (1 Corinthians 8:3), and not have charity."

Ryle goes on to say, "The charity of the Bible does not consist in never disapproving anybody's conduct....Thousands pride themselves on never condeming others or calling them wrong, whatever they may do....To throw a veil over sin, and to refuse to call things by their right names, --to talk of 'heart' being good, when 'lives' are flatly wrong, --to shut our eyes against wickedness, and say smooth things of immorality, --this is not Scriptural charity."

Ryle also states, "The charity of the Bible does not consist in never disapproving anybody's religious opinions....There are many who pride themselves on never pronouncing others mistaken, whatever views they may hold. Your neighbor, forsooth, may be a...Roman Catholic, or a Mormon... But the 'charity' of many says that you have no right to think him wrong! If he is sincere, it is "uncharitable" to think unfavorably of his spiritual condition! From such charity may I ever be delivered! At this rate the Apostles were wrong in going out to preach to the Gentiles! At this rate there is no use in missions! At this rate we had better close our Bibles, and shut up our churches! Everybody is right, and nobody is wrong! Everybody is going to heaven, and nobody is going to hell! Such charity is a monstrous caricature. To say that all are equally right in their opinions, though their opinions flatly contradict one another--to say that all are equally on their way to heaven, though their doctrinal sentiments are as opposite as black and right--this is not Scriptural charity."

Let us be educated on the true Scriptural meaning of the word charity which is LOVE, and not be fooled by what so many claim to have. Let us know what love really means and have that come out in our words and actions. That being said here are a couple quotes from this chapter that I want to share:

"The charity of the Bible will never be found except in a heart prepared by the Holy Ghost"

"God has no need of faith. He is dependent on no one. There is none superior to Him in whom He must trust. --God has no need of hope. To Him all things are certain, whether past, present or to come. --But 'God is love:' and the more love His people have,the more like they are to their Father in heaven.

"Charity...is the greatest of the graces, because it is the one which endures the longest. In fact, it will never die. Faith will one day be swallowed up in sight, and hope in eternity. Their office will be useless in the morning of the resurrection and like old almanacs, they will be laid aside. But love will live on through the endless ages of eternity."

"The charity of the Bible will never be found except in a heart prepared by the Holy Ghost."

Practical Religion, J.C. Ryle

Introducing...

2010-10-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

Our precious bundle of joy made his appearance at 11:31PM on October 12, 2010

and weighing 8 lbs. 6.4 oz. and 22.5 in.

This past of week has been full of so much joy. Mike and I are so blessed.

iPhones

2010-09-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that Mike and I are now iPhone owners. We thought it would be awesome since we h!ave little Miles on the way. Video, video chat, camera, apps and such right at our fingertips! We're stoked!

35/35

2010-08-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

35 weeks down, and 35 days to go!

I think it's finally becoming real for me to think that time seems like it has flown by, and that I'm approaching the end, when I'll need to be ready to go at any time! In about a month I'll have a new life, a son, who I'll have in my arms...I really can't wait to meet him! I can't wait to see what he looks like, who he'll look like more, what his nose, ears, hair, hands look like -- I can't wait to study the all the precious details of his face.

As I'm getting closer, I have people asking if I'm nervous. I should be - I think to myself, since I don't know the perfect way to hold a baby, how to swaddle a newborn, how to feed a baby, how to lay a baby down to sleep, etc. But the truth is, I'm really not that nervous, I just can't wait to learn how to care for my son, and let instincts kick in when needed.

We've been so blessed throughout this pregnancy to have it be so easy. Little Miles has cooperated so well so far, and I pray he will continue to be a good boy!

Prayer and the God Who Hears - Psalm 66:16-20

2010-08-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

If anyone desires to be encouraged, listen to my husband's sermon on prayer.

Click Here!

Questions and Answers with John MacArthur

2010-06-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

On April 18, 2010, at Grace Community Church there was a night of Q & A. This night particular was awesome, because of a certain question asked. I decided to share this question and answer that hit home for me, as I use to be Catholic. In August 2006, I was saved by faith in Christ alone.

QUESTION: Hi, I’m a Catholic. I’ve been a Catholic all of my life, that’s 75 years. The question I’m going to ask is a very, very basic and has been bothering me for many, many years of my adult life. To the billions of non-Christian denominations, I’m talking about the Jewish, the Buddhists, the Profuciests, Mormons and so forth that truly believe in their faith, that lived a very good life according to their faith. My question is, is there salvation...a heaven for them? Or all they all condemned to hell?

JOHN: Yeah, that’s a very good question. What’s your name?

CHARLIE: Charlie...........Simmons

JOHN: Hi, Charlie. That’s a very good question, Charlie.
The answer to that from the Word of God is they will all perish in hell because there is only one way to go to heaven. There’s no salvation in any other name than the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus said “You will die in your sins,” to the Jewish leaders, “because you believe not on Me...because you believe not on Me.” “God, that familiar John 3:16, so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes on Him shall not perish.”

There’s only one heaven and there’s only one way into heaven and that is through faith in Christ. It is the only hope, that is why we are told to go to the ends of the earth, preach the gospel to every creature. So all who perish without the knowledge of Christ, die in their sins and go everlastingly to hell.

Now the degree of punishment in hell will vary. But what makes it vary is not the goodness of the person because no person is good before God, no person. Only God is good and Jesus said that. No person is good, no person is good enough to earn heaven. The only difference in hell will be that the people who heard about Jesus Christ and rejected Him will have a greater punishment than the people who didn’t hear about Him. They will all be punished, but those who knew about Christ and didn’t receive Christ will have the greater punishment. That’s Hebrews, “How much sorer, or greater will be the punishment of those who trampled underfoot the blood of the covenant and counted the work of Christ, as it were, an unholy thing, rejected Christ.”

Now the other thing to say is this, that even if you believe in Christ, even if you believe in Christ as God and Christ dying on the cross and Christ being raised from the dead and Christ being Lord, and all those things, that may not be enough to get you into heaven either because in Matthew 7 it says, “Many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, we did this in Your name and that in Your name.’ And He’ll say, ‘Depart from Me, I never knew you.’” So you can know about Christ and you can know that He lived a holy life and was born of a virgin and that He died on the cross and He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven and reigns and is returning and not go to heaven.

But here’s the key. You must trust Christ for your salvation alone and reject any works of your own as having any contribution to your salvation.

JOHN: It doesn’t matter how many times you went to church, it doesn’t matter how many humanly good deeds you did, it doesn’t matter how many times you took the Mass, for example, in a Catholic situation, it doesn’t matter how many times you went to Confession, it doesn’t matter how bad you felt about the sins that you did, it doesn’t matter how many rosaries you said, it doesn’t matter any of those things...none of those things individually and all of those things collectively cannot save a person. A person will be saved by faith in Christ alone, recognizing that in my flesh dwells no good thing, by the deeds of the Law will not flesh be justified. You can’t earn your way in by being good. You can only receive salvation when you know you’re not good enough and you cry out to be forgiven of your sin by the sheer grace of God based upon the death and provision of Christ on the cross. Okay?

CHARLIE: Oh one last thing, I meant to add this. I am leaving the Catholic Church and hope to join this church.

JOHN: We welcome you. (Applause) Now you folks over there, you folks over there need to open your arms to Charlie, right? Let him know we love having him here.

You understand the gospel, right? The way I explained it? All right, Charlie, never too late, right? You’re the youngest-looking 75. What happened to me? I don’t get it. Okay. Alright.

[This has been taken from the Grace To You website.]

Practical Religion

2010-05-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

"For more than a century, J.C. Ryle has been known for his clear and lively writing on practical and spiritual themes, with the aim of encouraging strong and serious Christian living. With profound biblical insight, Practical Religion reveals what every believer ought to be, do, and expect in their walk with God. Ryle's penetrating comments are as wise and relevant today as they were when he first wrote them."

Contents and Topics:
Self-inquiry, Self-exertion, Reality, Prayer, Bible-Reading, Going to the Table, Charity, Zeal, Freedom, Happiness, Formality, The World, Riches & Poverty, The Best Friend, Sickness, The Family of God, Our Home, Heirs of God, The Great Gathering, The Great Separation, Eternity

You can purchase this book at Grace Books International.

So, I saw this listed as a recommended read in our churches bulletin a couple weeks ago, and I liked the write up for it, so I bought it that day. I will be starting this book today, and I'm very excited to be encouraged and learn from J.C. Ryle. My loving husband has encouraged me to try and read a book a month. Sounds pretty easy, but I'm a slow reader, and forget very easily. I decided to take on the challenge, not only for discipline, but for spiritual growth that can be granted through God's work in these godly authors. Once I get done, I'll let you know how it was, and let you know what my next read is!

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

This morning is Mother's Day...my first. I was reminded of this new day for me by my wonderful husband, as he entered the bedroom to serve me breakfast in bed...pancakes and berries! I was an awesome time, just me, my husband, and Miles who later wiggled (I think he liked the breakfast too).

I'm not going to lie, it was so weird to hear from others, "Happy Mother's Day," but I liked it! :) I enjoyed a great lunch at Panera Bread, came home - took a long nap, woke up - went to the mall, bought a few maternity clothes, ate a Cinnabon, came home - made spaghetti and meatballs, and here I am! Whew! What a fun day I had. I'm exited about a couple new pants to add to my collection, I was down to a pair of jeans and khakis, all other pants I have out grown. Sigh.

Well, that's all for today.

Life

2010-05-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

So, I totally feel like I've purposely avoided this blog for the last few months. And I probably feel that way, because, well, I have. Now, it wasn't my point to go into hiding, but I'm really bad at not talking about things that I want to share...especially on a blog...when that's one of the reasons for it. Soo, quick update. The last four months have been a bit crazy. Lots of change, and ups and downs, feeling sick and feeling great. I'm not here to complain...just to inform. Mood swings, weight gain...No, I'm not depressed, I'm just pregnant!! 18 weeks and counting, there is a quickly growing Elliott inside. Mike and I were thrilled of the news that we actually got on my birthday, January 30th! It was quite the birthday present. We've been taking one week at a time, as we know this precious life is in God's sovereign hands. Let me tell you, that is the most comforting thought too! That that the God of the universe, is in control, and knows what is best for both Mike and I, and what will glorify Him the most! I was able to hear the heartbeat and see the little one move, at just 9 weeks! And the last doctor visit we got to hear the heartbeat again, get a face shots, and well...some other shots that the doctor responded by saying, "It's definitely a boy!" We are unbelievably thrilled!

Here's his mug...

Introducing: Miles Avery Elliott

I'm pretty sure I'll be more consistent with my blog now...
I know, I've said that before.

Truth

2010-01-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

I'm not good at book reviews, I've never done one, nor do I know how to really give a legit review. However, this book has been an intense impact in my life. I'm still reading through it. I really can't wait to get all the way through it to share this with others!!! I have copied what GBI (Grace Books International) says about this book below...

Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God.

With Big Truths for Little Hearts, Bruce Ware, a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6–14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their worldviews early, based on these truths.

The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, making it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this non-intimidating format, parents will be emboldened to be their children’s primary faith trainers—and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.

Seriously, you will learn, with a better understanding, things along the way! My husband got this book for me so when we have kids, I will know how to go about explaining to them how great and wonderful our God truly is! With the help of this book I am able to see myself, how beautiful and magnificent He is!

You can purchase this book on GBI Here!

Idolatry

2010-01-19T07:05:00.000-08:00

Our choices are predicated upon what we think is "good,' what we "delight in," what we find most "desirable." The truth about our choices is that we always choose what we believe to be our best good.We always choose what we believe will bring us the most delight.

Idolatry is a sin that has its beginning in the mind, in your thoughts, beliefs, judgements, and imagination. ... Instead of fashioning idols out of wood or stone, we fashion them in our imagination - worshiping that which we believe will bring us happiness. ... These beliefs function as gods just as surely as if we had carved them from wood or overlaid them with silver. ... We must learn to put away the gods of our imagination: gods that promise happiness in exchange for our worship.

Our longings and desires ... are the driving force behind everything we do. ... Why do we profess great love for the Lord on Sunday morning and exaggerate our successes to our boss on Monday morning? Because we have divided desires. ... The desire that is strongest ... is what our will acts on.

My sin has its roots in my false worship. Don't be deceived: you are already passionately worshipping something. ... Learning to take great delight and joy in God is the strongest deterrent to idolatry.

Elyse Fitzpatrick Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone

photo credit: jenny james

Why Do You Think Christianity Is True?

2009-12-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

By: John Piper

Why do you think Christianity is true?

What compelling evidence do you see for it?

You can come at the truth of Christianity through several angles of apologetics and reasoning. Let me mention a few and tell you the one that is most existentially real for me.

1) One would be historical. I think arguments can be mounted that are solid and compelling—first for the existence of Jesus, and then for the death and the resurrection of Jesus—to give an account for why the apostles were the way they were after his death.

The arguments that Pannenberg and Evangelicals have developed for the resurrection of the dead—Who Moved the Stone?-type arguments—are strong and have helped many people get over the barrier. Because if Jesus has been raised from the dead, never to die again, and ascended into heaven, then we should take very seriously and credit what he said about himself. So that's one line of evidence.

2) A second line of evidence is called presuppositional. It says that without God and the Bible as an assumption all of our reasoning processes and all of our perceiving processes are not possible.

In other words, every time we start thinking and every time we start perceiving, something is happening in our heads which assumes something. And if you're going to have any kind of credible conversation about what you're thinking or about what you're seeing, then you are assuming certain laws of logic, causality, and existence which can't have any absolute significance unless they're rooted in God.

So everybody is talking nonsense, but hardly anybody will say, "We're all just animals talking nonsense." Even those who are total secular, naturalistic evolutionists don't like to be treated like animals.

When a dog barks, I don't assume he's writing poetry. But when a man puts poetry down, I assume he wants me to take him seriously as a human being who has serious meaning there. He doesn't like it if I say, "O that's just chicken scratch!" So he's assuming something unbelievably profound about the significance and the basis of what he's doing, which he couldn't do unless he had a Christian construction of God.

So that's the presuppositional angle. Here's the third one, and the last one that is most significant to me.

3) How do you, when you want to decide if someone's testimony or witness is true? You weren't there. There were no videos. There was no recording. And you have to decide whether what he's saying happened actually happened.

When I read the Bible, that's the way I feel I am. I'm reading Paul, say, the 13 letters of the Apostle Paul. And he's telling me he saw the Lord Jesus, that he was knocked off of his donkey on the Damascus road, saw the Lord Jesus, was commisioned by the Lord Jesus, and now is inspired by the Lord Jesus. And then he interprets all of that in terms of the gospel.

I've got to reckon, "Paul, are you a lunatic? Are you a liar? Or are you telling the truth?" (Those questions are usually used with Jesus: "Are you a lunatic, a liar, or the Lord?") I think it's a good argument, and I use it for the writers of the New Testament, not just for Jesus. I know that I've got Paul right here in my hand, and I want to know, "Are you crazy?"

So when I'm reading the Bible, whether it's the Gospel of John or Romans, I'm asking the question, "How can I credit what's here, both the testimony of the man and the portrait of Jesus?" And I think there is a light that stands forth from the text of the truthfulness of Jesus that is self-authenticating. And there is a kind of character for the writers that stands forth that is authenticating of their solidity and truthfulness, confirming that they're not lunatics or liars.

If somebody said to me today, "Just tell me in 30 seconds why you're a Christian," I would say, "The portrait that I see of Jesus Christ in the Gospels is self-authenticating to me. I cannot meet this man and have him speak like nobody else spoke and not believe him. He wins my trust."

And then if they say, "Ah, but how do you know that that person is not being created by somebody else?" Then I would say, "Then the person creating him is just as phenomenal, and they win my trust. And if they win my trust then they're not lying to me." The Apostle Paul is not a lunatic. I cannot read the 13 letters of Paul and think he's crazy or a liar.

So those two things:

-the self-authenticating portrait of Jesus Christ that I find in Scripture, and

-the character-endorsing way that the apostles write their books and reveal their own trustworthiness.

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Christmas Week

2009-12-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

So, I'm feeling a bit festive. I'm hopefully going to be receiving a Christmas tree in the mail. Yup, that's right...tree in the mail. My momma sent it to me, what a precious gem. Well, anticipating on the arrival of my tree, I also have this sudden urge to bake. The idea of having iced cut-out sugar cookies and mexican wedding balls out and ready to eat sounds marvelous! This week is going to get a bit busy though, between doing last minute shopping, cleaning and car maitaintance, where shall I find the time to bake?

But don't these look delish?!....

Also, I must plan a wonderful breakfast for Christmas morning...I'm thinking eggs, sausage, bacon, and some cinnamon rolls. Will that do? Well, I certainly hope so. I will post later and let you know how it all comes together!

Only One Life Twill Soon Be Past, Only What’s Done For Christ Will Last

2009-12-16T22:32:00.000-08:00

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;