I'm Thankful

Yes, this post is late, but I've been having such a wonderful time with my family, I haven't been willing to sacrifice the sweet time with them to blog :)

I have to say, every year I realize more and more what I have to be thankful for and the importance of gratitude. Things that I would have never considered thanking God for I'm finding myself saying "Wow, thank you, Lord!"

I really feel like every year I post the same things that I'm thankful for, but one of the pastors from our church the other day posed the question to the children of our church "has anyone ever done anything so nice for you that you felt like 'thank you' just wasn't enough?" and for some reason that stuck with me. That's how I feel sometimes. Just saying 'thank you' once or twice or a million times to God for all of His blessings just doesn't seem like enough.

The first on my list must be the unfathomable grace that God has extended to me. I am eternally grateful to Him for calling me out of darkness and redeeming my soul. I cannot comprehend the kind of love that sees creatures in such a state of sin and depravity and loves them in spite of it. I'm thankful that I don't get what I deserve. I deserve death, but He gave me life. I am thankful that Jesus obediently became the propitiation for our sins and satisfied the righteous wrath of God. I am grateful that I now get justice, not based on my life, but on His death. If this grace were the only thing that He ever blessed me with, I would be complete. But in His sovereignty, He has bestowed me with other wonderful gifts.

Second to my salvation, my family is the greatest blessing in my life.My mother and sister are two of the most godly women that I know, and I am blessed every day of my life to live in unity with them. Through the hardest of life's trials we have been brought closer, and through the fire we have together been refined. My dad has taught me so much over the years, and always being a "daddy's girl", I thank God for allowing me to be his daughter. I consider bearing my father's name to be a privilege and I pray every day that my relationship with him would be whatever God would mold it into for His purposes and glory. My extended family are also quite precious to me. There is a very special bond in our extended family that I have observed is absent in many others that I know. Though we vary widely on beliefs, lifestyles and ideas, there is something that holds us all together. Of course, that thing that holds us together is our shared love for Christ. I cannot express the joy I feel when I see my little cousins walk with the Lord, hear my grandfather pray, and feel the unity of Christ when I look into my uncle's eyes. Praise to God that we all are unified in our faith in Him!

Being thankful for my family would be incomplete without expressing gratitude for my spiritual family. The church universal, and spicifically the brothers and sisters in the various churches in that we have walked in fellowship with over the past couple of years and that we have recently met upon moving to Natchez. Though God saw fit for me to only have one biological sibling, a sister, He has made me especially aware of my brothers and sisters in Christ, some of them my very best friends. I am always astounded by the love and grace of God shining through in the lives of His children.

I got flack for saying this last year, but it's true so I shall say it again :-D I am grateful that God saw fit for me to be born an American! I am furthermore always grateful for those fighting for our freedom, willing to pay the ultimate price for the survival of liberty. When I stop to think about it, that willingness and devotion astounds me. This nation was founded on Christ, and I pray that it will one day return to Him.

And though it might sound strange, I truly am grateful for the trials that God has allowed in my life. Some of the trials have been seen by others, some of them have not been, but God has walked with me - and often times carried me through them all. The fire is hot and sometimes excruciatingly painful, but God has proven Himself faithful again and again and again. Great is Thy faithfulness unto me!

A phone conversation I had tonight

"Hi-ya Daddy!"
"Hi, Robin, how are yo - wait, is that a MAN'S voice I hear in the background?"
"Mm-hmm, I'm at -"
"Roooobin, I guess I should now ask his name? Where does he live?"
"But..."
"What does he drive? How long have you known him?"
"Dad, he's -"
"Is he a nice guy?"
"Dad! I'm at church! You're hearing voices because bible study just let out and people are talking."
"Oh."

I think I've got a loooong few years ahead of me...

Here I go again

I sooo often fall into this category...

Lyrics from "Here I Go Again" by Casting Crowns

Father, hear my prayer
I need the perfect words
Words that he will hear
And know they're straight from You
I don't know what to say
I only know it hurts
To see my only friend slowly fade away

So maybe this time I'll speak the words of life
With Your fire in my eyes
But that old familiar fear is tearing at my words
What am I so afraid of?

'Cause here I go again
Talkin 'bout the rain
And mulling over things that won't live past today
And as I dance around the truth
Time is not his friend
This might be my last chance to tell him
That You love Him
But here I go again, here I go again

Reformation Day

In honor of Reformation Day, I read the ninty five thesis today. There were several interesting ponits made, but this really stuck out to me...
"The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God." Martin Luther 95 Thesis, Nubmer 62

I liked that.

A Visit Home...

I went to New Orleans last week. We picked up a friend of mine and headed off headed off down Esplanade to find something to eat. I've never been very familliar with the East Bank, and was a little confused as to where I was. But as we crossed Williams, I made a mental note: "Oh yes, I know where I am! At the corner of Esplanade and Williams...when did they put that Wallmart Marketplace there?"

After running hither, thither and yon, we returned back to our friend's house where the evening news happened to be on.
"There was a murder in this afternoon near the intersection of Esplanade and Williams. The suspect ran into the Wallmart Marketplace parking lot..."

I was shocked. Not that there was a murder in New Orleans, but that it was frighteningly close to where we were, and at the same time. We went back and forth across that intersection at least 5 times! Looking back, I remember hearing sirens and seeing police cars in the Walmart parking lot...but who ever would've thought?

I Think I'm Homesick

I say I think because I’m not exactly sure...I’ve never really been homesick before. I’m the one who, after being away for weeks and weeks will get a phone call from my mom asking "Homesick yet?" and I have to quickly decide rather to be nice and say "Oh yeah, of course!" or be honest.
But this time it’s true. I really do miss home. I mean, of course I miss New Orleans (the good parts, that is) in and of itself, but what I really miss are all of my friendships that were there. You know, the deep kind that take lots of time and effort to build...often years.
Moving to a city where you don’t know a soul has some fun aspects, but there are some challenges as well.
One advantage is that you get to make new friends. We have met some very nice people, some of which will, I think, become very close friends, but deep friendships just take time to build.

Not knowing anyone has made me a little crazy lately. Those of you who know me should get a kick out of some actual thoughts that ran though my head yesterday...they are so un-typical for me:
"Should I go say hello to them?" "Why does she never speak to me?" "Did he think I was being flirtatious?" "Will these people think I’m sassy and arrogant when they see my sunglasses picture on my myspace?" "Did he know I was kidding?" "Did she know I was serious?"
I obsessed over writing 2 e-mails, 2 myspace messages and 1 comment. This is absolutely insane.
It’s not that I don’t worry about offending my New Orleans friends or that I feel like I can just be flippant and take their friendship for granted...it’s that I know them and they know me. We can pretty much figure out where the other is coming from.

I miss really knowing everyone. I mean, I never wondered rather or not I should hug Leah, sit next to Christian, talk to Matthew or e-mail James.
I never have to explain where I’m coming from to Shelby or wonder if Jeff took something I said the wrong way. I never apologized for "unloading" on Mrs. Yvette or wondered if I was approachable enough for Amanda to tell me what was on her heart.
Elise could read my mind and put a finger on what was troubling me before most people could even notice a thing.

You know, there really is something frightening about getting to know people - really getting to know people, not the "Hi, how are you?" "Fine, how are you?" friendships, those are easy - it’s the real friendships where things get complicated and risky.
When people see your strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and defeats, successes and failures - when people see enough of you to see who you really are - it’s a vulnerable position.
People have seen me both grow in my relationship with Christ and fail miserably. They’ve heard me say really stupid things, struggle with real issues and sometimes fall flat on my face.
I’ve been through some really tough times with people, and they’ve been through really though times with me. We have rejoiced together and walked together in the courts of the Lord.
I miss those relationships...I think I’m homesick.

Robin returns to blogdom

I'm alive! But not only am I alive, I am also exceedingly happy. Why am I happy? Because the new computer came in and is allowing me online for more than 30 seconds at a time.
I have about 5 random, unconnected blog post ideas floating around in my head, so you might just see regular posting from me for a while :)

Until then, I leave you with this scripture. A beautiful mystery...

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

~Robin <><

My 100th Post!

Beautiful...

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36

Just when I start to get bogged down with all things I don't understand, just when I start focusing on how many questions I have, I come across this verse. It always compells me to breathe a prayer of thanksgiving as I get a glimpse of just how great a God he really is.

To Him be glory forever!

Random Picture

Merisha and me with our favorite instruments. 

Autumn

Yesterday was the first day of autumn. This makes me very happy because I’m finding that being such northerners now (we’re quite a bit north of I-10 now, you know), we have much more season differentiation than I’ve ever known.
To my surprise, we have already had several very nice cooler days! Even in August we had some that were cool! This is a strange new experience for me, but I’m finding that I will very much like having four seasons.
Our autumn and winter clothes come out of the attic…out with the white and pastels, bring on the dark and dramatic! I love season changes.

~Robin <><

Psalm 143

1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. 2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. 6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. 7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. 9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. 11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; 12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. 13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. 14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. 15 The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. 16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. 18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. 19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. 20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. 21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

I have been knitting lately

Knitting scarves, to be exact.
Now, this is quite a strange turn of events. I have always been a crochet person and found knitting quite dull. A dear friend is an avid knitter and though she couldn't talk me into liking it when we lived together, I have since tried it again and found it quite to my liking. I have found the trick is to buy fun, festive yarn.
My problem now is that I have at least 3 crochet projects going, 2 cross stitch projects and now I'm adding knitting to the mix. Hmm. Everyone will be receiving half finished Christmas gifts if I keep adding projects at this rate :)

I Remember September 11, 2001.

I remember being thirteen years old as I watched on live TV the collapse of the World Trade Centers, saw the destruction of the Pentagon and saw the field where United flight 93 was crashed.
I remember the shock, the confusion and the terror on everyone's faces.

I remember wondering if there would be more attacks.

I remember the prayer services of churches all over the country being packed out.

I remember hearing of people standing in line for 6 hours to give blood.

I remember the floods of flags hanging poudly everywhere, as far as I could see.

I remember our country standing united.

It's been five years now, but it seems like yesterday. Like yesterday when our country was attacked, when thousands of people died, when I had something in common with every single stranger I saw or talked to.

Five years, but I still found it heartwrenching to see the pictures again, to read quotes of people who called from the planes and World Trade Center to say good bye to their families, to read accounts of the families left to carry on.

Though the country is again divided and splintered, I remember the day that brought everyone together.
I remember September 11th.

I really love this story...

Joshua 22
1 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, 2 and said to them, "You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you. 3 "You have not forsaken your brothers these many days to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God. 4 "And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as He spoke to them; therefore turn now and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan. 5 "Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." 6 So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents. 7 Now to the one half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given {a possession} in Bashan, but to the other half Joshua gave {a possession} among their brothers westward beyond the Jordan. So when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them, 8 and said to them, "Return to your tents with great riches and with very much livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and with very many clothes; divide the spoil of your enemies with your brothers." 9 The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned {home} and departed from the sons of Israel at Shiloh which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, to the land of their possession which they had possessed, according to the command of the LORD through Moses.
10 When they came to the region of the Jordan which is in the land of Canaan, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar there by the Jordan, a large altar in appearance. 11 And the sons of Israel heard {it} said, "Behold, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region of the Jordan, on the side {belonging to} the sons of Israel." 12 When the sons of Israel heard {of it,} the whole congregation of the sons of Israel gathered themselves at Shiloh to go up against them in war. 13 Then the sons of Israel sent to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, 14 and with him ten chiefs, one chief for each father's household from each of the tribes of Israel; and each one of them {was} the head of his father's household among the thousands of Israel. 15 They came to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, to the land of Gilead, and they spoke with them saying, 16 "Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, 'What is this unfaithful act which you have committed against the God of Israel, turning away from following the LORD this day, by building yourselves an altar, to rebel against the LORD this day? 17 'Is not the iniquity of Peor enough for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day, although a plague came on the congregation of the LORD, 18 that you must turn away this day from following the LORD? If you rebel against the LORD today, He will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel tomorrow. 19 'If, however, the land of your possession is unclean, then cross into the land of the possession of the LORD, where the LORD'S tabernacle stands, and take possession among us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, or rebel against us by building an altar for yourselves, besides the altar of the LORD our God. 20 'Did not Achan the son of Zerah act unfaithfully in the things under the ban, and wrath fall on all the congregation of Israel? And that man did not perish alone in his iniquity.' "
21 Then the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and spoke to the heads of the families of Israel. 22 "The Mighty One, God, the LORD, the Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows, and may Israel itself know. If {it was} in rebellion, or if in an unfaithful act against the LORD do not save us this day! 23 "If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself require it. 24 "But truly we have done this out of concern, for a reason, saying, 'In time to come your sons may say to our sons, "What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel? 25 "For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you, {you} sons of Reuben and sons of Gad; you have no portion in the LORD." So your sons may make our sons stop fearing the LORD.' 26 "Therefore we said, 'Let us build an altar, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; 27 rather it shall be a witness between us and you and between our generations after us, that we are to perform the service of the LORD before Him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices and with our peace offerings, so that your sons will not say to our sons in time to come, "You have no portion in the LORD.'" 28 "Therefore we said, 'It shall also come about if they say {this} to us or to our generations in time to come, then we shall say, "See the copy of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; rather it is a witness between us and you.'" 29 "Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away from following the LORD this day, by building an altar for burnt offering, for grain offering or for sacrifice, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle."
30 So when Phinehas the priest and the leaders of the congregation, even the heads of the families of Israel who {were} with him, heard the words which the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the sons of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them. 31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Manasseh, "Today we know that the LORD is in our midst, because you have not committed this unfaithful act against the LORD; now you have delivered the sons of Israel from the hand of the LORD." 32 Then Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest and the leaders returned from the sons of Reuben and from the sons of Gad, from the land of Gilead to the land of Canaan, to the sons of Israel, and brought back word to them. 33 The word pleased the sons of Israel, and the sons of Israel blessed God; and they did not speak of going up against them in war to destroy the land in which the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad were living. 34 The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar {Witness;} "For," {they said,} "it is a witness between us that the LORD is God."

Thought provoking reads

I find that a strange thing happens to me when I go to the library: I always seem to leave with at least one book on the holocaust.
In fact, I just finished Schindler's List. As I finished the last page, I thought to myself that it was one of the most troubling books I've ever read in my life. The only book more troubling was Let Me Go, an account from a German woman about her mother who was in the SS and, now in her eighties, still showed absolutely no remorse about the inhumane things that she personally did to the prisoners.
I've also read several accounts from survivors of the camps.
They are all from different perspectives and very thought provoking.
I wonder how the desensitization process can go that far, to where you give barbaric treatment without even hesitating. I wonder how people can survive that kind of treatment. I am amazed at how much humans can really handle, the will to live. I was very surprised to find out that many of them did not even believe in God and I wonder how in the world anyone could go through those circumstances without Him.

One Year Later...

One year ago at this time I was at my grandparent's house glued to the weather channel watching as Hurricane Katrina landed in my parish. Little did I know how this moment would change my life.

It hardly seems like a year ago that I lived in my hometown, the suburbs of New Orleans. In some ways, it seems like just yesterday; in others, an eternity.
I have moved several times since then, leaving behind my life and everything I knew in New Orleans.
In this year, I have been removed from close friends in New Orleans, not had a clue where I was going to live or what I was going to do, moved to Houston and made wonderful new friends, had to say goodbye to them as I moved again, again not knowing where I was going or what I was going to do, stayed with various family members and friends, settled on Natchez, established our music business, moved here, and made more new friends as we settle in here.
It's been quite a whirlwind!

As I look back over this very trying year, my one recurring thought on the subject has been the faithfulness of God. He has shown Himself mighty, loving, and gracious. He has shown Himself worthy of all praise and honor. He has one again proven that He is God and I am not. Just when I start to worry about my circumstances, He comes through again, just as He always has. It's amazing. How does God care about every miniscule detail of my life? What is man that Thou art mindful of him? I find myself wondering along with the psalmist.
Yes, in this year there have been many heartbreaks. Yes, there have been many disappointments and many dreams shattered. And yes, there have been many tears.
But through these fiery trials, God has done much teaching. And for all of the hardships, I wouldn't trade the lessons I've learned from them for anything.

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever will be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

An All Time Favorite Psalm

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
All that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems you life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

The LORD performs righteous deeds
And judgments for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
HE acts to the sons of Israel.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not delt with us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear HIm.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on His children.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His righteousness to children's children,
To those who keep His covenant
and remember His precepts to do them.

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His soverignty rules over all.
Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Mighty in strenght, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
Bless the LORD, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Psalm 103

Back from Bootcamp and Watching Time Fly

Last weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp put on by Vision Forum. It was incredible! The sessions were long, and almost always ran over, but I found myself not wanting them to end. A few of the speakers were Arnold Pent, Scott Brown, Geoff Botkin and, of course, Doug Phillips. I learned a lot of practical stuff, like marketing etc. but I think the best part of the weekend was the encouragement. Doug Phillips' "Big Picture" talk was one that I will be listening to on CD and remembering for a long time. It was very neat to see people who have family businesses with biblical standards who have been successful not only by obtaining earthly wealth but also, and most importantly, "heavenly capital".
At the end of the last session, we went up and talked to several of the speakers to find out any advice they had for us in our very....how shall we say?...Particular circumstances. Some of them had some very good practical advice and encouragement, but Mr. Brown's answer was probably my favorite - "Wow, I have no idea...can I pray for you?" Honesty and prayers always welcome!

On the way up and back we had to opportunity to spend time with very dear friends whom we haven't seen in what seems like an eternity. This was a huge blessing for us!
I found out that one of my friends joined the Marines since I've seen him last...wow...it seems like just yesterday he was 13 and throwing dead animals at me. How time flies!

Yes, time really does fly. As I have been thinking lately about the brevity of life, I recall when I was younger and how time seemed to hold still. A minute, an hour, a week, all seemed to take an eternity. To think of something happening "next year" seemed like it might as well be in another millennium.
But now, I look back over my short life and I see just how much it has flown by. I can now identify with Psalm 39:4-5 where in his distress David cried "Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Surely every man walks about as a phantom; surely they make an uproar for nothing; he amasses riches and does not know who will gather them." Also Psalm 90:10 "As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away."
While I lived in Katy, I read a book by John Piper called Don't Waste Your Life. On the first few pages was a quote that I liked:
"Only one life,
'Twill soon be past;
Only what's done
for Christ will last."
It's very simple, and I didn't think much about it at the time. But as the months have rolled along, I think of that little quote more and more.
Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Do I really understand just how short life is? No, I don't think I do. If I did, I can't imagine that I'd ever waste a moment of it.
Only what's done for Christ will last. Do I believe that? My reaction answer would to answer "Of course!" But I think sometimes that if I had a real grasp of that concept - that everything is useless if it be not for Christ - my life would look quite different. The books I read would be different, the movies I watch, the things I think about during the day, the people I talk to and what I talk to them about, these would all be different (or would at least be in a different perspective) if I could really grasp the concept of the brevity of life.

With this I leave you. Admonition to all of Israel by Joshua shortly before his death.
"Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you will not associate with these nations, these which remain among you, or mention the name of their gods, or make anyone swear by them, or serve them, or bow down to them. But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done this day. For the LORD has driven out great and strong nations from before you; and as for you, no man has stood before you to this day. One of your men puts to flight a thousands for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you. So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the LORD your God...Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fufilled for you, not one of them has failed."
Joshua 23:6-11, 14

~Robin <><

Iron Sharpening Iron

Yesterday was a wonderful day! It started out with a visit our friends which we worshiped with in Mandeville before we moved. It seems like it had been forever since we had seen everyone! There is always great fellowship with these brothers and sisters, but today it was even more interesting because we discussed pado-baptism vs credo-baptism, the New Perspective on Paul and various other "hot topics" surrounding Christianity. It was so rich that we didn't want to leave, and put off our departure for as long as we could. It's funny when you think that you know where someone is coming from and what they believe then WHAM! They say something totally unexpected, especially when you find out that they're thinking the same thing you are. Ah, the sweetness of like-mindedness!

So just as I thought that I'd had my fill of debate and theological thinking for the day, we made a stop through Folsom to our other old fellowship. We had been there a little over an hour when I was standing in the kitchen, talking to my friend Leah about the weather or some such thing. We had been talking quite happily about nothing in particular for a few minutes when someone who I hadn't even seen in five years walked up and after a few minutes looked to me and said "So, are you a Calvinist?" My first response was a blank stare. After I realized that it was a serious question that was awaiting an answer (even though I knew that it was rhetorical) I thought Oh no, here it goes again! and fumbled some sort affirmative reply. So it began. Now, debating Calvinism is nothing new for my sister and me, but I'll have to admit that it had been a very long time since I'd talked about the subject with someone with an opposing view. In fact, as I thought back to the last time I debated it, I realized that it was the last time I was at this fellowship.
So there I was, with no Merisha and no Bible, trying to explain why I believed in total depravity, and trying to understand his point in the analogy of the nature of the coke can (never did figure that out, by the way).
After a while, it came time to leave and it was decided that we'd talk about children being born sinful vs being born a blank slate another day. As we proceeded towards the exit, we entered the dining room where we found Merisha discussing the same topics with another group of people.
Merisha always articulates her thoughts during theological debates much better than I do, and never seems intimidated or ruffled, which continues to amaze me. By the time it was finished, there were 9 or so people all giving their two cents, and it was great! We all stayed for a bit longer and (as usual) ended up agreeing to disagree.

As I tried to discover what it was about debating theology that I liked so much, I realized that there is something wonderful about constantly being challenged to go back to the Bible for your answers. In no conversation during the day was anyone convinced of the other person's views, (in fact, Merisha just walked in and declared "His explanation of Romans 9 is completely implausible! Would you like to hear why?") but they all made me think and challenged my views. It made me go back to the Bible and say "Okay, why do I believe this? Where is it in the Bible?" After all, if my view isn't firmly planted in the Word of God, it needs to be challenged and blown out of the water.

At the end of the day, it isn't about who's right and who's wrong, it's about drawing near to the throne of grace and humbly asking God for wisdom. We're all in the same boat, striving toward the same goal, trying to understand as much as we can with our finite minds.
So next time someone asks "Credo or Pado?", "What about the New Perspective?" or, of course, the ever-popular "How could anyone be a Calvinist?" I'll recall the last time these views were challenged, remember the Scriptures, breathe a prayer for wisdom, and - by God's grace, with confidence and meekness of spirit - will make a defense for the hope which is within me.

~Robin <><