The baby was born yesterday morning, after a very difficult and emotionally and physically draining labor.
I was in the delivery room, and as it was my first time to witness a birth, it was quite a new experience for me. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but even I could tell that things were going wrong.
While holding the mother's hand, hearing her oxygen mask inflate and watching the computer screen like a hawk for any signs that the baby's heart rate was improving, I heard her ask me to pray. I was instantly reminded of the Psalmist's words "You knit me together in my mother's womb, I shall praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" and where he says that it was God who brought him forth from the womb. These words were an encouragement to us, especially since it was a risky delivery. We knew that God was the only one who could bring this child forth at all and definitely the only one who could protect her and keep her healthy. But all we could do was wait, watch and pray.
At at least one point I was completely dumbfounded that women actually go through this. But as I saw the baby enter the world and be placed in her mother's arms, as I held her close to me and kissed her forehead, I couldn't imagine anyone not wanting children.
When the nurse entered the room after they had been monitoring her vital signs, I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving as I heard her say "She's perfectly fine...the most beautiful baby in the nursery."
And yes, I cried.
The scene was amazing when, looking down at her, her father said, "Look at this...fearfully and wonderfully made."
I've always heard that birth is a miracle, but now I know it and believe it with all of my heart.
During the labor, everyone kept looking over to me and saying "How many children did you say you wanted? I bet you don't want any now!" But I'm happy to say, that through it all, it has only reinforced my desire to have many children.
God's power and providence were manifested and his glory magnified. His mercy is truly new every morning, as we discovered anew at 6:28 am yesterday.
In awe of His grace,
~Robin <><
domenica, luglio 16, 2006
giovedì, luglio 13, 2006
Traveling the High Skies Once Again...
I'm in St. Louis again, and as I was informed last night by my host that blogs were a waste of time, it reminded me that I needed to put up another post. :)
Merisha is taking Suzuki Piano Teacher Training this week, so I decided to come up and see my friends in St. Louis while she's in New Orleans for training.
The baby is due any day and they needed some help, soooo, here I am!
I have been thinking about this scripture in Isaiah lately:
'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10
What an awesome encouragement!
~Robin <><
Merisha is taking Suzuki Piano Teacher Training this week, so I decided to come up and see my friends in St. Louis while she's in New Orleans for training.
The baby is due any day and they needed some help, soooo, here I am!
I have been thinking about this scripture in Isaiah lately:
'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10
What an awesome encouragement!
~Robin <><
lunedì, luglio 03, 2006
"Put on a heart of compassion..."
In reading through the gospels a while back, I was struck anew by the compassion of Christ.
I proceeded to do a word search on compassion and was almost surprised by what I've found.
The New American Standard version yeilds 92 results to the search "compassion". Of course, not all of these refer to the compassion of God, but also to people begging compassion from God, people extending compassion to others, etc.
If you ask me, one thing that the conservative church has all but lost is compassion.
Many speakers will talk for hours about the unsaved and their impending judgement. I heard recently of a preacher who said "we always hear that we are to love the sinner and hate the sin, but God hates the sinner enough to throw him into hell!" Implying that we should only love those who are currently saved and living the life that we think they should live.
(Side note: Of course, I believe that God is not only loving and compassionate but also just and that there are eternal consequences for those who die without repenting. However, since judgement has not yet occurred, we know not who the saved are or will be. Therefore, we are given the comission to preach to every nation and share the gospel of Christ with everyone.)
All of life is a balance, and I've seen both extreemes, but there is definately an aspect of christianity that you loose when all you do is look at the sin and ignore the hurting, lost sinner.
I know one thing for sure, my life has been changed by a loving God who had compassion on me long before I ever appreciated it. That compassion was shown through his word, but also through people who had the strength to love me where I was and show me truth. They lead me through hard times, and let the Holy Spirit do the work of convicting my sin instead of judging it and pointing it out to me themselves.
The compassion of God has taken some pretty wrecked lives and made them holy, and there is not one person that is beyond the healing touch of God.
As someone who was saved as a child and has been spared may of the burdens that come from living a life apart from Christ, I can be tempted to be self-righteous. But a friend of mine has a very interesting approach to seeing people lost in their sin. Instead of automatically being welled up with pride because "I'm not as bad as that person" she would turn to her children and say "There, but for the grace of God."
Yes, that's so true. We are all there, in the place of the worst sinner, but for the grace of God. That life can be turned around with the compassion of God, often shown through His people.
Here are a few scriptures that jumped out at me as I was doing a word search on compassion, and though they're all wonderful, I especially liked the last one.
Nevertheless, in Your great compassion You did not make an end of them or forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God.
Nehemiah 9:31
Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on His afflicted.
Isaiah 49:13
"In an outburst of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you" says the Lord your Redeemer.
"For the mountains may be removed, and the hills may shake, but my lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and my covenant of peace will not be shaken," says the Lord who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:8, 10
"I will sow for her Myself in the land. I wil also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, and I wills ay to those who were not My people, 'You are my people!' and they will say, 'You are my God!' "
Hosea 2:23
But seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36
When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.
Matthew 14:14
When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, "Do not weep." And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt, And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
Luke 7:13-15
We count as blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
James 5:11
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
So there you have it, compassion for the lost souls needing Christ, and for the struggling christians alike is not only a nice thing to do, it's a command.
~Robin <><
I proceeded to do a word search on compassion and was almost surprised by what I've found.
The New American Standard version yeilds 92 results to the search "compassion". Of course, not all of these refer to the compassion of God, but also to people begging compassion from God, people extending compassion to others, etc.
If you ask me, one thing that the conservative church has all but lost is compassion.
Many speakers will talk for hours about the unsaved and their impending judgement. I heard recently of a preacher who said "we always hear that we are to love the sinner and hate the sin, but God hates the sinner enough to throw him into hell!" Implying that we should only love those who are currently saved and living the life that we think they should live.
(Side note: Of course, I believe that God is not only loving and compassionate but also just and that there are eternal consequences for those who die without repenting. However, since judgement has not yet occurred, we know not who the saved are or will be. Therefore, we are given the comission to preach to every nation and share the gospel of Christ with everyone.)
All of life is a balance, and I've seen both extreemes, but there is definately an aspect of christianity that you loose when all you do is look at the sin and ignore the hurting, lost sinner.
I know one thing for sure, my life has been changed by a loving God who had compassion on me long before I ever appreciated it. That compassion was shown through his word, but also through people who had the strength to love me where I was and show me truth. They lead me through hard times, and let the Holy Spirit do the work of convicting my sin instead of judging it and pointing it out to me themselves.
The compassion of God has taken some pretty wrecked lives and made them holy, and there is not one person that is beyond the healing touch of God.
As someone who was saved as a child and has been spared may of the burdens that come from living a life apart from Christ, I can be tempted to be self-righteous. But a friend of mine has a very interesting approach to seeing people lost in their sin. Instead of automatically being welled up with pride because "I'm not as bad as that person" she would turn to her children and say "There, but for the grace of God."
Yes, that's so true. We are all there, in the place of the worst sinner, but for the grace of God. That life can be turned around with the compassion of God, often shown through His people.
Here are a few scriptures that jumped out at me as I was doing a word search on compassion, and though they're all wonderful, I especially liked the last one.
Nevertheless, in Your great compassion You did not make an end of them or forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God.
Nehemiah 9:31
Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on His afflicted.
Isaiah 49:13
"In an outburst of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you" says the Lord your Redeemer.
"For the mountains may be removed, and the hills may shake, but my lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and my covenant of peace will not be shaken," says the Lord who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:8, 10
"I will sow for her Myself in the land. I wil also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, and I wills ay to those who were not My people, 'You are my people!' and they will say, 'You are my God!' "
Hosea 2:23
But seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36
When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.
Matthew 14:14
When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, "Do not weep." And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt, And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
Luke 7:13-15
We count as blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
James 5:11
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
So there you have it, compassion for the lost souls needing Christ, and for the struggling christians alike is not only a nice thing to do, it's a command.
~Robin <><
martedì, giugno 27, 2006
A Great Scripture
They're all great, of course, but this one has always been one that really stuck out to me:
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannont sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannont sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
sabato, giugno 17, 2006
In Loving Memory
Merisha and I had the honor of playing our duet at the funeral of Kenneth Hoffman, known to us and those who knew him as "Pop".
Pop was one of the many men who served our country faithfully in World War II and continued until his death to be a wonderful example of what a godly man should be.
Though we were not related by blood (he was the grandfather of one of my dearest friends), Pop will continue to hold a special place in my heart.
I will go on remembering the things he taught me and the words he spoke to me for many years to come.
In Loving Memory of
Kenneth A. Hoffman, Sr.
April 18, 1929 - June 3, 2006
Pop was one of the many men who served our country faithfully in World War II and continued until his death to be a wonderful example of what a godly man should be.
Though we were not related by blood (he was the grandfather of one of my dearest friends), Pop will continue to hold a special place in my heart.
I will go on remembering the things he taught me and the words he spoke to me for many years to come.
At his funeral, his son-in-law sang a family favorite of theirs (and now of ours) which was taken from the prayer of St Francis. I thought I would post the prayer here in his honor:
The Prayer of St. Francis
"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is dispair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive -
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life
Amen"
The Prayer of St. Francis
"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is dispair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive -
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life
Amen"
In Loving Memory of
Kenneth A. Hoffman, Sr.
April 18, 1929 - June 3, 2006
sabato, giugno 10, 2006
Home Sweet Home
Ciao!
Well, we are back from a great time St Louis! What a busy trip!
Though the best part was being reunited with a couple of families from New Orleans, another highlight was the day that we got to do some sightseeing, which was very fun. We went to see the Missouri river and got to visit the famous St. Louis arch. It's huge!!
After spending 10 days in an Italian household, my Italian has improved a little. I can now speak even more important words such as please, thank you and chocolate. :)
Tonight Merisha and I are playing our first paying wedding ceremony. Preludes are no big deal, but playing the Bridal Chorus and the Wedding March are nerve racking because they are at such an important time in the ceremony. They are so well known and everyone is completely silent listening to you and watching the bride.
The rehearsal last night went very well and though I'm a little bit nervous, I am really looking forward to the wedding this evening.
Anyway, my computer is dead at home, so thank goodness for library computers!
Saluti!
~Robin<><
Well, we are back from a great time St Louis! What a busy trip!
Though the best part was being reunited with a couple of families from New Orleans, another highlight was the day that we got to do some sightseeing, which was very fun. We went to see the Missouri river and got to visit the famous St. Louis arch. It's huge!!
After spending 10 days in an Italian household, my Italian has improved a little. I can now speak even more important words such as please, thank you and chocolate. :)
Tonight Merisha and I are playing our first paying wedding ceremony. Preludes are no big deal, but playing the Bridal Chorus and the Wedding March are nerve racking because they are at such an important time in the ceremony. They are so well known and everyone is completely silent listening to you and watching the bride.
The rehearsal last night went very well and though I'm a little bit nervous, I am really looking forward to the wedding this evening.
Anyway, my computer is dead at home, so thank goodness for library computers!
Saluti!
~Robin<><
martedì, maggio 30, 2006
A Trip to St. Louis
I love traveling, especially by plane. As I flew across Louisiana, Arkansas and entered Missouri, I was amazed (as I always am) by the view of both the landscape and the heavens from such an altitude.
Take off and landing are always thrilling, and soaring through the skies and looking down to pillows of clouds always puts me in awe.
As I watched a magnificent sunset from the air I found myself saying out loud "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world" from Psalm 19.
I tried for a moment to understand how anyone being surrounded by such glory could doubt the presence of a wonderful Creator. I considered the logic of thinking that all of this just evolved this way by chance.
No, I smiled, nothing but the word of God could have created such magnificence as the skies.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" Genesis 1:1 boldly states.
Nothing but these pure words of scripture is even logical.
Soon, my view was hindered as we passed through the clouds for a while.
When I touched down, I made my way to the curbside where I was reunited with some very dear friends from New Orleans. They lost practically everything they owned in the flood, have two very small children and are due for their third baby in just a few weeks. Since he is an airline pilot, he can get us free passes to various places, so we decided to take 10 days and come help them move.
Since they know very few people here, they definitely needed some help with the moving and unpacking process.
Of course, it was a great blessing for us because we love their family very much and were glad to have a great reason to see them again.
So now, taking a break from the demands of the household to make a post, I am reminded just how gracious God is. Seeing how he takes lives that were broken and making them whole is magnificent to watch.
We shall return home next Tuesday, just in time for several gigs in June.
Blessings!
~Robin <><
domenica, maggio 21, 2006
MHEA Conference
This past weekend was Mississippi's homeschool conference. Mr. Doug Phillips was supposed to speak, but was instead in the hospital with kidney stones. He sent Geoffrey Botkin in his place.
It was very good and we were able to make a few connections about finding a church somewhere within 100 miles! Today we'll be visiting a Reformed Baptist church in Port Gibson (about an hour north, but it's a beautiful drive up the Natchez Trace). So, we'll see! We got the names of a few other churches to try, so we'll be busy visiting churches for the next several Sundays.
Anyway, the conference wasn't very big (at least not compared to the Louisiana conference), but they had some very knowledgeable speakers who delivered some very convicting talks.
All in all, it was definitely worth the drive to Jackson.
Merisha and I are in the Sunday paper here in Natchez today, so we're excited about getting our name out and seeing what kind of response we get from it.
Many of our friends have told us "Oh, you've got to play at my wedding! Reserve a Saturday for me in about 5 years."
None of them have grooms, but hey, they've got musicians lined up :)
Anyway, I must get going...I would have posted sooner but my computer is quite fickle and likes to freeze up etc.
Blessings,
~Robin <><
It was very good and we were able to make a few connections about finding a church somewhere within 100 miles! Today we'll be visiting a Reformed Baptist church in Port Gibson (about an hour north, but it's a beautiful drive up the Natchez Trace). So, we'll see! We got the names of a few other churches to try, so we'll be busy visiting churches for the next several Sundays.
Anyway, the conference wasn't very big (at least not compared to the Louisiana conference), but they had some very knowledgeable speakers who delivered some very convicting talks.
All in all, it was definitely worth the drive to Jackson.
Merisha and I are in the Sunday paper here in Natchez today, so we're excited about getting our name out and seeing what kind of response we get from it.
Many of our friends have told us "Oh, you've got to play at my wedding! Reserve a Saturday for me in about 5 years."
None of them have grooms, but hey, they've got musicians lined up :)
Anyway, I must get going...I would have posted sooner but my computer is quite fickle and likes to freeze up etc.
Blessings,
~Robin <><
lunedì, maggio 08, 2006
Katy Run
Well, we got our first load from the storage building in Katy this past weekend.
We received help from some very kind people from our church there and were able to get over half of the stuff loaded up in just a few hours.
It was quite a treat to be able to see some friends there in Katy that we haven't seen since our initial move.
The drive was long, but had it's comic relief moments (on Hwy 84, we passed a sign on the side of a building that had a picture of a women with long dark hair and read: "Virtuous Women Fitness and Tanning." For some reason that struck us as funny and got a bit of mileage out of it. Perhaps we were just tired!)
Anyway, it rained the entire way back from Katy (very hard for the first several hours) and since I come from a family who has bad weather phobia, it was a bit tense.
We all survived, though! We'll be making another trip in the next week or two to get the rest of our stuff.
I'm definitely looking forward to having the move behind us and getting settled in!
~Robin <><
lunedì, aprile 24, 2006
Keeping up with the times!
I AM: hid with Christ in God
I WANT: to see the world
I WILL: appear with Christ in glory
I WISH: I didn't have a headache
I HATE: stupid movies
I LOVE: playing music or singing with my sister in a room with wood floors
I MISS: lots of people
I FEAR: marrying someone who turns out to be a jerk
I HEAR: complete silence. A welcome relief after spending 5 hours listening to the Baptism Debate
I WONDER: why sincere, learned, God-fearing people come to different beliefs and convictions
I REGRET: not practicing my instruments more when I was younger
I AM NOT: hungry
I DANCE: any chance I get. In fact, I taught a historical dance today
I SING: all the time.
I CRY: on rare, heart-wrenching occasions
I AM NOT ALWAYS: patient
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: practically nothing. I'm not very handy
I WRITE: on my blog, but especially letters and e-mails.
I CONFUSE: Farmer James
I NEED: dark chocolate (my new favorite indulgence)
I SHOULD: get off the computer and get stuff packed to move
I START: tons of books
I FINISH: almost none of them
I TAG: Tiffany, Christa and Jessica (if they'd like to, of course)
I WANT: to see the world
I WILL: appear with Christ in glory
I WISH: I didn't have a headache
I HATE: stupid movies
I LOVE: playing music or singing with my sister in a room with wood floors
I MISS: lots of people
I FEAR: marrying someone who turns out to be a jerk
I HEAR: complete silence. A welcome relief after spending 5 hours listening to the Baptism Debate
I WONDER: why sincere, learned, God-fearing people come to different beliefs and convictions
I REGRET: not practicing my instruments more when I was younger
I AM NOT: hungry
I DANCE: any chance I get. In fact, I taught a historical dance today
I SING: all the time.
I CRY: on rare, heart-wrenching occasions
I AM NOT ALWAYS: patient
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: practically nothing. I'm not very handy
I WRITE: on my blog, but especially letters and e-mails.
I CONFUSE: Farmer James
I NEED: dark chocolate (my new favorite indulgence)
I SHOULD: get off the computer and get stuff packed to move
I START: tons of books
I FINISH: almost none of them
I TAG: Tiffany, Christa and Jessica (if they'd like to, of course)
sabato, aprile 22, 2006
And the moving date is...
Well, the very cute little house that we are renting is just about ready. Yard cleaned, lawn mowed, interior painted, floors redone. We will sign the lease probably Monday and camp out there until the May 6th, when our moving crew (aka: us, my grandparents, a few trucks and trailers with help from friends on either end) will bring all of our lovely stuff from Katy and we will officially live in Natchez.
Since Hurricane Katrina, our home has been various places. I am strange in that "home" is not a particular town or house for me. When I think "home", I think of the whole South. I think of laughter and of tears, I think of friends coming to visit and a place where family is reunited. In a sense, I have always been at home. Even when I was away from my house and family last summer for 5 weeks, I felt at home where I was. I suppose as long as you are in the place God wants you, home can be anywhere.
A wise friend stated it best. During the time when we weren't sure where we were going to live, someone asked me "Robin, where do you live?" I opened my mouth to answer, but had no idea what to say. I looked over to this wise person and gasped "Did you hear that? She just asked me where I lived!" "Ahh," was the reply as they turned towards my questioner "she lives in the Lord's hands." Then turning back to me, said "There's no better place to be".
~Robin <><
Since Hurricane Katrina, our home has been various places. I am strange in that "home" is not a particular town or house for me. When I think "home", I think of the whole South. I think of laughter and of tears, I think of friends coming to visit and a place where family is reunited. In a sense, I have always been at home. Even when I was away from my house and family last summer for 5 weeks, I felt at home where I was. I suppose as long as you are in the place God wants you, home can be anywhere.
A wise friend stated it best. During the time when we weren't sure where we were going to live, someone asked me "Robin, where do you live?" I opened my mouth to answer, but had no idea what to say. I looked over to this wise person and gasped "Did you hear that? She just asked me where I lived!" "Ahh," was the reply as they turned towards my questioner "she lives in the Lord's hands." Then turning back to me, said "There's no better place to be".
~Robin <><
domenica, aprile 16, 2006
He is Risen!
Death itself has been defeated. His soul was not left in hell, neither did His flesh see corruption (Acts 2:31).
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" 8 Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-8
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" 8 Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-8
sabato, aprile 15, 2006
While His body lay in the grave...
Matthew 27:62 -66
The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." 65 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." 65 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
venerdì, aprile 14, 2006
Good Friday
This post is In honor of Good Friday, a special day to remember something that we should remember every day of our lives. The sacrifice made in our place, the event that tore the vail between God in man: The sacrifice of Christ.
John 19
1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck Him with their hands. 4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him." 5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, "Behold the Man!" 6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him." 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God." 8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, "Where are You from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then Pilate said to Him, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?" 11 Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." 12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar." 13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" 15 But they cried out, "Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!"
16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away. 17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. 21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'He said, "I am the King of the Jews." ' " 22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." Therefore the soldiers did these things. 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" 27 Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken." 37 And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced."
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
John 19
1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck Him with their hands. 4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him." 5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, "Behold the Man!" 6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him." 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God." 8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, "Where are You from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then Pilate said to Him, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?" 11 Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." 12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar." 13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" 15 But they cried out, "Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!"
16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away. 17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. 21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'He said, "I am the King of the Jews." ' " 22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." Therefore the soldiers did these things. 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" 27 Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken." 37 And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced."
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
lunedì, aprile 10, 2006
The Great Fall of Merisha
I had just sat down at the computer when Merisha walked in. I told her that I was going to write a post and she replied "About what, your stupid sister?" I replied no. After all, there is nothing stupid about going running in huge, baggy, ankle length koulots that you've fallen and hurt yourself badly in at least once before...right?
She is hitting me. Oh well.
After a stressful evening last night, Merisha and I slept in a bit this morning. When we woke up, we decided to go for a walk (which we do every morning). We walked down my grandparents driveway and started down the big hill just to the left of their house. I usually ran this part of the way, so I suggested that we do it this time. After all, it's a lot easier to run down a hill than to try to walk it. "You wanna run this part?" I asked. Her taking off was the only reply I needed. I was just slightly ahead when I heard something screeching behind me. I looked to see Merisha rolling like a barrel down the hill and off to the ditch in the side of the road. I screamed and instantly felt responsible for the accident. "Why did I have to suggest running? Now Merisha's hurt and we can't finish our walk!" Then I took a close look at her. Her arm was really torn up and one of her fingers was already huge with swelling. "I think it's broken" she said. Wonderful! A harpist with no left index finger! How can we gig now?
It turns out that it doesn't look broken, and she can move it fine (except for the swelling). Now it is now purple though, which is a tad disturbing, but she thinks that she can still play (just not with that finger).
So now we just have to make long sleeves for her ball gown and it everything should still work out fine. Thankfully, her face wasn't at all injured and the scrapes should be on the road to healing before our next gig.
Never a dull moment!
~Robin <><
She is hitting me. Oh well.
After a stressful evening last night, Merisha and I slept in a bit this morning. When we woke up, we decided to go for a walk (which we do every morning). We walked down my grandparents driveway and started down the big hill just to the left of their house. I usually ran this part of the way, so I suggested that we do it this time. After all, it's a lot easier to run down a hill than to try to walk it. "You wanna run this part?" I asked. Her taking off was the only reply I needed. I was just slightly ahead when I heard something screeching behind me. I looked to see Merisha rolling like a barrel down the hill and off to the ditch in the side of the road. I screamed and instantly felt responsible for the accident. "Why did I have to suggest running? Now Merisha's hurt and we can't finish our walk!" Then I took a close look at her. Her arm was really torn up and one of her fingers was already huge with swelling. "I think it's broken" she said. Wonderful! A harpist with no left index finger! How can we gig now?
It turns out that it doesn't look broken, and she can move it fine (except for the swelling). Now it is now purple though, which is a tad disturbing, but she thinks that she can still play (just not with that finger).
So now we just have to make long sleeves for her ball gown and it everything should still work out fine. Thankfully, her face wasn't at all injured and the scrapes should be on the road to healing before our next gig.
Never a dull moment!
~Robin <><
sabato, aprile 08, 2006
Our First Natchez Gig
Well, yesterday we got a call from our friend at the Convention Center asking if we could play a gig that night since we'd already be in Natchez for an interview and CD recording. It was rather last minute, but we told her that we'd do it and it became our first Natchez gig. It was for some sort of RV rally or something...I'm still not quite sure what it was. A lot of older people with tons of money and motor homes all met near Natchez for a get together of some kind and they wanted some entertainment that represented the historic culture of the city. Of course, this means that we were in our Southern Belle ball gowns which is always a hit. It was fun, and all of the people were very kind.
Anyway, we're going to help some friends move today, so I must be running along...
~Robin <><
Anyway, we're going to help some friends move today, so I must be running along...
~Robin <><
martedì, aprile 04, 2006
Blogging on the Road: Update 3
Yes, it is definitely time for a new update!
After searching the world over (or so it seemed sometimes) for the perfect place, we have finally found it.
That's right, a decision has been made.
For those of you who have never heard of Natchez, Mississippi, you are really missing out. A quaint town with dozens of Plantations and Antebellum homes, and with some of the kindest, most sincere people I've ever met, it will soon be the place that we call "home".
Now, I must say that at first I had not even the slightest interest in Natchez for only one reason: It is in Mississippi. I don't know about you, but when I think of Mississippi, I think of hicks traipsing through a hole in the wall grocery store with no shoes on (and yes, I saw one of those in another Mississippi town today). The stigma that Mississippi holds for me is deeply engraved in my brain. But after one afternoon in Natchez, I felt like I was stepping back in time to the old south. We will be renting a small (but not too small!) house which was built in the late 1800s and will be playing our harp and flute duet at various events in the historic town.
It has been exciting to see how God has provided us with opportunities to use the musical talents that He has given us and that we have invested so much time, energy and money into.Since Natchez has become a destination wedding spot (if you see these exquisite houses, you'll understand why), and there is not a harpist in town, the owners of these wedding spots are confident that we will be able to secure as many gigs as we can take.
This will provide us with an opportunity to work together (Merisha and I on instruments and Mom managing us), which is our hearts desire. Since the pay is very good, this will also provide us with an opportunity to be at home much more than we first anticipated. Doing just four regular gigs a week (1-2 hours each) will provide well for us, and that's not counting the weddings and other extra events (which we already have found a demand for....we have 14 gigs booked already!!). So we can work outside of the home for 4-16 hours per week (plus optional weekend gigs) and have the rest of that time to work on our homemaking skills!As you can see, I am very excited to see how God has provided for us and taken care of us! We thought that we'd have to work outside of the home for 20-40 hours a week, but He has graciously given us another way.
You want to know something else funny? We unknowingly made a very good connection at the Convention Center. She has booked us to be on two local TV programs, in the newspaper and has scheduled professional photo shoots for us on the grounds of these historic homes and halls. It turns out that the city wants to use us in their publicity. This will be good for us (free publicity for our duet) and good for them (they will be able to use the same photos for their advertisements). It's all so exciting!
So anyway, I must go practice my flute for a bit before bed!
~Robin <><
After searching the world over (or so it seemed sometimes) for the perfect place, we have finally found it.
That's right, a decision has been made.
For those of you who have never heard of Natchez, Mississippi, you are really missing out. A quaint town with dozens of Plantations and Antebellum homes, and with some of the kindest, most sincere people I've ever met, it will soon be the place that we call "home".
Now, I must say that at first I had not even the slightest interest in Natchez for only one reason: It is in Mississippi. I don't know about you, but when I think of Mississippi, I think of hicks traipsing through a hole in the wall grocery store with no shoes on (and yes, I saw one of those in another Mississippi town today). The stigma that Mississippi holds for me is deeply engraved in my brain. But after one afternoon in Natchez, I felt like I was stepping back in time to the old south. We will be renting a small (but not too small!) house which was built in the late 1800s and will be playing our harp and flute duet at various events in the historic town.
It has been exciting to see how God has provided us with opportunities to use the musical talents that He has given us and that we have invested so much time, energy and money into.Since Natchez has become a destination wedding spot (if you see these exquisite houses, you'll understand why), and there is not a harpist in town, the owners of these wedding spots are confident that we will be able to secure as many gigs as we can take.
This will provide us with an opportunity to work together (Merisha and I on instruments and Mom managing us), which is our hearts desire. Since the pay is very good, this will also provide us with an opportunity to be at home much more than we first anticipated. Doing just four regular gigs a week (1-2 hours each) will provide well for us, and that's not counting the weddings and other extra events (which we already have found a demand for....we have 14 gigs booked already!!). So we can work outside of the home for 4-16 hours per week (plus optional weekend gigs) and have the rest of that time to work on our homemaking skills!As you can see, I am very excited to see how God has provided for us and taken care of us! We thought that we'd have to work outside of the home for 20-40 hours a week, but He has graciously given us another way.
You want to know something else funny? We unknowingly made a very good connection at the Convention Center. She has booked us to be on two local TV programs, in the newspaper and has scheduled professional photo shoots for us on the grounds of these historic homes and halls. It turns out that the city wants to use us in their publicity. This will be good for us (free publicity for our duet) and good for them (they will be able to use the same photos for their advertisements). It's all so exciting!
So anyway, I must go practice my flute for a bit before bed!
~Robin <><
giovedì, marzo 23, 2006
Blogging on the Road: Update 2
A quick update to let people know what's the latest scoop.
Several weeks later than first anticipated, we are now in Mississippi with my grandparents.
My grandfather's birthday was made wonderful by the addition of all of his children and all but three of his grandchildren. It was quite a surprise for him!
Unfortunately, the day after his birthday, while all of the family were still in, I came down sick with some sort of sinus infection. Not fun. The sore throat and congestion were livable, but when I woke up one morning with my eyes red and glazed, I knew something had to give. After several days of walking around looking as if I've been crying my eyes out, I was no better. So yesterday we went south to see my loved and trusted doctor from New Orleans. As expected, I was given anti-biotics and a couple of other things to clear everything up. By last night, I was feeling much better.
When we got back to Mississippi, I was on the sofa relishing how I could lay down and still actually breathe when I felt something pop in my eye. "Does this never end?" Sure enough, a blood vessel had popped in my right eye. Wonderful, just wonderful. No my eye has a huge (well, it seems huge to me), rather frightening and quite unattractive blood spot on it. I'm assured that it will eventually clear up on it's own but I (being ever so patient) am having a hard time finding this as comfort.
So here I am, perfectly useless (anti-biotics always knock the life out of me) with not much to do but think of my woes and ponder the sins of vanity and pride.
We had an insightful meeting with Angie Matherne from Destrehan Plantation yesterday and she had many wonderful ideas for us. I'll keep you posted as things start happening.
~Robin <><
Several weeks later than first anticipated, we are now in Mississippi with my grandparents.
My grandfather's birthday was made wonderful by the addition of all of his children and all but three of his grandchildren. It was quite a surprise for him!
Unfortunately, the day after his birthday, while all of the family were still in, I came down sick with some sort of sinus infection. Not fun. The sore throat and congestion were livable, but when I woke up one morning with my eyes red and glazed, I knew something had to give. After several days of walking around looking as if I've been crying my eyes out, I was no better. So yesterday we went south to see my loved and trusted doctor from New Orleans. As expected, I was given anti-biotics and a couple of other things to clear everything up. By last night, I was feeling much better.
When we got back to Mississippi, I was on the sofa relishing how I could lay down and still actually breathe when I felt something pop in my eye. "Does this never end?" Sure enough, a blood vessel had popped in my right eye. Wonderful, just wonderful. No my eye has a huge (well, it seems huge to me), rather frightening and quite unattractive blood spot on it. I'm assured that it will eventually clear up on it's own but I (being ever so patient) am having a hard time finding this as comfort.
So here I am, perfectly useless (anti-biotics always knock the life out of me) with not much to do but think of my woes and ponder the sins of vanity and pride.
We had an insightful meeting with Angie Matherne from Destrehan Plantation yesterday and she had many wonderful ideas for us. I'll keep you posted as things start happening.
~Robin <><
sabato, marzo 11, 2006
Blogging on the Road: Update 1
Hello everyone! After a three day visit to our Aunt and Uncle in San Antonio (who we've been intending to go see since we moved to Texas), we came to Tyler. We got in yesterday and will continue to do some looking around for the next few days. We already have some leads that we're looking into, which is encouraging.
Next week we'll treck off to Mississippi for my grandfather's 70th birthday celebration. Our family will again be reunited, which is always a blessing. How fun to see all of my cousins and aunts and uncles again!
~Robin <><
Next week we'll treck off to Mississippi for my grandfather's 70th birthday celebration. Our family will again be reunited, which is always a blessing. How fun to see all of my cousins and aunts and uncles again!
~Robin <><
lunedì, marzo 06, 2006
Hitting the Trails
We have a very busy couple of weeks ahead of us!
If you don't hear from me for a while, you'll know that it's because I'm scampering about the country visiting family and friends and checking out what opportunities we might have in different places.
As I have the access and free time, I'll update everyone on where we are and what we're doing.
Ciao!
~Robin <><
If you don't hear from me for a while, you'll know that it's because I'm scampering about the country visiting family and friends and checking out what opportunities we might have in different places.
As I have the access and free time, I'll update everyone on where we are and what we're doing.
Ciao!
~Robin <><
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