T*U*L*I*P

• "Total depravity": This doctrine, also called "total inability", asserts that as a consequence of the fall of man into sin, every person born into the world is enslaved to the service of sin. People are not by nature inclined to love God with their whole heart, mind, or strength, but rather all are inclined to serve their own interests over those of their neighbor and to reject the rule of God. Thus, all people by their own faculties are morally unable to choose to follow God and be saved because they are unwilling to do so out of the necessity of their own natures. (The term "total" in this context refers to sin affecting every part of a person, not that every person is as evil as possible.)This doctrine is derived from Augustine's explanation of Original Sin.
• "Unconditional election": This doctrine asserts that God has chosen from eternity those whom he will bring to himself not based on foreseen virtue, merit, or faith in those people; rather, it is unconditionally grounded in God's mercy alone. GT)U)od has chosen from eternity to extend mercy to those He has chosen and to withhold mercy from those not chosen. Those chosen receive salvation through Christ alone. Those not chosen receive the just wrath that is warranted for their sins against God
• "Limited atonement": Also called "particular redemption" or "definite atonement", this doctrine asserts that Jesus's substitutionary atonement was definite and certain in its purpose and in what it accomplished. This implies that only the sins of the elect were atoned for by Jesus's death. Calvinists do not believe, however, that the atonement is limited in its value or power, but rather that the atonement is limited in the sense that it is designed for some and not all. Hence, Calvinists hold that the atonement is sufficient for all and efficient for the elect. The doctrine is driven by the Calvinistic concept of the sovereignty of God in salvation and their understanding of the nature of the atonement.
• "Irresistible grace": This doctrine, also called "efficacious grace", asserts that the saving grace of God is effectually applied to those whom he has determined to save (that is, the elect) and, in God's timing, overcomes their resistance to obeying the call of the gospel, bringing them to a saving faith. This means that when God sovereignly purposes to save someone, that individual certainly will be saved. The doctrine holds that this purposeful influence of God's Holy Spirit cannot be resisted, but that the Holy Spirit, "graciously causes the elect sinner to cooperate, to believe, to repent, to come freely and willingly to Christ."
• "Perseverance of the saints": Perseverance (or preservation) of the saints (the word "saints" is used to refer to all who are set apart by God, and not of those who are exceptionally holy, canonized, or in heaven). The doctrine asserts that since God is sovereign and his will cannot be frustrated by humans or anything else, those whom God has called into communion with himself will continue in faith until the end. Those who apparently fall away either never had true faith to begin with or will return.

Kristina's Graduation June 9, 2012

It's hard to believe that our *BABY*, Kristina, has now graduated from high-school. It seems like only yesterday, Michael and I were bringing our sweet baby girl home from the hospital. Now, in just 4 short days, she will be 18 years old!! Where did the time go? 


As I sit here and stroll down memory lane, I can't help but praise God for the sweet, tenderhearted, giving, young lady He has blessed us with. Kristina, you have brought so much joy and laughter to our hearts and home. We have loved every phase of your life. From a roly-poly chubby baby, to a shy little toddler, to a beautiful young woman who loves the Lord. Your laughter and your singing brings so much joy to everyone around you. 


We look forward to the wonderful plans that God has in store for you. We love you!!!

The Lost Doctrine

Are you saved?

Psalm 18:30

Sometimes we just want God to wave His hand and work. But with our hearts postured properly before God, as we yield to His ways and not our own, He can choose to bring life and healing and restoration. His ways are not our ways. His ways are perfect. "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless." Psalm 18:30

Integrity

It's easy to do what's right when everyone is watching. 

God wants us to do what's right when no one is watching!!

Great Quote!

“You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have.” ― Corrie Ten Boom

Little Signs & Quotes

Random Pictures

I have some pictures I haven't downloaded until now. Enjoy.......

Chet & Kelli's pregnancy photo shoot

Chet & Kelli's new home

Kaitlyn at Runnings...dreaming again about owning a Gator!

 Kristina & Kaitlyn at Olive Garden for lunch

 Kristina with her favorite coffee drink

Kaitlyn writing to Leighton. See the BIG smile?

The Beauty of Courtship

As I consider the lessons God has taught me over the years, I wonder when I’ll learn that I have so much left to learn! The journey each Christian takes has many ups and downs—many twists and turns; and, often, we begin to think we understand the way, without knowing what lies ahead. It’s an exciting journey and we should learn to look forward to the exercise of faith that is part of the Christian walk.


The Bible may be our living GPS system, and the path God has us on doesn’t change; still, the landscape, the surroundings, and the people on the road with us do change. Therefore, we need to learn to walk by faith, being flexible enough to understand how to apply that unchanging road map to real, moving, organic life.


Over the last ten years, our convictions regarding courtship, marriage, and family have changed drastically and has continued to shape and fine tune the way those convictions are worked out in our own family, we have realized with increasing clarity how each family and each child within the family is amazingly unique. Therefore, so many things are fluid.


Amidst the growing pains, we have been humbled as God has reminded us of His amazing providence and power. No, we are not in control; God is. He knows what is best for us—and He will be glorified by it!
The definitions of betrothal vary drastically— even to the point of some folks meaning an “arranged marriage” when they use the term. We believe the word betroth is a valid and strong word, even if it needs a clarifier. One online dictionary defines it this way:


“A mutual promise, engagement, or contract for a future marriage between the persons betrothed…”[Middle English bitrouthen : bi-, be- + trouth, troth (from Old English treowth]


“To promise by one’s truth.” In other words, to give one’s word.


To me, the term *engagement*, communicates a date on the calendar. The focus is the wedding, rather than the marriage. While there is nothing wrong with using the term engagement, you may also hear us use the term betrothal because of its focus on the promise of marriage—the anticipation of the two becoming one.


And while a betrothal is a promise, we also acknowledge that two parties are involved, and some things are beyond our control. Therefore, things don’t always work out the way we hope or intend. While a betrothal is in a sense a promise, it is not a marriage—the two have not yet become one. If there is some significant reason the two should not marry, there needn’t be a divorce; because, in our country, they are not married—they are not legally bound to one another. Again, some things are beyond our control; but, they are not beyond God’s power. We trust Him.

Courtship is another word that is difficult to define. I think if we define courtship as a “semi-engagement” then we may be asking for trouble. I do wish there was a better word than “courtship,” as this means so many different things to so many different people. But courtship, as our family defines it, would best be described as the “deliberate pursuit of marriage.” Motive matters. It doesn’t mean that it will always end in marriage, but marriage needs to be the goal, not perpetual romance. When young people guard their hearts, they’re using discretion, and this is a great protection, as well as a biblical trait for any Christian.

We hope you understand that while we believe that the way we define courtship and betrothal is a good way, based on Scripture, for unmarried couples to honor and enter marriage in purity, it is not the only way it can be properly worked out. Therefore, we humbly submit to you our thoughts, asking that you compare all we say to the Word of God, remembering that there are no formulas:


The Bible gives us many prescripts, but not as many processes. God’s Word presents a number of concepts on how men and women are to relate to one another, as well as how they might prepare themselves for marriage; but it is certainly not a cookbook. While I don’t see a “biblical formula,” I do see biblical principles that will help our children move toward marriage in purity.


So, the way our family chooses to live out these precepts is just that – our choice. It is our application of the biblical precepts found in Scripture. This is not a new law for you. You may choose a very different path with your family and your children – and that is fine with me. I do not see a “one-size-fits-all” model in Scripture for courtship. Each family’s version will look different – and it may even look different from child to child. It has in our family!


In our family betrothal is a promise between a man and a woman to marry. The concepts of courtship and betrothal may seem foreign to some—archaic, and constricting. In a culture where marriage is redefined to include perverted homosexual unions, where recreational dating and “hooking up” is the norm, and where couples divorce because they “fell out of love,” courtship and betrothal may seem old-fashioned and strange.


Against the postmodern mind stands the authoritative Word of God. As a Christian family, we strive to make sure that the way we live and think is directed by the Words of Scripture. Of course, we often fall woefully short, but God is gracious to help us learn from the mistakes and sins of the past – to live more faithfully today. And, Lord willing, our children will learn to live even closer to the mark than we have.
Most of us did not understand courtship when we were young. Perhaps, like me, you had never even heard of it. We grew up in a world where dating numerous different people, sometimes at the same time, was part of growing up. “Going steady” a few times, and “breaking up” a few times, were expected rituals.


As Christian parents, we wanted something more for our children. Therefore, we began to pray, research, and listen to testimonies of faithful Christian parents who we knew were traveling a different path with their children than the mainstream dating crowd.


Courtship
In our home, courtship is a structured period where a young man and a young woman learn about one another within the natural setting of family and fellowship—in the midst of children, normal laughter, conversation, and even conflict (and how it’s resolved).


One-on-one relationships are notorious for the “rose colored glasses” syndrome. A family offers background, conversation—and protection. Not that courtship is a fool-proof method of “discovery” about the other party, but it is certainly more accurate than the dating culture of modern America.


During the courtship period, the young man must decide if he in fact can love this woman as Christ loves the church. Can his heart safely trust her? Is she indeed a virtuous woman whose worth is far above rubies? Will she make a good helper to him and a good mother to his children?


And the young lady must decide if she in fact can respect and submit to this man as unto the Lord. Will he be a faithful provider, protector, lover, and father to her children? Is he a wise or foolish man? What of his character?


Are they theologically aligned? Are they likeminded in areas of importance? Are they in agreement on major life issues? Courtship is not a time of fluttery romance and unrestrained emotion. That time will come soon enough.


We encourage each party to remember that the other may in fact be someone else’s (future) husband or wife. Part of learning to love the other is to spur one another on to good works and self-control – faithfulness to the Lord. During this time, the couple prays for the Lord’s will and the emotions are held in reserve as much as possible.


Obviously, as the courtship progresses, the affection and friendship between the two will surely grow as a sign of a healthy relationship, but the true romance has not yet begun; therefore emotions should be guarded. It is still a time of “discovery,” and both parties should pay close attention to the character of the other, as it is revealed in daily life.


How does the young lady react when her father asks her to do something inconvenient? What is her response to disappointment? Is she helpful? Does she have a modest demeanor? Is she flirtatious?
How does the young man respond to his mother? Are there signs of an anger problem? Is he too forward? What is his reaction to noisy siblings? Is he a hard worker?


Betrothal
As time goes by, and as relationships grow, the character of each is likely to be revealed. And, should the young man decide that she is “the one” God has for him; he approaches the young lady’s father, asking for her hand in marriage. If Dad feels the match is a good one, he gives his permission to the young man to “win her heart.” The young man is then free to propose to the young lady, and the decision is up to her.


If the young lady has also come to believe that she can love and honor the young man as the church should Christ, she accepts his offer of marriage and offers her heart in return. And thus the betrothal begins—a time when they develop a mature and holy love for one another. Romance blossoms. They grow together emotionally and hearts are bound together.


Yet still, it’s a time of physical restraint as they look ahead to that coming day of matrimony. That first touch of affection—that powerful moment is saved for the glorious day God has ordained for them—the day they begin their life together as husband and wife.


Again, this is our attempt to apply the precepts of the Word of God to courtship and marriage. We willingly offer our understanding of Scripture and share our lives with you as a testimony of God’s grace in our lives, not as a “rule” or “burden” for anyone to follow.


We watched recently watched a DVD called To Be One, by Peter Telian, a young man who put together a documentary detailing three distinctly different courtship stories from beginning to end. Each family had obvious theological differences, as well as significantly different lifestyles. Their goals for their children were similar, and the young couples were equally committed; yet, each family was very unique in its approach to preparing for marriage.


We found ourselves agreeing with various things each couple/family shared, which just goes to show you that no two families are the same—and we can learn from one another whether or not we agree. I learned a lot from each of the testimonies, and found the perspectives of both parents and children before and after marriage to be helpful. 

I'm back from hibernation........

I'm sorry I haven't been very faithful in posting on here. So much has happened since I posted last. Some good, and some not good. 


On March 26th, my dear sweet Momma passed away. She struggled and suffered so long. While I'm happy that she is finally at peace and pain free, I miss her terribly. For several weeks after she left us, I would go to the phone to call her to see how she was, only to realize, I could never talk to her again :o( It's been a hard time but I have the assurance she is safe in the arms of Jesus.


In April, we had a beautiful litter of seven yellow Labrador puppies. They are so sweet and so much fun. We are praying that the remaining three will find forever homes.


May brought more good news. Our oldest daughter and son-in-law bought their first home. It's a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom split level. They are having fun setting up their son's room and preparing for his birth the end of June. 


June has brought some really special news. A wonderful, godly young man has asked to court Kaitlyn. He is a farmer/rancher in Nevada. They have been spending a lot of time on skype and the phone talking and getting to know each other. Michael and I are in awe of God's goodness. Leighton  seems to be everything in a suitor we have prayed for Kaitlyn. Our whole family is flying out to Nevada to meet their family. Needless to say, both families are very excited!! 


This month also brings the end to my homeschooling career :o) Kristina has graduated and we will be celebrating that milestone this weekend. We're having her party at the lake so we are praying for good weather. We are so proud of her. 


Well, that's my update. God is good. We love serving Him and watching Him do mighty things in and though our family!


Soli Deo Gloria!!