“Fruits of Solitude”

“So likewise ye, when ye shal haue done all those things which are commanded you, say, Wee are vnprofitable seruants: Wee haue done that which was our duety to doe.”
(KJV-1611)

“We are all sensible what a stately Seat it is:
The Heavens adorned with so many glorious Luminaries;
and the Earth with Groves, Plains, Valleys, Hills, Fountains, Ponds, Lakes and Rivers;
and Variety of Fruits, and Creatures for Food, Pleasure and Profit.
In short, how Noble an House He keeps, and the Plenty and Variety and
Excellency of His Table; His Orders, Seasons and Suitableness of every Time and Thing.
But we must be as sensible, or at least ought to be,
what Careless and Idle Servants we are,
and how short and disproportionable our Behavior is to His Bounty and Goodness:
How long He bears, and often He reprieves and forgives us:
Who, notwithstanding our Breach of Promises, and repeated Neglects,
has not yet been provok’d to break up House, and send us to shift for our selves.
Should not this great Goodness raise a due Sense in us of our Undutifulness,
and a Resolution to alter our Course and mend our Manners;
that we may be for the future more worthy Communicants
at our Master’s good and great Table?
Especially since it is not more certain that we deserve
His Displeasure than that we should feel it,
if we continue to be unprofitable Servants. “
William Penn. (1644–1718). Fruits of Solitude.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. Part I Religion, #485

Something to look forward to? The new “45″ - ahhh, interesting….I actually heard “60″ is the new “40″

“Many of the millions of Americans born between 1946 and 1964 are taking Bloom’s advice to heart. Experts say the post-World War II generation is changing the very definition of “old” age. For many, 60 is the not only the new 50 — it’s the new 45″ . . .
http://health.yahoo.com/news/166007

Our God is a refuge…

Pray for RW sisters, friends, family and folks in Florida and on the East Coast that are in the path of Ernesto:

http://www.weather.com/multimedia/videoplayer.html?clip=1073&collection=topstory&from=wxcenter_video

Jer 51:16 When He utters His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and He causes the mists to ascend from the ends of the earth. He makes lightnings with rain and brings forth the wind out of His treasures.

Isa 25:4 For You are a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the fearful ones is like a storm against the wall.

Isa 4:6 And there shall be a booth for a shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge, and for a hiding place from storm and rain.

Psa 107:29 He makes the storm a calm, so that its waves are still.

Answered Prayer for Fox News Journalists

Thanks be to God for answered prayer for Steve and Olaf’s safe return:

Two FOX News journalists were released by their kidnappers Sunday, nearly two weeks after they were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,210645,00.html

Contentment…Blessed Contentment…

At ReformedWomen we periodically discuss “contentment” in the lives of believers and have studied the subject several times in our book studies. I was reminded of Thomas Watson’s book, “The Art of Divine Contentment” again yesterday and thought I would share an excerpt on Philippians 4:13 that was posted at DH’s site:

“Shewing the Nature of Contentment” by Thomas Watson
——————————————————————————–
“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”Philippians 4:13

1. Contentment is a divine thing; it becomes ours, not by acquisition, but infusion; it is a slip taken off from the tree of life, and planted by the Spirit of God in the soul; it is a fruit that grows not in the garden of philosophy, but is of an heavenly birth; it is therefore very observable that contentment is joined with godliness, and goes in equipage; “godliness with contentment is great gain.”1 Tim. 6. 6 Contentment being a consequent of godliness, or concomitant, or both, I call it divine, to contradistinguish it to that of contentment, which a moral man may arrive at. Heathens have seemed to have this contentment, but it was only the shadow and picture of it; — the beryl, not the true diamond: theirs was but civil, this is sacred; theirs was only from principles of reason, this of religion; theirs was only lighted at nature’s torch, this at the lamp of scripture. Reason may a little teach contentment, as thus: whatever my condition be, thi is that I am born to; and if I meet with crosses, it is but catholic misery: all have their share, why therefore should I be troubled? Reason may suggest this; and indeed, this may be rather constraint; but to live securely and cheerfully upon God in the abatement of creature supplies, only religion can bring this into the soul’s exchequer.

2. Contentment is an intrinsical thing; it lies within a man; not in the bark, but the root. Contentment hath both its fountain and stream in the soul. The beam hath not its light from the air; the beams of comfort which a contented man hath, do not arise from foreign comforts, but from within. As sorrow is seated in the spirit; “the heart knoweth its own bitterness: “Pr. 14. 10 so contentment lies within the soul, and doth not depend upon externals. Hence I gather, that outward troubles cannot hinder this blessed contentment: it is a spiritual thing, and ariseth from spiritual grounds; the apprehension of God’s love. When there is a tempest without, there may be music within; a bee may sting through the skin, but it cannot sting to the heart; outward afflictions cannot sting to a Christian’s heart, where contentment lies. Thieves may plunder us of our money and plate, but not of this pearl of contentment, unless we are willing to part with it, for it is locked up in the cabinet of the heart; the soul which is possessed of this rich treasure of contentment, is like Noah in the ark, that can sing in the midst of a deluge.

3. Contentment is an habitual thing, it shines with a fixed light in the firmament of the soul. Contentment doth not appear only now and then, as some stars which are seen but seldom; it is a settled temper of the heart. One action doth not denominate; he is not said to be a liberal man, that gives alms once in his life; a covetous man may do so: but he is said to be liberal, that is, “given to hospitality,” that is, who upon all occasions is willing to relieve the necessities of the poor: so he is said to be a contented man that is given to contentment. It is not casual but constant. Aristotle, in his rhetoric, distinguisheth between colours in the face that arise from passion, and those which arise from complexion; the pale face may look red when it blusheth, but this is only a passion; he is said properly to be ruddy and sanguine, who is constantly so, it is his complexion. He is not a contented man, who is so upon occasion, and perhaps when he is pleased: but who is so constantly, it is the habit and complexion in his soul.

______________
CHAPTER VI, “The Art of Divine Contentment”
An Exposition of Philippians 4. 11 Thanks to “The Breastplate” at SwordandShield for this selection.

Our Great High Priest

For we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15, 16

Following is one of my favorite poems by my husband, Nathan Pitchford.

Our Great High Priest

Emboldened by my priest, I come
Before the throne of grace,
And there find mercy to press home
Through toil-laden days.

Though every step I seem to fall,
I know I cannot fail:
My great Forerunner, once for all,
Has entered now the veil!

This road each weary step he trod,
That I, a worm of earth,
Might stand before a holy God,
Dressed only in his worth;

Thus I (poor, vile son of earth)
So confident may be,
For God sees now my Savior’s worth,
And smiles, and welcomes me!

So doubly sure of grace am I,
That have two things of God,
Who will not fail and cannot lie –
His promise and his blood!

“You Fascinate Me” … a light moment with the Gecko

There is “just something about this guy” that fascinates me. Is this not the best marketing and commercial ads you have seen in many a year? He’s cute and I like him. In fact, I would like to have him sitting here on my desk for some advice on weighty matters. What do you think?

If you want a diversion from all of the chaos, take a trip over to the Geico site and play a little “Gecko baseball” or download calendars/screensavers, watch his videos, blog, etc. http://www.geico.com/fun/

Enjoy mate! Now I am off for a “spot of tea” — green tea, that is!

“WHAT DO CHRISTIAN WOMEN REALLY WANT?”

 

Title: “WHAT DO CHRISTIAN WOMEN REALLY WANT?”Author: Joany, JoyPals.com-ReformedWomen
——————————————————————————–“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me.” Song of Solomon 7:10

A Mel Gibson movie entitled “What Women Really Want” tells the story of a self-seeking playboy who thinks he knows what women want until an electrical accident empowers him to hear in a supernatural way what women really want and what they think. This is a life-changing, heart-changing experience for him and what he thought he wanted was just a cover-up for what he really wanted in his heart, the love of a woman in a real relationship and someone to share his life with.

Today, women run to and fro seeking relationships or things or looking for that someone or something that will satisfy their life. Many “think” they know what they want and sometimes when they “get” what they want, they find it is not what they wanted after all. Many times it ends in heartbreak for them and others. A personal peak into their hearts would reveal that deep down inside there is a God-given desire for those things that God plants within each one of His creatures — a desire to be loved with Christ-like love. They may deny it, try everything else but it, but God has created us to love and be loved and there is nothing that can change that.

As Christian women, we do not need to be struck by lightning or have an accident to understand what we want. Our God has given us this knowledge in our hearts and minds, and He has given us His Word to instruct us how to live as women who really know what we want.

First and foremost, Christian women want to be loved. They want to be loved sacrificially, honestly, completely and unconditionally. They want to be loved with the Christ-like love described in Ephesians 5:26-28:

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”

Secondly, they want to be nurtured, led with strength, and patiently guided. They want their husbands to be their Boaz, that near-kinsman, who they love, trust and whom they can rely on. They want him to be that “man of the Book” that God intends him to be; that Scriptural example of “priest” of the home, “administrator” of the family, teacher of good things, their spiritual leader, their “protector” and “stronghold” in the battle of life.

Thirdly, they want a gentle hand, an understanding heart, a listening ear, forgiveness when they fail, a kindness and thankfulness of spirit and a soft rebuke when they have strayed from God’s path. They want that gentle, loving leader that God has called their husbands to be — one that “guides” them well and who helps and empowers them in their calling to be that submitted godly wife who brings glory to God and “praise at the gates.”

Fourthly, they want an attentive lover. One that displays his love in intimacy - a special look, a sought-after hand, a gentle touch, a quiet shared moment, a giving and pleasing spirit. They want that “oneness” of closeness as pictured so beautifully in Genesis 2:24 “and they shall be one flesh” and the loving relationship between man and woman so awesomely displayed in the Song of Songs.

Lastly, and most importantly, they want a Christ-centered praying man. One that loves Christ more than life itself and whose life reflects a heart filled with the joy of his salvation and a desire to serve Christ with his whole being. They know if he is this Christ-centered man, his heart will desire all of the things “wanted” above because they are the things that God has prescribed in His Word for man and woman in the marriage relationship.

So now this begs the question, “what do men really want”?

As we examine the things that women want, we see that many of these things our husbands desire as well. They want to be loved, they want kindness, gentleness, a quiet shared moment, a “one-flesh” relationship, a giving and pleasing intimacy, an understanding heart, a listening ear, a submissive and thankful spirit, and a praying wife who loves Christ with all her heart, mind and soul.

At the end of this movie, the man and woman found that love was the most important relationship and that their wants and desires were the same. We, as Christian women, want what God wants, and we find that those things that women and men really want in their heart of hearts are the same. It is derived from God’s Word — a “loving” gift planted in our hearts by God Himself. He has given this to us as a picture of His relationship with us, His Bride, so that we can live a life of loving obedience in the beauty of biblical love in our relationship one with another.

So now I ask the question of you: Is this what you as a Christian woman, really want? I think so and if you find you are doubtful look into God’s Word and He will surely direct your path to “want” what “He” wants and “His want” will most assuredly become “yours.”

“Thou that dwellest in the gardens, thy companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.” Song of Solomon 8:13

* * *
This article was originally published in 2002.
JoyPals.com-ReformedWomen
Editor & Publisher,
“Heavenly Notes 2006”

“Psalms of David” by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge

A must hear and buy album! I love them and especially this recording.

Visit Amazon’s link below to hear clips and read more about them.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000009OQF/sr=8-3/qid=1156115959/ref=sr_1_3/002-7014186-7365644?ie=UTF8

Must See, Must Read from GOP

Friday, August 18, 2006Dems Rejoice: Ruling Weakens Terrorist Surveillance Program
Third Parties Question Judge’s Ruling And Dem Motives
________________________________________
Liberal Appointed Federal Judge Rules NSA Surveillance Unconstitutional:
“U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor In Detroit Became The First Judge To Strike Down The National Security Agency’s Program, Which She Says Violates The Rights To Free Speech And Privacy …” (Sarah Karush, “Federal Judge Rules Surveillance Program Unconstitutional,” The Associated Press, 8/17/06)

http://www.gop.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=6500

Friday, August 18, 2006RNC Releases New Web Ad Entitled “A Safer America”Contact: Tracey Schmitt(202) 863-8614
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today released a web ad entitled “A Safer America,” which highlights statements by key Democrats on important issues related to the War on Terror. The ad will be sent via email to millions of supporters, grassroots activists, and all GOP state parties. The web video is available for viewing now at www.gop.com.
http://www.gop.com/Multimedia/Podcasting.aspx
http://www.gop.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=6499