King of glory & grace

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
No tongue can bid me thence depart.


When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
To look on Him and pardon me.


Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased with His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
With Christ my Savior and my God!








"Before The Throne Of God Above"
music by Vikki Cook , lyrics by Charitie Less Bancroft

Sidewalk Hieroglyphics

by Ben

O Praise Him!

As I looked,
thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.

A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
- Daniel 7:9-10,13-14

A Wedding

Today was a big day.
A wonderful day, full of joy, and yet bittersweet.
Eric married my neighbor Deann.

Her mom, Eric's parents, two other very dedicated and loving relatives and I, decorated the hall and yard this morning. We arrived at 7 am, and were finished by 10:30 (no, we weren't experienced, just frantic).

Gayle (the bride's mom) was a little stressed, but enjoying every minute. Gayle loves stress, thrives on it. Deann, on the other hand, does not! But it was okay. She made it until 5:30, when her dad walked his daughter down the aisle and gave her away.

The afternoon was hot, but it made the bride and groom even more radiant. The officiating minister challenged Eric and Deann to put Christ at the center of their marriage. He challenged them to love sacrificially, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her. They promised to be true to each other until death. God, grant that this may be so! May God bless them with a knowledge of His love, His love for them and for each other.


"A man should leave his father and mother, and be forever united to his wife. The two shall become one - no longer two, but one! And no man may divorce what God has joined together."
- Matthew 19:5-6 (Living Translation)

3 more weeks ...

After today, I will only come to school 5 more times. Just five more. And then summer, company, "free time", working at camp, and then ......... school again. Then Christmas, and before we know it the year is over.
This school day is nearly over ............. just one class left. It is the hardest class, but at least there wasn't any homework assigned for tonight!

I gave my speech this morning ........... and it went well! Some of the people seemed to be persuaded, especially Marshall (the guy who likes my "soft, sweet voice"). The class thinks I should be a teacher (?). Hmm.

I talked to mom a few hours ago, and she told me that our neighbor needed a bit of help. So, after confirming that, yes, I was willing to be volunteered, my schedule for tomorrow is full! I will be helping to set up for a wedding. The neighbor lady (a little stressed at the time) said that if I helped her, she would help Mom when it was Mom's turn to be in her (neighbor lady's) shoes (i.e. mother of the bride). The best part is, even if she forgets what she said today, she will offer when the time comes!
Good neighbors are such a blessing.

Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home!

P4250026, originally uploaded by Lizi Beth.

I took a break from speech writing, and this is what I found.
Lovely.

another final ...

My final for Public Speaking is ............... a speech. Surprise!
It is due tomorrow morning at 9:30, and I need to persuade my audience ......... hmm.
About what?
Hmm.

I think I will tackle consumer awareness.

And my argument will try to: persuade my audience of their need to be more aware of where their money is going and what causes they are supporting (roughly). Specifically pointing out that some of our money (unbeknown to us) is funding China's One Child Policy.

My teacher recommended that we speak on a subject that we have strong opinions about. I have a strong opinion regarding the U.N. and the U.S.A. supporting China's stance on human rights. I think it shouldn't be happening. It disgusts me that my money may be funding a forced abortion.

When I was researching my Sociology paper I found some rather credible articles critiquing the Ford corporation, as well as a few other large companies, and pointing out what some of their money was supporting. Now I just need to find those again .......... and write that speech!

a red, red rose

P4230013i, originally uploaded by Lizi Beth.

like a red, red rose/That's newly sprung in June ...

spring

P4230033ii, originally uploaded by Lizi Beth.

wild roses
bare feet
weather that is not-warm-enough-for-shorts-but-too-warm-for jeans-so-I-wear-capris
grass that is still green, but starting to think about becoming brown again
sitting in the sunshine
enjoying the quiet
and the roses
just being still

"Be
still,
and
know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

-psalm 46:10-11

marriage

P4230039ii, originally uploaded by Lizi Beth.

a happy marriage is a long conversation that always seems too short.
- andre maurois

amazing love

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You are my supply
My breath of life
And still more awesome than I know
You are my reward
worth living for
And still more awesome than I know
...
You're my sacrifice
Of greatest price
And still more awesome than I know
You're the coming King
You are everything
And still more awesome than I know

More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enough for me

- Chris Tomlin, "Enough"



Love that overwhelms, and makes me to stand in awe.
Love that I have dreamed of, and yet surpasses my dreams.
Love that is more.
More than enough.
I will never learn the depths of His love for me; every now and then I may see a glimpse of the vast wonder of it, but I will never be able to fully grasp its totality.
His love is always more.
It will always be more than I can fathom.
I can rest in the security of Him.

Ezekiel 37:3

And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" And I answered, "O Lord GOD, Thou knowest."

Another translation reads, "Lord, You alone know."

Ezekiel did not say a quick "yes" or "no", but "You alone know".
I do not know, but God does.
And that needs to be enough.

I do not know what the future holds, but God does.
It is not for me to know the future, but it is up to me to walk - by faith - into that future, keeping my eyes on Christ, trusting that the One who has kept me "thus far" will keep me still.
I must trust Him, and then act on that trust, even when the outcome seems impossible, even when the matter seems foolish.
For "with God all things are possible"(Matthew 19:26) and "Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14).
Can I trust Him for the possible and the impossible?
When I cannot see, can I trust Him?

For even the young shall grow faint and

weary

and they shall utterly fall.

But those that

wait upon the Lord

will renew their strength.

They shall mount up with wings on eagles.

They shall run and not grow weary,

They shall walk and not grow faint.

- Jeremiah 40:29-31

*sigh*

It is 4:02 am ............ and I just finished my Sociology term paper. All about China's One-Child Policy, and its negative effects on women, Chinese women to be precise.
Procrastination is a terrible thing .................... zzzzzzz Wait! I can't sleep! The caffeine won't let me. Or maybe it will ................... zzzzzzzzzz

Readiness: becoming one with our Lord

"God called unto him ... And he said, 'Here am I.'"
- Exodus 3:4

Readiness for God means that we are ready to do the tiniest little thing or the great big thing, it makes no difference. ... whatever God's program may be we are there, ready. When any duty presents itself we hear God's voice as Our Lord heard His Father's voice, and we are ready for it with all the alertness of our love for Him. Jesus Christ expects to do with us as His Father did with Him. He can put us where He likes, in pleasant duties or in mean duties, because the union is that of the Father and Himself. "That they may be one, even as We are one." ...
The burning bush is a symbol of everything that surrounds the ready soul, it is ablaze with the presence of God.
- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, April 18

It's A Redhead Thing ...

I just found this website, and loved it!
It is called, Realm of Redheads, and seems to carry nothing but merchandise geared exclusively toward the 4% of the population who have been blessed with red hair. It was just amazing.
Seriously, how many T-shirts do you find that were made for people with red hair?

The sayings on the shirts just made me laugh!

Yup, you just wouldn't understand.

My favorite was the one that read: "consider the hair a big WARNING LABEL. Use Extreme Caution."

And another one:I identify with it! The Legendary Spitfire Redhead ...... :-)


I think I know someone who would wear this one with pride!

Quote For Today

Only the man who rises above the mighty influence of his own pride,
who sets the self of his own consciousness behind his back
and sets his eyes on the FATHER
is a free being;
only he breathes the air of the infinite.

~ Paul Faber, Surgeon by George MacDonald,

We have to learn to live in the grey day according to what we saw on the mount.
- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, April 16

Beautiful Love

P4140034 mini rose b&w, originally uploaded by Lizi Beth.

Wonderful, so wonderful
Is your unfailing love
Your cross has spoken mercy over me
No eye has seen no ear has heard
No heart could fully know
How glorious, how beautiful you are.

Beautiful one I love you
Beautiful one I adore
Beautiful one my soul must sing.

Powerful so powerful
Your glory fills the skies
Your mighty works displayed for all to see
The beauty of your majesty
Awakes my heart to see
How marvelous how wonderful you are.

Beautiful one I love you
Beautiful one I adore
Beautiful one my soul must sing.

You opened my eyes to your wonders anew
You captured my heart with this love
Because nothing on Earth is as beautiful as you are.

- Jeremy Camp, Beautiful One

Peace?

Starbucks The Way I See It #206
Peace is more than just the absence of war. People everywhere seek an inner peace that comes from the human rights to voice their views, choose their leaders, feed their families and raise healthy children. -- Jimmy Carter, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, former U.S. president and founder of The Carter Center, which works to advance peace and health worldwide.

"Peace is more than just the absence of war." Okay, I agree so far.
"People everywhere seek an inner peace that comes from the human rights[?] to voice their views, choose their leaders, feed their families and raise healthy children." Oh. Hmm. I don't like to disagree with President Carter, but is that what peace really comes from, human rights?
If he used the word "peace" to mean "freedom from care or worry", then I guess I might be able to see his point. Not agree, per se, but I can see his point. But using the words " inner peace"? Hmm. I am not sure how to take that one, except that:

• "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:26-27

• "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace." - John 16:33

• "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." - Romans 5:1-2

• "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;" - Romans 8:6

So, now the question is, do you have "inner peace", as President Carter termed it? I have come to the conclusion that inner peace only comes after I have agreed with God about my sinful state, confess it to Him, and invite God to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. It is only as I learn to daily live by God's grace and in His Spirit that I have true peace.

Julia had a question today:
"Mom, when are you going to retire?"

Hmm. Do mothers ever retire? I hope not!

Life Eternal - in the here and now

Death hath no more dominion over Him ... in that He liveth, He liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God.
- Romans 6:9-11

"Eternal life is not a gift from God, it is the gift of God. ...
"The life that was in Jesus is made ours by means of His Cross when once we make the decision to be identified with Him. ... Jesus came to give us endless supplies of life: "that ye might be filled with the fullness of God." Eternal Life has nothing to do with Time, it is the life which Jesus lived while He was down here. The only source of Life is the Lord Jesus Christ.
"The weakest saint can experience the power of the Deity of the Son of God if once he is willing to "let go." ... We have to keep letting go, and slowly and surely the great full life of God will invade us in every part, and men will take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus."
- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, April 12

What A Wonderful World

I see trees of green........ red roses too
I see 'em bloom..... for me and for you
And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.






















I see skies of blue ..... clouds of white
Bright blessed days .... dark sacred nights
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.







The colors of a rainbow..... so pretty .. in the sky
Are also on the faces ..... of people .. going by
I see friends shaking hands ..... sayin' .. how do you do
They're really sayin' ...... I love you.





I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
They'll learn much more ..... than I'll never know
And I think to myself ..... what a wonderful world















The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are there on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands ..... sayin' .. how do you do
They're really sayin' ... I ....love....you.



















I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
You know they're gonna learn
A whole lot more than I'll never know
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself ....... what a wonderful world.

-Louis Armstrong , What A Wonderful World

Beautiful

A woman of true beauty is a woman who in the depths of her soul is at rest,
trusting God because she has come to know Him as worthy of her trust.
- Captivating, chp. VIII

Dreams

Man dreams and desires; God broods and wills and quickens.
When a man dreams his own dreams, he is the sport of his dream;
when Another gives it to him, that Other is able to fulfill it.
- spoken by "Mr Vane" in Lilith, by George MacDonald
chp. XLVII

I believe that:

stopping to smell the roses is highly underrated

How long has is been since you paused and knelt down to smell a flower?
Have you ever fully appreciated the beauty of a Queen Elizabeth rose? I haven't either.
But we should.
The scent of her bloom is simply exquisite, rich and light.
The color is vibrant.

The Queen Of Roses

Heart Of A Queen

If you ever come across one of these most marvelous of roses,
take a moment.
Pause.
Soak in her beauty,
drink in the scent of her heart.
I promise that you will be blessed.

Stuff

There is something I must confess. We killed something tonight. It is alright to say so, because it wasn't an endangered species (at least, I don't think it was). We hit a cottontail rabbit on the way home tonight. It made a funny little "thump" sound. We didn't mean to, we really didn't. It just kinda ran under the Bronco. It made me feel a bit sad. But, as Daniel said, "Ya know, they get smarter as we kill the dumb ones." Still, even the dumb ones are cute.


On a happier note, I found that old women aren't the only ones who like my hair!
Nope, young ones do too. Of course, I knew that already, but I found out tonight that young men like it, too.
I was standing in a exterior stairwell at school while I was finishing up a phone call, with my hair down and blowing freely in the wind. Some guy came up to me and said, "You have the most beautiful hair." Why, thank you very much! I think so too.


Another thing. My math teacher said that she will meet me before class to go over the last test I took. My last test score reflected the fact that I still don't understand a few of the things she has taught us, so she is willing to do a bit of tutoring. What a relief!

Feet

Twenty Toes, Ben & Julia

"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for 'Whoever will call on the Name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!'"

- Romans 10:12-15

Do you have beautiful feet?


It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. ...
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

- John 13:1-5,14-17

How do you "wash the feet" of those around you?

Sisters

Empty

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said."
- Matthew 28:6

He is risen indeed.

Easter Sunday: the LIGHT of the world, risen again

Death Valley, Easter Sunrise 2006

Love: Condemnation & Grace

When your partner feels sure that she can never be condemned by you for who she is, that no judgement can hurt her, God's grace has seeped into the fabric of your relationship - stopping the subtle and unhealthy marital pattern of your partner continually casting about for your approval.
- Drs. Les and Leslie Parrot, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts, pg 84

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, ...
- Romans 8:1-3

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. ... There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, ...the one who fears is not perfected in love.
We love because He first loved us.
- I John 4:10-12,18-19

"Good" Friday: a day of darkness

Death Valley Natn'l Park, Easter 2006


... you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold
from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,
but with precious blood,
as of a lamb
unblemished
and spotless,
the blood of Christ.
- I Peter 1:18-19



As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities.
Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
And He will divide the booty with the strong;
Because He poured out Himself to death,
And was numbered with the transgressors;
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
And interceded for the transgressors.
- Isaiah 53:11-12



Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium
and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him.
And they stripped Him, and put a scarlet robe on Him.
And after weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they kneeled down before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
And they spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head.
And after thay has mocked Him, they took His robe off and put His garments on Him,
and led Him away to crucify Him.
And about the ninth hour
Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani?" that is,
"My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
- Matthew 27:27-31,46

One A-penny, Two A-penny

Hot Cross Buns

If anyone wants this recipe (an Easter tradition in our house) you must ask. Yes, I know. But it is nearly mid-night, and there are still more coming out of the oven. Whoops, there's the timer ...... gotta run!

Artichokes!

The artichokes are ripe - already! They made a very nice - and delicious - addition to our dinner tonight.

Awakening Beauty

Sleeping Beauty by Jesse Wilcox Smith

The Prince sees Beauty, and is amazed.
He gazes, enthralled by her loveliness.
Now he must decide, will he continue to gaze upon her, watching her slumber? Or will he disturb her repose, awakening her, that he might know, in a fuller and more awake sense, the one whom he has adored from a distance?



A waltz when she walks in the room
She pulls back the hair from her face
She turns to the window to sway in the moonlight
Even her shadow has grace
A waltz for the girl out of reach
She lifts her hands up to the sky
She moves with the music
The song is her lover
The melody's making her cry
So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is
From afar calling me silently

A waltz for the chance I should take
But how will I know where to start?
She's spinning between constellations and dreams
Her rhythm is my beating heart

So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is
From afar calling me silently

I can't keep on watching forever
I give up this view just to tell her

When I close my eyes I can see
The spotlights are bright on you and me
We've got the floor
And you're in my arms
How could I ask for more?

So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is
From afar calling me silently

I can't keep on watching forever
And I'm givin' up this view just to tell her
- josh groban, "So She Dances" from Awake

Doing

"There is one thing, Emma, which a man can always do, if he choose, and that is, his duty; not by maneuvering and figuring, but by vigor and resolution."
- Jane Austen, Emma, chp XVIII

"To live as ... authentic, ransomed, and redeemed [people] means to be real and present in this moment. If we continue to hide, much will be lost. We cannot have intimacy with God or anyone else if we stay hidden and offer only what we think we ought to be or what we believe is wanted."
- John and Stasi Eldredge, Captivating, chp XII

"And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary."
- Galatians 6:9

"... whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
- I Corinthians 10:31b

Do I live my life from the idea of just getting through, and getting through the easiest way possible? Or do I live from the idea of doing everything for God's glory, no matter the cost or pain?
Living from that "idea" is not always easy. It is not always fun. In fact, it can be downright painful and messy. But oh, the glory! "In due time we shall reap" ........... "if we do not grow weary". Other translations read, "if we do not lose heart."
It can be so easy to grow weary and lose heart when you are not sure of your mark, when you lose sight of your goal. Therefore, "[fix] your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith... Consider Him who has endured ... that you might not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:2-3). Not only is He the One we are glorifying, He is also our Example, the One we are to emulate and walk after.

Sometimes it seems as if this desert time, this waiting time, or this time of agony, anguish and heartache will never end. "Do not lose heart." It will end, it will pass. For everything there is a season, and seasons pass. Seasons change, and we are called to live in them, not looking back to what was or forward to what may be, but in them. In the "now", knowing that the "now" is temporary and passes in the blink of an eye.

Can you trust God with your "now"? Can you release it to Him and live to His fullest glory? Can I?

"Free" Time

There is nothing like having "free" time if you want to see it fill up!
The college is closed this week, as is the school we teach the CEF club at, due to "spring break" (i.e. Easter Vacation). Since Dad can't get this week off, we weren't planning on doing anything in particular. So far that "nothing in particular" has included a lot of yard work, starting in on attic organization, cleaning my room, baking ....................... the list goes on and on!
Spring break is a great time to get caught up on stuff!

"Vacation" might not happen, but, oh well. At least we are enjoying a clean(er) house and yard! And besides, who says you need to go somewhere to have a vacation? Or that you must relax? A vacation is simply a departure from the normal, necessary, hum-drum-ity of life. Right?

April 1

"the dow jones is down another thousand points, both polar icecaps have completely melted, and scientists are tracking two huge comets headed directly for idaho."
"the coffee maker's busted."

Our coffee maker didn't actually break, but when it does, people around here have the same reaction!