A Cross-Centered Christmas

Something you must hear before Christmas-

And I know my life needs an axle on which to turn and my Christmas needs to be cross-centered ….

If my life isn’t cross-centered, my life is off-centered, and the warping spin leaves me sick.

My life needs centrifaith force and the centrality of the cross is the force that holds together my universe and Grace is my gravity and the Cross is my cosmos.

If everything in my world’s spinning out of control, is it because I’ve lost the centrality of the cross?

A Tree needs to stand certain at the center of Christmas.




See Ann Voskamp's entire post here and her interview here.

(I don't own nor have I written anything here, just so you know!)

Merry Christmas to you all
Love,
~madi

Let God be your peace

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”


Who is God to you? Is he your protector? Your provider? This Christmas Season, have you allowed Him to be your peace?

It can be easy to view God simply as a friend to go to in times of trouble or a magic genie that grants all of your prayers. But God is so much more than that, and the blessings He wants to give to you are endless! He offers so many wonderful things—completely free of charge–including hope, joy, and peace for your heart. God wants nothing but the best for you.

Although your circumstances may be difficult, or hard to understand at times, that doesn’t mean that God isn’t there. He cares about you, loves you with a perfect love, and is waiting for you to let Him be your peace. So this Christmas, as you think about all the gifts you need to buy, and your never-ending to-do list, don’t forget to stop and remember that only God can provide you with the unwavering quiet strength that comes from His peace.

Questions:

In what ways do you find peace and comfort in God?

What difficult circumstances are you currently dealing with that you need God’s peace to help you endure?

(Taken from: Carols, a Christmas Devotional at YouVersion.com)

Hope you enjoyed!
~madi

thoughts....

Here I sit alone
Looking at this book
So oft here I sat
After God again I sook
But while looking for my Savior
I seem to find my woe
I look into my filthy heart
I'm black from head to toe
How could God love me?
Can I be free?
Did God choose such a worm from all eternity?
I could never deserve Him
Yet for me did Jesus die
He opens my foolish heart
And unblinded my blurried eyes
Look past yourself, your shame, your sin!
God is just and has always been
Yes, you were all filth and grime
But hearest not that sweeter chime?
By grace you have been saved through faith
Not of your own gain
But that gift of God, eternal life
Is that beautifully glorious strain
Be still, my heart, and know
That God is always nigh
Trust not in your futile strength,
But look to God on high!

Looking back and ahead

Looking back on Thanksgiving...

Our Thanksgiving Tree...everyday writing something I'm thankful for on a leaf and hanging it on the tree. Gathering with family and being thankful, what a blessing!

Looking ahead to Christmas...

Waiting expectantly this advent season for the coming of our Lord and Savior, the humble King, our God in flesh!

The snow is blowing around and the wind is whipping, but inside it's warm and inviting- it reminds me of life with Christ- the perils outside cannot penetrate into the warmth and comfort we have in Christ. (That was my feeble attempt of trying to make a metaphor.) So, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and all God's blessing for threw year!

Love,
madi

It's been awhile..

Yes, it's been almost a month, I know, but I've been busy! (You know, all those biology tests, history books, math quizzes, etc. not to mention reorganizing our garage, shall I continue?) Somehow I managed to mess up the blog layout, but those things can be fixed ;) Winter seemed like it had come, lots of snow and in the 30's, but fall decided it wanted another chance and came back with a warm 50 degrees! On another note, Robinson is growing so much, and is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. Here's a poem I wrote for him:

Life is such a blessing
A gift from God above
A joy enough to fill a heart
With peace and hope and love
The fresh sweet life that God has given
Life new and pure and sweet
The thought of new life and life eternal
Quickens the still heart's beat

O little life, O little child
Whose sweet smile brightens our day
We dedicate you to The Lord
The guide, our hope, your stay
He is the maker of your life
Of your eyes, feet, little hands
He's preparing a place for his people
Or rest on heaven's sands

And God bless you little one,
We pray He'll guide you there
And guide you to himself the Light
And heavens treasure rare
So thank you Lord, for this life
And life eternal in your Kirk
Give this child your favor, Lord
And in his precious life do a work.

Well, one of these days maybe I'll get my blogging life together and post more regularly, but for now-
God bless you!
~ madi

a poem and a picture..or two

Hey! I'm still alive- really. I thought I'd share this poem/hymn I put in my 'poem column' on my friend's blog. So here goes.

Since this month's theme was a daughter's role in the home, I thought I would a post this beautiful hymn about a Christian home.

A Christian Home by Barbara Hart, 1916

O give us homes built firm upon the Saviour,

Where Christ is Head, and Counsellor and Guide;Where ev'ry child is taught His love and favorAnd gives his heart to Christ, the crucified:How sweet to know that tho' his footsteps waverHis faithful Lord is walking by his side!

O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,Who always place their hope and trust in Him;Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers,Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;A home where each finds joy in serving others,And love still shines, tho' days be dark and grim.

O give us homes where Christ is Lord and Master,The Bible read, the precious hymns still sung Where prayer comes first in peace or in disaster,And praise is natural speech to ev'ry tongue;Where mountains move before a faith that's vaster,And Christ sufficient is for old and young.

O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever!We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care;Their bonds of love no enemy can severIf Thou art always Lord and Master there:

Be Thou the center of our least endeavor:

Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share.

I'm always convicted by those phrases; 'a home where each finds joy in serving others, and love still shines though days be dark and grim.' What a beautiful picture of a godly home! Christ sufficient is for old and young is another one. Those are just a few of the verses that really stuck out to me, and were an encouragement to me. What about you? What challenged/ stuck out to you in this poem? I hope you enjoyed it. God bless you and be with you as you continue to make Him the center of your least endeavor, and strive to glorify Him. 

~ you sister in Christ, Madi

(p.s.) sorry the verses are typed so weird!) 






Secondly, here's a few pictures from what we've been up to lately...

 me (right ;) and my friend Elisabeth at the Mother-Daughter Tea

our whole group (minus Robinson) Mrs. T., Elisabeth, me, Nonni and Mom. that's the new dress I made... looks better without the coat on! 

okay, there's Robinson at his first (and last :) Mother/Daughter Tea

the tea and the messages we heard from Mrs. Stacy McDonald were amazing! (I hope we get the CD's!)

I just HAD to post this. boy the CDA resort has some good dessert! (of course the finger sandwhiches were good, too.) and the fellowship was absolutely wonderful!

this was awhile ago, but oh well. that's Lexie, me, Autumn, Molly and Livi('s back :)

Autumn, Molly and Lexie. too cute.

A giveaway!

I know it has been a long time since I posted...but I thought you might want to check out this giveaway and announcement of Sarah Bryant's (KBR ministries) new book! Check it out here.
Blessings,
madi

Standing in need...

"Sinful man stands in need, not of inducements,or assistance to save himself, but precisely of saving; Jesus Christ has come not to advise, or urge, or woo, or help him to save himself, but to save him."
~ Dr. Warfield

today's morning 'devotions'

Morning, September 6

“In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
— Philippians 2:15

We use lights to make manifest. A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions. Lights are intended for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Saviour, and the weary to a divine resting-place. Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God’s Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness. Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure to be erected. Christian men should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world. Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him.

Gracious Spirit dwell with me;
I myself would gracious be,
And with words that help and heal
Would thy life in mine reveal,
And with actions bold and meek
Would for Christ my Saviour speak.


From Morning and Evening by Charles H. Spurgeon

~ madi

'photography'?

I thought I'd share some of the pictures I've taken recently- photography if you could even call it that. =)

(With a little editing ;) SO here ya go.

*** forgot to add this quote from the book ' Just Irish' (Charles Battell Loomis, 1911)***

             " The poor man never knows the cares and responsibilities that beset the man of wealth, 

                and the man without a Kodak does not know how keen is the disappointment  of a picture missed - be the cause what it may."

 (this one is a little blurred in some parts )': oh well.

until next time,

~ madi

another adventure on the journey

Introducing Robison Valor! He was born at 11:40 yesterday morning and weighs 7lbs 14oz and 21 inches. Long story short, the midwife did not get to our house in time and I ended up being the only one there to help when he was born, because Dad was teaching at church! The midwife got there soon after, and made sure Mom and babe were okay. I was really nervous but had been at Owen and Olivia's births- and everything went great. (Dad got home after everything was cleaned up and ready to go! He did take me out though- and I was kinda glad I forgot to ask for decaf on the carmel macchiato : ) 'Robin' is so adorable and has really cute dark hair (so far), he has quite a bit of hair too! I am so excited to have (another) little brother! 5 brothers are going to take a lot of energy though. Thanks to the friends and family who have come to visit, brought meals, prayed for us, etc. you're such a blessing! 

The lad himself- this picture doesn't do him justice ; )

Robinson and yours truly

Danek, Owen, and 'Robin'

Can't believe fall is almost here and school is starting soon! Hope you all have a great holiday weekend!

~ madi

better late than never

okay so i have not posted in a month...i've been a little occupied, but it's better late than never to post  right? here's some pictures from the past month...

here's Olivia on the 4th of July...

(r) Olivia and Mollie C.

delivering phonebooks has been quite an experience! it was hard work (most the time :) but we mostly enjoyed it. you can see we had our van pretty full... we delivered over 1500.

 a funny picture of Livi...isn't she cute?                     

(top) Aiden at the warehouse (where we picked up the books)

Olivia at the park

                                             

 Danny showing his targets at the shooting range :)

and last but not least some pictures of my handsome cowboy Owen =)

(i took these outside church on Sunday morning. isn't he the cutest? -i mean handsomest, cowboys aren't 'cute'.)

Olivia, our friend Ivan, and Owen.

                                               
SO there is a quick update.....maybe i won't take such a long break next time ;)
~madi

       

“Thou art fairer than the children of men.”

I thought I would share this quote with you- let me know what you think!



“Thou art fairer than the children of men.” 
— Psalm 45:2

The entire person of Jesus is but as one gem, and his life is all along but one impression of the seal. He is altogether complete; not only in his several parts, but as a gracious all-glorious whole. His character is not a mass of fair colours mixed confusedly, nor a heap of precious stones laid carelessly one upon another; he is a picture of beauty and a breastplate of glory. In him, all the “things of good repute” are in their proper places, and assist in adorning each other. Not one feature in his glorious person attracts attention at the expense of others; but he is perfectly and altogether lovely. 

Oh, Jesus! thy power, thy grace, thy justice, thy tenderness, thy truth, thy majesty, and thine immutability make up such a man, or rather such a God-man, as neither heaven nor earth hath seen elsewhere. Thy infancy, thy eternity, thy sufferings, thy triumphs, thy death, and thine immortality, are all woven in one gorgeous tapestry, without seam or rent. Thou art music without discord; thou art many, and yet not divided; thou art all things, and yet not diverse. As all the colours blend into one resplendent rainbow, so all the glories of heaven and earth meet in thee, and unite so wondrously, that there is none like thee in all things; nay, if all the virtues of the most excellent were bound in one bundle, they could not rival thee, thou mirror of all perfection. Thou hast been anointed with the holy oil of myrrh and cassia, which thy God hath reserved for thee alone; and as for thy fragrance, it is as the holy perfume, the like of which none other can ever mingle, even with the art of the apothecary; each spice is fragrant, but the compound is divine. 

“Oh, sacred symmetry! oh, rare connection
Of many perfects, to make one perfection!
Oh, heavenly music, where all parts do meet
In one sweet strain, to make one perfect sweet!”

~ C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, June 21

Isn't that beautiful? I think I don't realize enough the holiness of Jesus! He is pure light, and in Him is no darkness at all. How different we are! I have been learning so much this week! If you have the opportunity, try to listen to R.C Sproul's sermon on The Holiness of God, it really got me thinking, and thankful! (Thanks for bearing with my spur of the moment post- maybe I'll post a more organized post next time!)

Soli Deo Gloria,
God bless you all!
~Madi

Pictures, Anyone?

I'm back! With a few pictures, too. We took a wonderful 'family vacation' to Seattle at the end of April while we went to the Christian Heritage Homeschool Conference. We had a great time learning from the great messages the speakers gave. Voddie Baucham, Allen Wolfe, S.M. Davis and many more speakers were there, including Mr. Craig, who is the CH Chorale Director {I had SO much fun singing in the chorale this year!} We also went to the zoo and LEGO store on this trip- we had a blast! It was especially fun to have Grandpa come with us this year, too! Here are a few pictures, (there's many more but I did'nt want to put the other 100 I took on the blog- takes too long to upload =) Enjoy. 

 On the road

 A bit chilly on the Snoqaumie pass!

 The LEGO store. (Owen, Liam, Danek)

 Some silly pictures from breakfast at the hotel!

 At the Woodland Park Zoo!  (Liam and Danek)

We saw some great animals! (Yep. Just what I was thinking- he's nuts.) 

 Sometimes I feel like putting a picture of our house there!

Owen on the tractor

Owen and Nonni with Mom & Livi (stroller) in the background

Livi =)

Grizzlies!

Who knew it could take so long to get one decent photo?

Praise God for such a great trip!!!

~Madi