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