Randomness :)

So what ever happened to the things I promised to post, you may ask? You may ask. But, unfortunately I have no answer. So, I have something else to share with you for now, to hold you over :D. First a quote by Robert Burns, an 18th century Scotish (<3 face="inherit" font="" nbsp="">poet, and secondly, an amazingly moving video clip from the SAICFF. (In case you don't know, that's the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, aka. the Christian Oscars. 2013's  Grand Prize winner was 22 year old Bryan Ivie, who won the $101,000 prize for his movie, the Drop Box.) 

First, the Robert Burns paraphrase of Psalm 1.... I posted this for a poem column on my friend's blog and thought I'd share. Here goes... "This month's encouraging poem was written in the 18th century by poet Robert Burns....I hope you enjoy it!

Source: tumblr.com via Madi on Pinterest

Psalm 1 - Paraphrased by Robert Burns

The man, in life wherever plac'd,
Hath happiness in store,
Who walks not in the wicked's way,
Nor learns their guilty lore!

Nor from the seat of scornful pride
Casts forth his eyes abroad,
But with humility ascnd awe
Still walks before his God.

That man shall flourish like the trees,
Which by the streamlets grow;
The fruitful top is spread on high,
And firm the root below.

But he whose blossom buds in guilt
Shall to the ground be cast,
And, like the rootless stubble, tost
Before the sweeping blast.

For why? that God the good adore,
Hath giv'n them peace and rest,
But hath decreed that wicked men
Shall ne'er be truly blest.



As I was thinking about this, it caught my attention how perhaps by paraphrasing this the author was thinking of some specific ways of applying this, (if that makes sense). My point being, that I would like to encourage you each to find a psalm or other passage of the bible and 'paraphrase' it, maybe making some lines stand out in a way that will challenge or remind you of something you need to work on, etc. As you write, meditate on what God is saying here. Remember to walk before God with humility and awe, that you may be truly blest! God bless each one of you!
...Okay, so that wasn't too bad...but I think you will enjoy this!







I hope you enjoyed it!
See you next week...hopefully :)
Love in Christ,
madi

A word on wheat

I thought I might share a little something I made for an upcoming event...hopefully it's educational? Pinteresting Wednesday coming soon...hopefully a 'Looking Back' coming on the weekend? Thanks for reading :D

Blessings in Christ!

Madi

Looking Back: the Puritans

Puritan quote by John Bunyan "You can do more than pray after you've prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed."

        Okay, so some of you might be wondering who the Puritans refers to, or you might just skip this post because it looks kinda boring, but bear with me! Unfortunately, I don't have time to write my definition of the Puritans...okay, I don't have an official one- but I have been learning a lot about them, and find it very interesting! So I thought I would share a few of the questions I asked and answered to myself.  Hopefully you like it :)

  Why should we study the Puritans? Studying the Puritans can be beneficial in two ways, first their history. All study of history is enriching as we learn about the church, context, and culture of different eras, and is especially so in this unique time frame (late 16th- early 18th century).  We can also learn a lot by witnessing God's amazing providence displayed in their time. Secondly, we can improve our own Christian walk by learning from the Puritans' maturity, as well as their motives for their way of life.

    What made the Puritans different from those around them? One thing that set them apart was an earnest sense of duty to God. They didn't see this negatively as we may be prone to, but as a joy, and a small thing to give The Lord in return for His great love. It sprung from an honest look at the filthy state of man, compared to God's holy commandments, and resulted in a desire for complete conformity to scriptures in every area. Another element that set them apart was their desire to live life in light of their eternal destination. The living out of each day with a conscious acknowledgment of the vapor-like nature of life, and the vastness of eternity, will likely give anyone a more meaningful, motivated and solemn way of life, though not (in assurance of eternity with Christ) an unhappy one.
    One way we can improve our Christian walk in studying the Puritans is to observe their response to their difficult times. How did they respond to the political and ecclesiastical hardships of the day? First they turned to Scriptures. As sons of the Reformation they had witnessed the transforming power of Sola Scriptura on society. Secondly, they united in faith, practice, and prayer. Although certainly not unanimous in all areas, they had a beautifully deep sense of spiritual brotherhood in Christ. Lastly, they persevered. Even though in God's providence their dream of uniting all England in total reform did not succeed, their lives, families, and churches continued to grow broader and deeper. We can all look up to these godly men, and through their influence gain maturity in our Christian walk.

     

Oh my! I have sooo much to learn. From my family, from you also, my friends I'm learning and have learned so much! Thank you so much for the wonderful friends you are! Also I'm learning a lot from books from and about men like these. You can just see love for Christ pouring out of everything, their writing, lives, their heritage. I'd really encourage you, if you don't know much about the puritans, to learn more. John Bunyan, John Knox, John Robinson ( okay I'm seeing a theme here!) William Brewster, William Bradford, (another theme!) and others (whew...). Have any of you studied or heard about a specific Puritan/pilgrim who has taught you something? Please leave a comment and let me know! I'd love to hear about the things you are learning. While you're here, you should check out this amazing video about the pilgrims and our founding fathers...you'll be glad you did!


(Click the picture and it will pull it up on Amazon...) I hope you are encouraged to find the buried treasure in these men's writings, and lives!
THANK YOU my dear readers for taking time to read this, and stay tuned for more Looking Back; the Puritans.

Blessings in Christ!
~ Madi

Valentine's Day

Hi everyone! I have a sweet little giveaway to over at Simple Delights to direct you to. So head over there to get inspired about Valentine's Day, and enter some lovely Etsy shop giveaways!

Here is a (delicious looking ) bake shop giveaway, and here is a (also 'delicious' looking) 'Bookish Charm' giveaway. I hope you join! (Here are the answers to the questions posted on her blog....)

Source: aholyexperience.com via Ann on Pinterest

1). What is your favorite part about Valentines Day?  Well, we don't usually do much for Valentines's Day, except maybe make a special dinner (heart shaped pizza, anyone?) But I would like to learn more about the origins of Valentine's Day (i.e. St. Valentine).

2). Your favorite romantic movie. Hard to say! Does October Baby fit into that category? :)

3). Dark or milk chocolate? Dark! (85% cocoa is THE BEST)

4). What is something you do to make Valentines Day special? Now I'm feeling guilty..

5). Which would you prefer getting as a gift on Valentines Day: Flower or chocolates? Chocolate :)

6). If you're married, what do you enjoy doing with your husband to celebrate? ......

7). If you're single, what do you hope to do with your husband if you get married someday? Spending time with him, and just doing something special :) 

So what are you waiting for! Go check it out!

God bless you all! 

~madi