My 100th Post!!!

I started blogging on August 11, 2008, and I'm finally at Post 100!!! I want to hear from every single one of you who read my blog, whether you've read every post from the beginning, or whether this is your first time on my blog. Please tell me:

Your first name (unless it already shows up with your picture)
Where you're from
How you found my blog
Anything else of interest about yourself and/or your family
And just for fun, what your favorite instrument is :-)

And while you're at it, vote on the poll on the sidebar. :-)

Thank you!

Psalm 84:11
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." (emphasis mine)

A New Thanksgiving by Elizabeth Elliot

Those who call Thanksgiving "Turkey Day," I suppose, take some such view as this: Unless we have Someone to thank and something to thank Him for, what's the point of using a name that calls up pictures of religious people in funny hats and Indians bringing corn and squash?

Christians, I hope, focus on something other than a roasted bird. We do have Someone to thank and a long list of things to thank Him for, but sometimes we limit our thanksgiving merely to things that look good to us. As our faith in the character of God grows deeper we see that heavenly light is shed on everything--even on suffering--so that we are enabled to thank Him for things we would never have thought of before. The apostle Paul, for example, saw even suffering itself as a happiness (Colossians 1:24, NEB).

I have been thinking of something that stifles thanksgiving. It is the spirit of greed--the greed of doing, being, and having.

When Satan came to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, his bait was intended to inspire the lust to do more than the Father meant for Him to do--to go farther, demonstrate more power, act more dramatically. So the enemy comes to us in these days of frantic doing. We are ceaselessly summoned to activities: social, political, educational, athletic, and--yes--spiritual. Our "self-image" (deplorable word!) is dependent not on the quiet and hidden "Do this for My sake," but on the list the world hands us of what is "important." It is a long list, and it is both foolish and impossible. If we fall for it, we neglect the short list.

Only a few things are really important, and for those we have the promise of divine help: sitting in silence with the Master in order to hear His word and obey it in the ordinary line of duty--for example, in being a good husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, or spiritual father or mother to those nearby who need protection and care--humble work which is never on the world's list because it leads to nothing impressive on one's resume. As Washington Gladden wrote in 1879, "O Master, let me walk with Thee/In lowly paths of service free...."

Temptation comes also in the form of being. The snake in the garden struck at Eve with the promise of being something which had not been given. If she would eat the fruit forbidden to her, she could "upgrade her lifestyle" and become like God. She inferred that this was her right, and that God meant to cheat her of this. The way to get her rights was to disobey Him.

No new temptation ever comes to any of us. Satan needs no new tricks. The old ones have worked well ever since the Garden of Eden, although sometimes under different guises. When there is a deep restlessness for which we find no explanation, it may be due to the greed of being--what our loving Father never meant us to be. Peace lies in the trusting acceptance of His design, His gifts, His appointment of place, position, capacity. It was thus that the Son of Man came to earth--embracing all that the Father willed Him to be, usurping nothing--no work, not even a word--that the Father had not given Him.

Then there is the greed of having. When "a mixed company of strangers" joined the Israelites, the people began to be greedy for better things (Numbers 11:4, NEB). God had given them exactly what they needed in the wilderness: manna. It was always enough, always fresh, always good (sounds good to me, anyway, "like butter-cakes"). But the people lusted for variety. These strangers put ideas into their heads. "There's more to life than this stuff. Is this all you've got? You can have more. You gotta live a little!"

So the insistence to have it all took hold on God's people and they began to wail, "all of them in their families at the opening of their tents." There is no end to the spending, getting, having. We are insatiable consumers, dead set on competing, upgrading, showing off ("If you've got it, flaunt it"). We simply cannot bear to miss something others deem necessary. So the world ruins the peace and simplicity God would give us. Contentment with what He has chosen for us dissolves, along with godliness, while, instead of giving thanks, we lust and wail, teaching our children to lust and wail too. (Children of the jungle tribe I knew years ago did not complain because they had not been taught to.)

Lord, we give You thanks for all that You in Your mercy have given us to be and to do and to have. Deliver us, Lord, from all greed to be and to do and to have anything not in accord with Your holy purposes. Teach us to rest quietly in Your promise to supply, recognizing that if we don't have it we don't need it. Teach us to desire Your will--nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

Coming Soon . . .

... my new Christmas harp CD!


We hope to have copies ready for sale late next week. The CD is finished, and all we have left is to put them together. You can visit my website to find out more. http://www.gloryandgrace.com/harpcds.htm

By the way, Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!! What are you doing (or what did you do) today?

Caleb and Carl at the Brain Bee

If you haven't yet, read the post below to find out what Caleb and his friend Carl are doing at the brain bee. Oh, and, before you watch this movie, vote on the poll on the sidebar! :-)

Caleb's Foot and Bake-Off

I'll start out by updating you on Caleb's foot.

He is able to move his big toe, and, since the main reason he was going to have surgery was to fix his tendon, the doctor said that if we wanted to we could wait to see if his bone will heal on its own. So we decided to wait, and in maybe 6 months or so he'll have an x-ray to see if it's healing. PLEASE be in prayer that it will heal completely so he won't have to have the surgery next year. We want to avoid the surgery if possible, so pray that God will perform a miracle!

A couple weeks ago we went to our annual homeschool bake-off. Each of my siblings made something . . . and here's the directions on how to make what they did . . .

First, for Ethan's No-Bake Bars, mix the Cheerios, M&M's, and whatever else together. Be sure to put the cereal box on your head, as it helps you stir better.

 

Second, yes, I know it's hard to come inside from riding your bike, but you have to mix in the caramel sauce and press it into the pan.

 

Third - win first place! (yeah, he was the only one in his age category for bars, but hey - he did a great job and had fun!)

 

For Lydia's cakes, start out by playing with and eating the decorations.

 

Next, frost the outside (and be sure to lick out the bowl and utensils).

 

Third, decorate one special for your dad.

 

And last, bring it to the bake off and smile! :-)

 

For Daniel's chocolate Lego cake, you first follow the directions on the back of the box mix, then make the peanut butter frosting.

 

When you're done with that, decorate the top with all your coolest Legos!! (just don't eat them)

 

Caleb made super yummy Rocky Road Bars. Directions: Make 'em and eat 'em. That's all there is to it.

 

 

While the judges were deciding the winners of the bake-off, a brain bee was going on. Caleb and his friend Carl were the ONLY ones in the high school category - so they had fun with that. I hope to post a video soon of them on stage. :-)

Our Trip to Wisconsin

Last Thursday we left for an 8 hour drive to Waupaca, Wisconsin, where my mom's mom's funeral would be held. Grandma Grace lived to the age of 79, and we were glad that she was able to leave near us for the last year and a half of her life (she lived in WI for the rest of her life).

Mom was on the phone and her e-mail constantly the previous week, preparing for the funeral. It was rather unexpected, so mom and her brothers had a lot to do. Thankfully everything fell together well, and the funeral was absolutely beautiful. While it was hard to see grandma gone, we rejoiced in her life, and in the fact that we know where she is.

The best part of our trip was seeing all the relatives!! It was sad that grandma's death is what brought us together, but it was wonderful seeing people we hadn't seen in years! Mom's brothers are so funny, and it was awesome getting to know our cousins better. Since grandma was always joking, and since we were there to celebrate her life, we knew she'd be okay with us having a good time together. :-)

Here's some pictures . . .

Lydia and cousin Katie

 

Mom and "Grandma" Renate, who was like a second mother to my mom. In the background is the cabin that Grandpa built (he passed away in 1997).

 

Daniel and Ethan out on Spencer Lake, where mom and her five older brothers have all their best childhood memories

 

Cousins Jordan, Mindy, and Katie out for a ride

 

Mom and Aunt Jan, her sister-in-law

 

Yes, Jordan, Caleb and Lydia were out on the canoe and . . . it tipped (don't ask who did it!!). Thankfully it was nice out for November (maybe 50 degrees) so they were able to run back to the lodge and jump in a hot shower. Jordan was wearing a heavy wool coat, and Caleb had to dive for his glasses, but they all made it out fine . . . and made a good memory in the process!

 

The graveside service after the funeral

 

Taking a family walk down by the lake

 

Me with my great cousins!! Rachael and Kaylyn . . .

 

and Katie, Mindy and Jordan.

 

I'll make you guess who's in this picture . . . except for my most hilarious Uncle Al in the front! :-)

 

Mom with four of her brothers

 

Yes, the baby of the family (and the ONLY girl!) does get picked on!

 

After breakfast we looked at pictures that Jordan took with his awesome camera (that he's giving me for Christmas!!!) :-)

 

Mom with two of her beautiful sister-in-laws - Connie and Jan.

 

I thought I'd give you all a little timeline in pictures, so here goes.

This is my grandma on her wedding day. Isn't she beautiful?

 

This is the whole family - yes, mom is the baby! :-)

 

Mom and Uncle Al being silly with grandma

 

Mom as a young lady

 

And a three-generation picture of mom, grandma and I

 

I love you grandma! I'm looking forward to seeing you again! :-)

IDOP

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church - please remember our brothers and sisters in your prayers today, and always! You can visit the Voice of the Martyr's blog to read updates on what is going on around the world.

In Memory . . .

. . . of my Grandma Grace, who passed away last night to be with the Lord. She lived about 20 miles from us in a nursing home. We moved her from Wisconsin a year and a half ago, so she would be closer to mom. She really seemed to like her new place, and thankfully mom was able to visit her almost every week (when grandma lived in WI, mom was only able to see her twice a year). A few weeks ago she had a colonoscopy (sp?), and really declined after that - probably because of some medication problems. She seemed to be getting better, and the doctor thought so as well. Then suddenly last night - around midnight - we got the call that she had passed away. While we are sad that she is gone, we are rejoicing that she has no more pain, no more suffering, and is at home with Jesus Christ. Now she has a perfect body and will forever be happy in Heaven!

Prayers would be appreciated as we plan for the funeral amidst a busy week.

 

Grandma Grace
1930-2009

 

And now I'm going to ask you a very important question: Do you know where you're going when you die? If you don't, you had better make sure, because 10 out of 10 people die! If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, I'm sad to say, but you are destined for hell (and it is a real place!).

The Bible says, in Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," and in Ephesians 2:8-10, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

John 3:16 probably puts it best: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

So, where are you going when you die - Heaven . . . or hell? I sure hope it's Heaven . . . Grandma will be there waiting! :-)

Daniel Turns 13

Yesterday was Daniel's birthday - and now we have three "teens" in the house!! :-)

He had a fun day buying cinnamon rolls with dad . . .

 

eating a special birthday breakfast . . .

 

opening presents . . .

 

 

trying them on . . . :-)

 

reading cards from family and friends . . .

 

driving his four-wheeler (well, actually, he's in the process of buying it from dad) . . .

 

and shooting his new lever action .22 that he bought a few weeks ago!

 

Oh, and he also got to pick out his birthday supper and his birthday movies. We watched Herbie Goes to Monte Carlos (with Dean Jones as a young man) and Mandie and The Secret Tunnel (with Dean Jones - now a Christian - as a 78-year-old man). We really enjoyed them!!

Happy birthday to my favorite 13-year-old brother! :-)

 

Honduras Missions Trip Movie

This is a video I just made from our June missions trip to Honduras. It's kind of a first draft - Mr. Allen Rainey (head of SonLight Power) is going to check it out and give me his thoughts. I'd love to hear yours too!



Song by J.R. Varner
Performed by the Alzen Family

Persecuted, but Not Forsaken

While on the subject of Christian persecution, I thought I would post an article I wrote for school a few years back . . .

Persecuted, but Not Forsaken

By Hannah Kenney, age 16

2 Corinthians 4:8-11

Did you know that right now, as you are reading this, there are Christians all over the world being persecuted? Did you know that they’re not just being teased or ignored for their faith, but are being tortured and imprisoned too? And did you know that it is not only the adults that suffer, but the children as well? As you read this article, I hope you become more aware of what our brothers and sisters around the world are going through, and realize what you can do to help them!

Most people in America have warm beds, clean running water, and enough food to satisfy their stomachs. But in other countries, many Christians go without those basic needs. Maybe the father of the family has a poor job, or no job at all. Even worse, maybe he has been murdered for his ministry and left a wife and children to fend for themselves. They may even be starving and cold right now. But despite the difficulties our brothers and sisters face, they will not be distressed when they trust in God.

Isn’t it wonderful to meet with other believers without fear of being stormed upon by the local police? It’s interesting to think of that happening in America! But in countries like China, it’s downright dangerous to hold an “illegal” church meeting. Any minute the house or church building might be broken into by loud voices and swinging electric sticks. The leaders – and maybe some members of the congregation – might be forced to pay fines, go to prison, or be beaten for obeying God. But if these Christians find their strength in the Lord, they will not be in despair.

Imagine . . . you’re riding your bicycle down a dusty Indian road, singing a hymn of praise on your way to evangelize the next village. All of a sudden, three men armed with clubs and knives jump out from behind a large rock. With a wild yell they knock you over, and within an hour you have arrived at your Heavenly home. But when the people in the village hear how you have sacrificed your life, they want to know why, and the seed that your blood watered grows into a flourishing church. Isn’t it wonderful how the Gospel and its workers are cast down but never destroyed?

You can help these Christians who are suffering for their faith! The Voice of the Martyrs is an organization started by Richard Wurmbrand (now with the Lord), who spent 14 years in Communist prisons for being a servant of God. VOM helps our persecuted brothers and sisters in many ways. By donating the money God has given you, you could fill an Action Pack with clothes for the poor. Or maybe you could help feed a struggling family. You could also help VOM print books and other reading material for Christians to read or pass out to unbelievers. You could even write an encouraging letter to a Christian who is in prison! Let’s help our brothers and sisters know that, even though they are persecuted, they are not forsaken!

You can visit The Voice of the Martyrs at www.persecution.com or write them at: thevoice@vom-usa.org or P.O. Box 443 Bartlesville, OK 74005-0443 to receive their free monthly magazine.