A Day Late for a White Christmas ...

... but it's still beautiful!  

I love watching snow as it comes down.  If you don't get a lot of snow in your area I hope you enjoy the video as much I enjoyed watching it in person.  

Our house the next morning!  I love to see the sun shinning off a fresh layer of snow!

Unexpected Flowers ...

Thanks Honey for the beautiful flowers!

Christmas as a Child (for Liz)

This year Tim and I are at our own home celebrating Christmas.  Everything is so quiet!  This is totally opposite from my childhood Christmas.  As a child I was blessed to live about 10 miles from both sets of grandparents.  Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were busy and noisy to say the least. 

Christmas Eve started out quietly.  All of us kids would sleep in, Daddy would wake up super early and go hunting, and Momma would be cooking, cleaning, or wrapping presents.  By lunch time Daddy would be home and we would all run around the house trying to get ready to head over to Grandma and Papa’s (Daddy’s parents) house.  As usual we were a little late but would run in and immediately start catching up with the cousins we only saw a couple times a year.  Gifts were stacked sky high under the tree (Grandma and Papa had 5 children who were all married and 14 grandchildren), food was placed on every empty counter and table, and family was crammed in the kitchen waiting for Papa Peters to bless the food.  It seemed like time stood still for all the kids gathered in the house.  The adults took so long to eat and an extra long time to clean up only to pull out desserts in order to start the whole process over again.  Finally (hours later), we all gathered around the Christmas tree and listened to Papa read the Christmas story to us all and led us in prayer.  It was now time for the gifts to be passed out.  But this was not the end to our day.

We would run back to our car and head over to Granny and Papa’s (Momma’s parents) house.  Here we started the madness all over again with less people.  Gifts were stacked under the tree, food was placed on every empty counter and table, and family was crammed in the kitchen waiting for Papa Campbell to bless the food.  Again the adults took forever to eat and clean, only to start all over again for dessert.  Finally when the busy day started catching up with us who wanted to fall asleep, the gifts started being passed out.  But we were only allowed to open one small gift.  More waiting would have to take place in order to see what else was under the tree.  Still this was not the end of our day.

We would crawl back in the car and head home.  At home we kids always exchanged gifts then Momma and Daddy exchanged their gifts to one another.  The mess was cleaned up and everyone went to bed.  It was always hard to sleep knowing we were going to wake up and have presents under the tree, but after such a busy day we eventually fell into a deep slumber.

Early in the morning Momma and Daddy would wake the four of us up and tell us to meet in someone’s room.  We all laid on the bed while Daddy read us the Christmas story and prayed.  Then they told us to stay in the room for just a minute so they could set up the video camera.  We were so excited we could hardly sit still.  Finally they called us to the living room. They would place us in front of our gifts, and we all took turns opening one.  When the last gift was opened, Momma and Daddy would make a big breakfast while we played with our new toys.  After breakfast, our day turned busy yet again.  Everyone got dressed, and we headed out to both sets of grandparents (again) as well as our two great-grandmothers. 

Thinking back on the memories I hold dear, I am so thankful I was born to a family who knew the real reason for Christmas.  Before ever opening gifts, we read the story of the greatest gift that was ever sent to us.  Of course as a child I didn’t fully understand or appreciate the reading of the Christmas story, but after hearing it year after year it finally sunk in.  How blessed we are that God sent His unique Son down to this earth to take the punishment for our sins that we could go the Heaven and spend eternity with Him!

Books we are reading - December 2010

Liz is following up on the my prompt to read Radical by David Platt. I still highly recommend it. See my comments here.

Tim is currently reading Carson and Moo's An Introduction to the New Testament along with Kostenberger et. al.'s The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament to compare them. Both are excellent, but they are somewhat different. Be looking for a review on them.

Pass on in the comments what you are currently reading. We (at least Tim) are nerdy/nosy enough to want to know.

A Few Words from Dekoda

 

This is my oldest nephew, Dekoda.  He is Scott and Amy's (my sister and brother-in-law) son.  

He was so cute trying to say Happy Thanksgiving that I had to record him.  I hope you enjoy it as much I did!

Book Review: Radical by David Platt

If I could just tell you to read this book, and then you would do it, then I would stop right here. I have thoroughly enjoyed David Platt’s book Radical as much as I have enjoyed listening to his sermons. Fortunately, this book has its own commercial:

So, if you want to keep a casual Christianity, if you want to be free from commitment, if you want to attain wealth in this world, if you want security in this life, and if you want all of this for the rest of your family; I would advise you not to read this book.

Dr. Platt will challenge you. And I have a feeling he would say that it is the Word of God that is challenging. It is a short read on a laymen’s level replete with illustrations and stories. And this book, this message, is very needed in the culture of “American Christianity.”

This book and some other influences has sparked in me the desire to go through a series on Sunday nights at Cornerstone Gospel Baptist Church to speak on “Radical Statements of Jesus.” So I stole a few words; big deal. It is a message that is extremely important. It has made me rethink much of the way I live and even present the gospel. So, READ THIS BOOK‼!

Updated Shutterfly

After spending Thanksgiving in Virginia and decorating our house for Christmas I thought I should add pictures to our shutterfly account.  If you click on the pictures link on the top right hand side you will find the updates.  I hope you enjoy!

Koda and Kyndal enjoying Thanksgiving with the family! :-)

Thanksgiving

This coming weekend people around the United States will gather with friends and family to share a huge meal.  They may also have a time to share what they are thankful for.  Since November 1st I have been making a list of things the Lord has blessed me with.  I don't deserve any of it but God is a gracious God! (Something else to be thankful for!!)  I would like to share part of the list I came up with.

I’m thankful for…

1 … the cozy house God has blessed us with!!

2 …  a husband who makes me laugh.

3 …  a church family who looks out for us!

4 …  a husband who would spend his morning off to be a guest speaker for my class!

5 …  having such wonderful coworkers who help and encourage each other throughout the year!

6 …  the opportunity to go to church and freely worship with like believers!

7 …  a husband who will jump up in the mornings to help pack my lunch if I’m running late!

8 … being born into a Christian family with parents who pray for me daily.

9 … my students who show me why I love teaching everyday!

10 … a husband who does what he can to make me happy (such as getting Thanksgiving weekend off work so we can spend it with family!)

11 … a husband who has a strong desire to learn more about God and share his knowledge with others.

12 … parents who have showed their love in so many ways through the years. 

13 … the opportunity to have an impact on student’s lives.

14 … the trials I have gone through that have made me a stronger Christian!

15 … my students and their parents.  Just when I want to give up being a teacher they remind me why I do what I do every day!

16 … the little moments Tim and I share between our jobs!

17 … the opportunity to buy gifts for others.  It truly is a much greater blessing to give than to receive! 

18 ... Most of all, I’m thankful that God sent His only Son to die for me and rose again so I can go to Heaven!

The list could go on and on!  There is so much to be thankful for!  But the month of November shouldn't be the only time we thank the Lord for all He's done for us!  It should happen on a daily basis.   

I pray that you have a safe and fun filled weekend with your family!  

The Bible & Technology: 2 Gifts from God Finally Intermingling in Amazing Ways

My last class this past Tuesday availed me with such a neat opportunity. My professor brought out a facsimile (identical face-value representation) of Codex Vaticanus that cost my school's library roughly $6,500 to purchase. Needless to say, I have never handled or seen a book quite that expensive before. In case you are wondering, Codex Vaticanus is one of two 4^th century hand-copied Bibles. It is an extremely important manuscript in the transmission of the Bible. And if you are wondering why this facsimile cost so much, allow me to explain. The attention to detail was so rich and specific, that to produce such a product was not cheap.

Each page was taken from high resolution pictures. Everything down to the smallest smudge, water mark, ink smear, marginalia, faded letter, retraced letters, various ink colors, and so on is represented in its actual size and form. But it gets better. Each page is laser cut to match each page of the real codex (i.e. every page is cut differently to exactly match the page it is representing). Everywhere there is a hole in a page of Vaticanus, there is a laser cut hole in the facsimile to identically match. I mean it felt and looked like the real thing. Even the binding was so precise, that you could tell when a scribe made a note in the margin, flipped the page before the ink dried, and the ink transferred on to the page it touched, by simply putting the adjacent pages together. The mirror images of the words were perfect when compared. Amazing!

And this is the technology that is being used to advance the realm of Biblical Studies to new levels. Along the same vein, Dan Wallace and his team at the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts have the goal of taking as many high resolution digital images of ancient Greek manuscripts that they can get their hands on. They then post their amazing pictures on their website (if the owners allow it; otherwise you have to travel to Dallas, TX to view them). People like me now have access and ability to study hundreds of Greek manuscripts that very few eyes have ever seen, all without leaving my recliner!!!

But this technology goes beyond pictures and expensive books. There are currently 3 major Bible software programs that are breaking boundaries with the way we study and research the Bible. Logos, BibleWorks, & Accordance are all cutting edge programs (each with their own specialties and niches) that aid the student of Scripture to do things that have never been done before. The advanced level of searches that can be done cut months of researching down to a simple formula that one simply enters and waits for the results to appear in a matter of seconds. Now, I can simply type in a simple search function and have the computer explore through every church father with a certain verse quotations, word choices, or even grammatical constructions. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Those interested in specific linguistic analysis of the Bible can really benefit from this. In other words, we are discovering truths about the Bible that have never been seen before!

I say all of this to say this: we are living in a time where we are richly blessed. I believe that our knowledge of Biblical studies is going to continue to increase. Bible knowledge should never plateau, and with these and other tools, I see it multiplying. But therein is the challenge. With the ability to learn at these rapid levels comes the responsibility to put this technology to good use. I don't believe God would have us gain access to this kind of study without expecting us to nail down some of these issues that have long been mysterious and hotly contested. We need to be good stewards of the great resources that God has put before us. Even though these resources help in accomplishing the work, it still takes minds to flesh out the conclusions.

Tim

Finally...Family and Friends

I was beginning to think Tim and I didn't have any family or friends left in the world.  After having a very active summer with visitors...no one came.  And I must say, I was extremely sad!  So after begging for so long, Lori and Traci drove down for a weekend at the end of September.  Traci's sisters, Amy, decided to come down to visit and brought her 3 kids and her sister-in-law, Holly.  Needless to say we had a packed house and poor Tim was the odd man out.  It was a much needed time of relaxing and finally catching up with everyone.  Here are just a few pictures that were taken during the weekend. 

 Blake enjoyed playing in the sand with his trains. 

He didn't like the water at first but started to enjoy it before we left.

 Kaitlyn and Kayla LOVED the water!  They are growing up so fast! :-(

HAHAHAHAHA There are just no words! 

Lori was on our back porch and I was able to capture this wonderful picture! 

I am so thankful I had the opportunity to spend a fabulous weekend with my wonderful sister Lori, sister-in-law Traci, best friend Amy, and the rest of the family! It makes me look forward to the time I get to spend with family and friends during the upcoming holidays!! 

Joy of the Coast

I prayed that we would have a quiet September/October (hurricane season) after Hurricane Earl passed by with minimal damage.  Then came the tropical storm.  Who knew that tropical storms are worse than hurricanes.  Not I!!  There was lots of flooding, closed roads, and upset parents for the simple fact we had school.  (At least my Christmas break hasn't been touched yet!)  Here are just a few pictures of the area after the storm.

A ditch on the way to school...I'm in my friend Staci's driveway because the road behind us was closed and we couldn't get to school this way (the trip went from 3 minutes to school to 30 minutes).

On most days, there is a ball field behind the little white building.  Not today.

Praise the Lord!  This is the flooding at our house.  It doesn't look like much but walking to the car it turned out to be about 6-8 inches.  But it never went into our garage or our house!! :-)

Freedom-Fighter OR Freedom-Debtor???

For whatever reason, and I run across this a lot, so many of my fellow evangelical Christians are vastly more concerned with American politics than they are of Jesus Christ. Why have Christians relegated the preeminence of Jesus to the back-seat behind America? Have we forgotten what redemption is: being slaves and prisoners to sin, Christ paid our price of freedom on the cross in order to live as slaves of Christ and righteousness! We were bought with a price! We are so vastly indebted to Christ for that. So I pose the question – which are you more of, a freedom-fighter or a freedom-debtor? Which battle are you most concerned about?

Example 1: the tea party is holding a rally in D.C. tomorrow (Sunday, September 12, 2010). Knowing the constituents of the many tea-party-goers, I’m sure that there are Christians attending. Some people in the church to which I attend think it fitting to skip out on corporate worship and be present at this protest rally. Whether such a thing is right or wrong is not the question. I simply ask, are we freedom-fighters first or freedom-debtors? Which takes priority in your life?

I can already hear the comments now – “You are being so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good.” While there is some truth to that, this is still a matter of priorities. I’m not saying that liberal politics is the way to go. I am as conservative as they come. But I am not about to put that in front of corporate worship. Why? Because Jesus is worth it! His Gospel is precious! My redemption was costly! He paid it all; all to Him I owe!

Example 2: Islam is at the forefront of discussion again. This time, there are two issues – the mosque at ground zero and the wacky church in FL that wants to burn Korans. First, do I think it is a bit insensitive to build a mosque at ground zero? Perhaps, but does it change my task at hand – namely to glorify God, magnify the name of Christ, and submit to the Spirit? Absolutely not! Again this is a matter of priorities. And not being a New Yorker, I really could care less.

Of course this whole Koran burning business is extremely unChristlike. Talk about slamming the door on yourself for a chance to share the Gospel of grace. But if a church is out fighting for their earthly freedom versus appreciating the debt that Christ paid for their freedom from sin, then I can see how such a form of protest might be deemed important. Yet again, this is a matter of priorities. Should we care about the multiple issues about Islam and politics? Maybe, but Jesus is more important!

Paul couldn’t be more clear when He wrote, “In all things [Jesus Christ] might be first place” (Col. 1:18). You see, it is a matter of priorities. Some of the reasons why Jesus deserves the preeminent position in our lives is because He secured redemption (1:14a), He enabled forgiveness (1:14b), He is God (1:15a & 19), and He is the Creator (1:16) to name 4 of the 9 reasons listed in this paragraph of Scripture.

I propose that Christians reprioritize their patriotism. Stop being freedom-fighters for their earthly country first and live as freedom-debtors to their heavenly country (to which we are now citizens, Phil. 3:20). How radically different things would be.

Tim

Hurricane Earl - Good Bye!

My first hurricane turned out to be a let down.  All the preparation and anxiety was for nothing.  Although, I do understand that we never know how these things will turn out so it's better to be well planned than not at all. 

I went to bed around 11:30 to the sound of rain.  The wind had picked up a bit but not enough to cause alarm.  Tim came to bed much later and it seemed to be the same.  I never woke up to the sound of huge gusts of wind or pounding rain.  I'm so thankful that the Lord, once again, calmed the storm! (Mark 8:35-41)

I wanted to share cool hurricane videos and pictures but there wasn't anything interesting going on. 

Hurricane Earl - Update

Relief...that's how I feel right now.  Hurricane Earl has dropped down to a category two!  It's amazing how one number can make a difference on my level of anxiety. :-)  We're still cautious and may still lose power but I'm thankful it isn't going to be as bad as was expected in the beginning. 

Our neighbors came by (we have never met them before) this evening.  They wanted to give us a heads up on the flooding that usually takes place in our front yard.  Not only that but they informed us that our garage will more than likely flood and we should move any items that shouldn't get wet some where else.  Tim and I worked hard to organize all our Christmas boxes and other 'junk' in the garage.  Now we've moved it to different areas of the house for the night.  I think I may stay up and start decorating for Christmas! :-D 

Thank you, Lord for giving us neighbors that are nice enough to share advice for the storm. 

Hurricane Earl

Since I have never truly been through a hurricane, I wanted to share my experience from the coast.  At this moment, Hurricane Earl is a category three.  Locals say it is safe for us to stay put but still be prepared for a bit of flooding, power outage, and maybe some debris clean up when it's all over.  So, Tim and I have gathered the essentials, pulled outside items into the garage (flower pots, patio chairs, lawn mowers, trashcans) and now wait patiently to see what the night will unfold.

Watching the clouds move faster than normal and hearing the wind pick up causes mixed emotions.  At this moment I'm wondering why we didn't pack our gear and head to Virginia where we could spend a long, safe weekend.  But I'm also a little excited to be in the midst of this massive storm that God created.  It is such an amazing reminder of His great power.  This hurricane was headed right toward us at one time.  It reminds me of the story in the Bible (Mark 8:35-41) where a great storm comes and just the words Jesus speaks, "Peace, be still!" causes it all to stop.  Our great storm, that was headed right for us, has moved toward the north!  Thank You, Lord for Your provision in the storm!

Here is a picture taken around 3:30 this afternoon. 

What a Wonderful Husband...

I would just like to point out a few things that make my husband so wonderful!  God blessed me with a man who truly strives to live by Ephesians 5:25.
          "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her."

Here are just a few of my sweet moments with Tim ...
...Tim and I went to see Eclipse with Andrea, Ryan, Steve, and Amanda.  My back has been bothering me so during the movie, when the pain was unbearable, I got up and stood in the walkway.  After awhile, Tim came down to stand with me.  He said he didn't want me to be by myself and he would stand with me as long as I needed.  - How sweet for him to put my needs above his comfort.
...On my first day of school, Tim woke up with me (after getting only three hours of sleep) and made muffins for me.  He also packed my lunch so I could finish getting ready.  - What a helpful husband!
... When we went to bed, Tim wasn't completely tired.  He decided to read his book in bed.  Without me asking, he covered the lamp so there was just enough light for him to see his book.  He leaned over and kissed my head, said he loved me and started rubbing my arm to help me fall asleep.  - He is so thoughtful!

This list could go on and on but I'll save some for another day.  I thank the Lord daily for sending me such a sweet, supportive, loving husband!

Family

All summer was spent with family.  We traveled to them or they traveled to us.  In the past couple weeks we have stayed put and no one has visited.  Basically, I'm starting to miss everyone.  Here is one of my favorite family pictures from the summer. 

A Secret About Me (Liz)

I'm the type of person that does not like to be alone.  I don't like going shopping, getting my hair cut, going to bed, eating, or sitting in my house alone.  Could it be that I don't feel safe or is it that I'm a people person and must have company?  I'm not sure what it is, actually.

Tim has continued his education since we moved from Winston-Salem three years ago.  He was able to attend Piedmont Baptist College because they offered week modules.  Tim would leave me in Beaufort for a week (alone) since I had to be at work.  Needless to say, those weeks were horrible.  I hated coming home to an empty house after work, cooking for just one person, going to bed alone not having Tim around to protect me if someone broke in, and hearing all the new noises at night that I never heard when Tim was around!  I prayed myself to sleep most nights and was so relieved when Friday finally arrived.

When Tim signed up for Southeastern, I was very excited (at least for the first semester).  He would just be gone for one day of the week and would come home that night.  Little did I know he would be signing up for new student orientation and have to leave for an overnight trip so soon.

This brings us back to the beginning...Sitting in an empty house, cooking for just myself, not having anyone to talk to, going to bed without a hero if someone decided to break in, having to fix random items myself if they break, and honestly, I could go on and on.  Yes, I agree, I'm pitiful!

Though I still don't like being alone, I found a few verses that helped me during these times...

        Psalm 32:7 "You are my hiding place, You shall preserve me from trouble, 

You shall surround me with songs of deliverance."  

Matthew 28:20b "... and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Even though Tim may have to leave me when he goes to school, God NEVER leaves me.  What a comfort it is to know that I can still feel safe when I am alone.  He will protect me and hide me under His wings.  He will deliver me when trouble is around. 

Thank You, Lord, for never leaving me and for the protection You provide when I feel helpless and alone!

The Centurion's Wife by: Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

The Centurion's Wife (Acts of Faith series part 1) is the type of story that you want to continue reading in the late hours of the night because it's too good to put down.  The setting is in Jerusalem immediately after the resurrection of Christ.  There are two main characters, Leah (who is one of Pontius Pilate's servants) and Alban (who is the head of a garrison in Galilee, and whose slave was healed by Jesus).  Both are sent on a mission to find out what truly happened to the body of Jesus.  During their quest, Alban and Leah are betrothed, and both of their lives begin to change as they learn the truth of the Messiah.

I highly recommend this book to everyone (men and women).  It's interesting to read a book set in biblical times.  It gives the details of a story we have heard all our lives but in a different view point.  Reading this book opened my eyes to what it must have been like during the death of Christ and the resurrection.  I could put myself in their shoes - really identify with the culture.  The authors did a fantastic job making it seem as though the reader was right there.  It made me appreciate what Christ did for me so many years ago.  We often take the passion story for granted, reading it and meditating on what He did for us once a year on resurrection Sunday.  But this is the most important story to remember and share with others.

Rating: Two thumbs up!

Books We are Reading

So we thought we might interest and hopefully spur you to read some of the good books we've been reading ourselves. At the very least, we will give you our opinions on them. Considering the tastes of Liz and I, you will get a strange variety. If you are interested in "Bible books", then I'll give you some good perspectives (or just perspective, not necessarily good). If perhaps you like Christian fiction, children's books, and things of that nature; Liz will be your resource. She's recently read an interesting series many of you ladies will enjoy hearing about. Any theology nerds out there might like what I have to say. At least you'll see what we were reading (as if you would even care about that =D). Just click on the tab at the top right entitled "Books". Clever, huh? Enjoy!!!

Tim