Today in family worship, I gave each of the children an opportunity to pray. Instead of prompting the little ones, the Lord gave them each their own prayers. D's prayer to the Lord..."..And when we fall and trip, will you please put a bandaid on and heal us?" Isn't that sweet? There is something so profound about that. We daily need the Lord's succouring and healing when we fall into sin and go to Him repentant. There is a balm in gilead.
H's prayer? "Help us to do the laundry". Now, how did this little almost 3 yo think of that?
Welcome to Days At SpringMeadows!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Gatorade anyone...or oranges?
So here I am, up past midnight. Why? Because I have been watching a football game. The college Orange Bowl to be exact. Hello? Is this me? Yes, I am not much on sports as some of you may know, but hey, it's Tim Tebow playing. The most decorated college football player...and he was homeschooled! You should have heard all the wonderful comments about him. What a testimony. It really was a great game...and my two boys thought it was such a treat to get to stay up and watch till halftime. I learned several things about football. And did you know that Gatorade was made specifically for the Florida Gators? And at the end, he thanked his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No matter how you feel about football, that was a blessing. And by the way.....they won! Go Gators!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Our Family's New Years Letter...
Happy New Year to our dear friends and family,
The E family hopes this finds you each well and experiencing the grace of our Lord. We thought with the advent of a new year, that it would be nice to send out a little update on our family. We always enjoy hearing from each of you, and wanted to let each one of you know that you are in our hearts.
As we look back on the year 2008, we are filled with thankfulness of the Lord's faithfulness. As we recount all that has taken place, His guidance and mercy fills us with praise towards Him.
Probably the biggest change in 2008 has been our cross country move from our home in Tx, to upstate South Carolina. We had been seeking for some time direction from the Lord as to where we were to settle after selling our home out in Brookshire. We had rented for almost two years and did not feel that He was calling us to remain in Houston any longer. The Lord brought to our attention a wonderful church in the Greenville area, and our dear friends entreated us to consider joining them in the furtherance of the work here. After much prayer and S flying out to visit, we felt we should pursue this direction. Very quickly afterwards, the Lord opened up a job for S to work for Caterpillar through Volt Technologies. The timing of everything was amazing, and we were moved just as our lease was due to be up in Tx.
We have purchased nearly 7 acres of land here in SC, which we have named SpringMeadows. We hope to build on it in the future and are excited as we think over all of our possibilities. In the meantime, we have a wonderful home in the country we are renting. The landlord is a Christian, and even goes to our same church. He has been like a grandfather to our children, giving them horse rides, letting them play with his puppies, etc.
We have so enjoyed our first 8 months here in the deep south. We are learning what truly "southern" means. (I never knew Tx was "West"). Our biggest blessing has been the church the Lord has given us. We want to shout to the whole world about the work He is doing here in the Upstate. Our pastor is the most faithful shepherd we have ever had. We are fed with the richest portions each Lord's Day and we have such a warm church family, in which we have the sweetest fellowship.
The children are really growing, and homeschooling is going very well. We are not doing any co-ops this year, just focusing on our learning here at home, and enjoying each other as a family. That being said, we have taken several field trips, including a few day visit to see our friends in the VA/Wash. area. We were able to tour southern battle grounds and historical sites, as well as spending a day in D.C. learning all about our country's government seat.
S, as I mentioned above, is working at Caterpillar. He is enjoying his new duties very much. As he says, it is so nice to get out of all your designing being in a cylinder that goes downhole (as it was in the oil industry). His division works with marine engines. In his spare time, he has set up a nice workshop where he and the boys are always doing something, throwing a frisbee with the children, or relaxing over a cup of coffee.
J, continues to be very busy with the homeschooling management. Her role becomes overseer more and more as the children get older. Between caring for the family, schooling, laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc. there is never a dull moment. But she does find time to work out at Curves, keep a blog, and enjoy a good book once in a while.
J is 11. He is quite the young man now. It is kind of scary when in school all of a sudden during science you are discussing cloning. Yes, we are entering into a new phase with our dear boys, and it is wonderful to behold as they head towards manhood. When J has free time, you often find him reading, whatever he can get his hands on. He also enjoys playing with his siblings and anything athletic. Give the boy a ball and he is happy!
W is 9. He is our artistic, creative, mechanical one. One of his considerations has been to make a robot to take over some of mommy's household chores. Many times we will not know where W is, and he is down in the shop engineering some new invention. A couple of months ago, he was trying to fashion a handmade rifle. J and W are hoping to open up their own little business crafting homemade leather shepherd slings. W also joins his brother in many wrestling matches and go-cart escapades.
R is 8. I have always referred to her as my little butterfly and she still is. With her white hair flying she bounces throughout the day. She is quite the active one, with the female grace added. She loves school and is a very dutiful student. She is excited about taking a sewing class with the rest of us beginning the end of this month. When she is not jumping on the trampoline doing flips, she is playing with her sister "baby and mother". Also, lately she has discovered she loves to read independently as well.
E is now 6 and has earned the title of the only family member that has broken her arm. Yes, dear E was in a cast for a few weeks after a trampoline accident. But, she "bounced" back beautifully and is as cheerful as ever. This year was her first full schooling, and she has skyrocketed! Her new delight is to sound out whatever she sees around her, and being able to read stories is such fun. When she has free time, she is drawing pictures. She loves, loves, loves to draw and color. Also, she is our maternal one, always caressing a baby doll tenderly.
D is 4 and still enjoying spending his days playing for hours. He is either wrestling with his brothers, or running around with his little sister.
If you want to delight D just bring him home a new little tractor and matchbox car...but oh is favorite is "Lightning the Queen!" (supposed to be Lightning McQueen) There is something very endearing about Deeb. His big blue eyes penetrate you as he speaks the most melting, affectionate and sometimes hysterically funny phrases. He is still my cuddle bear and loves to be held and hugged.
H is still the baby. Yet, at almost 3 (Feb) she is hardly a baby anymore. She thinks she is 16 and queen around here. Sometimes Mommy and Daddy have to remind her that is not the case. She is a smart little thing and amazes us with her accomplishments. She also, at this young age, seems to take a special delight in drawing with pen and paper. She keeps us very busy as she explores her world, but our world is so much brighter from this dear girl.
I should not fail to mention our black lab Black Beauty aka: "Blackie". We enjoyed this puppy very much for the short time we had her. But, as we were away taking a much needed vacation, she disappeared. The children were sad, but realize the Lord is in control of this too. It has only been a few days and so we are still holding out a glimmer of hope of finding her yet.
So, that is a snapshot from our family to yours. I am afraid this has become a book, instead of letter, but it gives you a picture of our life right now. We must give all the praise to our Lord for His kindnesses to us this year. We pray His kingdom would flourish and thrive more and more in 2009. We pray also for His grace to be present with each one of you, as well. As we watch our children rapidly growing, we are reminded of the brevity of our lives, and the necessity of looking towards eternity. Christ truly is all in all.
We would love to hear from you and would invite each one of you to our home here in SC. Our home is open!
In Christian Love,
The E family
The E family hopes this finds you each well and experiencing the grace of our Lord. We thought with the advent of a new year, that it would be nice to send out a little update on our family. We always enjoy hearing from each of you, and wanted to let each one of you know that you are in our hearts.
As we look back on the year 2008, we are filled with thankfulness of the Lord's faithfulness. As we recount all that has taken place, His guidance and mercy fills us with praise towards Him.
Probably the biggest change in 2008 has been our cross country move from our home in Tx, to upstate South Carolina. We had been seeking for some time direction from the Lord as to where we were to settle after selling our home out in Brookshire. We had rented for almost two years and did not feel that He was calling us to remain in Houston any longer. The Lord brought to our attention a wonderful church in the Greenville area, and our dear friends entreated us to consider joining them in the furtherance of the work here. After much prayer and S flying out to visit, we felt we should pursue this direction. Very quickly afterwards, the Lord opened up a job for S to work for Caterpillar through Volt Technologies. The timing of everything was amazing, and we were moved just as our lease was due to be up in Tx.
We have purchased nearly 7 acres of land here in SC, which we have named SpringMeadows. We hope to build on it in the future and are excited as we think over all of our possibilities. In the meantime, we have a wonderful home in the country we are renting. The landlord is a Christian, and even goes to our same church. He has been like a grandfather to our children, giving them horse rides, letting them play with his puppies, etc.
We have so enjoyed our first 8 months here in the deep south. We are learning what truly "southern" means. (I never knew Tx was "West"). Our biggest blessing has been the church the Lord has given us. We want to shout to the whole world about the work He is doing here in the Upstate. Our pastor is the most faithful shepherd we have ever had. We are fed with the richest portions each Lord's Day and we have such a warm church family, in which we have the sweetest fellowship.
The children are really growing, and homeschooling is going very well. We are not doing any co-ops this year, just focusing on our learning here at home, and enjoying each other as a family. That being said, we have taken several field trips, including a few day visit to see our friends in the VA/Wash. area. We were able to tour southern battle grounds and historical sites, as well as spending a day in D.C. learning all about our country's government seat.
S, as I mentioned above, is working at Caterpillar. He is enjoying his new duties very much. As he says, it is so nice to get out of all your designing being in a cylinder that goes downhole (as it was in the oil industry). His division works with marine engines. In his spare time, he has set up a nice workshop where he and the boys are always doing something, throwing a frisbee with the children, or relaxing over a cup of coffee.
J, continues to be very busy with the homeschooling management. Her role becomes overseer more and more as the children get older. Between caring for the family, schooling, laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc. there is never a dull moment. But she does find time to work out at Curves, keep a blog, and enjoy a good book once in a while.
J is 11. He is quite the young man now. It is kind of scary when in school all of a sudden during science you are discussing cloning. Yes, we are entering into a new phase with our dear boys, and it is wonderful to behold as they head towards manhood. When J has free time, you often find him reading, whatever he can get his hands on. He also enjoys playing with his siblings and anything athletic. Give the boy a ball and he is happy!
W is 9. He is our artistic, creative, mechanical one. One of his considerations has been to make a robot to take over some of mommy's household chores. Many times we will not know where W is, and he is down in the shop engineering some new invention. A couple of months ago, he was trying to fashion a handmade rifle. J and W are hoping to open up their own little business crafting homemade leather shepherd slings. W also joins his brother in many wrestling matches and go-cart escapades.
R is 8. I have always referred to her as my little butterfly and she still is. With her white hair flying she bounces throughout the day. She is quite the active one, with the female grace added. She loves school and is a very dutiful student. She is excited about taking a sewing class with the rest of us beginning the end of this month. When she is not jumping on the trampoline doing flips, she is playing with her sister "baby and mother". Also, lately she has discovered she loves to read independently as well.
E is now 6 and has earned the title of the only family member that has broken her arm. Yes, dear E was in a cast for a few weeks after a trampoline accident. But, she "bounced" back beautifully and is as cheerful as ever. This year was her first full schooling, and she has skyrocketed! Her new delight is to sound out whatever she sees around her, and being able to read stories is such fun. When she has free time, she is drawing pictures. She loves, loves, loves to draw and color. Also, she is our maternal one, always caressing a baby doll tenderly.
D is 4 and still enjoying spending his days playing for hours. He is either wrestling with his brothers, or running around with his little sister.
If you want to delight D just bring him home a new little tractor and matchbox car...but oh is favorite is "Lightning the Queen!" (supposed to be Lightning McQueen) There is something very endearing about Deeb. His big blue eyes penetrate you as he speaks the most melting, affectionate and sometimes hysterically funny phrases. He is still my cuddle bear and loves to be held and hugged.
H is still the baby. Yet, at almost 3 (Feb) she is hardly a baby anymore. She thinks she is 16 and queen around here. Sometimes Mommy and Daddy have to remind her that is not the case. She is a smart little thing and amazes us with her accomplishments. She also, at this young age, seems to take a special delight in drawing with pen and paper. She keeps us very busy as she explores her world, but our world is so much brighter from this dear girl.
I should not fail to mention our black lab Black Beauty aka: "Blackie". We enjoyed this puppy very much for the short time we had her. But, as we were away taking a much needed vacation, she disappeared. The children were sad, but realize the Lord is in control of this too. It has only been a few days and so we are still holding out a glimmer of hope of finding her yet.
So, that is a snapshot from our family to yours. I am afraid this has become a book, instead of letter, but it gives you a picture of our life right now. We must give all the praise to our Lord for His kindnesses to us this year. We pray His kingdom would flourish and thrive more and more in 2009. We pray also for His grace to be present with each one of you, as well. As we watch our children rapidly growing, we are reminded of the brevity of our lives, and the necessity of looking towards eternity. Christ truly is all in all.
We would love to hear from you and would invite each one of you to our home here in SC. Our home is open!
In Christian Love,
The E family
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Saturday update (could not think of a more original title)
We are back home after a long day of travel last night. You cannot believe how fast we made the treck of 740ish miles. As I mentioned before, S had put the bench seats facing each other and made a table in between, so the children had their own cabin in the back of the van. They could draw, play, eat and so on at that table, plus my computer was hooked up with speaker sounds so they could watch movies too. In the middle of the van was the luggage and a porta-potty that we could use. So there was very little need to stop. In fact, yesterday the children had a 20 min. stop to run around and that was it. Pretty good little travelers, if you ask me.
Me, well, I slept....and slept...and slept some more. Turns out, my tonsilitus may indeed be strep throat. So, no wonder it has wiped me out. I ended up taking an antibiotic, which is already helping me. But, I have been pretty out of it. I would wake up a little, stare a little, and then sleep some more. S at one point was going to voice record my snoring...I NEVER snore (really, you can count on one hand...!) To top that off, you would think after all that sleeping that I could not sleep, but boy could it, until after 11am, this morning...and I STILL feel wiped. But, I am so glad I am getting more relief from the sore throat now. E who had this while we were in Hot Springs after her fever and sore throat has gone away still has extremely swollen lymph nodes and so the Dr has called in an antibiotic for her now too, cause it looks like she might be harboring it still too. We don't like to take antibiotics at all, but I am thankful for them at times like this.
S and the 4 older children are off to look for Blackie, who was gone when we got home last night. Yes, we may have lost our dear dog. Our neighbor who was feeding her said that she was here as late as Thursday afternoon, and he saw her run after something down the dirt road. So they are going down a couple of these dirt roads that lead down to the river. I am wondering, could she have gone into heat and decided to have a honeymoon somewhere? If so, she will probably be back in a couple days. Otherwise, I am afraid she has gotten hurt, or killed. She is not one to wander away for very long, that has been one thing we have been amazed at with her, how quickly our porch was just her home, and how she fit in here so fast. The poor children were crying last night, not having their doggy to greet them. But, these things too are in the hand of the Lord and they are learning that.
On another note, I am taking up the weight loss challenge again. I lost a good amount through weight watchers last year, but before I had shed those last 10-15 pounds I lost my momentum and have had a hard time getting it back. Well, Amy at Amy's Humble Musings (one of my favorite blogs) is taking a 12 week challenge and asking who will join her, so I am in. I want to lose another 16-20 lbs. So, I am going to go back to really watching what I eat and increasing my exercise again. I still have been doing Curves, but not as much as I should be. Anyone else want to join the challenge? Click on the link above. By the way, congrats to my dear sister in law, who got to her goal with weight watchers exactly one year ago this month, and she has kept it off beautifully!
Time to gear up for school again next week. S and I also need to sit down soon and do a semi annual portfolio of each of the children's progress this year. I know I say this alot on my blog, but life moves on so swiftly, my "baby" will be three in Feb. Things are shifting here in this household, from diapers to questions from the heart and logical reasoning, biblical thinking. We all have need to "Remember thy Creator, in the days of thy youth". As S puts it, what are the days of your youth? The days of our youth, is right now.
Me, well, I slept....and slept...and slept some more. Turns out, my tonsilitus may indeed be strep throat. So, no wonder it has wiped me out. I ended up taking an antibiotic, which is already helping me. But, I have been pretty out of it. I would wake up a little, stare a little, and then sleep some more. S at one point was going to voice record my snoring...I NEVER snore (really, you can count on one hand...!) To top that off, you would think after all that sleeping that I could not sleep, but boy could it, until after 11am, this morning...and I STILL feel wiped. But, I am so glad I am getting more relief from the sore throat now. E who had this while we were in Hot Springs after her fever and sore throat has gone away still has extremely swollen lymph nodes and so the Dr has called in an antibiotic for her now too, cause it looks like she might be harboring it still too. We don't like to take antibiotics at all, but I am thankful for them at times like this.
S and the 4 older children are off to look for Blackie, who was gone when we got home last night. Yes, we may have lost our dear dog. Our neighbor who was feeding her said that she was here as late as Thursday afternoon, and he saw her run after something down the dirt road. So they are going down a couple of these dirt roads that lead down to the river. I am wondering, could she have gone into heat and decided to have a honeymoon somewhere? If so, she will probably be back in a couple days. Otherwise, I am afraid she has gotten hurt, or killed. She is not one to wander away for very long, that has been one thing we have been amazed at with her, how quickly our porch was just her home, and how she fit in here so fast. The poor children were crying last night, not having their doggy to greet them. But, these things too are in the hand of the Lord and they are learning that.
On another note, I am taking up the weight loss challenge again. I lost a good amount through weight watchers last year, but before I had shed those last 10-15 pounds I lost my momentum and have had a hard time getting it back. Well, Amy at Amy's Humble Musings (one of my favorite blogs) is taking a 12 week challenge and asking who will join her, so I am in. I want to lose another 16-20 lbs. So, I am going to go back to really watching what I eat and increasing my exercise again. I still have been doing Curves, but not as much as I should be. Anyone else want to join the challenge? Click on the link above. By the way, congrats to my dear sister in law, who got to her goal with weight watchers exactly one year ago this month, and she has kept it off beautifully!
Time to gear up for school again next week. S and I also need to sit down soon and do a semi annual portfolio of each of the children's progress this year. I know I say this alot on my blog, but life moves on so swiftly, my "baby" will be three in Feb. Things are shifting here in this household, from diapers to questions from the heart and logical reasoning, biblical thinking. We all have need to "Remember thy Creator, in the days of thy youth". As S puts it, what are the days of your youth? The days of our youth, is right now.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards
I thought it was fitting on the first day of the new year to post the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. He resolved to read them each week. Enjoy...
Resolutions 1 through 21 were written by in one sitting in New Haven in 1722.
The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is
perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.
34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii, and July 13.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.
64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.
Aug. 17, 1723
Resolutions 1 through 21 were written by in one sitting in New Haven in 1722.
The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is
perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.
34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii, and July 13.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.
64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.
Aug. 17, 1723
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!!
Well we have had an absolutely wonderfully refreshing week here in Arkansas. We have played, laughed, relished Nona's cooking, enjoyed each other and just had a great break. We went bowling at an alley with S's sister and her girls, played at the park, hunted for cool mussels and soap stone down at the lakes edge. We met some really nice people at a Reformed Presbyterian Church that we went to on the Lord's Day. They invited us to their home for a couple of hours on Tuesday. We really enjoyed them and look forward to getting to know them better.
On New Years Eve we headed over to S's sisters for the night. We had such a great time together making memories. They just got a Wii, and we had never played one before, so there were lots of laughs. Take a look at this hilarious video of S and his sister boxing...sibling rivalry never ends huh? :)
We were all there with our hats and blowers, and funny looking 2009 glasses. The children were delighted that we actually let them stay up till midnight and had sparkling apple juice as the clock struck 12. They all made it too! Well, except for H, she didn't quite make it. Nonie and Papa went home a little after 11, and the rest of us spent the night. I got sick with tonsilitus and so have have had fever and sore throat and just not felt well the last couple of days, but still enjoyed myself tremendously. I wanted to put all the New Years Eve pictures at the end, but blogger likes to put them up at the top, so enjoy them anyway. :)
We are now back at Nona and Papa's for New Years Day dinner. Our plan is to head back early tomorrow morning. Time to get back to our normal duties.
As I look back over 2008 I am filled with gratitude to the Lord over all His mercies to us this past year. We have so much to be thankful for. One huge mercy has been the Lord bringing us into his flock here in South Carolina. Our church has been such a great blessing to us and we are still relishing sitting under such a faithful ministry week by week. I pray the Lord's richest blessings on each one of you in 2009!
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