"It is a wonderful thing...

...how God effects His purpose while still the creature is free. They who think that predestination and the fulfillment of the divine purpose are contrary to the free agency of man know not what they say, nor what they affirm.....Man walks without a leash yet treads in the very steps that God ordained him to tread in as certainly as though manacles had bound him to the spot."

~Charles H. Spurgeon

Daily, along with reading the Scriptures, I have been spending time reading Spurgeon as well as JC Ryle's commentary on the book of Matthew. Oh how I have gleaned much from it all! Their words make me think back to a time when women were dressed and covered (not wearing bikinis, skimpy short-shorts and low neck shirts ~ I am truly aghast at women who claim to be followers of Christ that dress horribly or let their young daughters dress in ways that even 50 years ago would have been unheard of!) and people spoke with more class and dignity. Are we trying to attract the attention of men or God?

Now, don't get me wrong....hearts were just as corrupt back then and terrible things happen in all generations. But oh how my heart aches (especially as I raise these blessed children of mine) when the acceptable dress of young ladies is basically *anything* they want....even if it hugs their bodies, barely covers their bottom or shows a large amount of skin. How can this be acceptable? And not only that...but abortions, casual sex, blasphemy, homosexual "marriage", transgender issues, and the evolution/creationism debate is enough to bring me to despair and perpetual tears. 

Most (even those who call themselves Christians) don't read or know their Scriptures...they have liberal views that although the Bible says opposite their beliefs, they still believe *it* is wrong and they are right. My heart has been praying, crying out to our Creator. 

He is handing us over...this is what everyone wants...our nation has cried out for homosexual "marriage" (which can't even be called marriage because marriage is ordained by God...created by Him and *never* meant for perversion), acceptance of transgender "feelings" (I'm sorry...but your feelings don't make you male or female...your body parts do), women's "rights" and abortions...it makes me feel so discouraged. We, as a nation, are just getting what *we* asked for. :(

Do you want to know what *encourages* me throughout it all? It is knowing how GREAT our God is. He is mighty, merciful, patient, slow to anger, kind, never changing, omnipotent and loving to His children! He is in complete control of it all.....and *that* is what I rest in...Christ is all...in all!

*Our healing lies in His stripes. Our life lies in His death. Our pardon lies in His having suffered the punishment due to us. Our eternal life is in the fact that He once died for us and that He now lives to make intercession for us. "Christ is all."*

~Charles Spurgeon

So I find rest in Him, live to please Him as best I can and pray....I pray hard for the people of this world. I will continue to pray until my last breath. There is hope...because our Savior lives, there is always hope for this evil world. :)

Our lives have been busy here at home. Among housework, schooling, yardwork and many other responsibilities...we have been busy as bees around here!

I have been doing some organizing of cupboards and other areas in my home that have needed some improvement...

I have also been canning as the beans have continued to become ready...

My mother-in-love had bought me these pint and a half jars... (Aren't they neat? You process them just as you do quart jars)

The children and I went for a walk/scooter ride one evening...

The neighbor's horses...

My precious girl...

And we're home...

And so, this post has been a little bit heavy and a little bit light. Thanks for hanging in there with me as I share my heart and my joys!
 Let me cry out to you mamas really quick...please stop letting those baby girls of yours (of all ages) dress in skimpy outfits, short shorts and bikinis!! Don't expose them to the men who want them only for their bodies. Cover them and let them develop their character in Christ-like behavior and servant-hood. (Also, be sure you are a living example of true, feminine womanhood). Raise your boys in the admonition of the Lord and keep them away (as best you can) from lustful sights and thoughts. Guard their hearts and minds. 
Modesty is an issue of the heart...but if your heart isn't right ~ your modesty will never be right either! I hope and pray this post will reach the eyes and hearts of so many who need to hear it. It's so easy to just go with the flow...following the trends and fashions and behaviors of the world. But as Christians, we are called to do the opposite. We are to be sanctified (set apart) in Christ! 
Living for Christ, Katy