Today has been a very blessed Lords Day, more than usual.
This morning's sermon was on the Church and her mission, to gather and perfect the saints. Saints meaning God's chosen people, not some ethereal person who is more perfect than human, and who doesnt leave footprints because he is hovering 6 to 8 inches above ground. In Webster's 1828 dictionary, the firs definition of the word "saint" (noun) is: "A person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue." Therefore, we as Christians are saints! the logical thought process then must be that we never use the common phrase : "well im not a saint!" that would be rather contradictory of what we are to be, would it not? His application to this was how important it is for people in the church to not just leave it to the preacher to build them up through the preaching and admonition from the pulpit. instead we are to build one another up through encouragement, brotherly love, helpfulness, joyfulness, loving exhortation, support, understanding, etc. It is important for a church to be a closely-knit group of people, not just individuals who though professing to live a life common to those also in the church, live aloof and separate from all else in the Church. Dad preached using texts from Matthew 24 and Ephesians 4:8-16. We are taking a break from the Psalms series he has been doing to prep. our church for when we vote for new elders and deacons.
We stayed for church lunch afterwards, which was a treat- i got to talk to someone, an adult i very much respect but have been having some difficulty feeling kindly toward him for the way he has been treating me lately. I got to practice the sermon and speak lovingly, asking about general matters as family and health. his oldest girl is one of my best friends, so its been hard for me to feel as though he has had issue with certain things in my life that are not sinning but just a preference we disagree on. but as we talked generalities it was such a pleasant conversation and he was kind as i was toward him, i felt the Lord giving me peace in my mind. and i am so grateful! Now whenever i see him the Lord has eased my mind so i know that he truly still loves me almost as his own child (thats how its always been) even though we dont agree on everything.
Tara was today, but mom and i had ridden with Daddy to church, so i didnt have a car to be able to go. Oh well, Lord willing i will get to go next month-- its such an encouragement to see all those older people who still love the Lord so much that when we come they stay and sing with us, and listen as one of our men gives a 10 min talk on some aspect of our walk with the Lord. Praise the Lord for previous generations and "forefathers in the Faith" :]
Once home, mom and dad rested and i went for a "photography walk" in our woods, to take pictures of Creation, and sing along with some of the songs i have on my ipod. So, for around 3 hrs i trudged and climbed (trees), hiked and jumped (creeks). i love our woods :] at the end i felt like quoting Robert Frost (though its the wrong season!) : "the woods are lovely, dark and deep, but i have promises to keep. and miles to go before i sleep, and miles to go before i sleep."
Dad finished his Deuteronomy series last week (i was out of town! :( drat) so tonight he started on Romans. He didnt get very far however. i think he did the first 4 verses. lol His introduction took up most of the time. He says he thinks Romans should be preached on every 12 yrs, so this is his third time preaching on it. :] Martin Luther once remarked that Romans could never be read too often or taste too sweet- for each reading the epistle gives a deeper meaning and a sweeter taste.
Now i am sleepy and have a long week ahead-- mom is going to Augusta to be with annie on tuesday, which means i will have to go with dad to the office on tuesday and wednesday. and friday possibly. tomorrow im meeting marie for a workout at the Y and then starbucks-- wow talk about productive! haha. tuesday is Mr. Potter's history class and orchestra. Wednesday is drama -- hoorah!! Thursday i am determined to finish my chemistry chapter and also start back at finishing painting my shelves in my room. half of them have been light purple for too long. friday is the soccer game that the CFaf marching band is preforming at during half time, and the masquerade ball is that night. if i get any interesting pictures ill be sure to post them. Saturday mommy comes home. and hopefully at some point during this busy week, i can convince daddy we need to go on a daddy-daughter date to Barnes and Noble :] :] :] :] :] :] i need to get some more books to add to my library, for sure one on health food (so not all fun and games).
alright, its 11:09 pm my time, so one more definition from Webster's 1828 dictionary and then im off to bed. lets look up the words "friend" and "friendship":
"friend": noun. 1. One who is attached to another by affection; one who entertains for another sentiments of esteem, respect and affection, which lead him to desire his company, and to seek to promote his happiness and prosperity; opposed to foe or enemy.A friend loveth at all times. Prov. 17. 2. An attendant; a companion.
"friendship": noun. 1.
neat!
alright, goodnight sweet dreams
Because He lives and reigns
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