Anyone want to take a guess at what this creature is?

And if you were to invite it over for supper, what would you feed it?

The late afternoon sun streams through the window. Dripping water tells of the warm breeze melting the snow on the roof. Slowly, the snow on the driveway turns to wet ice; soon the ice will vanish utterly, giving way to the bare gravel. The snow will melt – in not long, the grass will be showing: spring is here!

I like spring. While some see mud, I see the most beautiful gems possible – precious drops of water. While some see nothing but dirty snow, I see signs of new life. I hear birds singing new songs; I see buds bursting into life; I see glories of God’s creation displayed all around. While some choose only to look at the dingy, brown grass and the old leaves from last year, I choose rather to see the awe inspiring beauty of the sun shining through the end of an icicle, a drop of water hanging precariously from its tip, until it finally splashes down to greet its cousins in the puddle below.

A beam of sun, a red maple bud, the chickadee’s song, the warm, cozy breeze; all speak volumes to me of the beauties of the new life which is mine in Christ. For even as some choose to look at the residue of winter storms lying on top of old snow, some choose to look at the residue of past sin in their lives. Even as some see nothing but dead grass and mud, some look at their lives and see nothing but dead works and pride.

But I have chosen a different outlook. I have chosen to see the Son beaming into my life, showing His graceful face and warming my heart to His Word. I have chosen to see the fresh shoot of green grass; the fresh life of new joy in my heart. And the mercies, new every morning, bursting out of their fresh buds of love. And instead of looking at the painful holes in my life, I have chosen to draw every precious drop of sap from the springing waters of salvation.

“A child is like an axe. Even if it hurts you, you still carry it on your shoulder.” (African Proverb) I think my father had more like a chain saw in me. I believe fathers are one of the most powerful forces in our culture. And how grateful I am for my father! How much I owe to him! He has instructed me faithfully in God’s Word and been a good example to me of a godly father.

Daddy, thank you so much for the time you have invested in my life. I am so grateful that God gave you to me as a father. I have been inspired by your persistence in becoming more like Christ even when the going is difficult. I have been encouraged by your perseverance in what is right even when the pathway is hard. And you have carried me on your shoulder – giving me higher glimpses into the truth and ways of God’s Word.

Because of your good example in your daily walk with the Lord I have come to love the Lord as my Heavenly Father. You have pointed me to Him for answers to questions, solutions to problems and strength in the hour of temptation. Thank you!

One famous author asked at one point this momentous, thought provoking question : “Where would we be without mothers?”  I suppose that many answers could be proposed, but really, the short answer is a simple, “No!”  For, in truth, were it not for our mothers, not one of us would be here today.

Paul says in II Timothy 3 these auspicious words – “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy…”

It is not my purpose right now to enter into eschatological perspectives or to discuss whether the end times are near, but I would like to draw your attention to the fact that we live today in a culture which undermines parenthood probably more than any other culture to have risen to power.  Moreover, we live in a culture in which gratefulness to our parents is seen not only as unnecessary, but also as unusual and unprecedented.

Today I want to say a big thank you to every one of you mothers out there who have given yourselves so devotedly to your husbands and children.  You have persevered even when it is hard; you have held fast to the Word of God; you have continued to pray for those around you.  Yours is a role which is often taken for granted – but one of the hardest roles on planet earth.

Charles Spurgeon was once approached by a mother.  She told him that she believed God had called her into ministry.  Upon learning that she had ten children, his reply was, “Why, praise the Lord!  He has not only called you to ministry, but he has given you a congregation as well!”

Mothers, I do thank you for the ministry which you are holding fast.  In particular, however, I want to thank my mother for the part she has played in my life.  She has so often guarded my steps, demonstrated submission to my father, and loved me even when I was in sin.

The illustration I have in my mother will also be a help to me when I begin looking for a wife.  For the godly illustration she is to me of a virtuous woman will help me to see that same virtuousness (or lack thereof) in a young lady who would be a potential marriage partner.

From the depths of my heart I want to thank you, Mommy.  Your walk with God has been and continues to be an encouragement to me.  May God bless you as you continue to seek His face.  I love  you!

Last Sunday was Mother’s Day, a day to recall and be grateful for our mothers’ influence in our lives. Mommy, I am so grateful to God for you. I don’t know where I would be without you! I know you pray for us constantly. Your love for us is manifest in every action: you are always ready to lend a listening ear; you are quick offer a helping hand; you are continually sacrificing in order to build us up; and you know how to point out in gentleness our slidings from the upward way. Thank you for you influence in our lives!

I can’t write a Mother’s Day post without mentioning the other mothers in my family… Erica and Samantha, as mothers to the yet unborn, you are already reaching out to your children by loving them, praying for them and speaking to them. May God grant you wisdom and joy as you partner with your husbands in raising up these arrows for the Kingdom of God!

Evelyn and Sarah, as of yet you are not mothers, but I see you faithfully preparing for such a role should God ordain that for you. The skills you are learning now not only assist you in the role you currently have as sisters, but they will undoubtedly serve you well in whatever future God has prepared for you. Your character shines forth brighter and brighter with every passing year as you demonstrate genuine love toward your family members, gentle patience with the failings of others, and joyful enthusiasm for the successes of those around you.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18

After receiving another foot of snow yesterday, many of our basement windows have been covered with snow.  I particularly liked this picture, and thought there might be some other people who would enjoy it as well! 🙂

“Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;

I wanto You forever to live in my soul,

Break down every idol, cast outevery foe;

Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow, yes whiter than snow;

Lord wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.”

-James L. Nicholson

Before finishing up the wedding story, I thought I might give my readers a little challenge.  Something took place here today.  Can you figure out what it was? (Those of you who already know, don’t give it away too quickly!)

I just upgraded our servers to a dedicated host – at our house.  The disadvantage is that it will be down during the night, many week-ends, and when we have a power failure.

I hope you enjoy the new appearance.  I wonder how long it will take for people to notice, though.