Mountain Musings

My Next Reading Project

Deb gave me this book about a year ago (last Christmas), and I am just now starting to read it. I really look forward to it!

From the Introduction by Tryon Edwards, 1851: "The subject of these Lectures is eminently practical and important.  Love is the first outgoing of the renewed soul to God - "We love him, because he first loved us."  It is the sure evidence of a saving work of grace in the soul - "The fruit of the Spirit is love." "

From Lecture 1: "The word [charity] properly signifies love, or that disposition or affection whereby one is dear to another... [re 1Corinthians 13] And by the apostle's mentioning so many and so high things, and then saying of them all, that they profited nothing without charity, we may justly conclude, that there is nothing at all that avails anything without it. Let a man have what he will, and do what he will, it signifies nothing without charity... Love will dispose the Christian to behave toward God, as a child to a father; amid difficulties, to resort to him for help, and put all his trust in him... It will dispose us to praise God for the mercies we receive from him... Love, again, will dispose our hearts to submission to the will of God, for we are more willing that the will of those we love should be done, than of others."

~ Tom

Answering Some Questions...

Thank you to everyone who submitted questions for our Encyclopedia of Me ~ Q is for Questions post. Here are the questions and our answers below:

Cindi asks: "What is each of your favorite fictitious book?"

I like so many books, it's absolutely impossible to pick ONE favorite. :) Some of my many favorites include the Elsie Dinsmore series, Pansy books, Lamplighter books, Little House on the Prairie, Anne of Green Gables, the Chronicles of Narnia, Heidi, Pollyanna, the Swiss Family Robinson, and many others. ~Sarah

I actually don't read very much fiction, although I recently finished reading for the first time the Chronicles of Narnia series, which I enjoyed. ~Hannah

I have enjoyed several of Francine Rivers' and Angela Hunt's novels, and I enjoy reading Jamie Langston Turner's books, but I don't normally read a lot, although I do enjoy reading blogs and perusing magazines like Southern Living, Country Living, and Country Home to gather new recipes and see new ideas for country decorating . ~Deb

Tammy asks: "Does everyone in the family have a life verse, and if yes what are they?"

I've probably mentioned my life verses on the blog before; they are Jeremiah 29:11-13. I like them because of the great promises of God to me if I seek Him always as Lord of my life. Situations sometimes may look bad, but God means it all for good according to verse 11. ~Deb

Chyrll asks: "What is your favorite recipe and recipe book?"

Two of my favorite recipes are Chocolatetown Pie* and Key Lime Pie*, simply because they are very quick and easy to make, plus they both are quite yummy. :) I probably like my 2002 Taste of Home cookbook best...it really seems to have a good selection of recipes. ~Sarah

Like Sarah, I also like many of the recipes in Taste of Home magazines, and I have quite the collection of back issues to refer to when I want to try something new. Sue Gregg's Eating Better Cookbooks have some tasty recipes that we have yet to make. Some of our favorites have come from her Soups and Muffins book. ~ Hannah

Dorothy asks: "I would like to know what your Dad was like, Deb? It is fun to read about your Mom, and she seems to be so sweet...your Dad must have been someone very special, too."

Yes, very! My dad was a quiet, steady, and faithful man. Working in a cloth factory on second shift, he worked hard, came home and slept, and went back to work--day after day, year after year. He taught a young boys' Sunday School class for years, and I can still remember the big green set of Matthew Henry commentaries we had that he often studied for his lessons. Growing up, we took family vacations to the Smoky Mountains and traveled to revival meetings and gospel singings, and we always had a fun time as a family. In later years he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Here's a picture of my dad taken before the Lord called him home to heaven in January, 1999; we miss him very much!

And Sherrin had several she wanted to ask including: "When did you begin gardening, and what started you out?"

While Mom has always been into planting flowers and shrubs wherever we've lived over the years, and our whole family has done plenty of yardwork together, my interest in gardening really started when we moved to the Valley in 2002. Since we have 5 acres and plenty of full sun, there was room to begin a garden plot of our own. So in the spring of 2003, Mom and I put in several veggies in raised beds that we had mapped out for Dad to build. Our new home was also blessed with a friend's gift of many divided perennials that have since been added to--each year the garden here changes, and there is always something new growing! I've enjoyed doing a lot of reading and learning as I go. I'm glad for the chance to get this experience with gardening and to use it to serve our family. (Pictured: pineapple sage) ~Hannah

"Do you follow any particular ideas about courtship?"

We subscribe to Bible principles of loving parental involvement, protection, counsel, and betrothal. See the description in this post, under the heading "Marriage Preparation" (scroll down). We have been blessed with perspectives on this subject from John Thompson, Jonathan Lindvall, Douglas Wilson, Heather Paulsen, and others (see links and references in the post). ~Tom

"Do you have a daily schedule?"

No, I really don't (although I'd recommend it for a new wife starting out). I usually do things when they need doing rather than planning which day I do them or what time of the day I grocery shop or clean. If we're out of food, it's time to shop. If company's coming, it's time to clean. (That's a little joke there...but, seriously, having company over is a great motivation for cleaning!) I used to be much more schedule-oriented when we homeschooled because I had to make sure a large chunk of time was designated specifically for schooling with additional time scheduled for all the rest of the housework.

My time is quite freer now, and I have time to garden and landscape, quilt, knit, or cross-stitch, work on scrapbooking, have friends over for lunch, or write letters...so I plan my day around whatever is going on with the family. Plus, having adult daughters to work alongside me is quite the wonderful blessing. ~Deb

* recipes on continuation page

Don't you love summer reading programs?

My reading this summer has paid off! A couple of weeks ago, I found out I won the grand prize for our library's summer reading program. :) I always participate in the program - there's nothing like getting prizes for doing something as fun as reading.

At our library, for every 2 books you read, you get an entry into the grand prize drawing. I read about 60 books, so I had 30 entries. You could earn more by writing book reviews, but I decided to pass on that. :) Also, after every 12 books, you get to pick a free book. Their selection wasn't really the best, so I only picked out 3 even though I could have had 5.

Anyway, I was notified that I had won the prize, and I went in the next day to pick it up. The librarian said to bring a couple of my favorite books that I read this summer, so I brought two: The Old Worcester Jug and At the Little Brown House. They also took a picture of me holding one of them, as you can see. :)

The prize? $75 worth of gift certificates, good at any downtown shop! I think I'll be paying a visit to some bookstores and the quilt shop soon... :)

~Sarah

Who is Martha Peace?

A commenter recently asked the question, "Who is Martha Peace?" after seeing a couple of books Hannah and I are reading by this author listed on our sidebar.

I originally became acquainted with Martha Peace years ago when I first read one of her well-known books, The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective. You can find some readers' reviews of The Excellent Wife on the Amazon site here by scrolling down the page.

The book I am reading now, Becoming a Titus 2 Woman, is very applicable at this stage in my life seeing as I have two single adult daughters and a new daughter-in-law I can practice on. :) Here's a quick blurb from the book:

"God intends the older woman to teach and encourage the younger woman. The process should be as natural as slipping your hand into a glove that fits perfectly. If both will do what is right--the older one reaching out in love to the younger and the younger one responding in humility with a teachable heart--God will be glorified, the older woman will overcome her fear, and the younger woman will grow in grace by leaps and bounds.

Instead of complaining about or being afraid of the younger women, the older Christian women should pray for them, involve themselves in their lives, and teach and encourage the younger women. The rest of this chapter and book explains how."

The Martha Peace book Hannah is reading now is called, Attitudes of a Transformed Heart. Hopefully she will write her own review once she's finished reading.

Here's Martha's website where you can read more about her life, books, and speaking schedule.

~Deb

Things Money Can't Buy

"Once upon a Christmas time, long ago, a man who had a big heart, but little money, dreamt he could give his friends endless riches. When he awoke, the dream kept running through his mind, over and over.

Finally, he asked himself: "If I could give my friends anything, what would I give?"

He smiled as he began to think of all the wondrous things he could buy for them. But then he thought: "I'm a happy man, yet I have none of those things."  And he began to think that perhaps real wealth could not be measured in riches. Perhaps there were gifts of greater value than the things money could buy..."    ~ Excerpt taken from The Legend of the Christmas Prayer by Brian Morgan.

I thought about this little book after reading what one of our commenters wrote on the Christmas Giveaway post as her favorite gift given/received. There are so many precious Christmas gifts you can give that take the form of giving of yourself--your time, your talents, and any loving act that you do for someone. In fact, a special gift I received one year was an envelope of "coupons" from one of the girls saying they would do various things for me like "cook dinner," "foot rub," and "anything of your choice." I always tell them..."I don't need anything - just give me coupons!"

Along with all the other nice gifts you're giving this year, are you saving time to give of yourself to someone? It's one of the best gifts!

~Deb

Invasion of the Books!

The Serven Clan recently tagged us for their delightful book meme, and I was elected to post my favorite books.

1. One book that changed my life

I would have to say that John Thompson's God's Design for Scriptural Romance (which technically speaking is a series of articles, not a book, so I'm cheating a little, but bear with me) changed my thinking drastically.  Ironically, the change was not about the theme of the title, scriptural romance; due to the sound exhortation and teaching of my father, I had already come to convictions like those set forth by Mr. Thompson.  Rather, Mr. Thompson included an article on God's will, and how to discern it.  This section really challenged my thinking on God's will in many ways and revolutionized the way I discern His will not just for scriptural romance, but for every decision I make.  If you have not read God's Design for Scriptural Romance I strongly encourage you to do so.  I don't think the full text of the articles is available online anymore, but I believe some parts are still floating around in cyberspace somewhere.  Fortunately for us, Dad printed off a hard copy for the family.

2. One book that I have read more than once

The Swallows and Amazons Series by Arthur Ransome.  A delightful set of books about four brothers and sisters who, along with their friends, camp on deserted islands, sail around an English lake, and generally have a rousing adventurous time.

3. One book that I would want on a desert island

I'll answer that one with alacrity: the Bible.  I'll have to agree with my sister..."Any other book would soon grow old..."  The Scriptures are God's revelation to man and should be the supreme authority of our lives--even if we are marooned on a desert island.

4. One book that made me laugh

I've actually only read it once, and that many years ago, but The Phantom Tollbooth was quite hilarious. Norton Juster's dry wit, clever plays on words, and ability to poke fun at the English language all make for a humorous read.

5. One book that made me cry

My tear ducts have never been activated while reading.

Well...maybe. :)  Anyways, while I certainly didn't cry over it, the classic The Count of Monte Cristo, is a sad tale about the unjust imprisonment of Edmund Dantes. 

6. One book I wish had been written

John 21:25 says, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which were written."

With all due respect to John, I wouldn't really care if the world couldn't contain the books--it would still be an incredible privilege to read all the details of Jesus' life that the Gospels don't give.

7. One book I wish had never been written

I'll heartily agree with the Serven Clan on this one: The Origin of the Species.  However, I'll go one step further: Principles of Geology by the evolutionary geologist Charles Lyell had a large impact on Darwin and was a major propellant for his eventual decision to believe in and propogate evolution.  These two books have been used as scientific and philosophical justification for rebellion against God and have caused unimaginable spiritual damage.

8. One book that I am currently reading

The problem with this question is the phrase "one book."  I am currently reading a deluge of books that includes, but is not limited to: "Inside Al Qaeda: Global Network of Terror," "Great Lives Observed: Edmund Burke," "The Federalist Papers," and "The Assassins: A Radical Sect in Islam."

9. One book I have been meaning to read

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage, one of my Dad's books which details the heroic expedition to the Antarctic by Sir Ernest Shackleton.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and learned a little bit about the books I like to read, and perhaps even discovered a book that you would like to read yourself!

Cross-posted on Eugraphia.

~Jonathan

Book Meme

Well, I was tagged by my aunt to do this book meme. Here goes...

1. One book that changed your life: I can't say that any book besides the Bible has changed my life. :)

2. One book that you've read more than once: The easier question would be: what book have you NOT read more than once! I read so many books over and over. Hmm...since I can pick just one, I'll say On Yonder Mountain. It's a book I read 9-10 times when I was younger. I loved it since the girl's name was Sarah, just like me.

3. One book I'd want on a desert island: I'd have to say the Bible on this one too. Any other book would soon grow old, even if I do like to read them over and over!

4. One book that made you laugh: A View from the Zoo. It's a book written by Gary Richmond, a zookeeper with funny anecdotes from his years of work with animals. He has some good Biblical lessons that relate to each story. 

5. One book that made you cry: Treasure in an Oatmeal Box is a book I've read more than 10 times through the years. The main character is a mentally handicapped boy named Kevin. And yes, I do actually cry over books! :)

6. One book you wish had never been written: There are lots and lots of books that shouldn't have been written! But I thought of one that has bad elements in it: the Harry Potter series.

7. One book you are currently reading: I'm actually not reading anything right now! I know, I'll do better in the future... I did just finish Year of Growth, a Rod and Staff book that I borrowed from my friend Sarah. :) It was a good story of a Mennonite girl named Lois Ann.

8. One book that you've been meaning to read: The Mildred Keith series. I bought them when they were on sale last year, but I haven't gotten around to reading them yet. They were written by Martha Finley, the author of the Elsie Dinsmore books.

So, that's that. I won't tag anyone else, but if you want to answer any of the questions in the comment section, please feel free. :)

~Sarah

12 Extraordinary Women

The ladies over at GirlTalk blog have started a GirlTalk Book Club, and we'll be reading the book by John MacArthur titled Twelve Extraordinary Women (How God Shaped Women of the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You). (If you don't have the book already, you can click on the title link above or on the book in the left sidebar to order from Amazon.)

Here's the scoop:

* We’ll pick a book and post it on our sidebar.
* Each week, we will read one chapter, and we hope you’ll read with us.
* Along with the chapter assignment, we’ll ask a question and invite you to submit your answer.
* Among the answers, we will choose one to post.
* That person will receive an author-signed copy of the Girltalk Book Club selection.
* We will also comment on the chapters as we go along.

Click here to read the first Book Club assignment. The first assignment deadline has been extended until next Thursday, August 3, to give everyone a chance to order and receive their books. So you still have time. I picked my copy up yesterday from our local library; so I'm anxious to start reading! Will you join us? Sounds like it should be a fun and learning time.

~Deb

In Everything Give Thanks

Days to Remember, the new book by Henry M. Morris, was the free book each History of the World Conference attendee was allowed to pick up for free. Because I really enjoy devotional books, I was excited to preview a new one.

This book, however, is not your usual daily devotional, having a sub-title of Devotions for the Holidays Throughout the Year. Some of the divisions include: Christmas, Easter, The New Year, Honoring Parents, Patriotric Holidays, Harvest Holidays, and Key Days in American History--all quite interesting.

Today I thought I would share an excerpt titled In Everything Give Thanks found in the Harvest Holidays section.

"It is easy to be happy and cheerful in times of prosperity, when one has all the comforts of an affluent lifestyle, and everything seems to be going well. The testing times come, however, when these material comforts are somehow taken away, and one feels defeated and all alone.

Except for God! Whatever else may fail, God "will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). We can "rejoice in the Lord...in the God of my salvation."

Job, for example, lost all his possessions, then his children, finally his health, and even his wife turned against him. Yet he could say, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed by the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).

God has commanded the Christian, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thess. 5:18). not for everything, but in everything!

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:17)."

What are you thankful for today? Some big answer to prayer? A friend's simple concern for you? A nice home in which to live with your family? Peace in the midst of a hard trial?

This is a small thing, and it doesn't really have any trial attached to it at all...but I'm thankful that today, while sitting in church, I found my long-lost watch (zippered in an inside pocket of my Bible) which had been missing for two months! Why had I not felt it in there before today? In fact, just yesterday I priced a new watch at Walmart and decided to wait just one more week to see if my missing watch would turn up. Out of the blue I was blessed--just a simple thing; but I'm giving thanks for it today!

~Deb

Out & About

Hannah and I were out and about yard saling over the weekend. Here's one of my finds: an old milk can with quite the rusted top. Anyone have any suggestions on how to go about restoring it? The lady who sold it to me said to soak the top in Lime-Away. Anyone have any experience with how this product works? Any tips appreciated!

And here's another watering can to add to my growing collection (bottom step). It doesn't have the sprinkler thingy screwed on the end, and the handle is bent. But, hey, when the lady throws it in for buying the milk can, it's a deal. At least...she said "sure" after I asked her to throw it in. :)

~Deb

Not to make Courtney jealous, but I thought I would add that at one of the yard sales, what did appear in a box of books but an old copy of Rachel (an out-of-print novel published in 1938 and currently being read on Christian Classics). For 25 cents, I couldn't pass it up! :)

~Hannah