The Hungering Heart

Uncertain Times: Undeserved Grace

2008-06-01T21:08:00.001-05:00

I just love Dr. David Jeremiah's devotionals. I get them in email every morning and wanted to share this one.

So [Abraham] brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.
Genesis 14:16

The notion of grace is so contrary to human reason that even Christians struggle with it. For instance, if we have been through a spiritual dry period in our life, it is hard to imagine God coming to our aid. Surely we are required to work our way back into His good graces before asking for His help. Such a notion is contrary to Scripture—God has proved himself faithful even to those who have been unfaithful to Him.

Lot was the brash, self-serving nephew of Abraham. There is little to find in his life that would commend him as a spiritual person who sought to please God. Yet even when his own choices resulted in his being threatened with captivity at best and death at worst, God rescued him. Lot was captured by a marauding army; and Abraham, whom Lot had previously slighted, risked his own life to save him. God's grace and faithfulness are constant: "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13).

If you are in need of God's help in your life, ask for it on the basis of His undeserved grace, not your deserved judgment.

Common grace . . . reveals itself everywhere where human hearts are found to beat . . . and spreads its blessing upon these human hearts.
Abraham Kuyper

Molly's book is available online

2008-05-15T08:16:00.000-05:00

I've waited for this day with such anticipation. I'm thrilled to tell you that Molly's book is now available online. You will find it at the WinePress Books Online Bookstore.

Jack and I are so proud of her! She is a lovely young woman anxious to share the stories God has placed on her heart. And because of its wholesomeness, I'm so pleased to be able to recommend this special book.

The Pirate Daughter’s Promise is full of daring high seas adventure, sweet, wholesome romance, surprising discoveries, unlikely new friends, and the rewards of trusting in God even when life seems impossible.

(Visit Molly's blog to learn more about the sequels to this book and other books she is writing.)

Do you see how serious God is about you?

2008-04-18T09:38:00.000-05:00

"Can you even fathom the truth that the God of the Universe clothed Himself in humanity just to come find you because He loved you and you were lost?"

— Jennifer Rothschild

Hand Mime to Who Am I? by Casting Crowns

2008-04-07T18:37:00.000-05:00

Who Do You Know?

2008-03-16T08:29:00.000-05:00

I just love Dr. David Jeremiah's devotionals. I get them in email every morning and wanted to share this one.

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25

When we retrieve the daily mail from the mailbox, we scan the pieces looking for a handwritten envelope and a familiar name in the return address section. When we call a stranger to ask for business or a favor, we try to mention the good name of a mutual acquaintance. In the world of business and interpersonal relations, it's most often not what we know, but who we know, that counts.

And that could not be more true when it comes to knowing God. What chance would mere mortals have in connecting with God—receiving His favor or His forgiveness—if we did not know someone "on the inside"? And it turns out, we do—if we know Jesus Christ, that is. The Bible tells us that Christ came from God (John 8:42) and has returned to God (John 14:1-4) where He "lives to make intercession" for us. When Satan comes to accuse us before God (Job 1:9-11), Jesus speaks up immediately and tells the Father, "It's okay—[name] is one of ours. His sin is covered by My blood."

Do you know Jesus? Do you rely upon His standing with the Father? Do you approach the Father in His name? Who we know will make the difference for all eternity.

The Pirate Daughter's Promise

2008-03-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

I recently mentioned that my daughter is currently having her first book published. We received the full cover layout of her book cover which was very exciting! We're hoping it will be available in a month's time or sooner.

I'll tuck the back cover text below to give you a preview.

Skylar McHenry knew the love of her parents and a doting grandfather until her sixth year was marked by the tragic loss of her mother. When her father’s secret past as a pirate came to light, father and daughter fled to a life at sea. Although Daniel McHenry’s life had changed and he now robbed pirates to return the stolen goods to their rightful owners, his ship was captured by authorities, and he was hung for piracy.

Skye grew up in an orphanage, little more than a servant and shunned by everyone around her. Now a young woman, each day Skye faces is marked by some new struggle. Her only hope has been to rely on her heavenly Father’s care and comfort and the solace of her best friend Will, who has become more than dear to her.

Just when an unexpected encounter with her grandfather gives Skye a small glimmer of hope that things might change in her favor, her world is shattered. She is awakened in the night by cannon blasts. Pirates storm the orphanage, drag her away into the night, and force her aboard their ship. The cruel captain’s intentions are clear. He will extract from her, through any means necessary, the location of the hidden treasure rewarded to Daniel by those whose belongings he had returned. For Skye to divulge the location would mean breaking the last promise she made to her father. She’s certain she never will, but what happens when the lives of those dearest to her are at stake?

The Pirate Daughter’s Promise is full of daring high seas adventure, sweet, wholesome romance, surprising discoveries, unlikely new friends, and the rewards of trusting in God even when life seems impossible.

My Daughter's Book

2008-02-12T17:30:00.000-06:00

I wanted to pass along some exciting news. My daughter Molly, a recent home school graduate, is a writer. She is currently having her first book published. It won't be too long now before it is ready for print, and when it is, I will let you know in case you are interested to read it.

A new year

2008-01-03T16:23:00.000-06:00

It's January now and I can, when I feel like it, begin to think about spring without it being a futile endeavor. There are still some things I want to do before I turn my thoughts that way though, like reading by the wood stove, cherishing the glow of candles and hot drinks, snow days, and cuddling under quilts. I've recently acquired two new books I'm anxious to spend some time with.

Our Great God

2007-12-07T17:01:00.000-06:00

Here's a great song I just love by Todd Agnew with Rebecca St. James.

LisaWhelchel.com

2007-09-26T19:39:00.000-05:00

Do you remember Blair from The Facts of Life? I have to confess I was not a fan of the show, and Blair was the person I would have had the least in common with. It was interesting to me some years back to find out that Blair, Lisa Whelchel in real life, and I have much in common. I will let you get to know her on your own if you care to and just say that I love her web site, Lisa Whelchel.com. I receive her newsletter by email and it is always a joy to read. She is so open, so generous and real. Her family took a trip to Israel this past summer. Check out her Weekly Journal in the Coffee Talk section to read about it and see lots of pics.

Flywheel

2007-09-19T17:02:00.000-05:00

We did watch this movie, Flywheel, since I last mentioned Facing the Giants. We loved Flywheel too, very much. It spoke to me more, personally, than Facing the Giants, but I loved them both. I really hope you will have an opportunity to see both movies. As I mentioned, they are low-budget films, but the Kendrick brothers tell a story so well it will draw you in and leave a lasting impression. I sure hope they have a new movie in the works.

Lessons I Learned in the Dark by Jennifer Rothschild

2007-09-18T16:23:00.000-05:00

I am reading a new book called Lessons I Learned in the Dark by Jennifer Rothschild. This book is really timely for me right now, and it is always comforting when you know that the Lord is supplying you with things designed to meet you where you need. There was one part early in the book that got the color crayon treatment which is how I highlight my books. "We don't lean on God until fear makes us feel shaky and weak." Isn't that so sad but true? I am always thankful that God is there, am always mindful that He is there, but I get busy and overwhelmed and forget to lean.

I don't know if I have ever read a book that has been so completely where I am at this moment in time. Page after page has been exactly what I needed to read, needed to learn. I'm only half-way through it, but this is a book I recommend very highly.

She writes:

"When we have memorized God's Word, it becomes real to us... Never forget that the important things sealed in your memory are never lost. So spend time memorizing what matters, and maintain what you have memorized. When it's dark and you can't see, God will become your vision if His truths are hidden in your heart. Most of all, remember the Lord, for He never forgets you. You are always on His mind and in His thoughts. He remembers what matters -- you! So by day or by night, make Him your best thought, and make sure you always remember to thank Him for His Word and His goodness to you."

I would love to put excerpt after excerpt here, but I wouldn't know where to begin or end. I'll just share this with you. She wrote about being thankful for difficult gifts, things that God allows in our lives to help us to grow, to learn, to grow closer to Him, to strengthen our faith.

One reason many people struggle with bitterness and ungratefulness is that they've never learned to receive difficult gifts. Blindness is just one of many such gifts. Illness, broken relationships, wayward children, and financial strain can be very hard to receive, much less be thankful for. But the interesting thing is that God expects us to be thankful anyway."

And then she said,

". . . some things that God allows to come into our lives are genuinely hard to be thankful for. But if we fix our eyes on God, we can see beyond the difficulty of the gift into the heart of the Giver. Regardless of whether we asked for it or want it, it's a gift of God's grace, and our response should always be to receive it with thanks. Is your response to a difficult gift based on your feelings about the gift itself or on your desire to honor the Giver and do His will? Is your closed fist extended in anger, or is your open hand lifted to Him? Only an open hand receives the blessings that accompany difficult gifts, and sometimes it's only in a package wrapped in heartache that we receive the fullness of God's grace."

Facing the Giants

2007-08-10T12:14:00.000-05:00

We watched this movie last night as a family. It was timely and wonderful. So wonderful! I have been going through such a difficult summer and it just warmed my heart to watch a story show me, let me see visually what I believe in my heart. It was just such a great story. If you click on the picture you can read about the movie and here also is another link, another movie by Kendrick Brothers Productions called Flywheel. I haven't seen this one yet but it sounds good too.

Selah Concert and Pure Springs International

2007-04-30T21:21:00.000-05:00

I recently went to a Selah concert which was just a fabulous experience. Click on this link Pure Springs International to read more about a ministry Selah has founded to bring fresh water and Bibles to the people in Congo, Africa. They will be digging wells so the people have fresh water to drink.

On this site you will read: "Todd Smith (of Selah) grew up in Congo, Africa where his parents are still missionaries in a state called Bandundu, which is roughly the size of Texas. Bandundu has no fresh water sources, so the women and children are forced to walk a mile to a water source, fill up large tubs with unclean water, and carry them a 1/2 a mile back uphill to their village . . . We also have committed to helping Todd's parents fulfill their goal of providing every hut in Bandundu with a Bible in their native language of Kituba. We are so very excited to be a part of something that will change so many lives."

Who Would Love You Enough?

2007-02-28T19:59:00.002-06:00

I had the very great pleasure for a short amount of time to be a part of Darylynn's My Homework group. I am not a poem writer. Not even sure this is a poem. But for the Valentine's homework assignment I needed to write something about love, to pay tribute to someone dear to me.

When I tried to decide who I would write about for this assignment, an idea came to mind and stayed. I thought perhaps I would write about my grandmother who I miss so much and had so many fun adventures with, or my husband who I adore, but when it came time to decide my original thought remained. So I jotted down some things and this is what I ended up with.

Who Would Love You Enough?

Who would love you enough . . .
to woo you with relentless pursuit
and yet never force his way into your life?

Who would love you enough . . .
to keep every single promise he's ever made,
and be quick to forgive every one you break?

Who would love you enough . . .
to think of you more times in a day than
the number of grains of sand on every beach?

Who would love you enough . . .
to want to take your hurts onto himself,
to carry your burdens, to cry when you cry,
to go so far as to keep your tears in a bottle?

Who would love you enough . . .
to remain faithful even when you are not?
to love you unconditionally, no matter the offense
still want you every time you leave,
every time you turn your back,
every time you fail?

Who would love you enough . . .
to come after you time and time again
even when you feel you don't deserve it?
to love you no more or no less according
to how much you love or do in return?

Who would love you enough . . .
to go to the length, breadth, height, and depth
it would take to actually die in your place?

after all of this . . .
who would love you enough to let you choose
whether or not you want Him?

John 3:16

written for His Praise, to share the wondrous and limitless,
endless love of my Savior

You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!
They are innumerable! I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand! Psalm 139:17-18

Desktop Wallpapers

2007-02-01T19:52:00.002-06:00

I've uploaded just a few desktop wallpapers.
I am going to offer just one size 1280 x 1024. If your resolution is larger than that and your desktop settings are set to "stretch" the quality will suffer a bit, a little less crisp a picture.

There is an exception.
Some of my photos were smaller to begin with.
Those sizes are 1024 x 768.

Terms below wallpapers

Flower Photos

Click the link below to download
Hepatica americana - 1280 x 1024

Landscape Nature Photos
(with a bit of "oil painting" effect)

Click the link below to download
Streams of Water - 1024 x 768

Click the link below to download
Splendid and Majestic - 1024 x 768

Click the link below to download
Morning Sun - 1280 x 1024

All photos and desktop wallpapers are copyrighted by me. They are free for personal computer use ONLY. Spread the word if you like them but don't spread the wallpapers. Under no circumstance are they to be offered for download anywhere else. They cannot be bundled up and offered elsewhere, and absolutely no profit is to be made from them. Under no circumstance can you use the wallpaper photo to make something new to display online. It must be used as is and only as a desktop wallpaper. I retain all rights to the photos and the desktop wallpapers.
Thanks for understanding.

Contact Me

2007-01-31T19:51:00.000-06:00

I would love for you to let me know that you were here. You can leave me a comment at the bottom of posts.

Or you can email me at:
thecountryhomemaker[at]gmail.com