Video: John 10:10

John 10:10 from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

~ Tessa

Friday Articles

Here are my articles for this week:

• Empowered Traditionalist: How To Be Feminine
• Justin Taylor: Mary v. Zechariah
• Kisses From Katie

~ Tessa

No, Mr. President

January 22nd marked the 38th anniversary since the momentous and fatal court decision, Roe v. Wade. A decision that is still riddled with controversy and numerous emotions. A decision over which God weeps, because so many countless helpless babies are killed day after day under the guise of "woman's health" and "reproductive rights". A decision that makes me weep, when I read stories like the Philadelphia house of horror , where babies are killed with scissors, and the hospital in Illinois, where babies were stuffed on shelves and left to die. And then our president stands up and makes a statement like this:

"Today marks the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, and affirms a fundamental principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters.
I am committed to protecting this constitutional right. I also remain committed to policies, initiatives, and programs that help prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant women and mothers, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption.
And on this anniversary, I hope that we will recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights, the same freedoms, and the same opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams."

Then I pray and weep even more for those babies who will continue to die because of a leader with such scruples.  As one of those who could have been killed, another abortion statistic, another little helpless child never to have a voice, I say, along with Pastor John Piper, "No, Mr. President."



~ Tessa

I Refuse

I have enjoyed artist Josh Wilson's music in the past; he has an uncanny wisdom when addressing various aspects of the Christian's life. His insight sometimes results in convicting songs. But, thanks to Josh's passionate love of Christ, conviction will probably come with a desire to love and serve Jesus better.

The above sensations were certainly true for me when I first heard this song.  Do I obey God's every call in my life, or only when it is comfortable and easy? Am I hiding behind excuses? One thing that struck me is that obedience requires a choice, not just "a good feeling." Also, could we have a better or kinder Master? Work in His service is not a drudgery but a delight! But I won't give the song away. Listen to it, and be ready to be changed.

~Lissie

Friday Articles

My eight-year-old sister with her infectious grin.

Well, here's a novel concept. Posting my favourite articles on Friday again!

• Latitude 821: Christmas Cheer Throughout The Year
• Passionate Homemaking: Developing a Personal Mission Statement
• Passionate Homemaking: Guarding Against Technology Time Wasters
• Empowered Traditionalist: How To Be Mysterious part 3

I also thought I'd share a comment from my eight-year-old sister. She was sitting with her little arms around my neck. Looking straight into my eyes, she said, "Soon you're going to be a grandma!" To which, I had to strive very hard not to laugh and I said, "Actually, I think soon mom is going to be a grandma." She replied with a vigorous nod of the head and an emphatic, "Yeah! That's what I meant!"  The whole family has been chuckling over that one today.

~ Tessa

Happy Birthday to one of my bestest friends!

Happy Birthday, dear friend!

Your love for your Savior is evident to all, as you let nothing get between you and Jesus. You fight sin with fierceness, read His Word with eagerness, and obey Christ's commands with alacrity. Your passionate Christianity is daily a precious example for me to follow.

Your love for your husband is undeniable; the sparkle in your eye when he walks into the room, your thoughtful little acts to make his life better, your loving submission to his leadership, all testify to your deep unfading love for him.

Your delight in being a homemaker and mom goes beyond the scope of most women's imaginations; you travel 5,000 miles to make former orphans your sons and daughters; you lay aside any desires for self-pampering or your own social life to patiently school your children; you labor in prayer, persevere in discipline, and saturate your family's life with Scripture as you raise your children in the fear of the Lord.

Your love and compassion for the needy is constant and fervent, manifested in all sorts of ways from the way you make a stranger feel comfortable, to the way you advocate for the orphan.

Your intellect is strong and quick, keeping all around you on your toes as you take joy in learning, reading, growing.

Your sense of humor can only be summed up in two words: crazy fun. I love it when you laugh until you cry, and you surprise me all the time with your goofiness.

You keep life an adventure for all around you; I love your joyful fearlessness and your delight in the smallest details of life.

I love you forever and always, Mom. Happy Birthday!

Love,
Lissie

Video: This Is Anya

Orphan Experince Promo from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

Please watch with discretion. This video deals with what Russian girls face when no one wants them. They are forced into a life of prostitution. Children's HopeChest, a ministry directed by Tom Davis, wants to help girls like Anya. Please pray about how you can help.

~ Tessa

Remember

Untitled from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

Please consider the orphans as we start a new year. How can you help this year? Remember that this is the mark of true religion. Maybe this means you go somewhere: Russia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Guatemala, Ukraine. Maybe you are called to sponsor a child and provide for them. Maybe you will raise money to build an orphanage. Maybe this means you will adopt a child, or children. Maybe you will save a girl from prostitution against her will. Whatever it is, the sacrifice you make will return far more than you could even imagine.

~ Tessa

Bravehearted Thots: This is War!

~ Tessa

True Love: What is it?

As I prepare for  my own wedding coming up in March, I found this article very good and helpful and defining what love is in our confused and backwards culture.

The Elusive Concept of Love

~ Tessa