Infallibility and Meaning

I've decided to make a post that is somewhat weightier than my previous posts. I've been reading through a book by R. J. Rushdoony called "Infallibility: An Inescapable Concept" and I'm really enjoying it. I found this excerpt particularly edifying.

"Because God is the absolute creator of all things, and because nothing exists outside of His creating decree, all things have their existence and their meaning from their sovereign creator, God. God, having no unconscious aspect in His being, is totally self-conscious and purposive in all His ways, so that all creation is a universe of total meaning. There is not a meaningless fact or atom in all creation, nor an event, nor any facet or aspect of anything that is not marked by total meaning. The meaning of most things eludes us. We do not understand the meaning of mosquitoes, for example, or the hairs that fall from our head, nor of the often unhappy events of our lives, because we tend to look for their meaning in terms of ourselves. The meaning of all this is theocentric-God-centered, not man-centered--which means that of necessity things are meaningless if we try to read them in terms of man, in terms of ourselves. We do not create them, govern them, nor more than slightly in a limited area and manner, influence them; they are of God's ordination. Attempts to read the meaning of things humanistically are thus erroneous, futile, and blasphemous."

Because I felt like it

I’ve thought about this for about a day now and I decided to create my own “fill-in-the-blank”. I refrain from calling it a survey because a survey usually implies that you’re going to do something with the results that you receive. I have no intention of doing anything with the results (other than maybe laughing at you and honing my campdown writing skills). I don’t want to do it to get to know people better. I think I know people pretty well. I’m just a curious person, not to mention I get to get a few good laughs out of it. I’m also not calling it a survey because there are some people who say they will never fill out a survey and because this is a non-survey, those people can fill it out without any guilt or feel that they’ve broken any record.

Humor me here. It’s one of things that comes to your head while you’re sitting around waiting for the iron to heat up so you can iron your shirt for Sunday and while you’re waiting for the Biore strip on your nose to harden into a mold that feels like a paper-mache mask that someone forgot to remove in time. But alas, I digress.

Here are my ten thoughts from Saturday evening.

1. Favorite word to use this week: impertinent. (kind of how I’m feeling now) =)
2. Least favorite color: that purple that’s not really purple but kind of a nauseating pink tone- especially bad on cars
3. If you could look like a celebrity who would it be: if Julia Roberts and George Clooney had children I would want to be one of them. Maybe a little of myself right now in there- I figure it would either look like a train wreck or turn out good
4. Favorite chore: vacuuming – I also don’t mind doing dishes or folding laundry.
5. Least favorite chore: cleaning the toilets – a grim job that has to be done
6. If you had the choice to be either 2 inches taller or 2 inches shorter would you take it: I still haven’t decided my answer to that one- I feel pretty good about myself
7. What do you think is the smelliest animal: roadkill skunks and chickens I think are pretty nasty too. =)
8. Best movie quote (not necessarily your favorite but what you think is one of the best lines): “I know this Man. He gave me water, and a will to live.” ~ BEN HUR
9. Do you prefer – mail order catalogs/online shopping or actually going to the store: kind of depends on what I’m shopping for and my mood.
10. If you could go back in time and change some invention what would it be: I've noticed that I seem to enjoy trying to re-invent the wheel.

P.S. If you recognize this, that's OK, you're not imagining things.

The New Math

“In this new approach, the goal is to understand what you’re doing rather than get the right answer.”

~Tom Leher from "An Evening Wasted with Tom Leher"

thoughts...

My latest contemplation lately has been pets. I want a dog. I know it's going to be a while before we get a dog again but I still want one. *sigh* Hopefully someday soon.

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man." -Mark Twain

*love*

Happy Valentine's Day Friends!! I love you all and am so thankful for you!

Last night my dad asked Jared if he knew who St. Valentine was.
Jared's answer: "Wasn't he some guy that got put in jail for his, umm, Christian- um, thing?" :^D

Happy 26th Anniversary to my parents too!! I love you very much and your love and faithfulness are wonderful examples. Thank you!

Quote of the week:

"Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony."

I heartily agree.

somewhat... =)

A Key Ingredient

"Be anxious for nothing, in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made know to God." Philippians 4:6

This has been our family's memory verse this week and I'm reminding myself of it more and more. There is one thing though, that stand out to me in this verse and reminds me of another similar to it and that is "Thanksgiving". Being thankful to God in all our circumstances seems to be essential even when we are very anxious and worried about what we have to do or what life has in store for us. Too often I find myself worrying about things I have no control over and I find it hard to "give it up" to the Lord. I think part of it is I need to be more thankful for what He has given or done for me in that situation and tell Him of my worries and turst Him to take care of it. That's His job after all! =)

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What's all that white stuff?

Last night we had snow. And it's still here this morning. About 4 inches of pretty snow on top of some nasty ice. Seems like the phrase "Looks aren't everything" applies to more than just people. =)
The kids were out in the backyard last night playing, making snowmen (or attempting) and having a generally good time getting cold and wet. I should have liked to make a snow angel but alas, the good ol' algebra was calling. =)


Thought for the day:
Everyone has a someday, and someday, I'll get to mine.

Happy New Year!

I can hardly believe it's 2007! The past year has gone by so quickly it seems. Last night we were at the Wilson's house and as we sat around talking, I couldn't help but feel a little sad and excited at the same time. The sadness stems from thinking back on the things that happened this past year and knowing that those days are gone and just memories now. I'm glad to have those memories. The excitement comes from having a whole new year ahead and wondering what kinds of things are going to happen. I'm looking forward to ways of growing in the Lord and growing in my relationships with my friends and I'm excited about whatever other adventures are around the corner!
We sang this song on Sunday as our closing hymn. I'd forgotten how much I love this song and I couldn't help but think that this song was so encouraging and fitting for me as I enter this new year. May God grant you grace, peace, and strength to do His will this coming year!

"Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee."

Wow, I acutally managed to post 2 days in a row!

We've been doing a lot of baking lately for Christmas and I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipes. Beware though girls! My dad LOVES this dough so if you have cookie dough lovers at home and you don't watch, you might not have any to bake the cookies with! =)

Shortbread Cookies ~~ from the kitchen of my Momma =)

1 1/2 cup butter (3 sticks)
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour

Blend the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla. Blend in the flour gradually. (I've found through trial and error that this is important.) =) The dough should be the consistancy of playdough. Add a few tablespoons of milk to soften it a bit if needed.
Roll dough out to 1/4'' thick and cut out. Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes or until a light golden. Cool on the pan for about one minute before removing from tray. *Hint - when rolling out the dough, use a half and half combination of powdered sugar and flour to keep the dough from getting to stiff and dry.
Enjoy!!

I hope everyone's Christmas preparations are going well and that you all find it a day of Joy and Rest!

Christmas Time!

I'm thinking I'm long overdue for a post. I decided to write the first annual Christmas Letter from and about Rachel. That should cover me for the rest of the month or until I post again. (I've proven to be a most spasmatic blogger.) :-)

Greetings one and y’all! (Ok, maybe I do hang out in the sticks a little more than I should…) It’s that time of year! The season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! I love this time of year- the frantic last minute shopping (even though I’ve only two more gifts to buy…), the cooking of lots of yummy food, getting together with family and friends. God has blessed me in many ways this year in my family and friends and I am so thankful for all of you. Looking back on this past year, there have been a lot of “ firsts” for me.
~I was a bridesmaid for the first time. My sister Bethany got married and she asked me to be her maid of honor. That was a lot of fun! I have to admit though; my face was so sore from all that smiling!
~I got a new job! I started to work for Columbia Credit Union on May first and have loved it! It was a real answer to prayer. When folks ask me what I do for work I tell them, “I take people’s money from them.” I work at the Battle Ground branch with some really great people and have had the chance to meet lots of nice, new people too. And some not so nice people. I must say that I’m flattered that some people think I (a simple teller) have the power to change Federal Regulations just for them! =)
~I got my first car! It’s a little white Dodge Intrepid that Dad and I bought it. It’s not new, but it’s new to me. I call it Bianca. (Yes, I named my car…) She’s a good little car and I like to keep her very clean. =)
~Our family took a trip to Ohio in September and we got to spend time with Dad’s side of the family. While we were there, we drove to Kentucky one day and visited Churchill Downs. It was a dream come true for me! I’ve always been horse-crazy and I was in heaven. I even took a little jar of dirt from the track! ~ My sister Rebekah and I took an early morning tour the next day and we got to see the horses run their morning workout as the sun rose over the Twin Spires of the Downs. (I loved it; can you tell?)
~I discovered for the first time that I can quote “The Court Jester” in its entirety, songs and all! (* pats self on the back)
There were some other firsts for me this year; like my first time flunking a class at College and my first speeding ticket, but we won’t talk about those! =) I still like to laugh at the most inordinate times and I think I have a movie quote for just about any situation. This year has been one of growing in the Lord and learning to trust Him implicitly. So much of the time I think I can do it on my own and over and over again He reminds me I can’t. As my Dad would say “You’re not the fourth person of the Trinity.” Praise the Lord for that! =)
This has been a good year for me and I’m excited to see what next year will bring. I hope your Christmas is filled with rejoicing in the Birth of Jesus. May He bless you greatly this coming year!
Love, Rachel

Still and Starry

The stars twinkled through some broken clouds while the half-moon shined softly on the snow-covered fields in a valley. The snow-topped hills reflected the gentle light as well. There were soft silhouettes of barns and a few houses dotting the landscape. Not a soul in sight, not even any little critters.
Sounds like this could be the description of the front of your Christmas cards this year, or maybe even a pretty painting. Actually, this is the view I had on my way home last night from work. It was so beautiful. No lights other than the moon and my own headlights on the road. I really wanted to just stop the car and get out and watch for few minutes, but it was really cold and there was no telling when another car might be coming - even on the back roads. It gave me that "Christmas is coming!" feeling and got me all excited all over again!
Praise the Lord for His beautiful creation and for eyes to see it with!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving rejoicing in the many gifts our Lord Jesus has blessed us with.
I read these verses today and felt very encouraged and uplifted in my heart.
I hope they do the same for you!

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west from the north and from the south." Psalm 107:1-3

"Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, and praise Him in the company of the elders." Psalm 107:28-32

What a blessing to be reminded of Jesus redeeming us from sin and death and how He hears our cries of distress. Even my small worries and fears He hears and calms and shows me His promises of guiding me to my "desired haven." No matter how many times I read it I still am amazed that God hears my prayers - no matter how small or silly the matter may seem to me. It's with joy that I can say with the Psalmist " O give thanks to the Lord for He is good; for His mercy endures forever!"

For what Officer?!

I got pulled over Friday. I wasn't speeding. I wasn't talking on a cell phone. My lights were on. I was wearing a seatbelt. I wasn't driving recklessly. Would you like to know why I got pulled over? (I'm still trying to figure it out myself, there didn't seem to be a good reason...)
According to the officer - it is because I was putting on lipbalm. Yep! You read that right. Lipbalm! You know the chapstick kind - Burt's Bees brand to be exact.
I was so mad. He had no reason to pull me over. He claimed it was a traffic hazard because (and please try very hard to imagine the disdainful and lofty tone that he used here) "...more female drivers cause accidents because their too busy putting on their makeup instead of paying attention to traffic!"
Ok, first off, lipbalm is not makeup. Guys use it. Second, I wasn't using my rearview or any other mirror to apply the said lipbalm. I don't need a mirror for that. I do it by feel. It's not hard. I had one hand firmly on the stearing wheel and it took me less than 4 seconds to put the stuff on. It was all I could do not to tell him to shove off and leave me alone and take his chip-on-the-shoulder somewhere else.
But I didn't. I stayed calm and was VERY respectful. It would have been the last straw though if he had given me a ticket. He didn't. Still, what loony pulls someone over for putting on chapstick!?

Some funnies

Got these from someone at work :-)

BEAUTY PARLOR: a place where women curl up and dye

CANNIBAL: someone who is fed up with people

CHICKEN: the only animal you eat, both before it is born and after it is dead

COMMITTEE: a body that keeps minutes and wastes hours

DUST: mud with the juice squeezed out

EGOTIST: someone who is usually me-deep in conversation

HANDKERCHIEF: cold storage

INFLATION: cutting money in half without damaging paper

MOSQUITO: an insect that makes you like flies better

RAISIN: a grape with a sunburn

SECRET: something you tell to one person at a time

SKELETON: a bunch of bones with the person scraped off

TOOTHACH: the pain that drives you to extraction

TOMORROW: one of the greatest labor saving devices of today

YAWN: an honest opinion openly expressed

WRINKLES: something other people have. You have character lines

Definition of "eclectic"

Pronunciation: e-'klek-tik
i-Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from ex- out + legein to gather
1:selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources
also 'heterogeneous'

I've decided that I have a rather eclectic personality.

Maybe not - I like saying that word...

Round em up!

Even though I don't celebrate Halloween, I had to dress up for work.
I came as a cowgirl. :-) Big surprise right? ;-)
I've got the whole deal - hat, bandana, vest, plaid shirt and all. I took what was probably the only opportunity I will ever get to wear my jeans to work!

And tonight, I get to dress up again for our Reformation Party! Wohoo! Two costumes in one day! I haven't played this much dress up since I was about 10! :-)

I'd like to be a Swedish chef - so I can say "Bork!" all the time

"I will now endevour to perform acts of incredible lunacy" ~someone from the Muppets
Life is full of surprises. Just thought I'd share that thought.
I know you were waiting for something profound to come from me but I believe that some of the greatest profundities are not always original. Don't you?
Thought so.

not on purpose....

Sorry. I know I'm disobeying direct orders, but I did get sick. I could hardly help it.
Now I'm taking my Vit C and drinking lots of water and using boxes of tissues and feeling generally miserable. I'm just glad I have the next two days off of work. There is but one thing I want to do.

Sleep.

'I sink I'm gebbing a colb'

my head aches and my throat is sore. I hope don't get one-- I have lots of stuff to do. Maybe I can kick it before it gets any worse.