Quote of the Day

During my current study of Always Ready, by Dr. Greg Bahnsen, I came across this thought-provoking quote by Augustine.

"Understanding is the reward of faith; therefore, do not seek to understand in order to believe, but believe that thou mayest understand."

(Homilies on the Gospel of John 29.6)

An Aspiring Patriarch

Matthew Aaron (pictured at the age of 3), an aspiring Husband, Daddy, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa... A Patriarch

Allow me to share a very personal conversation that my brother Matthew (then age 3) and I had which I recorded and wrote for my father four years ago...

It is common for Matthew, with his upturned brown eyes studying my face, to ask, "Woren," you will tell us a poem tonight and rub my back...won't you?" One day that precious little face won't say, "Woren," it instead will say "Lauren," or I won't look down into those sweet brown eyes, but I will look up. I will not always recite poems to my little brothers before bed; one day they will be grown men with little ones pleading for stories or poems.

Matthew and Daniel's favorite poem is The Patriarch. The little boys will say their favorite lines with me filling in the rest. The grandest part for both boys is the last line when they join in together to say, "There is none so great as he who finds his call as patriarch."

When Matthew hugs me goodnight, he whispers in my ear, "And one day I will be a patriarch, too...like Daddy, won't I?" I answer, "Yes, Matthew, if the Lord wills, you will be a wonderful patriarch just like Daddy." "And I'll have many children, too...won't I?" he asks. "That is our prayer for you, Matthew."

This type of conversation is common. He wants to know if someday he will have a home, or if his little children will come running out of his home to his truck when he will arrive home from work. In several decades I can imagine him being just like you!

Timothy Dana

Recent Economic Issues to Consider

Questions Discussed Around the Dinner Table...

Does the government have a right to intervene and reward current unwise financial transactions?


Is the United States government in any respectable position to purchase billions of dollars worth of “troubled assets” while currently possessing a staggering debt?


What type of example has Washington been regarding responsible credit transactions?


What led to this "crisis?"


What is the long term solution to this "crisis?"

Click here for an excellent, pertinent article by Chuck Baldwin

Home Education? My Father's First Exposure and Impression

By Dana Jones

I can still remember the first time someone told me about home schooling and my first impression of those who were being taught at home. I recall the enthusiasm God gave me for the idea and remember thinking, "That's what I would like for my children," even though, at the time, I had no children...or wife. But, God is always faithful and if he commands something, he will certainly provide the means to fulfil it; and in my case, he has provided abundantly, four children...so far, and a Godly wife (Psalm 37:4,5).

Working in retail craft sales for the last 15 or so years, I have had the pleasure of observing many types of family interactions. How families interact in that type of setting can be quite fascinating. Among other things, do the kids listen to (Proverbs 13:1) and obey their parents (Col. 3:20)? If they don't obey, what's the parent's response? Do the parents show positive encouragement regarding a child's interest(1 Thes. 2:11)? Does the family seem united (Psalm 133:1)?

I've been able to witness answers to those questions that have been on both ends of the scale. It's such a beautiful sight to see children who listen, respect and obey their parents. It's wonderful to see a parent whose response to a disobedient child confirms that the parent is in control of the situation, and not the child. Hearing a parent say encouraging words about the child's ability to do something that they may have never tried before is heartwarming. Seeing the families that show genuine interest and respect for each other is truly a blessing! Gratefully, there have been a number of families that have shown most or all of those qualities and one in particular made a major impact on our family's life.

Back in 1984, a mom and her two sons came into the store. It was in the morning when most kids were "required" to be in school. One son, Glen, was about 11 and the other, whose name I don't recall, was a couple of years older. Both children were well-behaved and one could see that respectful communication was going on between them. Mom showed a certain peace and authority that was different from most that I had seen.

They started asking questions about our starter sets and inquired about our classes. It turned out that Glen was very interested in learning how to do leatherwork and his mom thought the classes would be a good idea. I told them that the youth classes were on Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m. and explained all the things he would learn. She asked if we had classes during the morning. "Not usually," I said, "most children are in school during that time." "Well, we home school our children and the mornings would really fit into our schedule better," she said politely and confidently.

There it was, the first time the words "home school" entered my ears, and it piqued my curiosity. Over the next few minutes, she was patiently answering the many questions that were popping into my head. Yes, I probably asked the typical first-timer questions like-- is it legal? Do you have to report to the school district? Do you have a teaching credential? And best of all, what about socialization -- aren't you afraid your kids won't be able to relate to and work with children their same age? There were many more, all responded to graciously and confidently.

After our conversation, they ended up purchasing a starter set and enrolled Glen in out new morning youth leathercraft class. For his age, he was mature and confident. He caught on quickly, was patient, listened and eventually became a terrific 11 year-old leathercrafter. He did so well that, in fact, I asked him to make a billfold that I could keep as a store sample, which I still have today.

Patiently, graciously, and confidently was the way home schooling was introduced to me and it left a big impression. When we are given the opportunity to share about home education, it would serve all home educators well to respond in the same positive way. She didn't roll her eyes when I asked the "socialization" question, she didn't talk about all the negative aspects of public schools. She did speak with the confidence that God gives us when we are doing His will.

Edited from an article originally published in Triumphant Families in 1995

The Glory of Children Are Their Fathers

The Legacy of One Faithful Man

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."

1 Corinthians 16:13

We live in a time and place where men and women at large are forsaking and shrinking from God-given duty and gender distinctive roles. The time when it was generally understood that the father was responsible for leading and primarily providing for his family is a thing of the past. All around us, we see the legacies of men who where unfaithful in the primary duties that God has given to man. However, from the twisted and perverted culture, the Lord is raising up men, true men. Because of His mercy and grace these men are forsaking the pomp and pleasure of the world and are instead leaving behind legacies of faithfulness. One of these men is my father; allow me to share about the legacy of this faithful man.

A Legacy of Trust in the Lord

My father's trust in the Lord has often reminded me of Job. My father has echoed the very words of Job during times of trial,

"...the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

A Legacy of Honor

I have always seen my father as a man of honor. I have seen my father choose deliberately to honor those around him whether it was simple or incredibly difficult. Above all earthly people, my father has honored his Father.

"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." 1 Peter 2:17

A Legacy of Marriage Esteemed

Since he was a little boy growing up in and around broken families, my father recalls that he knew that marriage was for life. When he became a Christian, this thought became a conviction.

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Genesis 2:24

A Legacy of the Blessing of Progeny

This is one issue on which my father passionately stands. It has been his firm conviction that unless Christians see and receive children as a blessing, there will be no true, lasting reformation in the land.

"As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." Psalms 127:4&5

A Legacy of History

Some of my sweetest memories of being a little girl are when my father would regale me with stories. "Just one more story, Daddy!" was my often plea at bedtime which my father would graciously oblige. These stories did more than make little girls giggle or tear. These stories from the past gave us an early love for history; an interest and love in how God works in the lives of His people.

"I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done." Psalms 78:2-4

Celebrating the Lord's Faithfulness in the Life of a Special Man

Fifty years ago, a little man child was born. The arrival of this child was an unexpected surprise to his parents, yet the Lord had a special plan for this third son, a plan of hope and a future, an expected end.

Although many would say that his childhood was far from ideal, the Lord used those very events to shape him into what he is today. This little lad was also blessed with periods of unusual opportunity and an early interest in what would eventually be the way of providing for his family.

Growing up in one of the most beautiful cities in the nation, a great appreciation for the natural beauty of God's creation was nurtured within him. A son of industrious parents, he grew to be a young man of loyalty, integrity and responsibility.

At the age of twenty-three, the Lord saved him to be one of His chosen people. No longer would he do his own pleasure, but by God's grace, he would do his Father's. For well over a couple decades, his life has been counter-cultural as he followed the Scriptures.

As a young man, he was given one of the greatest gifts of his life, his beloved bride. During their twenty-three years of joyful marriage, they have become a couple of united purpose and vision. This vision extends beyond their lives or their children's, but to future generations yet unborn, if He wills.

During the past twenty-two years, this man of God has been blessed with eight arrows on this earth, five daughters and three sons. He has invested the prime of his life, with his wife at his side, to train these children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, not only by word and deed, but by the very principles that guide his life.

Earlier this week his wife, children and mother gathered around him for a special day of celebration, the day marking his fiftieth year. Feasting, laughing and working before the Lord, they celebrated God's faithfulness in the life of this patriarch, saved by grace.

This is the man I gratefully call my father.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Two Brave Young Men Rescue Sister's Heirlooms from a Serpent.

Daniel (Chief Executioner) and Matthew (Super Sleuth)

Picking Blossoms with Momma

A Blessed Commonplace Mother & Daughter Moment

Amy Grace and Mother

A Maiden of Virtue

A Testimony of the Lord's Grace in the Life of a Little Maiden.

Have you ever read a chapter of Elsie Dinsmore and wondered if such a young girl could ever humanly exist? A young girl who radiated the very love of Christ and delighted in speaking about Him and His Word? Could it ever be?

Dear sisters, by God's grace it can be true! Recently, I had the honor of speaking and spending time with a precious six year-old servant of Jesus Christ. Allow me to share a part of our conversation.

“We met in a crowded foyer; however, I picked her out immediately. Her earnest eyes and sweet smile betrayed a tender heart within. I knew very little about this girl. Her mother, a devoted wife and mother, had graciously blessed me with several times of encouraging fellowship. But this little girl...who was she?

After cheerful greetings and sisterly introductions, we talked about her family. Her dear daddy, mommy, brother and sister were evidently a true delight to her. We spoke at length about her daddy; how she loved that daddy, how she enjoyed special times with him, how she was greatly anticipating upcoming travels with him, etc. Suffice it to say, she adored her daddy.

Knowing that her family had traveled a great distance that day, I inquired how she spent their drive. Clasping her hands in genuine delight, she said, "I love to read my Bible, and today I was reading the book of Revelations." She went on to tell me how much the book of Psalms blessed her; it is her favorite book of the Bible. With a dreamy, far away look in her eyes, she mentioned that she is reading through the Psalms and was on the 111th chapter.”

Her child-like faith, her joy, her love of God and His word was a testimony of the Lord's grace in her life. What a blessing, what a rich gift it was and is to know and speak to one of God's chosen children. It was a conversation that I will never forget.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thine might.

Far Above Rubies, Part 1

A Series Highlighting Christ-glorifying, Culture-changing Woman from the Past to the Present.

Three remarkable qualities that marked the life of...

Sarah Edwards

I. Her love for the Lord. Sarah’s love for the Lord was evident by the way she obeyed the Scriptures. By submitting to the Lord’s commands and trusting in His holy providence, she lived as a free woman in Christ. In a letter to her daughter soon after Mr. Edward’s death, Sarah demonstrated this by writing,

“A holy and good God has covered us with a dark cloud. O that we may kiss the rod and lay our hands upon our mouths! The Lord has done it. He has made me adore his goodness, that we had him so long. But my God lives; and he has my heart. O what a legacy my husband and your father has left us! We are given to God and there I am and love to be.”

II. Her devotion to her husband. The love and devotion, Sarah Edwards lived out toward her husband is remarkable. At different times during their marriage, issues would arise that set scores of people (many in their own congregation) against Mr. Edwards because of his strong resolve that the Bible was the only means by which to judge right and wrong. Through it all, in times of poverty or wealth, Sarah stood by her husband, not only for moral support, but also for the furthering of his vision. Their Christ-honoring marriage inspired the young George Whitefield to write,

“A sweeter Couple I have not yet seen…She…talked feelingly and solidly of the Things of God, and seemed to be such a Help meet for her Husband that she caused me to …[pray] God, that he would be pleased to send me a Daughter of Abraham to be my wife.”

III. Her hospitality. I believe that my mother and Sarah Edwards have exemplified the Scriptural command of hospitality to the extent that love and care is coupled with grace and flare. My mother’s graciousness in serving guests in our home is what I also noticed in Sarah. People not only loved to be with Sarah, but they loved to be in her home watching her serve in her God-ordained sphere. Samuel Hopkins, who said, “She knew the heart of a stranger,” also remarked,

“She was peculiarly kind to strangers…By her sweet and winning manners and ready conversation, she soon became acquainted with them…and led him immediately to feel as if he were at home."

~ ~ ~

Some time ago, I read Marriage To a Difficult Man, and it was from this book that the above quotes from Sarah Edwards, George Whitefield and Samuel Hopkins were found. Marriage To a Difficult Man, was not only an interesting and engaging read, but it was a book that exposed the strength of women in their sphere of true influence and the effect of that influence on untold numbers of descendents. May the Lord be glorified!

Sisters Forever!

Thank the Lord for each little sister...
Emily, Amy Grace and Annie Hope