Callie's Essay . . .

Sweet granddaughter Callie has a gift for putting her deepest concerns down on paper. The principles of the Word have been instilled in her heart since she was a baby, and she takes them very seriously, which is part of her preciousness. She has a real concern that Christian families live according to the patterns and precepts of the Bible, and this translates into her everyday life. What a blessing it is for her grandparents to watch as she moves right into young womanhood in her father's house, learning to serve him as unto the Lord, help her mother run the home, develop the skills and character she will need to keep her own home and serve her own husband one day (probably way too soon!).

This year, Callie wrote a heart-felt essay for the state convention and then delivered it as an oratory. There were many women working in "ministry" outside their homes who were in the competition room, and I was watching to see if some would be skeptical or scornful of the counter-cultural thoughts she was presenting. Several, however, mentioned to me what a refreshing blessing her presentation was! Thank the Lord, some hearts are open and ready to see a return to the Biblical family! This is what Callie wrote and presented. God bless you, little Callie Sue!

" SATAN’S ATTACK ON THE TRADITIONAL FAMILY

God created the earthly family as a beautiful picture of the heavenly family. God’s plan was to use the family to show the world His character. Romans 1:20 tells us, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even the eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” God created the father of the family to represent God the Heavenly Father, the mother to represent the Holy Spirit, and the children to represent Jesus Christ the Son. As early as the Garden of Eden, Satan has sought to destroy the family. Today, as never before, the traditional God-ordained family is being attacked on all sides.

The strong, Christian father is everything his family needs him to be. God designed him for the task. He protects his family and provides for them just as God the Father protects and provides for His own. He is the spiritual head of the family. Genesis 18:19 says, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment…”. Today, the enemy is using egalitarianism to undermine the authority of the father. The two-income household is playing its part in destroying the family by making the wife’s money earned “hers” and the husband’s money earned “his”. Throughout the culture -- television, movies and in the media the father is made to look foolish and weak. All of this together makes the father complacent about leading his family and makes him feel he is an unnecessary member. This should not be so.

The virtuous, Christian mother is a beautiful picture of the Holy Spirit. She is a comforter and nurturer to her family. The true value of a godly mother is severely under- rated. A mother raising her children, serving her husband, and tending to the home is a priceless gift to any family. The Bible confirms this in Proverbs 31:10 where it states, “Who can find a virtuous women? For her price is far above rubies.” As we saw in the Garden of Eden, Eve was deceived by the serpent; so today, the working woman is still deceived by believing the lie of feminism that says “You can have it all – A career and a family”. Mothers working outside the home have the “double curse”. The curse of the woman is pain in child-bearing, and the man’s curse is working by the sweat of his brow. The working woman experiences both. The working woman is also allowing others the delight of raising her own children. With the hectic schedule the working woman keeps, she cannot minister to her family as the Holy Spirit ministers to the Christian. This is clearly not God’s plan for the woman’s role in the family.

Psalms 127:3 tells us, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Yes, children are a blessing from the Lord! They represent Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Children should be obedient and submissive to their parents just as Jesus obeyed and submitted to the will of the Heavenly Father. Through the public school system, television and worldly music, the enemy is causing children to distrust and disrespect their parents. Children begin to hold those values and attitudes instead of the values of their parents. These children begin to doubt their parents’ morals and worldview.
That breaks the chain of multi generational faithfulness by encouraging a premature independent spirit in children who still need to be under the guidance of their parents. Proverbs 1:8 says, “My son, hear the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother:”

Christians must be sure to fulfill God’s plan for the family. The unbeliever is watching the Christian family every day in order to see God’s character displayed. God has given us the Sword of the Spirit to fight against the attacks from the enemy. And remember I John 4:4, '…greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.' "

Updates and remembrances . . .

Here is sweet Sarah Beth, with her mama and daddy (back) and Uncle Hans. (I forgot my better camera and was reduced to my cell phone camera!) Tonight we went to Olive Garden to celebrate her 18th birthday. Sarah knew it would be a sentimental time for her and came prepared with hankies! Danny and I shared our love and appreciation for the wonderful young woman of God she has become, sharing I Thessalonians 2:19-20. Our precious grandchildren truly are our glory and joy in the Lord, the future generations of godly seed carrying forth the purposes of God when we have gone to meet Him. We passed on to her a sum of money for her dowry and precious metal for her future. It was also our privilege to pass on to her a sweet necklace from her Nana Frodge's belongings. Tears all around (the ladies at least).

Her Aunt Molly and Uncle Chris wrote her a meaningful and touching letter about Sarah as a baby and Sarah as a little girl. More hankies. Aunt Molly had seen Sarah express her appreciation for a wonderful antique cut glass pitcher at a favorite shop of ours several months ago, so Aunt Molly had secretly procured it for this special occasion. Sarah was touched.

Beth, Eddie, and Hans gave her a beautiful watch to commorate the occasion. Then Sarah opened a special box -- it had come from Canada with Uncle Hans and contained the wedding ring given by her Oma (Eddie and Hans' mother) to their father in Germany in 1949. Oh, how the tears came! What a special gift!

Aunt Katie called from Arkansas to give her love to Sarah and to let us all know that all is well with them. They will be connecting water and electric to the cabin this week before Robert goes back on the road, and it sounds like they are having a great adventure. But she assured us that they all missed us terribly! What more can a grandmother ask for? I mean, boys need adventure, but grandmothers need to know they are missed, too, right?? Thanks to all who have been praying for them and the Pollocks during this stressful time.

For those who asked about Susan: She is home with a bag, like the ones they used for colonectomy patients, which is helping with the seeping of the stomach fluids. She is also attached to an IV for nutrition and hydration, as the drs want her stomach to completely rest. So she is not eating or drinking more than ice chips during this healing time, which should be a few weeks. Although this is a real test, the Lord is giving her strength, patience, and trust in His care and wisdom. She really appreciates the prayers God's people are lifting up on her behalf. Thanks be to God for His mercy!

Sigh . . .

Matthew blesses Grandmother with a real hug. I love you, Matthew
Granddaddy and the boys: left, Peter, who will be the one Alturas big boy cousin. CJ and Willie will have a fine "big" cousin for an example, Pete; Granddaddy/Danny; Matthew, the 2nd oldest Miller boy; Michael and Jordan, North Lakeland boys who are just like cousins to our boys; RG, the oldest Miller boy; and Daniel ("Bo"), the 3rd Miller boy. Oh, my heart aches for how much we will miss the Miller boys!!
Granddaddy with some of the Miller Littles: left, Benny, Joey, Rachel, and Andrew. Precious faces we will miss!!

Well, the day had to arrive, pray as we did that it never would! On Monday, the Miller family left our snug little community in the heart of Florida for the hills of north Arkansas. A caravan of several trucks and vans went first to the hunt camp in N. FL to pick up a small cabin which will be placed on the Arkansas property. Then off they went, likely looking like what my mother would call "Okies" (a reference to the "Grapes of Wrath" book from the Great Depression -- no aspersions cast, Oklahomans!). I think today we would probably say it was a caravan of Beverly Hillbillies! Well, there was much to take, so you do what you have to!

How blessed we and the Millers are to have precious friends who love to step in and help! The whole Pollock family is going along to help with the move, and their contribution will be significant. They are bringing their big truck and their van to pull trailers and lend their expertise in heavy work. Thank you, Pollocks!

By now, they have arrived at the new property, and are looking over their new "Promised Land". Please, just don't forget the sad hearts you left behind! Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and grace to help in time of need! Godspeed, and may we meet again soon.

Blessings on you, Susan

Molly's family, with Chris' mom, Susan, far left, on Resurrection Sunday. Back row: Chris, Mary, Callie, Abby, Molly holding little Wills. Front row: Margaret Anne and C.J.

Just wanted to let all you prayer warriors know of a need in our family. Molly's mother-in-law, Susan, went through emergency intestinal surgery over a year ago, and evidently the healing process did not take place properly. So last week, she went through a very detailed surgery meant to correct the deficiencies of the first. It was very extensive, resulting in much pain and soreness as her body attempted to heal. She was not able to eat for days, and was barely able to keep hydrated. But the Lord upheld her. She came home on Thursday of this week planning to take it easy and heal.

However, the same problems began to make themselves known, and dear sister-in-the-Lord Julia took her back to the hospital in Tampa yesterday (Friday). Well, they admitted her for further testing and possibly more surgery. Obviously, Susan is discouraged about it all. This has been a real trying of her faith, and she needs our prayers. Please remember her for 1) physical healing of the wounds from previous surgery and 2) spiritual and emotional encouragement as she waits patiently on the Lord.

We are so blessed to have her in our family and are trusting the Lord to make this a time of growth and blessing as her life shines for Him in this difficult situation. To complicate the matter, Molly's family is gone this weekend to the Vision Forum Father-Daughter Retreat and is having to try and minister to her from long-distance. Please pray for their peace of mind and safe travel home to be with her. God bless you, Susan!! We love you! And thank you, dear Julia, for being such a faithful friend -- first, driving Susan over to Tampa, and then not leaving her side through all this! May the Lord give the doctors wisdom, and may His sovereign hand be manifested to all for His glory!

A Covenantal Cause

Gracie at Jamestown, comtemplative, as is her usual way. Actually, when she was little, we sometimes called her Spacy Gracie, not realizing this is how the Lord works His gift of creativity into her heart.

I promised several people to post Grace's wonderful poem about her Scots Covenanter forebears here. It has blessed her family so much, and I trust it is a blessing to you, too. (If you need a translation, let me know!) I hope to post other of the grandchildren's compositions soon. My heart overflows with gratitude to the Lord for the precious gifts our grandchildren have -- and are.

A Covenantal Cause

"When the King of England said tha' he wished tae be the head
Of the whole united church of our dear Laird,
Then we put up quite a fight, for we knew it wadnae richt,
Nor the loss of God could Scotland's church afford.

For a king of man to make of himself a god, an’ take
Frae Christ Jesus His authority an’ crown
Was profanity in full, an’ tae sic ungodly rule
We, as children of the King, wadnae bow down.

Sae then we, as loyal Scots, put aside dividin' thoughts,
An' we joined taegether in the common cause,
We a' came taegether an’ wi the sword an' pen in hand
We each signed our names withoot a siccent pause.

Then wi' blood an' firebrand, Charles spread throughoot the land
Sic a multitude of horrors, dark an' grim.
But, when put tae fire an' sword for the sake of Christ, our Laird,
We stayed true an' took our strength an' pow'r frae Him.

There were some, indade, wha bent, an' the way of Judas went,
Tae these few the trials were tae hard tae bear;
Yet those raised with Him on high, frae the fire tae the sky,
Would repate a joy, worth any pain tae share.

Wi' the cry of "Christ an' Kirk," clasping claymore, shield, an' dirk,
We, the Covenanters took our richteous stand;
For tae keep God's banner pure, bitter hardships we endure,
Sae we gladly gave up a', an’ clasped His hand.

An’ the few wha lived tae tell how the foes of Jesus fell
Had a story where God's richteous wrath was known;
For when wicked men assail God's beloved – no avail
Will divest frae them the harvest they hae sown."


By Virginia Grace Discher
in honor of my Scots Covenanter forbears

Oh, I Wanted to Add . . .

. . . I am sure that much better pictures of the regional convention, strawberries, and the Littles' visit will be posted at the Dischers' and Stricklens' blogs:

http://www.thedischerfamily.blogspot.com/
http://www.thestricklenfamily.blogspot.com/

And maybe when they get settled in Arkansas, we can convince the Millers to begin a family blog and keep us (sad and lonely) folks back in Florida updated ???

One more thing: I haven't even mentioned the fact that son Jason, his wife, Ashley, and their little bundle of sunshine, Savannah, are looking to move to Ft. Lauderdale very soon. The Lord seems to have opened the door for them there in a move that will help them be debt-free much sooner than otherwise. Oh, my poor, poor granny-heart! More on that later . . .

Updating . . . well, trying to

It seems that every time I post an update, it begins "Life has been busy around here!" And it has been, once again! We returned Friday from a week at the older grandchildren's regional student convention and competition (A.C.E.). Almost all of the family went, and what a blessing it was! I have been trying to upload pictures, but keep getting error messages, so maybe that will wait until tomorrow.

THEN, with one night in my own sweet cuddly beddy-bye, we got word that strawberries were available! That means get out the buckets and go! One of our family of homeschooling friends near Plant City (strawberry capital of the world :) ) has connections with one of the growers, and call goes out when the growers are ready to burn off and turn under their fields. They give us the opportunity to glean, and we try not to miss it, no matter how tired everyone is.

Off we went on Saturday -- the Dischers, the Stricklens, the Millers (even though they are moving way away), and even Granddaddy! We met lots of sweet friends there, and with so many hands, the work went quickly. Every cooler was filled in a couple of hours, and yet there still were more berries by far than we had picked -- how sad it was to leave the field with beautiful red fruit calling out to us, knowing it would soon be brown and dead.

Not only is it a wonderful way to have delicious and nutritious treats for months to come (free, aside from the outrageous price of gasoline) but it is always fun. The fellowship in the fields and at Sonny's restaurant afterward is something the young people look forward to every year. Strawberry season -- thank you, Lord!

THEN -- Sunday evening, we were blessed to meet in real life the Little family. I had "met" mother Daisy on the Patriarchs' Wives group online. We discovered that we both live in Florida (they live way down south) and that their family does Civil War re-enacting, as do many members of ours. They were at the Narcoossee event this past weekend and found that they could stop by our house on the way home. What a wonderful time of fellowship we had! All our families were able to be here, and the children enjoyed each other as much as the adults did!

Our rowdy bunch was probably a little jolting at first, but it seems that their boys soon were chasing chickens with everyone else! (No, not in a bad way!) They ended up spending the night with us, and after a country breakfast, made their way back home Monday morning. We really loved meeting you, Littles, and hope you will make your way back up to central Florida soon!

Now for a day or two of restful. peaceful life -- uh, oh! Who's that coming in the driveway . . .??