A poem and a song

 Can you believe I've been trying to get this simple post up for over a week!  Such is life right now; I feel like the summer just started and it's almost ended already.  Anyways,  last week I attended the funeral for a beloved Great Aunt; she was so very special to our family and will be greatly missed. I'm so thankful that she had trusted Jesus as her Savior and I will someday see her again.  That evening, as I was thinking about her life, the last two lines of this poem by C.T. Studd popped into my mind.  It is so true and such a good reminder to keep focus on what truly will last:

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will it's fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet,
And stand before His judgement seat;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, "Thy will be done";
And when at last I hear the call,
I know I'll say "Twas worth it all";
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

The song I want to share today is one that a friend shared a few weeks ago on Facebook. It's always a good reminder that we always have a sure and steady anchor as we walk this life.  

Boston on a budget (with kids!)

 A few weeks ago the three older kids were away on a youth group trip so we decided to do some fun things with the three younger kids.  We had a great time checking out a zoo and going to the aquarium in Boston (this was not the "budget friendly" trip ;) ).  If you asked any of the three what their favorite part of that day was they would say the splash pad that we came across and let them play in.  As we sat there watching them splash and play Matt and I commented how we should bring all the kids into Boston to walk the freedom trail; so this past Monday that's what we did...well...sort of, as you'll see.

We had such another great time this past Monday with all the kids and despite having double the kids with us this was a much more budget friendly trip; and no less fun!  There are a hundred (probably more) things you can do in Boston and there are countless blog posts about day trips but I thought I'd share what we did since I had never done some of the things we found to do.

So, how do you get into Boston?  Well, we've done both the T (subway) and driven in and it really depends on what we're doing, and how much time we want to spend getting there.  On this trip we didn't decide until we were on our way which we would do.  The closest T station to our house costs $9/day to park.  Children 11 and under do ride the T for free but it is $2.40 each way and takes about 1/2 hr to ride into Boston.  The T is also old and while they do have elevators it is not the easiest to navigate with a stroller.  We decided to drive in since I found a parking garage that was $22 for the day and we didn't want to spend the extra 1/2 hour in time to ride in.  I would highly recommend the parking garage we chose (be aware that full size vans and large SUV's do not fit in this garage); it is the Nautica Parking Garage in Charlestown, just across the bridge from North Station.  The garage is about a block from the USS Constitution Museum and Ship.  

Things we did:

1) Bunker Hill Monument - this is a short walk from where we parked and is usually the end of the Freedom Trail but we figured we would just walk the trail backwards.  Unfortunately, the monument was closed so we weren't able to climb it. Total cost = $0

2) USS Constitution Museum & Ship - we had never toured the USS Constitution and after being encouraged to do so by a local guy who chatted with us we decided to head over.  The tour of the ship is free and we all really enjoyed it.  We did not go thru the museum since the kids weren't interested; they ask for a suggested donation of $10-$15 per adult and $5-$10 per child if you do decide to check it out.  Maisie needed to use the bathroom and you can use the Museum bathroom but again they do ask for a donation to use the bathroom (the amount is up to you and it's not required; we did make a small donation). Total cost = $5 to use bathroom

3) Water Shuttle/Taxi - This was a favorite for pretty much everyone.  You can catch the water taxi just past the Museum.  It is an 8 minute boat ride across the harbor dropping you at the Aquarium.  The views of the Harbor and skyline are beautiful.  Since it is part of the public transit system children 11 and under ride free, otherwise it's $3.70 per person.  It was well worth the cost.  Total cost = $18.50

4) Quincy Market - Our one splurge for the day was to get lunch at Quincy Market. It's an indoor marketplace with all sorts of different food vendors.  After getting our lunch we found a spot in the square between the Quincy Market building and Fanuel Hall and watched a street performer as we ate.  If you don't want to splurge for entire meals you could grab a pastry from one of the pastry shops and still enjoy a fun show (this is a popular place for street performers).  They also have public bathrooms here that, while busy, are easy to get in and out of so we made use of those a couple times. Total cost = not sure but it was definitely a splurge; I would guess about $10-$15 per person.  

5) Armenian Genocide Memorial Park - As we headed towards the North End to pick up the Freedom Trail again we stopped in this beautiful park.  There is a labyrinth to walk around in and a beautiful sculpture.  The kids had a great time with the maze and it was another great place to sit and enjoy the gorgeous weather.  Total Cost = $0

6) North End/Freedom Trail - You can pay for a guided tour of the Freedom Trail but we always just walk it ourselves and enjoy the sites.  The trail is marked by red bricks so it's easy to follow.  We headed to the North End and walked around a bit.  Matt and I grabbed an iced coffee and we enjoyed the outdoor seating while we discussed which direction we wanted to head next.  The kids chose to continue towards Boston Common so we did that. This path took us back by Fanuel Hall and this time there were other street performers so we stopped and watched their act; it was great and we all enjoyed it.   On our way we saw the Granary Burial grounds where Samuel Adams, John Hancock and other famous people are buried.  We saw the site of the Boston Massacre, Old South Meeting House and even spotted some Revolutionary War reenactors.  We took some time to walk through the Holocaust Memorial; which is a very moving place with glass towers containing the numbers given to many of those killed in the Holocaust. The memorial also contains quotes from those that survived.  It truly is worth taking the time to walk thru and remember.  On our way to the Common we found a cute bookstore tucked in one of the alleyways and Amy found a book on the $1 rack.  Total Cost = $9 

7) Boston Common/Frog Pond/Public Garden - Once we made it to the common we found a shady spot to sit and have a snack (brought from home) while people watching.  After a bit we walked over the the Frog Pond, which is a shallow wading pool that the kids loved!  They played for awhile and then we walked through the public garden that is adjacent to the Common.  Total Cost = $0

8) Riding the T - By this time the younger kids were very tired so we decided to take the T to North Station so we would have a shorter walk back to the car. The kids always enjoy riding the T so it was another "attraction" for them.  Total Cost = $9.60

The Rose Kennedy Greenway runs through the city and has several green spaces with splash pads, benches and nice places to rest.  You could easily pack a lunch and save that amount while enjoying any of these spaces.   It's often hard to find things that all the kids (ages 3-17) will enjoy but this day was a winner.  Total cost for the day (less lunch) was $64.10 and you could certainly cut that down even more by not riding the T and not getting coffee. :)  Even with that it was $8/per person for a full day of fun and adventure.  

Blankets, blankets, everywhere.

 Well...maybe not everywhere.  One of the kids requested a blanket because they didn't have a "mom-made" blanket.  After making that one a few of the other kids put in requests for blankets.  So far, I've made 4 blankets.  The first one I made I used the C2C (corner to corner) method and while I love the look there were so many sections of different colors and ends to weave in.  The next two I used the single crochet mosaic (or grid) method.  This method made for a tighter texture but I like the cleaner look since there aren't as many holes.  I recently found a tip for making a C2C blanket with smaller holes so I may try that at some point.  The last blanket was made using a simple pattern of alternating single and double crochets; we've dubbed it the "Nemo" blanket since it is reminiscent of a clown fish.  I'd love to hear about the craft projects you're working on this year!

Book Review: A Wind in the House of Islam

 

There are very few books that I would say "every believer should read this" but this book is one of those.  Garrison does a thorough job of investigating the different Christian movements in the Muslim world.  I was challenged in 3 ways by this book:

1) I was challenged to PRAY for our Muslim-background brother's and sisters.  When they choose to give their lives to Christ they know that there is a very good chance they will lose family, community and even their lives.  Yet many choose to stay underground in their communities in order to share Christ with those they love!  What is also amazing to hear is that they speak of such an overarching joy and peace they have in Christ, even in the face of earthly dangers.

2) I was challenged to be more bold in witnessing to others, even those who don't look or act like me.  As Western Christians most of us may face ridicule, rejection of what we're sharing but what is that compared to eternity?  Every unbeliever, including Muslims, in our own communities need Jesus, reach out with His love and kindness.

3) I was also challenged to evaluate how I have let  Western Christian culture invade what the Gospel truly is.  Just because others may not worship like us or may have very different conversion stories does NOT mean that they are not brothers & sisters.  It's ALL about Jesus!  The Gospel is belief in Christ by faith thru Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) confessing our need and proclaiming Christ as Lord & Savior (Romans 10:9-10)...that's it!  Setting aside our preconceived ideas of what things "should" look like and keeping to the Gospel is so important. 

My heart hurts for what many are facing for Christ but I rejoice in what they are teaching me through their testimonies, I rejoice in the privilege to pray for them and in the knowledge that we will all one day rejoice together worshipping our Risen Savior for eternity. 

The Mother's Day gift that kept giving.

 Can you believe that it's already June!  This year is just flying by; which is why this Mother's Day post is just now getting put together. This year I received an extra special Mother's Day gift that became even more special over the following week.

As some of my readers know, my oldest daughter is quite the artist.  She draws, does digital art and has recently moved to trying her hand at painting.  She is planning to attend art school after high school but already blesses many with her talents.  This Mother's Day she gifted me this original painting.  I love the colors and fun flower print.  

Later that evening I was texting with my sister-in-law and shared how I thought the print would make a lovely purse but had no idea how to turn this print into fabric.  She told me that JoAnn Fabrics has a service where they will print custom fabric using an image.  I poked around their website but couldn't find where she had seen this information.  Enter Google!  After a simple search I found this site but quickly figured out that sewing my own purse just wasn't something I felt confident to do.  While I love creating things, sewing has always been something I'm not confident with; I just hate the feeling that if I make one wrong cut I could ruin beautiful (and costly) fabric.  However, as I looked around their site more I discovered that you could order a custom printed tote directly from them!  You simply upload your image choose the bag you want and use their online tool to make it look exactly how you'd like.  I chose a leather tote; I needed to replace my purse and had been looking for a leather bag since they hold up better than many other fabrics.  The price was really no higher than a name brand bag; although certainly still a splurge.  I showed the preview to my husband and he thought it was so cool too.  Check out the tote!  I think they did a beautiful job and the quality is wonderful.  

*disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with this company nor receiving any benefit from this post; I'm simply sharing a very cool site & service. Please always check with the artist before using any original art..and be sure to compensate them well if they let you use their art!

Check out my daughter's instagram @wolfyyy_05 she's got a lot of cool things posted!  

Global Church Perspectives: Muslim Background Believers

At the Feet of Jesus
(a Bangladeshi worship song by Muslim Background Believers)
*note Isa is the name for Jesus 

At the end of a dark night I came to the feet of Isa.

I found forgiveness of my sins at the side of the cross.

Isa came and lovingly wiped the tears flowing from my eyes,

At the point of death I found hope, I, who was totally hopeless.

For sinners like you and me, He gave his life on the cross.

That glad news we will proclaim in our land of Bangladesh.

In the US we are somewhat insulated from the rest of the world.  We are literally half a world away from most of this planet's people.  As such, it can be hard for us to imagine what it is like for other believers around the world.  How do they worship?  What are their lives like?  

For the past several years I've been very interested in learning about Middle Eastern Culture and the lives of those that live in Muslim countries.  I've read several books on these countries and cultures.  While all of these books have given great first hand insights into these areas there have been five books that have especially encouraged me to pray and to never underestimate how God can and does work in even the most seemingly hopeless and hardest places.  All of these books were written either by Muslim background believers themselves or by missionaries or aid workers who minister to Muslim's directly.  

5 Books to learn about Muslim Background Believers:

1) Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi - This is Nabeel's incredible testimony of how God brought him to faith.  Nabeel has since passed away but has left a lasting insight into the powerful working of Jesus. 

2) Secret Believers by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen - Brother Andrew is best know as "God's Smuggler" as he smuggled Bibles behind the Iron Curtain.  This book details the testimonies and lives of Muslim believers.  It is a powerful reminder that Jesus still uses miracles today to reach people. 

3) Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef - This is Mosab's testimony of how he came to faith.  His father is one of the founding members of Hamas.  You will be challenged and encouraged that no one is too hard for Jesus to reach. 

4) Women Who Risk by Tom and JoAnn Doyle - I just read this book as it's new for 2021.  Tom and JoAnn have been missionaries in the Middle East for many years.  The stories these women share are brutal and heartbreaking but also beautifully show how Jesus meets each of us right where we are.  While reading this I was in tears as I thought what a privilege it is to be able to pray for these women and to know one day we will worship together in Heaven. 

5) A Wind in the house of Islam by David Garrison - I'm currently reading this book (I'm about 1/2 way through).  The song above can be found in this book.  This book is a more broad look at the movements in the different regions of the Muslim world.  It is written more as a formal study of these movements with some history, and personal testimonies interwoven.  Again, it shows the beautiful diversity of how God reaches people where they are so that they proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior and work to reach other Muslims. 

Whether it's the Middle East or another culture I would encourage you to read about our brothers and sisters around the world.  You will be encouraged to pray more for them, you will know better how to pray for them, you will find yourself growing to love the family of Christ deeper and you will know better how to reach out to these groups in your own community.

Podcast roundup!

 During the past year I've started listening to Podcasts.  I used to enjoy listening to talk radio programs but have moved away from them as it seems, like with everything, they have become very negative.  I like podcasts because 1) I have limited time to listen and want to "redeem the time" and 2) I like being able to choose ones based on subjects I want to learn about more.  So, I thought it would be fun to share some of the podcasts I listen to on a somewhat regular basis.

1) Inside the Pastors' Study - this is the new podcast that our church has started. I've really enjoyed hearing expanded thoughts on messages that have been preached.  They also are working through church history in America and it's been great to learn some of the "whys" for how we do church in the US. *note: the link is for audible but the podcast is available on all the podcast platforms. 

2) Tony Evans - Tony Evans has been preaching for over 40 years.  His podcast episodes are only about 25 minutes so they are great to put on when I'm out running errands around town.  His knowledge of Scripture, cultural issues and passion for teaching others in a straight-forward, practical way are all things I appreciate.  

3) Dan Carlin: Hardcore History - These podcasts are a commitment.  Dan does a ton of research about each topic and each podcast is several hours long.  I'll often put this one on while folding laundry or some other task that will take me awhile; and it still takes several weeks to make it through an episode.  I love history so I find these fascinating.  

4)Bedtime History - Speaking of history; this one is great for the kids.  Each episode is less than 12 minutes and the host speaks in a soft voice.  The episodes often end with a life lesson related to the story or a question for the kids to ponder.  They aren't too "kiddish" and I enjoy listening to them as well. 

5)Crime Junkie - This is one for the older kids/adults.  It's a true crime podcast; often dealing with unsolved crimes.  One of my older kids loves this podcast so we've listened to several. The episodes are fascinating and present a lot of information (and ways to help if you have any tips) but be sure to preview before letting your kids listen; since many kids won't be ready for this one.  There are episodes I skip over since I think they would be too much even for my older kids.  

Those are the podcasts I find myself listening to most often recently.  I'd love to find others so drop your recommendations in the comments.