How did this happen?

I'm TWO ISSUES behind in reading Modern Reformation! Definitely a sad commentary on my time management skills.



This issue just arrived in my mail box today. It looks really good.

A Feast in a Fast-Food World

July/August 2009





and I still haven't cracked open:

Calvin at 500: Does He Still Matter?

Special Issue 2009






I'm currently making my way through:

Jesus Among other Christs

May/June 2009




I love my Modern Reformation. Here's a quote from the editor-in-chief to give you a flavor:

The history of the covenant of grace--centering on Christ and culminating in his person and work--is not a means to some greater end; it is the end. The gospel doesn't illustrate a point; it is the point! We just need to tell it, from Genesis to Revelation, and to deliver it not only through preaching and teaching but through baptism and Communion, through the care of elders and deacons, and in the myriad ways that we are able to share it with our neighbors.

-- Michael Horton

Life is hard work

I just read this great post from I-have-no-idea-who-she-is-blogger. Another hat tip to Amy. The author was unfortunate enough to watch an Oprah show in which mothers "came clean, opened up and spilled the beans that mothering is all consuming, exhausting, thankless work."

I particularly love this thought:

Life. You know what? Life is hard. For all people. Mothers haven't cornered the market on long days and tough times. But not because they haven't tried.

The blogger, she calls herself Mrs. G, shares that:

Everywhere she turns (blogs, magazines, television, movies) women go on and on about the trials of motherhood. Really, she thinks everyone has gotten the memo: raising children is hard work.

Again, this is news? Motherhood has been around for a while. And, frankly, Mrs. G. thinks it has gotten easier. Women have choices, earning power, job sharing, daycare, dishwashers, washing machines and antibiotics. Many have plugged in partners to share the load.

Mrs. G. doesn't understand how privileged suburban women on the Oprah show feel so oppressed and overcome.

I think I like Mrs. G. A lot.

But, through it all, she always realized that she was lucky to be able to stay at home with her kids. She was lucky to have a husband who worked his ass off without complaining when she and the kids were curled up on the couch in their pajamas reading library books as he headed out the door for work. She had friends who wanted nothing more than to stay home with their babies but couldn't... Mrs. G. was so lucky.

Let's be real. As problems go, motherhood ain't that bad.

I second that. In light of the glories of the grace of God, His providence and our future hope, as problems go, we all ain't got it too bad.

"The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."

1Ti 1:15-16

Wisdom...

...recognizes that when no perfect path is available and knowledge is incomplete, it is often helpful to reserve judgment on what appear to be poor choices that others have made. Most important, it does not refuse to participate in projects that are less than ideal, but applies itself to bring whatever improvements it can to whatever circumstances present themselves.

July 1st, 2009 by Rick Saenz



This sounds right to me. The implications are endless.



HT: Amy

When the cat's away

the kids will eat ice cream for dinner!








And, just for the fun of it, here's Paul asking for a "CACA" (cracker).