When You Love Someone

It's not a surprise. I love my hubby. I love him so much that I would pretty much do anything to make him happy.

I have had a severe cleaning and reorganizing bug lately and with that, I've taken it upon myself to show love to my husband and give him a surprise. One that he wasn't aware that he was asking.

Every so often he would make statements like, "My side of the room is a mess!", "Why is your side always so neat and mine is all cluttered?", and "I wish I could have this all organized."

Well, I finally took the initiative and did something for my man.

I thought for a few days of what I wanted to do, what I wanted his side of the room to look like, and what would best represent him. I called his mama and asked if she would send me some hunting pictures of Seth growing up.

And here it is-

What do ya think?

Green House Update

I made a promise a while ago that when the green house was done, I'd show it off.

Well, guess what? It's done.  And I am ready to unveil our newest addition to the farm.

I hope your excited, because it's beautiful.  My talented hubby doesn't disappoint when his creativity starts to flow. The wooden beams are as aesthetic as they are solid. This green house isn't going anywhere. We've already had a couple of terrible storms with wind that could rival the open plains. And it still stands.

I am greatly anticipating our garden this Spring. I hope this new addition will enable us to start our garden in an efficient manner and give us an abundance of crops. May the Lord bless our efforts.

Are you ready to see it yet? Okay, here it is.

View from the back of our house.

The lovely inside.

View from the front of the house.

Isn't it beautiful?

The doors are made out of old red wood that Seth bought from a lumber yard. The beams are made from old wood that used to be part of our back porch.

I just love it and I am so thankful my loving hubby made this for us. It's such a great addition to the farm.

Do you have a green house? What do you plan on growing in your gardens this Spring?

Zuppa Toscana. You Wanna?

Sorry. I couldn't help myself.

I kept on trying to come up with a catchy title and this kept ringing in my brain. So I stuck with it.

Moving on...

As soon as I see the leaves change with the coming of Fall and when Winter is just around the corner, there is one thing that comes to my mind. Comfort food. And by comfort food, I mean soup.

I first made Zuppa Toscana a few years ago and fell in love with it's rich flavor and simplicity. You can't go wrong making this and everyone will love it. My kids can't get enough! A win in my book.

If you like this soup at Olive Garden, then you must try your hand at making this yourself. It is so much better homemade and very easy too.  If you are a traditional foodie (or a newbie like myself) this recipe is most welcome.

Here's what you'll need:

2 lbs. Ground Italian Sausage

1/2 teaspoon Ground Crushed Red Pepper

1 Large Chopped Onion

3 Cloves of Garlic

1 Package Bacon

10 cups Chicken Broth

6 Large Red Potatoes - Chopped in 1 inch sections

1-2 Bunches Chopped Kale

1 1/4 cups Heavy Whipping Cream (I didn't have any cream on hand so I put the half & half in it's place for the sake of the picture)

Cook your sausage and red pepper then drain and set aside. (If you use spicy sausage like I do, omit the red pepper. Unless you like really spice soup.)

Cook your bacon, drain and set aside. (I like mine crispy so when I add it to the soup, it gives the soup some texture, mainly a nice crunch.)

In your stock pot, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté your onions and garlic until softened. Add the chicken broth and potatoes and bring it to a boil. When the potatoes are almost fully cooked add your sausage and chopped kale.  As soon as the potatoes are fully cooked (I like mine a little under cooked so they don't fall apart in the broth), add the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

When serving the soup, add some of your crispy bacon on the top as a nice and appetizing garnish. Maybe add some Parmesan if your wanting some cheesey goodness.

And viola, you have some of the best soup ever. I'm serious. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

I do have to apologize for this picture. It was taken rushed and I had hungry family members waiting to eat. I'll do better next time...promise.   :)

I hope you come back and tell me of your Zuppa Toscana soup making and eating pleasure. I'm waiting...

This post was shared on Food Renegade's Fight Back Friday. Hope you love it!

This post was shared on The Polivka Family's Family Table Tuesday Carnival. Enjoy!

Not Just A Human.

A soul.

A living, breathing, image bearer of our God.

We get caught up in the busyness of our days, schedules, and commitments. Never pausing to take a breath let alone say a prayer for those easily forgotten. For those lost, young, and abused souls living in misery and torment. I am guilty of this. 

The Lord has been working on my heart to pray for more than my needs and those of my family that I love. Pray without ceasing. Pray for those whose lives are the topic of such debate as whether they're considered human until their born. Pray for those who are bought and sold for perverted pleasures and then sold once again. Pray for those whose bold witness for our great God cost them their lives and leave their families on earth without a father or a husband. Pray for those who just don't have enough money to support themselves,  put a roof over heads, or offer their own children a warm shower.

The Lord is good. He has saved me and placed me in a country where He can still be worshiped without His children facing persecution. A country where I can speak freely, have food and shelter, and be able to care for my family to the best of my ability. I thank the Lord for these comforts, but I can also use my freedom to be a voice for those who have been silenced.

By God's grace and providence I have come across a couple that is dedicating their lives to the freeing of women and children from the sex trafficking trade. They have formed a non-profit organization called The Exodus Road. Here, in their own words, is their mission statement:

"We're a non-profit organization that fights modern day slavery through covert investigations. Our coalition of operatives work together to gather evidence and conduct rescues for those trapped in sexual slavery."

They have allowed me to be a part of what they do. I have been given the opportunity to hear about their stories of rescue, of heart ache, and of redemption. I get to write and tell you about it. I get to pray for these dear souls and I hope that you will too.

Will you join me?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the past few weeks I have also come across a blog that has convicted me to pray for those who are orphaned. I have been touched by this dear woman and her commitment to Christ. She truly has a heart for the 'least of these.'

Her name is Adeye and she writes the blog No Greater Joy Mom. Visit her, you'll be glad you did.

Right now she is doing her best to help a family raise money to help build a building for those who are in extreme need in Guatemala. I have done what I could, can you?

We aren't called to give to every good cause. I know this. If you do feel led to help, then I hope you will listen and do.

I could go on and on about what this family is doing, but reading it at the blog (nogreaterjoymom.com), will give you such a better perspective. I hope you take a few moments out of your day to read more.

Go HERE, if you are interested in helping and learning more.

I thank you for visiting my blog. I love having you here. Please pray for the Lord's guidance in your life and be open to His direction.

What has the Lord placed on your heart? What are your convictions? I'd love to know!

GOPRO Thursday

I had a thought. Wondering if there would be interest.

Here it is - GOPRO Thursday. Where every Thursday I would post a video or two of the events, activities, chores, and occurrences here on the farm during the week. 

(My hubby, for his last birthday, got a GOPRO. It is amazing. And tiny. If you haven't heard of it yet, go HERE and find out.)

Today it was moving the sheep from one pasture to another. Next week it could be feeding the animals or putting down new bedding. In the Spring, it could be baby chicks or even a ewe having her lamb. So exciting! Let me know in the comments below if this would be of interest to you.

I think it would be rather fun.

***And I apologize for the video, as I do this more, my videoing should improve. Let's hope.

Of Guts and Diapers

I have been busy lately. Too busy. Between getting new sheep, reading numerous books, battling diaper rash, and trying to keep up on everything...this mama is spread thin. And to add onto it all, I've been feeling terrible. Downright cr@ppy. Pardon my French, but it is the best description.

I have had to temporarily cut out milk. I might have to cut out dairy altogether. If you knew how much I love and miss my daily glass of milk, you would know how I suffer. I love milk. I love the taste, how it stops the hunger pangs, how the rich creaminess of my beloved raw milk satisfies my sweet tooth. Alas, it is gone. For now. My gut cannot handle it. The few times I have broken down and had a small glass I end up paying the price for the rest of the day. I get cramps. Bloated hardly describes my midsection. Let's face it...I look like I'm 5 months pregnant when I drink my favorite beverage. So, so, sad.

Wait! There's hope on the horizon. I think I've found the cure and no it's not lactaid or pills. It's an amazing way to heal my gut, restore my digestive tract to normalcy, and make me able to eat and drink the things that I love.

Enter, the GAPS diet.

                               

This is quite the commitment, but when faced with a life without dairy...it's worth it. My digestive issues aren't the only reason that I'm doing this. In fact the whole fam is going to be doing this as well.

My son, who has similar issues like mine, has SEVERE allergies to oak trees. Last April, when the oak trees started to release all their pollen, my poor boy suffered terribly. And when I say suffered, I mean it. His poor eyes almost swelled shut, the skin of his eyelids were flush with his forehead and cheekbones, and were the color of a plum. You would have thought that he was in a boxing match...and lost.

In my research to figure out a way to help my son I soon realized that allergies start with a 'leaky gut' or in other terms an unhealthy digestive system. Hippocrates said, "All disease begins in the gut." And he's right. Allergies, be it food or environmental, have to do with gut health. Isn't this just thrilling, keep you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, earth shattering news? I think so.

It has changed the out look of my son's life during allergy season. I hope to heal his gut so he doesn't have to take allergy medicine every year. It has given me hope to be able to consume what I love again, and not have to settle for second rate dairy substitutes.

If you are health conscious at all, if you are a wife, if you have children, or just plain want to eat real food, you should read this. It's is amazing and it is so wonderful to be able to learn how God created our bodies to digest food. Real food that is. This book paired with traditional eating is, in my humble opinion, the best way to eat and thrive. (Nourishing Traditions is a cookbook filled with recipe's for this eating lifestyle. And I haven't read this book yet, but I will soon, and I'm sure it will shape my mind toward traditional eating even more.)

Hence, why I am doing my best to convert my pantry, thinking, and cooking methods to be a traditional foodie.

And if this isn't enough of a lifestyle change, I thought I might add on another whopper.

Cloth Diapering.

Oh, yes...I dare. I even put in my order of cloth diapers, wipes, and etc yesterday.

And. I. Can't. Wait.

Seriously. They are adorable, save money, are better for baby, and I'm sure I can come up with more reasons as soon as I am becoming acquainted with my new cotton beauties.

The company I ordered from is Green Mountain Diapers and I am thrilled with their products thus far, and their customer service is impeccable. They answered all my questions and then some. If you are considering cloth diapering, I would recommend this company. Plus, my money supported another family owned business who happen to be believers. A win win in my opinion.

Here's what I got.

Prefolds.

                                             

Flip Diaper Covers.

                               

Snappi's.

                                       

And a myriad of other cloth diapering goodies that I won't list. These are the nuts and bolts of the set up.

You may think I'm crazy. I might be. I am excited about this and will do a follow up post when I get my goodies and put them to some good hard use.

So for now, I'm in the trenches of learning about the gut, healing the gut, and disposing of what comes forth from the gut. Gross. Too much info, ya?

Hope your week was splendid!

Pssst! Our green house was finished yesterday. Wait till you see it. It's prettier than the rest of our house. Seriously.  

***All pictures are from the Green Mountain Diapers website. Visit their site and have a peek at all the cuteness of babe's in cloth diapers. You may even find yourself ordering a few...

***I learned about GMD from a blog that I love to read. Visit it sometime. You will be glad you did.
      The Elliot Homestead

We Went For A Drive...

Last weekend, something very exciting happened. Something that I've been waiting and praying for... 

I GOT MY RAM!!!

He's not the big woolly beauty you saw here, but he'll do. And I am sure next year, when he's got some experience under his belt, or wool so to speak, I'm sure he'll be much more handsome.

Anyway, Seth and I (and the babe) drove to Sebastopol and met with a Scottish Blackface breeder. We didn't get to see his whole flock (so sad), but the sheep we did get are beauties. Along with the ram, we bought three ewes. We had only planned on buying two, but he gave us a deal we couldn't refuse for the old lady.

I'm sure you are wondering why the most noticeable picture above is one of food. Well, I did this on purpose. I love food. I love good food. I love trying new food...only if it's good. These two plates of goodness are Puerto Rican cuisine and let's just say, it was fantastic. I cleared my plate in no time. I still am drooling over how good it was and am planning on trying to make it myself.  Soon. 

Seth and I had a good chuckle when we looked out at the truck. How many times have you seen a truck full of sheep parked along the street in the city. Yes we are country folk and proud of it.  

Aren't these sheep just beautiful?

The drive home was amazing. On our way, it was rainy and miserable. I was not looking forward to getting out of the truck and wrangling sheep. The Lord is so good however, and the sun came out and the sky cleared up when we were about five miles away from Sebastopol. (I escaped having to wrangle sheep due to a baby needing to eat. Perfect timing.)

We kept seeing people pull up alongside us, point, and then smile. It's not everyday that people in the city get to see livestock. I think they like it. I know I do.

The ram is the one in the top right corner. He is in a awkward stage, but definitely likes the ladies.

I don't have much time to write. But definitely am wanting to show off our newbies. I will try to write a more detailed version of our day, but I hope these will suffice for now. I'll be taking more pictures soon and updating everyone on lamb making progress.

...cause I know your so interested.

Edible Rubies

'Tis the season for many things. 'Tis the season for pomegranates. I do love these delectable fruits, but I will admit, they can be a major pain to enjoy. However, I have come to find an easier way in which to get the little juicy rubies from their tight little cramped lair. And yes, your welcome.

Step 1: Cut off the top of the pomegranate and score the edges. Then place in a bowl of cold water.

Step 2: Check the pomegranate in about 5-10 minutes, once you see the edges start to swell, your ready.

Step 3: With the pomegranate under the water, break it apart and start to rub the seeds off of the peel. The seeds should fall to the bottom and the white thin membrane should float to the top. 

Can you see? It separates itself. Wonderful!

Step 4: Strain all the seeds and put in a large bowl.

Aren't they pretty?

Step 5: Once you've separated all the seeds...the next step is to enjoy the fruits or seeds of your labor. 

Are you going to try this? I hope so.

Hummingbird Love

I have had the pleasure of watching a hummingbird flutter and fly about outside of my bedroom window every morning. I consider it a treat from the Lord while I'm nursing Leah at the beginning of our day. Hummingbirds are my favorite bird. They are so little, sweet, fast, and cute. I am not a huge fan of birds, but I do like these little beauties. 

This morning was extra special. Jude and Ella crawled into bed with me while Leah was still asleep and we three snuggled together in yummy family snuggle time and slept for about another 30 minutes. Wonderful. When Leah woke up, I opened the blinds and voila, there was my little buddy. I had the pleasure of pointing him out to my munchkins and they fell in love, just like their mama.

I hope you can see him in the picture. He blends in so well. The kids were able to watch him look around and preen his feathers while he sat on the branch awaiting the sun to come out and warm him. I love sweet moments like this, where I can point out parts of the Lords creation to my kids and watch them enjoy it as much as I do. I love my God. I love my children. And I love that I can enjoy His creation with my little ones.

My Better Half

I love my husband.

He is amazing.

And handsome.

Here he is working on our green house.   Yay!

I am blessed to be his wife. I have learned this past week how much I appreciate my hubby. You see, he's been gone since Wednesday and I have had quite some time to think about how important he is...to me and to our kids.

Being alone induces all kinds of thoughts. (I realize I'm not completely alone cause I have my kids, but it can still be lonely being a temporary single mama) Sadness. Fear. Anxiety. Yes, I've had these emotions, but there is one that always prevails...thankfulness. I am thankful for so many things when it comes to my hubby. 

1. He loves me and he tells me so all the time.

2. He leads the kids and I in the Lord and always tries to please Him.

3. He helps me whenever I ask, am stressed, or even when I don't ask.  :)

Here's a few more reasons why I am thankful for my man.

Yes, I am thankful he knows how to shoot, but that's not my point here. Read on...

He is always quick to include the kids in whatever he's doing. Whether it's cleaning the garage, organizing his trailers, working outside, and yes even shooting targets. The kids love having their daddy home and they especially love doing fun stuff with him. Seth let Jude and Ella shoot at some targets and they thought it was the best thing ever! Jude was telling me story after story about how good of a shot he is and Ella pretty much acted her stories out. She is such a doll!

While Seth's been away he has called every day to talk to the kids. Sunday night he couldn't take it anymore and decided to come home for the night. Literally.  He got here at 7 pm and left at 4 am Monday morning. Short trip, but sooo worth it. Since he is the best daddy in the world, he came home bearing gifts for the kids and myself.

Daddy came home with these awesome shirts. If you can't tell, Jude says 'future farmer' and Ella's says 'mommy's little farmer'. I'm in love. With my husband, but I do love the shirts too. And if the shirts weren't enough he got them some Bobcat toys. Surprise, surprise. They each have their own skid steer and excavator and have a semi truck with a flatbed to share. Now, they are in love.

Leah was not forgotten. She got an adorable pink John Deere onesie and I got two shirts and pajamas. This may not seem exciting to some...but I love when Seth buys me clothes. Probably cause I don't like to.

I could go on and on about my hubby, but I'll save you from all the mush and gush.

Seth- aside from salvation and what Christ accomplished on the cross in order to save my soul...you are the best blessing that has been given to me. I love you. I appreciate you. And I can't wait till you are home...for good. 

Lord willing...I'll have my better half back in 2 days.

Autumn Days

This was a great day. The autumn weather was proving to be delightful. Cool, crisp, wonderful. It puts a spring into our steps and feels good on the lungs too.

My munchkins love to play outside. And they love to feed the animals. It was the perfect day to do both. The grass is growing slowly these days and therefore the animals think their starving. Their not. However, to not get harassed by the animals during our play time we decided to give them a treat. And that meant a trip to the barn.

As you can see, we had fun. Leah was content to watch Jude and Ella do their best to fling handfuls of hay into the pen. Most of the hay landed on their feet, but it was so cute to watch them grunt while throwing the hay with all their might. The animals were unimpressed and so required myself to join in the feeding frenzy and throw the flakes.

The barn is old and in desperate need of repair. However, in the late afternoon when you are inside, the sun beams coming through the wood panels make for the coolest lighting. Unfortunately I have a terrible camera, but I did my best. I am thankful for this barn. It is hopefully going to house new lambs this Spring.

I am mostly thankful to (and for) my Savior Jesus Christ who has given me eyes to see what is truly wonderful and important in this life. Jesus of course is first, but my children are also incredible blessings. I love days like this where we can enjoy every part of the day and have such a great and simple time together. This life, this farm life, is a blessing from above and not to be taken for granted.

Here's a glimpse into our fun. Enjoy!

One Rainy Day

         

I love this time of year. When the seasons transition from hot summer days to cool Autumn evenings. It's lovely. This day (this post is two days late) I was having to do one of my winter prep jobs - lay new bedding in the barn. I have been doing the 'deep bedding method' for my animals and I'm pretty happy with it thus far. If you aren't familiar with this, it is when instead of completely cleaning out the old bedding once it's been soiled and replacing it with new, you just put the new bedding right on top of the old. I'll admit, my OCD side doesn't like it, but I am actually quite pleased. It saves a lot of work at that moment and you are actually creating wonderful compost. And you need to put at least 8 inches of new bedding down so there is a good barrier between the old and the new. Needless to say, in the Spring when we do the once a year deep clean, my garden will be lovin' the animals compost bed.

I had quite the time trying to spread out the straw. Gus and Penny are WAY too comfortable with me. I had to ward of Gus with a stick and he pretty much ignored me the whole time and Penny tried to kick me. Not nice. Anyway, I got the job done and I know my farm bums are happy cause they pretty much never leave the barn. Which translates to I'm going to need to replace the straw again soon. Too bad you can't train cows and sheep like you can dogs and cats. I shouldn't complain cause no poop, no compost. Simple as that.

I did break down and treat the farm bums to some hay, which one can see they are rather happy about.

I am hoping to be getting a ram soon. I have one in the works, but the gentleman I'm buying him from has been out of town.  I can't wait...I really want lambs.

My wonderful hubby is in the middle of finishing the green house. I can't wait to write about it and show off his handiwork. Hopefully it'll be done in a week or so. And then after that, the chicken coop. Oh, I'm so excited I could squeal. Really I could.

'Till then, I'll be dreaming of fresh eggs and lambs playing in the green grass. It's a lovely dream, and Lord willing it will all come to fruition.

Got Food?

 

Here's a wonderfully done video about our food industry in the states. There's a reason why more people are starting to grow their own food and raise their own animals. It isn't just for 'fun' that more and more people in the cities (and in the country) are raising chickens in their backyard. (I plan on having a wonderful garden this year and yes - chickens!) People everywhere are getting tired of tasteless and expensive food. We are so far from reality when it comes to where our food comes from that there is a sort of back-to-the-farm movement. I hope and pray that it continues. 

 

Perspective...

...it is a wonderful thing to behold.

According to Websters Dictionary it's definition is the following:

 

2 a: the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed <places the issues in proper perspective> 

b: the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance <trying to maintain my perspective>

 

The other night I was reading about an incredible man after finishing an incredible book in the Bible. Hebrews. Such a richly written book that is filled with amazing truths and encouragement for a believer. I plan on re-reading it again. One can never read God's word too much. True? Agreed.

 

One of the most popular sections of Hebrews is what a lot of people like to call the Hall of Faith. Chapter 11 is a source for many of Christ's children to look to for an example of how they should live their life..."as strangers and exiles on earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland...they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." (Hebrews 11:13-16 respectively)

 

I, for one, find wondrous examples in chapter 11 of people who have lived before me, paid a mortal price, and yet received an imperishable prize of eternity with God. Even in the best of times while here, we yearn for our heavenly home. And if you don't yearn for it yet, pray for the Lord to strengthen your faith and...you will. Maybe this isn't known this about me yet, but I am drawn to martyrdom. Not exactly sure why the Lord's placed it on my heart, but I'm drawn to it. Can't read enough about those who have paid for their faith with their life.

 

Which brings me to this wonderful man. Adoniram Judson. To read about his life is to see Christ. He was 24 years old when he entered Burma and he began his 38 year mission there with his first wife Ann of 17 months.

Ann Judson, born Ann Hasseltine, married her husband knowing full well the life she was entering. She was marrying a missionary and so knew that she potentially was going to spend her life away from her family and possibly may never see them again. While in Burma, the British fleet bombarded the harbor near where the Judson's were living and so all westerners were viewed as spies. Judson was immediately imprisoned and Ann was pregnant with their first child. She would walk two miles every day to the emperor to plead for her husband. She eventually was able to care for her husband. She had her child by that point. What happens next is heartbreaking, "Their daughter, Maria, had been born by now, and Ann was almost as sick and thin and Adoniram, but she still pursued him, with her baby, to take care of him as she could. Her milk dried up, and the jailer had mercy on them and actually let Judson take the baby each evening into the village fettered and beg women to nurse his baby." (Filling up the Afflictions of Christ Pg.99)

 

I just can't imagine it. Ten feet from where I am typing, my lovely daughter Leah is sleeping. I just finished nursing her and now she is lying in her nice bed, with a full tummy, sleeping.

 

Adoniram lost his dear wife Ann due to sickness in 1826 and six months later he lost their daughter. Judson was heartbroken and went into isolation for sometime. God was not done with him yet and in 1834 he finished translating the Old Testament into the Burmese language. What a victory for God! In the vary same year he remarried a woman by the name of Sarah. They had eight children together, however he lost her in death in the year of 1845. After her untimely death, Judson made sure his children were safe with his sister back in New England and then planned to returned to Burma. Before his return, he remarried for a third time. After a short time in Burma, Judson became ill. His only hope was to get onto a ship and sail for the Isle De France.

 

"At 4:15 on Friday afternoon, April 12, 1850, Adoniram Judson died at sea, away from all his family and the Burmese church." (Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ Pg. 106)

 

"The Burmese bible was done. The dictionary was done. Hundreds of converts were leading the church. And today there are about 3,700 congregations of Baptists in Myanmar who trace their origin to this man's labors of love." (Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ Pg. 106)

 

This is where the perspective comes in.

 

This life is not about us. It is about Him. Christ. It is easy to get lost in our day to day, comfortable, pleasurable, mundane lives. We get irritated when things don't go our way, when times become difficult, and when others wrong us. We want to live the way we want to and add in Jesus when we have time. It ought not to be so! Shameful.

 

I am convicted by this man. His life convicts my heart, my actions, and my motives. He points me to Christ and to what Christ calls me to do. Live for Him. It was no coincidence that I finished reading Hebrews and then read about this fine gentleman. The Lord orchestrates everything to bring Him glory. And I praise Him for it.

 

(There is so much more to the story of Adoniram Judson. I urge you to read the whole account of his life on your own. I have highly abbreviated it in this post. Either look him up on the internet or buy the book that I have. You can find it HERE. The PDF version is FREE! You won't regret it and his story will change you.)

 

Later on in Hebrews 11, Paul starts to list what happened to those whom wouldn't deny our Lord. "Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." (Hebrews 11:35-38)

 

It keeps running through my mind, "of whom the world was not worthy". Why? The world is not worthy of the blood of martyrs for one reason. Christ. The world hated, rejected, and killed our Savior. The world wasn't and isn't worthy of him. Martyrs die for one reason. Christ. They consider this momentary life to be nothing, and Christ as everything. Martyrs lived these verses:

 

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  Philippians 1:21

 

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith- that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."  Philippians 3:7-11

 

 

 

Myanmar (Burma)

 

 

Judson's last words were, "How few there are who...who die so hard!"

 

Let us pick up where Judson left off, with a new perspective. One that is Christ centered. Let us pray, witness, and care for the lost in our homes, families, cities, country, and world.

 

Let us live in such a way that our lives will bear much fruit for years upon years after our death.

 

Amen.