Holiness; 3. Holiness (Practical) part 1; JC Ryle

On to chapter 3, titled 'Holiness' in our weekly reading with Challies.com 's Reading Group. I am now convinced more than ever that this book is a definite must for every household along with the Bible, and a copy of the Westminster Confession. Chapter 3 'Holiness' or 'Practical Holiness' I. What true practical holiness is - What sort of persons are those whom God calls holy a) holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God Habit of: agreeing in God's judgement hating what He hates loving what He loves measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word "He who most entirely agrees with God, he is the most holy man." b) a holy man will endeavour to shun every known sin, and to keep every known commandment He will have: a decided bent of mind toward God a hearty desire to do His will a greater fear of displeasing Him than of displeasing the world a love to all His ways "I delight in the law of God after the inward man" (Rm. 7:22). "I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things to be right. And I hate every false way" (Psm. 119:128). c) a holy man will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ He will be as Jesus was: by living the life of faith in Him by drawing from Him all his daily peace and strength by labouring to have the mind that Jesus has by conforming to His image by being unselfish by walking in love by being lowly-minded and humble by being a faithful witness for the truth by not doing your own by knowing it is your meat and drink to do your Father's will by continually denying yourself in order to minister to others by being meek and patient by thinking more of godly poor men than of kings by being full of love and compassion by being bold and uncompromising in denouncing sin by seeking NOT the praise of men by going about doing good by seperating from worldly people by being continued instant in prayer by NOT even allowing your nearest relations stand in your way when God's work has to be done "These things a holy man will try to remember and by them he will endeavour to shape his course of life." "Happy is he who has learned to make Christ his "all," both for salvation AND example!" d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l) Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Holiness; 2. Sanctification (third point and chapter completion), JC Ryle

In the second chapter, bishop Ryle brings us to Sanctification. He works through three sub-topics and several sub-topics within these three sub-topics. The three are: I. The True Nature of Sanctification; II. The Visible Marks of Sanctification; III. Wherein justification and sanctification agree and are like one another, and wherein they differ and are unlike. In his third point, the distinction between justification and sanctification, the Bishop shares his view of the 'similarities and differences' of justification and sanctification. I found this very helpful. So I shall touch on what he wrote here but not in detail. - They are alike as: 1) Both proceed originally from the free grace of God 2) Both are part of that great work of salvation 3) Both are to be found in the same persons 4) Both begin at the same time 5) Both are alike necessary to salvation - They differ as: 1) Justification is the reckoning; Sanctification is the actual making 2) The righteousness we have by our justification is not our own; The righteousness we have by sanctificatiom is our own righteousness . . . BUT mingled with much infirmity and imperfection 3) In justification our own works have no place at all; in sanctification our own works are of vast importance . . . 4) Justification is a finished and complete work; Sanctification is an imperfect work, comparatively, and will never be perfected until we reach heaven 5) Justification admits of no growth or increase; Sanctification is eminently a progressive work 6) Justification has special reference to our persons, our standing in God's sight. And our deliverance from guilt. Sanctification has special reference to our natures, and the moral renewals of our hearts 7) Justification gives us our title in heaven, and boldness to enter in; Sanctification gives us our meetness for heaven, and prepares us to enjoy it when we dwell there 8) Justification is the act of God about us, and not easily discerned by others; Sanctification is the work of God within us, cannot be hid in its outward manifestation from the yes of men The Bishop writes, "It can never be too strongly impressed on our minds that they are two seperate things." *Application* "What practical reflections ought the whole matter to raise in our minds,?" 1) Let us all awake to a sense of the perilous state of many professing Christians (Heb. 12:14); "Oh that preachers and teachers would open their eyes and realize the condition of souls around them!" 2) Let us make sure of our own condition, AND never rest till we feel and know that we are "sanctified" ourselves 3) We must begin with Christ 4) If we grow in holiness . . ., we must continually go on as we began (Eph. 4:16); "Believers who seem at a standstill are generally neglecting close communion with Jesus". Jesus is "willing to help everyone who by faith applies to Him for help, and desires to be made more holy." 5) Let us not expect too much from our own hearts here below. The more light we have, the more we shall see our own imperfection. "Sinners we were when we began, sinners we shall find ourselves as we go on; renewed, pardoned, justified - yet sinners to the very last." 6) Let us never be ashamed of making much of sanctification, AND contending for a high standard of holiness; . . . - let us stand fast in the old paths, follow after eminent holiness ourselves, and receommend it boldly yo others. Bishop Ryle goes on to close by stating, "the man who gets through life most comfortably is the sanctified man." He is not saying there will be no trials, difficulties,etc, but that your perspective and ability to endure it is more fully prepared as you continue to walk, grow and be sanctified (Prov. 3:17; Psm. 119:165; Mt. 11:30; Isa. 48:22). He closes with a P. S. and recommends Mr. John Owen's writing on "The Holy Spirit" which offers greater depth of this subkect matter. Tolle Lege Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Holiness, JC Ryle; Sanctification, second point

In the second chapter, bishop Ryle brings us to Sanctification. He works through three sub-topics and several sub-topics within these three sub-topics. The three are: I. The True Nature of Sanctification; II. The Visible Marks of Sanctification; III. Wherein justification and sanctification agree and are like one another, and wherein they differ and are unlike. In his second point, the visible evidence (marks) of sanctification, the Bishop has 10 sub-points to bring to our attention, which I will provide here but not in detail, so you may "take up and read" further yourself. 1) True Sanctification does not consist in talk about religion (I Jn 3:18). 2) True Sanctification does not consist in temporary religious feelings (Mt. 13:20). "Reaction , after false religious excitement, is a most deadly disease of soul." 3) True Sanctification does not consist in outward formalism and external devoutness. 4) True Sanctification does not consist in retirement from our place in life and the renunciation of our social duties (Jn 17:15). "True holiness does not make a Christian evade difficulties, but face and overcome them." 5) True Sanctification does not consist in the occasional performance of right actions (II Chron. 31:21; Psm. 119:104). 6) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in habitual respect to God's law AND habitual effort to live in obedience to it as the rule of life (I Tim. 1:8; Rm. 7:22). 7) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in an habitual endeavour to do Christ's will, and to live by his practical precepts (Jn. 15:14). 8) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in an habitual desire to live up to the standard which St. Paul sets before the Churches. 9) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in habitual attention to the active graces which our Lord so beautifully exemplified (Jn 13:34-35). "Saving faith and real converting grace will always produce some conformity to the image of Jesus (Col. 3:10). 10) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in habitual attention to the passive graces of Christianity (Gal. 5:22-23). Passive graces would consist of long-suffering, gentleness, and meekness. "The passive graces are no doubt harder to attain than the active ones, BUT they are precisely the graces which have the greatest influence on the world." Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Reformation21 Personal Note from Phil Ryken to Richard Phillips

Football and the Sovereignty of God http://www.reformation21.org/Core/ Phil Ryken As a football fan with a rooting interest for the University of Oregon, I write to ask Rick Phillips whether -- in light of Michigan's disastrous start to the college football season -- he wishes to re-evaluate his position vis-a-vis Calvinism or the End Times. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Okra Strut set for September 28th and 29th

Okra Strut set for September 28th and 29th http://www.irmookrastrut.com/ You could complete an entire study of Southern delicacies by hopscotching the food festivals that sprout across South Carolina each year. There's the boiled peanuts in Pelion, shrimp in Beaufort, peaches in Gaffney and watermelon in Pageland, but for crowd size, it's hard to beat the fall Okra Strut in Irmo. It's a homage to the fuzzy, slimy green pod vegetable. It started in 1973, and by 1980, the festival had grown enough to pay for a town library for Irmo. Over three and a half decades, the Okra Strut has grown and now draws an estimated 50-thousand people to the suburb northwest of the state capital. This year's festival is set for September 28th and 29th. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Muffins (GirlTalk)

The ladies at GirlTalk offer this recipe. Looks like something some in our home would enjoy. Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Muffins (GirlTalk) 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened1/4 cup butter, softened 1 egg, room temperature 1/2 cup cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white sugar (I used 3/4 cup sugar, but we like ours sweet.) 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease 12 muffin cups or use paper liners.Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Beat in egg, cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into cream cheese mixture until flour is moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups filling them 3/4 full.Bake in preheated oven until tops are golden, about 20 minutes. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

John Calvin Rebukes Those Who Belittle the Priority of the Blessed Calling of the Homemaker (Doug Phillips)

John Calvin Rebukes Those Who Belittle the Priority of the Blessed Calling of the Homemaker "All the chastity they [Nuns] pretend is nothing before God, in comparison of that that he hath appointed, that is to say, that albeit it seem but a vile thing, and a matter of none account, for a woman to take pains about housewifery, to make clean her children when they be arrayed, to kill fleas, and other such like, although this be a thing despised, yea and such, that many will not vouchsafe to look upon it, yet are they sacrifices which GOD accepteth & receiveth, as if they were things of great price and honourable. Therefore let women study this lesson day and night that first of all they may play the housewives: and if women were the most negligent in the world, yet is there here matter enough to awaken them, and to correct this idleness. And how? If we take pains, we serve GOD, and not men. Again, when a man seeth his wife employ herself all the day long to do her duty, let him also consider whereunto God hath called him, that he also for his part may do his duty. For a man is not born to idleness, nor a woman. Therefore...let women cast their eyes hither, for there is occasion enough to correct their slothfulness, when they shall see that the question is of serving God. And how? When they fall to kneading (as the proverb is) and apply themselves to good use, & flee not the subjection which God hath set them in: for this is to strive against GOD, when a man doth not follow his vocation, which is our true rule, that is to say, that that we have to do, & what God appointeth every one of us, according to the state, whereunto he is called. Therefore let women have this mark to shoot at, & say, well, although the world have no regard of me, yet must I find myself occupied here, for so God commandeth me. And thus much touching the first, how women have to take occasion to be diligent: and moreover also they have to consider, that when they do their duty and execute their office, God accepteth well of it, although men despise it." Posted by Doug Phillips on September 8, 2007 | Read more here. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Holiness; Chapter 2 "Sanctification"

In the second chapter, bishop Ryle brings us to Sanctification. He works through three sub-topics and several sub-topics within these three sub-topics. The three are: I. The True Nature of Sanctification; II. The Visible Marks of Sanctification; III. Wherein justification and sanctification agree and are like one another, and wherein they differ and are unlike. In just the first section the Bishop brings us 12 connected propositions or statements, drawn from Scripture, to help define the exact nature of sanctification. They are: (1) Sanctification is the invariable result of that vital union with Christ which true faith gives to a Christian (John 15:5). (2) Sanctification is the outcome and inseperable consequence of regeneration (I John 2:29; 3:9-14; 5:4-18). (3) Sanctification is the only certain evidence of that indwelling of the Holy Spirit which is essential to salvation (Romans 8:9). (4) Sanctification is the only sure mark of God's election (I Peter 1:2; II Thess. 2:13; Romans 8:29; Eph. 1:4; I Thess. 1:3, 4). (5) Sanctification is a thing that will always be seen (Luke 6:44). (6) Sanctification is a thing for which every believer is responsible (Matthew 16:26). (7) Sanctification is a thing which admits of growth and degrees (John 17:17; I Thess. 5:23). (8) Sanctification is a thing which depends greatly on a diligent use of Scriptural means. "Means" meaning: Bible-reading, private prayer, regular attendance on public worship, regular hearing of God's Word, regular reception of the Lord's Supper. (9) Sanctification is a thing which does not prevent a man having a great deal of inward spiritual conflict (Gal. 5:17). (10) Sanctification is a thing which cannot justify a man, and yet it pleases God (Romans 3:20-28). (11) Sanctification is a thing which will be found absolutely necessary as a witness to our character in the great day of judgment (John 5:29; II Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:13). (12) Sanctification is absolutely necessary in order to train and prepare us for heaven. Heaven is essentially a holy place; its inhabitants holy; its occupations are all holy. We must be somewhat trained and made ready for heaven while we are on earth. We must be saints before we die, if we are to be saints afterwards in glory. I am not even on to the next section and already feel as if I need to stop right now and do some regurgitating (sp?). Is any of this tempting you to go out and get the book and tolle lege?

The 50 Worst Cars

Time provides an article of the 50 Worst Cars Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

All-Local Farmers' Market Saturday, 8am-Noon

FRESH SC SHRIMP, SUNFLOWERS, TOMATOES-IN SEASON! All-Local Farmers' Market Saturday, 8am-Noon Gervais & Vine-across from Publix in The Vista The weather's cooler but the summertime produce is still coming off the vine. Inside, sit down to a hot breakfast plate with market ingredients. Outside, try a French crepe made fresh while you wait. Thanks for helping us spread the word- forward this to your friends. Fresh at the market: Produce-from SCF Organics, Heritage Fields, the Eleazers & Five Leaves Farm Free Range Chicken, Lamb, Eggs, Dairy -from Wil-Moore Farm Cut Flowers, Bouquets-from Floral & Hardy SC Shrimp-Wild Carolina Sustainable Seafood brings it fresh from the coast Burgers, Steaks, Roasts -grass-fed beef from Eubank Farm Chops, Sausages, Bacon, Ribs-from Caw Caw Creek Award-Winning Hot Sauces-from Palmetto Pepper Potions Baked Goods-Heather's Artisan Breads Stone-Cut Oats, Grits, Carolina Gold Rice-from Anson Mills Goat's milk soaps and lotions-made locally at Backcountry Farm Crepes-cooked to order by M. Emmanuel Courbon. Plus... Lola's Homebaked Doggy Delights, hand crafted items & gourmet local pickles, gumbos and jams! We operate rain or shine-if the clouds roll in, we move indoors. The All-Local Farmers' Market operates every 2nd Saturday in The Vista at Gervais & Vine and every 4th Saturday in Shandon at Yo Burrito. If you would like to be added to The All Local Farmers' Market's email list, please email AllLocalFarmersMarket@gmail.com Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Clarke Bynum

From the heart of the pastor: "Dear Saints, A prince of the Church has experienced the translation of his membership from the Church militant to the Church triumphant. This oak of righteousness was at war with his age because he dwelt at the mercy seat of God's Savior as though it was his home – and it was and is. Heaven is more like heaven today than it has ever been. The Vine had not another seed for Clarke to sow, not another plant for him to nurture, not another vine for him to train, so it was his season to receive the blessing that the sacrifice of Jesus merited to him. I know of no man who more perfectly taught us all to press further and further into the presence of our Kinsman. I know of no 40ish saint who was/is more embroidered with the likeness of His Redeemer. I know of no other giant among men who thought what he taught, preached what he taught and lived what he taught. He spoke with seraphic authority and unchallenged boldness about the God who is, the Christ who saves and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies the saved. Oh, that we all might be as bespangled with holy glory as our brother Clarke. Though his mortality has ceased, his life, influence and affect shall speak to generations upon generations even as the blood of Abel. He has now completed his journey to the City of God – the city of gold, frankincense and myrrh until our precious Lord returns with His redeemed to gather His beloved from all the nations to Himself. In Clarke Bynum's life, suffering and death, he modeled constancy, diligence, sobriety, strength of mind and unswerving Christian character. May we all become imitators of Christ even as our saintly brother modeled. Numbers 6:24-26" Soli Deo Gloria! Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Why Do We Resist God's Sovereignty (Desiring God)

Why Do We Resist God's Sovereignty (Desiring God) There are two ways that the soul can resist the truth of God's sovereign governance over all evil that is implied in Genesis 50:20—"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." 1. The soul can resist with an unbelieving and rebellious spirit that willfully resists God's right and power and wisdom in "meaning evil for good." 2. The soul can resist with a humble mixture of love for God's holiness, justice, and love, on the one hand, and mental perplexity as to how these could be consistent with God's "meaning evil for good," on the other hand. #2 brings God's patient, merciful displeasure, leading eventually to greater light. #1 brings God's punitive displeasure, leading eventually to death, if there is no repentance. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Fridays are For Boys and it is Fun

This morning JMEjr and I went to the zoo. I would say that I was inspired to go, but it was more like jmejr waking up talking about animals. So maybe I was subconciously prodded to go by my son. Jitterbug and my WLW went for a walk and who knows what else. At the zoo we went directly to the seals but was stopped on the way by a pair of Brown Bears who were showing off. One had just come out of the water. From there we went to the sleeping, inactive seals and then on to the invisible elephants who apparently do not wake up as early as the zoo opens and we ended up coming back just as they were walking out. At this time is when jmejr had his juice and snack. We then went to ride the carousel for the 2nd time after making our way through the fish and reptiles. Earlier we had a close encounter of the gorillas and escaped with no cuts. We saw every animal at least once but did see some 2 or 3 times. This was probably the most unorganized route I ever took but was fun. At leaving each exhibit jmejr said goodbye and never forgot to with any of them. Pictures will come when we get home. (11:20ish) We are now home, here are some pictures. (2:50ish) A new hat that was given to us and left at my desk in the office. A close encounter This was what he wanted to ride on his SECOND carousel ride. Another close encounter More on our Picasa Web Album. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Christian Quote

Christian Quote of the Day - August 28, 2007 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Topic for Today: Blessings The riches of His free grace cause me to daily triumph over all the temptations of the wicked one, who is very vigilant, and seeks all occasions to disturb me. Whitefield, George ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Affirmations

I mean no disrespect or insult but do you know of those folks who when you pray offer a "mmm" throughout a prayer. I am one of them, so I can speak as one. Well one of our pastors, the Rookie one, and I were speaking about these folks and jokingly I said about another staff's prayer that he got a 12-person 'Mmmm' at one point in his prayer. The Rookie said yeah he did and I, meaning the Rookie, only got a 3 'mmm' during his prayer and that they were all from me and that the 'Mmmm' seemed to have come at odd times during the prayer. I told him that I was most likely distracted by an email I was reading or something from a blog and I needed to show some support of your prayer. He added that I was giving a "Fake-mmm" (fake-um). The antonym for a "Fake-Um" is a "Genu-Um". A "Mmmm" given at the appropriate time during a prayer which offers confirmation and agreement to the person praying. Be mindful of your "Mmmm's" and the placement of your "Mmmm's". Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

BedTime

We just got into bed at 10:45ish tonight and my WLW was trying to get underneath the sheet and I asked her what she was doing and as she is telling me that she is trying to get under the sheet she rolls off of the bed and finishes her sentence rather than saying under the sheets she says rolling off of the bed. We laughed. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Staff Advance 2007

If we are quiet or you hear of no news about our children it is because we have advanced to Bonclarken ARP Conference Center in Flat Rock, NC. JMEjr is with his cousins in Greenville. My brother continues to worry me by saying, "your son is going to leave here with some really bad habits". He has said it about 5 or 6 times. JMEjr stayed with them last year but he was only 16 months old. The cousins were very happy to see him. He was not so sure of all the excitement but by the time we left, he seemed well adjusted and settled in. On another note, Joanna sliced her finger really bad, like almost took the tip off, a good size chunck. When we got there she was not there. She was at a friends home who is a doctor getting some third-world treatment. Well CJE slept very well last night. As so did we. Cooler up here. Mountain weather. Moist, damp, foggy, misty, and pleasant. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

How to Listen to a Sermon

I find George Whitfield an extraordinary man and have enjoyed Dallimore's biography of this man. Whitefield was a great divine of our time. How To Listen to a Sermon Tim Challies of Challies.com(http://www.challies.com); writes, "I thought it would be nice to have a guest blogger for the first time in a long while. Today I'm going to post a wonderful little article excerpted from one of George Whitefield's sermons. In this sermon he exposited Luke 8:18 where Jesus said, "Therefore consider carefully how you listen." These pearls of wisdom will help you listen to sermons in a way that will bring great blessing to your soul. Or as Whitefield said, "Here are some cautions and directions, in order to help you hear sermons with profit and advantage." 1. Come to hear them, not out of curiosity, but from a sincere desire to know and do your duty. To enter His house merely to have our ears entertained, and not our hearts reformed, must certainly be highly displeasing to the Most High God, as well as unprofitable to ourselves. 2. Give diligent heed to the things that are spoken from the Word of God. If an earthly king were to issue a royal proclamation, and the life or death of his subjects entirely depended on performing or not performing its conditions, how eager would they be to hear what those conditions were! And shall we not pay the same respect to the King of kings, and Lord of lords, and lend an attentive ear to His ministers, when they are declaring, in His name, how our pardon, peace, and happiness may be secured? 3. Do not entertain even the least prejudice against the minister. That was the reason Jesus Christ Himself could not do many mighty works, nor preach to any great effect among those of His own country; for they were offended at Him. Take heed therefore, and beware of entertaining any dislike against those whom the Holy Ghost has made overseers over you. Consider that the clergy are men of like passions with yourselves. And though we should even hear a person teaching others to do what he has not learned himself, yet that is no reason for rejecting his doctrine. For ministers speak not in their own, but in Christ's name. And we know who commanded the people to do whatever the scribes and Pharisees should say unto them, even though they did not do themselves what they said (see Matt. 23:1-3). 4. Be careful not to depend too much on a preacher, or think more highly of him than you ought to think. Preferring one teacher over another has often been of ill consequence to the church of God. It was a fault which the great Apostle of the Gentiles condemned in the Corinthians: 'For whereas one said, I am of Paul; another, I am of Apollos: are you not carnal, says he? For who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but instruments in God's hands by whom you believed?' (1 Cor. 1:12; 2:3-5). Are not all ministers sent forth to be ministering ambassadors to those who shall be heirs of salvation? And are they not all therefore greatly to be esteemed for their work's sake? 5. Make particular application to your own hearts of everything that is delivered. When our Savior was discoursing at the last supper with His beloved disciples and foretold that one of them should betray Him, each of them immediately applied it to his own heart and said, 'Lord, is it I?' (Matt. 26:22). Oh, that persons, in like manner, when preachers are dissuading from any sin or persuading to any duty, instead of crying, 'This was intended for such and such a one!' instead would turn their thoughts inwardly, and say, 'Lord, is it I?' How far more beneficial should we find discourses to be than now they generally are! 6. Pray to the Lord, before, during, and after every sermon, to endue the minister with power to speak, and to grant you a will and ability to put into practice what he shall show from the Book of God to be your duty. No doubt it was this consideration that made St. Paul so earnestly entreat his beloved Ephesians to intercede with God for him: 'Praying always, with all manner of prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and for me also, that I may open my mouth with boldness, to make known the mysteries of the gospel' (Eph. 6:19-20). And if so great an apostle as St. Paul needed the prayers of his people, much more do those ministers who have only the ordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit. If only all who hear me this day would seriously apply their hearts to practice what has now been told them! How ministers would see Satan, like lightning, fall from heaven, and people find the Word preached sharper than a two-edged sword and mighty, through God, to the pulling down of the devil's strongholds!" Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Pulling Up

Well, our life with a 7 month (and a 2 year old) is into the next stage as CJE-7mth has just pulled up, several times. He has also been getting up on his knees and about a week ago he has already been going from stomach to sitting up. So now he's pulling up. As JMEjr would say, "Ru Roh". Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Nighttime

Tonight, the family were all sitting outside (yes, even though it was 90ish degrees at 8:00pm) and were listening to cicadas, as they were extremely loud tonight and watching bats fly. JMEjr loved it. We talked about what the bats ate and he could not get it out of his mind that daddy was not sure if they ate cicadas (sp?). I kept telling him that I was not sure but I did know that bats ate insects and misquitos. At one point after I told him that bats ate misquitos he said, "mmmmmm, yummy." Bats were everywhere. And he kept telling us "Another one! Another one! Another one!" Oh btw, we did have a fan out there and in all honesty, it was very pleasant. Oh yeah, since placing a regular bed in jmejr's room, we removed the rocking chair and placed it back outside. So now we have two back on the front porch. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry