Ponderings & Wanderings

I've clearly not been writing very much lately; life's been a busy blur (we moved again-- didn't see that coming, but the landlord sold our old apmt; and I'm now in the third trimester with our much-anticipated little man)... but I have been reading much. And we did get a fun and colorful Easter picture of our family (hooray!):


Here are some quotes on random topics from things I've been reading; maybe one or more will ruminate in your brain or be a challenge to you, as they have been for me.

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ON HOW WE APPROACH & READ SCRIPTURE:

"When a [Christian] can read his Bible with no spiritual taste, or when he searches it, not with a sincere desire to know the mind of the Spirit in order to [walk] a holy and obedient walk, but with a merely curious or literary taste and aim, it is a sure evidence that his soul is making but a retrograde movement in real spirituality.

Nothing perhaps more strongly indicates the tone of a believer's spirituality, than the light in which the scriptures are regarded by him." ~Octavius Winslow

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ON HOW WE ESTEEM GOD'S WORD IN OUR LIVES:

"The Bible characterizes a genuine believer as not merely an admirer of God's truth, but one who LOVES it." ~From Donald S. Whitney's book, "Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health"

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ON CHILD REARING & DISCIPLINE:

"If a child has done wrong, a child needs talking to; BUT, NO parent ought to talk to a child while that parent is unable to talk in a natural tone of voice, and with carefully measured words. ...If a parent is tempted to speak rapidly, multiply words, or show an excited state of feeling, the parents first duty is to gain entire self-control." ~From Lou Priolo's book, The Heart of Anger

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ON EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN:

"Is the education our children are receiving on par with their potential? ... [and] up to par with who they were born to become?" ~From Oliver van DeMille's book, A Thomas Jefferson Education

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ON QUARRELS AND DISAGREEMENTS WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST:

"Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught; avoid them!" ~Romans 16:17

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ON OUR CHARACTER AS CHRISTIANS:

"Christians are Christlike: none deserve the name of Christians that are not so in their prevailing character. ...The branch is of the same nature with the stock and root, has the same sap, and bears the same sort of fruit. The members have the same kind of life with the head.

It would be strange if Christians should not be of the same temper and Spirit that Christ is of; when they are His flesh and His bone, yea are one spirit (1 Cor 6:17), and live so, that is is not they that live, but Christ that lives in them."
~Jonathan Edwards

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ON WEARINESS AND GRACE FROM GOD:

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
~Jesus, Matthew 11: 28-30

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Something I'm learning in this season of life is that the "bar" is high for us as believing mothers... and we are to be faithful, to be steadfast, to be light that shines brightly. And at the very same time, His grace rises even higher, and He is gentle with us. He does not expect perfection from us, and He helps us to be what we need to be. He knows that we are dust... that we are weak and weary and frail. He offers grace in our time of need. God is so very good to us.

Grace and Peace to you!

12 comments:

on the eastern journey said...

So sorry for your unexpected move. Hoping you guys are all settled into a new flat. Happy third trimester-ing!

Jess Connell said...

Thanks, S! Actually, (and I should have said this) the move has turned out to be a real blessing in disguise. We wouldn't have chosen to move, and loved our old place, but I think this new place suits us even better than the old place did (didn't know that was possible!). So we're content here... just sorting, organizing, and "making home" once again. When I chose that blog name, I truly had NO idea how apt of a title it would be, but this is our 14th time of "making home" in a new dwelling in 9 & 1/2 years of marriage. :)

Anyway, thanks for the well-wishes.
~Jess

Tracy said...

Hi!
I don't think I have ever left a comment but I have been enjoying your blog of a long time now.

So, that's why you haven't been blogging. You've moved!

I love your idea of posting quotes from your reading. I would like to do likewise some day soon.I recognize and have read some of these books you mentioned.

Anna said...

Cute family picture. :) Thanks for sharing the quotes.

Catie said...

I love the child rearing quote! This can be applied to the marriage relationship too. I've been learning (over the years) to approach my hubby w/an issue when I'm cool, calm and collected. He responds MUCH better this way! Weird, eh?? ;)

Good to hear from you!

Candice said...

Thanks for the encouraging and challenging quotes. I especially needed to read and take to heart the last ones from Matthew. Feeling weary today, myself!

flyinjuju said...

It is great to see you back, if even for a moment. Can't believe you are already in your 3rd trimester. That is awesome. Hope you are settling in quickly. Having just moved a couple of times and number 4 is 3 weeks old, it is a blessing to be settled in as we welcomed this new little bundle. Blessings for you and your family.
Julie

Ruth said...

Jess,
As always, I feel I have much in common with you. I too am in my third trimester with my fifth baby, a Texas girl, and also preparing for a third trimester move. Our family is the exact opposite in genders though. We are pregnant with our fourth girl and have one son, and it looks like you are pregnant with your fourth boy and have one daughter. She has grown so much since the last picture I saw. Anyway, I do hope that the Lord gives grace as you finish out your pregnancy and that the arrival of your new baby will be a very blessed time.

Elspeth said...

It's nice to get a little update on what's going on with you and your beautiful family, Jess.

Moving can be an overwhelming thing, so it's good that an unexpected move turned out to be a blessing.

God knows what we need, doesn't He?

Shaunta' said...

Hi Jess,
I haven't been to your blog in awhile, but I'm glad to be here today. I love the quote by Lou Priolo. I know him personally, actually. My husband and I recieved pre and post-marital counseling from him. And his wife is a good acquaintance of mine. They are very Godly...just as you would think after reading his books!
Congrats on the new baby. We are expecting #4 in Sept. So that makes 4 babies in less than 4 years! Oh my!!!!
Blessings to you and your family!

Jeni S said...

Great to hear from you, Jess! I am also due in July and getting so excited! I wanted to let you know I came across your blog about 2 yrs ago and little did I know what an impact you would have on my life..I was due with my first baby and desperate for godly mothering advice-and I found it! I soaked up everything you wrote, but am especially thankful that you introduced me to the idea of homeschooling, and the teachings of Voddie Baucham. So, a big thank you. You are such an inspiration for me and I'm grateful to know there are other young moms out there who desire to raise their children to know the ways of the Lord.. !

Leah said...

Beautiful pic, great quotes - blessings to you all :)