Friday, August 17, 2018

What Kind of Religion do we Have? *big smile* And Some Wonderful Things to Share!

One of our family's very favorite movies.  Sergeant York  (1941)

This is just one great scene:





After my last blog entry the movie, Sergeant York came to mind where he is talking to the Pastor played by Walter Brennan on his conversion to Christ, (another scene later on):

Pastor Pile:  
Alvin, you've got the doin' kind of religion, not the meet'n' house kind.

I can't seem to find that particular clip!

...but I found this one most touching one that never fails to give great pause and touches my heart.






Just beautiful I think.  Do you know that the part of Gracie, the sweet girlfriend and later wife of Alvin York is played by Joan Leslie?  There was another actress slated to play Gracie but what I understand is that the real Sergeant York did not want an actress who smoked, drank or cursed to play his wife.   Thus Joan Leslie one of my all-time favorite actresses played the part and what a wonderful job she did.  Look up the bio of Joan Leslie if you like, it's an interesting one.  She married a doctor she met at a hospital when she was visiting a relative, the doctor was tending her relative.  The couple later had twin girls.  Joan Leslie and her husband later built a home for unwed mothers among other wonderful charitable things.





Some churches are like the above clip, humble but beautiful, some are beautiful with greatness built by the hands of craftsmen but both churches may be saturated with the love of Christ, true hearts for Christ.    I've seen both kinds of churches and ...both kinds of religion in either.  I bet you have too.




Many churches that were once very godly have become a bit liberal in not such a good way, as in not pleasing to God, they are espousing some things that are just..not God's character nor His Truths.

I personally cannot attend a church where I sit in the balcony and peer down to see a pastor's wife who is so liberal she blocks well-meaning people who gently challenge her liberal tweets.  Yes, that happened.  It's a shame, the cathedral was one of the last of what I would call an old-fashioned more Wesleyan church.  It was one of those places that when you walked in, you could sense the Holy Spirit. I remember going in the ladies room and seeing an evangelical non-denominational Bible study book by a women's purse, people brought their Bibles, I would see precious Chinese families in the balcony that knew us from the Chinese mission in the medical center to reach out to the medical establishment from China.  It told me much as well as much as one of the older men, a most precious leader coming out to me to meet me, to make sure I was not standing alone. He stood there humbly, near my height with a sweet bald head and a subdued but oh so sweet and sincere smile.  He simply said, Hi, I'm Charlie.  It was one of the few churches that you might have a person of means sitting next to a homeless person in unity worshipping God.

So much godly history there...  Jem and I stood in the balcony of that great cathedral the first time attending and both of us had tears running down our faces.  I used to love sitting across from the stained glass window of Jesus with his lambs.  ...Because I am one of his little lambs.

My parents were married in the chapel and my daughter and son in law were married in the cathedral.  The pastor at the time, Pastor Wende was such an encouragement.  The first time I met him I was going through a tumultuous time, Joycie and Zuzu were in China teaching English.  He shook my hand and said..."Thank you for that Holy Ghost smile!".  His wife seemed to be such a precious soul.  Once when our entire family walked up to the balcony on Mother's Day, she too was sitting up there with her grown children.  She smiled so sweetly, stood up and offered us their seats.  When Michelle and Josh counseled with Pastor Wende before the wedding he would look out that downtown window, hearing from God and then would speak truths to Zuzu and Tommy.  Zuzu told me how exact he was in what he told them.  Well, one day maybe we will meet up with those sweet people and become better acquainted.  Are we just alike?  I doubt it, but I like sweet people who act like Christians should act.  ...I'm funny that way.  ; )





I have one regret about my last blog.  And that is that it was not detailed enough, I was trying to hurry and not be overly detailed and then I lacked in detail!  Aaargh. I hope I did not give a wrong impression of anything written. We can only edit so much after something is posted.   I was shocked when my husband said after reading the blog..."You aren't detailed enough."   Normally I feel too detailed.  As my dear mother has always said...It never pays to get in a hurry!  She would always say that when she would make a mistake of some kind, dropping something or getting the wrong item at the store.

So I suppose I'm needing a balance of not being in a hurry, nor over thinking things.  I want this blog to be fun to write, fun to read, insightful to write and insightful to read.  I want to live my Christian walk here.  Live the Life.

...................................................................

Now for a Plot Change!



We have a wonderful thing going on!  That daughter and son in law who were married in that century-old cathedral almost several years ago?

Image may contain: 2 people, including Michelle Isaacs, people smiling, people standing, wedding, tree, child and outdoor

Image may contain: Josh Isaacs and Michelle Isaacs, people smiling, wedding and outdoor

They are expecting a little one!  Our first grand-baby!  Yay!   This is especially a Praise the Lord because Zuzu had been fighting serious health issues, showing up soon after marriage. Talk about a trial, oh those poor two young people!   My mind at times would be so saturated with everything going on I just didn't know what to think or do.  Thankfully, God in His Mercy intervened and Zuzu is much better now.  Thanks be to God!  Zuzu has a wonderful natural Christian doctor, Dr. Osborne who you may have seen and will see on PBS.   Zuzu was interviewed and filmed for one of the upcoming documentaries.

I love Tommy like a son, he was there at that far away hospital when my dad was dying, he held me against his chest as I cried.  Zuzu is not only a daughter but has become a sweet friend to talk to,

We are very blessed to have four precious adult daughters and two wonderfully precious sons in laws (loves).  More blogs are to come!



Sweet little Baby, we love and welcome you!



You must know, I love to sew.  I love to design clothes, I have fashion illustrations I have done.  I could (can) do them free hand and now I'm in the season I can bring them to life. I can dress the way I like and when you're middle-aged you can tell the world you got this.  Ha.

When I go to the store and see patterns and fabric it's like a child looking at the coloring books and colors!  It really does feel just like that...  Remember those times?

So I recently saw this pattern when Jem and I were in a rural town Walmart.





I thought to myself...Hmm... That would make a mighty fine maternity dress for Zuzu with a little tweak.

I just happened to have some burgundy poly/cotton broadcloth on hand that I was going to make a fall skirt with but nah...I like the idea of a maternity dress for Zuzu better.  So I told our other daughters that I would gladly make them something too if they would let me know.  I'm fair like that...  ; )


So here we have a new maternity dress for Zuzu!  I just tweaked it a tiny bit, coming straight down on the sides below bustline and then straight out at high waist on out to the largest size.  I ended up making the hem in back one inch shorter.  Took shoulders in one inch to petite it a bit.  It's a little on the low side but next project I can fix that.  She loves camis so that will work!   This dress with pattern probably cost under $10.00 to make.




What a sweet little book...  I bought this for Zuzu and read it first.  So refreshing!

There might be minute teensy micro-differences such as Mrs. White might have used vaseline and powder for diaper changes, I used Desitin, she bathed her little babies every evening, I didn't, my babies were pretty much given a mini sponge bath every time their diaper was changed!  *big smile*.  This book is steeped in sensitivity and godly wisdom.  Lovely!   It really gets to the heart of Motherhood and I love that...I wish all parents, as well as grandparents, could read this book.




In closing...A shot from the other night front my front porch...



Life is not intended to be simply a round of work, no matter how interesting and important that work may be.  A moment's pause to watch the glory of a sunrise or a sunset is soul satisfying, while a bird's song will set the steps to music all day long.

~Laura Ingalls Wilder


The wonder of our Lord is that He is so accessible to us in the common things of our lives:  the cup of water...breaking of the bread...welcoming children into our arms...fellowship over a meal...giving thanks.  A simple attitude of caring, listening, and lovingly telling the truth.

~Nancie Carmichael


God's peace...is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest.

~Philippians 4:7



Closing with this most beautiful and annointed song....Peace to you.



I heard an airplane rumble across the sky this evening...I think of my dad.  I miss him.


Good evening, loves,      ~Amelia in the Forest

19 comments:

Barbara said...

Such good news about your expected grand baby! I have begun to pray the pregnancy will be easy and the mother and child healthy all the way through.

Beautiful post.

Amelia said...

Awww...Barbara! Thank you so much for those prayers, Friend.

Thank you for the encouragement as well, and I love your Holy Ghost smile! Lovely!

The Saxophone Player's Wife said...

Such wonderful news! Congratulations! I am very happy for you all. A baby is such a rich blessing. God bless your growing family!

Amelia said...

Thank you, Carolyn! I hope your family is doing well!

Blessings!

Amanda said...

congratulations!

Patti said...

I love that conversion scene in Sergeant York!

Oh, congratulations on the upcoming grandbaby. I pray the pregnancy is a healthy and safe one for your sweet daughter.

Love,
Patti

Amelia said...

Thank you dear Amanda! I hope all is well with you and that sweet family!

Amelia said...

Hi There Patti!

Oh, I'm so glad you saw the clips, I thought you would enjoy them since you and I both love those golden age movies...So great. I *love* that scene too.

Thank you for the prayers, I covet and appreciate them.

Love, Amelia

Debbie Harris said...

Hello dear Amelia ~
I wondered if I would ever have time to pay you a visit after I found you in my in box.
The days seem to fly by and I wonder if I've accomplished anything other than therapy exercises, my they are time consuming!

My visits with you are pure joy, delightful and filled with grace and beauty.
You are such a lovely follower of Christ, and your postings certainly do bring Glory to His Holy name.

As you speak of "churches" I can so relate to your very words. It has become a sad day in the way of churches and must break the heart of our Righteous and Holy God.

Your daughter is as beautiful as you yourself!
Congratulations going out to all of you as you praise the Lord for His goodness and grace for this new little gift from God Himself.
What a precious and pretty maternity dress for your daughter, and what a beautiful book that is. Your daughter will cherish such a gift from you. I must look into that book. As a grandmother I am always wanting to learn how to teach and love my grandsons in a fashion that will be pleasing to my Heavenly father.
Thank you for sharing that with us.

Fernando Ortega...A precious friend gifted me a CD of his years ago at a time in my life when I needed the words of his soothing music.
I had never heard of him before that time, but certainly do enjoy his music. Jesus, King of Angels is quite beautiful.

Lovely posting, as always.

Much Love to you ~

Amelia said...

Thank you, dear Debbie, What an honor to see such a precious and uplifting comment from you. It makes my day! And to know how hard your schedule is, with the therapy going on makes the comment even more special. I trust you are doing well and making much progress with that knee! : )

You are so kind to comment on everything specifically. I'm so thankful that you understand America's Churchianity. It just blows our mind what we see and what we don't see these days. We really enjoy sermonindex.net, and this past year we've thoroughly enjoyed the later sermons by Zac Poonen. He usually hits the nail on the head in a good way. You may enjoy the site too?

We enjoy Fernando Ortega's music so much, it's just beautiful I think. Even his upbeat songs hit heartstrings. We saw him in person several years ago and he had a really cute sense of humor as well. *big smile* Neat guy. I'm glad you share a like for his music too.

Thank you Debbie so much. Your uplifting comment is a blessing to me!

You take care of yourself, praying for a smooth recovery. I know that can't be easy. Give Donatella pets for me! I bet she keeps you company? I know my fur angels sure keep me company. They are our fur angels!

(((Big hugs))) Love, Amelia

Amelia said...

Debbie, Here is part II to the comment above! Anyone else reading? You may find this of interest as well!

Last Sunday we listened to 'Few Find the Way to Life' by Zac Poonen. It was very good. He touches on some things that would be of interest as of late.

Debbie Harris said...

Amelia~ thank you so much for this information on Zac Poonen, he is awesome, awesome!!
I have subscribed to get his messages and look forward to hearing more of his tremendous messages.
I listened to his "what pleases God" and appreciated is words about following Christ, walking after Him and Paul, and that no other character in the Bible tells us to follow after them.
He said he mostly likes to study the life of Jesus and Paul, while other characters are great Bible studies, looking at the life of Christ and Paul, well, they are what we should follow after. Jesus number one of course.
Zac is very thought provoking, makes you stop and examine your life as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Thank you again!

Have a blessed day~

Amelia said...

Hello Debbie! That's great that you have gotten a chance to listen to Zac Poonen. We really enjoy his sermons too, especially the later ones. It's so kind of you to let me know and expound on the sermon you heard. I enjoy the interaction on the blog, it makes the blog much interesting and meaningful! : )

I appreciate you! Blessings Debbie!

Michelle said...

Sargeant York...such great messages in that movie. That quote is great from it..."you've got the doin' kind of religion, not the meet'n' house kind." Love it! And loved pastor Wende too. He was always so kind and a true Christian.

Aww....thank you so much, mom. Reading that I got teary eyed. Each time I'm reminded of how much we've been through , I'm so amazed how far God has taken us. I still can't believe we have our little miracle, rainbow baby on the way! He's already so loved! And I love the dress you bought me and can't wait to read the book too! ❤️ You're always so thoughtful and helpful with all you've done and given us! We are so blessed and grateful for it all!

Michelle said...

*dress you *made* for me. Not bought. Although I love the ones you bought for me too! 😊

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Hello Amelia! I was reading through dear Shirley's post, and she mentioned you, and I had to hop over and meet you :) So enjoyed my visit with you, and reading the beautiful words you shared, and I am enjoying listening to Fernando's music as I write this comment, so beautiful! Truly it is sad to see what the church has come to in this day and age, where ears are being tickled, and materialism is the god, not our dear precious Lord who suffered and died for us. Loved reading that you are soon to be a grandmother, so exciting! And love the dress you sewed for her, so beautiful! I love to sew as well, and always seem to modify things as well. Happy, so happy to meet you, blessings and hugs to you today!

Amelia said...

Awwww Michelle! So glad you were blessed by this entry. : ) We're looking forward to this new season, and are all so grateful and so very excited!

Thanking God for you and Josh!

You are so sweet to comment, I know it's not easy for you to comment with no internet at home, what a sweet and precious labor of love.

Big hugs, Love, Mom

Amelia said...

Well Hello Marilyn! : ) I love meeting new blogging friends!

I hopped over to your blog and it is lovely and uplifting. It's so nice to read other ladies who also have a heart for home and the Father. Sewing is a great skill to have, my sewing is simple but I enjoy it so much, designing and altering as I please. It's rather freeing.

Our culture is just so backwards it seems starting even in the 50s from watching old movies...That seems to be when things 'started'. At least post WWII period. ...And so many churches with so little truths.

It's so great that you stopped by! That's what it's all about as Christians blogging.

I'll have to hop on over to your blog and enjoy myself there this week, it looks like a wonderful peaceful place.

Hope you are having a great week, Blessings and hugs to you Marilyn!

Little Mama Mia said...

Won't it be incredible to meet our new little addition to the family!? God has truly been so gracious to Michelle and Josh and it serves as a wonderful testimony to God's love. So happy for you and dad to be grandparents finally!

What a gorgeous sunset pic! <3