Mr. Prof designer home

Lately, I've been reading about prayer. It seems ironic that one would read about prayer instead of just praying. Nevertheless, I've certainly found value in it. Andrew Murray is always a challenging and maturing read, and I do find myself drawn more to intentional prayer as I tune my heart to be concerned with the subject of prayer.

But during my time off, I came across this website called "Puritan Prayers". And WOW. As I've read through the prayers, I find myself challenged, encouraged, and taught by them.

Though they are written in older language that seems unfamiliar to the average modern Christian's ear, as you meditate on these words, they plumb to depths that will enrich you. You can't just casually browse or skim these prayers... they aren't meant to be read hastily. They are prayers MEANT to be read aloud. And slowly. With conviction. With sorrow. With joy. With the depths of the soul engaged. To our Creator, Sustainer, and Father-- God of the Universe.

Consider this from "The Deeps":

"Give me a deeper knowledge of Thyself as saviour, master, lord, and king. Give me deeper power in private prayer, more sweetness in Thy Word, more steadfast grip on its truth. Give me deeper holiness in speech, thought, action, and let me not seek moral virtue apart from Thee."

Or this from "Divine Support":

"Thou hast produced and sustained me, supported and indulged me, saved and kept me; Thou art in every situation able to meet my needs and miseries.

May I live by Thee, live for Thee, never be satisfied with my Christian progress but as I resemble Christ; and may conformity to His principles, temper, and conduct grow hourly in my life."

I'd encourage you to read through them, and as they are even labeled by topic/situation, you can find one that suits your own heart and needs and then let these words echo from centuries ago in your mouth and heart. As the person whose blog pointed me to this website wrote (I'm sorry I can't remember where I read this), we "sing" other people's words all the time-- in church, on the radio, to our husband, and to our God. So while this may seem different since it's prayer, it's really not.

Let the words of these faithful forefathers roll around in your mind and in your mouth, and just see how they'll challenge, convict, change, and bless you.

Today was a slow day of creating and wandering through my mind.

It could be because we woke up to gloomy skys and rain although much needed but it sure didn't put me into the creative mood.

But this evening I had dinner with two very dear friends whom I have known for over 25 years - we met at work and have continued to be friends since, going to dinner now and then and having just plain good friendship.

I cherish these friendships and look forward to many more dinners to come. So it was a bright spot in a rather gloomy day.

Thanks Renea and Joyce for a wonderful evening of reminising, laughing and just hanging out!

Heather "TikiMama" Greg sent me to this fire pit -- doesn't it look like something out of Jules Verne?

(She ended up buying a similar one at Lowe's.)

I received an award from not one, but two of my favorite pals and bloggers and they both happen to be named Teresa. Kinda like a Teresa sandwich huh?



So now I will name 7 of my favorite blogs and like Teresa from Garden Antiques Vintage I would nominate all my favs if I could.

1. Garden Antiques Vintage

2. Timeworn Interiors

3. PresentPast Collection

4. Prairie Home

5. Raised In Cotton

6. Urban Farmhouse

7. Barn House

Reader Maren stumbled across this Flickr set and thought it should be shared. It's not steampunk, but it's a real life example of the philosophy we espouse here at The Steampunk Home: Make it unique, make it yours, make it yourself. I could speak at length about what makes this home special, but I think if you just watch the slideshow you'll understand.



(Don't like the slideshow? See them all here.)

What's your favorite part? What ideas could be co-opted for steampunk homes?

The pastor of the church where I came of age used to tell a story about his days in seminary. He was madly taking notes as a fresh pup in an entry-level seminary theology class... and he heard his professor give a stern warning. Not knowing one of the terms he used, but knowing it was very important, he wrote down, "Beware of Icy Jesus!" It took him a few class sessions to realize that Icy Jesus was actually eisegesis, and means "reading into the text".

Essentially, it refers to taking your pre-conceived notions to the Scriptures and looking for proof texts for whatever it is you're trying to say.

Which, over the last few days, is what I've seen a lot of articles do that are debating about whether or not Sarah Palin's nomination as VP is biblical.

• Articles that point to worship rules in the NT as a reason why her candidacy is unbiblical
• Those who point to Jethro's (a pagan high priest of Midian) advice to Moses about how to get everything done as God's advice on governmental service, and offer it as an example of why men only can serve in civil capacities
  
• Some who point to scriptural texts about marriage, extending the idea of a wife submitting to her own husband as a reason why she can't ever have authority in any capacity outside of the home
  

I am also very aware that my degree (in political science), my pre-kids line of work (government relations), and my very upbringing in a post-feminism society may be skewing my view on Scripture. As best I can, I want to read what God says about this through the Scriptures.

I have a lot of questions, and a lot of things I'm considering. I have a lot of thoughts scrambling around in my head, and I see some around me who seem to have come to some very hard and fast conclusions (admittedly, many of them have considered these things and come to their conclusions long before this last weekend). I am not there. Even aside from this Palin nomination, I need to get this sort of thing clear in my head. I have half a dozen real life situations where this same issue is at play, and I want to hear from God on this.

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps his mouth shut. So, that's where I'm at... hoping that I'll keep my mouth shut and not say something that is either overly legalistic or overly relativistic, and instead will just stick. to. the. Bible. No more, no less. I don't have enough coherent and firm thoughts about this to write with any degree of certainty... and I'm about to do some traveling, so I won't have time to write more about this for a while. But since many of you have asked, that's where I'm at on this.

All I know is, I'm wary of "Icy Jesus"!

sksullivan667 (I know, but I couldn't find a real or more usable name anywhere) makes light fixtures and other home goods out of car transmission gears and pieces and makes them available to us via Etsy.


The pendant lights are my favorite, but he also has coasters, bookends, and desk lamps.