Reformation Day Skit

Nearly five hundred years ago, Medieval Europe was shrouded in darkness. Then, on October 31, 1517,  a simple monk nailed a massive theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany and exploded a powder keg which would later be known as "The Reformation."

Martin Luther nails his 95 theses to the Church Door

For Reformation Day this year, I wrote a short script for the young people in our church. It is about 10 minutes long and is in a Reader's Theater style to limit memorization. If anyone would like to use and adapt it for your own Reformation Day activities, please feel free to do so. The link is below. Parts can be combined, some even eliminated, for smaller groups.

REFORMATION DAY SKIT

Do you celebrate Reformation Day in your home or church? If so, what are your favorite traditions? We're planning to make Diet of Worms Pudding Cups. Here are some other favorite activities we have done in the past.

REFORMATION GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts and ideas on the skit, games, or activities. I love adding new things each year as we delve even deeper into the Reformation and the profound effect it had on Christendom and the culture.

All I Want for my Birthday!

Tomorrow is my birthday, so says the calendar. But how do I know that this is really true? I have a piece of paper that says so in black and white, followed by a fancy seal, but can I really trust that old document? It was typed by some clerk in Tennessee whom I have never met, so how do I know that it is accurate? My parents assert that it is. For 34 years they have claimed that I was born on September the 13th. But if my parents' memories are anything like mine, then how do I know for sure?

Okay. So I'm being a little ridiculous. I know. But after having spent far too many hours engaged in debates over the existence of God, the pseudo interrogation above is completely relevant...

Since the beginning of time, God has revealed Himself to us in Creation, in His Word, and in the law that He has written on our hearts; and yet mankind increasingly and venomously attempts to deny what is plainer than the nose on their face.

If there is no God, then there are no absolutes, so I really can't know anything... I think??? Which means that I might not have been born at all, so this whole birthday thing is completely irrelevant. Matter of fact, if I wasn't born at all, then you aren't reading this blog post! (Don't worry about wasting your time on here... it isn't happening!!!)

All this to say, my girls and I put together an itty-bitty video promotion for the Proof of God Conference in Orlando, FL. I know we don't have much chance of winning, but we won't even be entered to win if our video doesn't reach 1,000 views by September 26th. So, instead of wasting your time wishing me a "Happy Birthday" when we aren't really for sure that it is my birthday, will you consider hopping over to YouTube and watching and/or sharing our little video? We would appreciate it ever so much!

Brigitta wants to know, "Where do you see the proof of God?"

 

For more information you can check out this amazing conference for yourself:

Proof of God Conference

 

The Excellent Wife (part 1)

CONVERSION OF A FEMINIST

(Discussion of Chapter 1; headings 1-3)

In the first three sections of her book, Martha Peace gives us her testimony and explains how she came to know Christ. Contemplating her story, I am struck by the mercy of God and the manner in which He saves souls, even belligerent ones! Not one testimony is identical. None of His children are convicted and converted using the same methods, for there are no cookie cutters in the Heavenly Kingdom. This should be such an encouragement to those of us who are witnessing to controversial family and friends. With God, all things are possible!

Martha was a full-blown feminist and did not even hesitate to throw the Bible at a friend who read to her about being a submissive wife. She was hostile to her Christian friends and sought satisfaction in drinking, partying, and various forms of entertainment. But fearing what a trip to a psychiatrist would do to her career, she finally agreed to read the Book of John and visit the church her friends attended. One night, as she was reading, the Holy Spirit opened her eyes to see her selfishness and, as she confessed her sins, He was faithful to forgive.

Being raised in a Christian home, my testimony is much different, but there are a few similarities: I knew and believed everything the Bible taught about submission, but my heart inwardly rebelled against it. I wanted to be independent and conniving but submissive too!  Another similarity is the venom that I released upon my sister when I was under conviction of sin. And the way the Spirit hit me between the eyes with His Word, revealing my false motivations for seeking Him.

Lately there seems to be an epidemic of people who try to use God as a cosmic vending machine, putting in their quarters and getting angry when He doesn't vend exactly what they request. Many walk away and never look back, confident that He doesn't exist. Some beat the doors of Heaven and eventually lapse into despair. Others continue to pour in their quarters, their tithes and good works, foolishly believing that it will earn them entrance into eternal bliss.

Martha and I were both in the second group. We beat the doors of Heaven and would have lapsed into permanent despair if His Spirit had not convicted us of our false motives and then shined the Light of the Gospel on our cold, dead hearts.

Every conversion story should end with a changed life, for that is the very essence of conversion. And, although Martha admits that she still fails miserably at times, her heart has changed drastically and she now desires to be the excellent wife described in the Scriptures.

I also desire to be that excellent wife. To honor my husband and my Lord with my submission. To die to self and live for Christ. To be a testimony of God's grace and redemption by the way I think, speak, and act.

If you have the same desires; whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed, I invite you to join me on a trek through this excellent book.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? 

For her price is far above rubies." (Prov 31:10)

Next time: 

Finish Chapter One (headings 4-10)

 

Previous post:  The Excellent Wife

The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

Am I the only wife who is very nervous about reading this book by Martha Peace? Having heard so much about it, I have often claimed that I would obtain a copy "someday," but someday for me is almost as futile as grasping a rolling ball that is just beyond finger reach.

Then, a few weeks ago, while scrounging for costumes at a local thrift store, I came upon a bookshelf with a sign that read, "All Religious Books Free." With a bit of a snicker, I checked out the shelf, assuming the religious books it contained were probably not worth their ink and paper.

Lo and behold, I was greeted by a familiar title. As I seized upon the book by Martha Peace, it was with suprise, gladness, and a twinge of fear. While I feel my shortcomings so keenly, I do desire to be an excellent wife to my Beloved.

Today I started my journey into her book and plan to blog about the things I'm learning so as to digest them better. If you have a copy and would like to join me, I'll be discussing the first three headings of Chapter One tomorrow.

The Excellent Wife on Amazon

Even if you don't have a copy, please feel free to join the discussion. I would love to hear all of your thoughts on this book as we contemplate it together.

"Martha Peace, a Biblical counselor of women, has written an Excellent Volume. Not only does it explain what God requires of a Christian wife, but it explains clearly how to obey God's commandments in order to become that wife. Get it, read it, and profit from it."  ~Jay E. Adams

Faithful in the Small Things

"Felicity, put on your shoes!"

While Mommy flopped around the house like a headless chicken trying to get everyone out the door for a day of shopping, five year old Felicity was outside, entranced with nature-- as usual. If it isn't the bugs and the butterflies, it's slugs, turtles, or honeybees. Yesterday it was the tiny purple flowers that grow in the yard.

"Issy, your shoes!" This from the doorstep. No acknowledgement from the field. In a hurry, I turned away and began brushing little sister's hair. Then Felicity walked through the door with a bright smile on her face, holding a sweet bouquet of delicate purple flowers.

But Mama wasn't happy because Felicity was still barefoot. "Issy, I don't want your flowers. I want your obedience!"

Even as I uttered the words, I regretted them. Mostly I regretted the harshness of my tone. And watching her sweet smile dissolve instantly was like a knife-wound to the heart.

Sinking to my knees in front of her, I explained softly, "I'm sorry, Issy. I didn't mean it like that. I do want your flowers. They are very beautiful. But I want your obedience first. Put on your shoes and then you can pick the prettiest bouquet ever!"

Instantly the smile returned. And I have never seen a child don shoes so quickly!

For the rest of the day I pondered this. How many times am I just like Felicity? I want to do something to please the Lord, but I'm not honoring Him in the small things to which He has called me. I struggle with the menial tasks of housekeeping, homeschooling, and child training; yet rush off to please Him with "big" projects. When will I learn to be faithful in the small things?

"He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." Luke 16:10

Beauty for Ashes (Witvoet Update)

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!" Psalm 30:5

When I received word that our very dear friends had lost their home, and everything in it, to a fire early February, I was devastated. Honestly, I don't think I would have cried any harder if it had been my house that went up in smoke. I wanted to do everything in my power to help them, but being so far away made me feel so helpless.

Seizing upon a thought, I went to you, my readers, facebook friends, and church family. In the spirit of brotherly love you responded in an overwhelming way. I cannot adequately express my gratitude, or that of the Witvoet family, towards the love shown to them by so many. Every time I talk to any of the family members, they express sincere gratitude and humility towards the outpouring of love that they have received from so many-- even people they have never met. Through it all, their attitudes have been so encouraging to me. I know they must have their good days and their bad days, but every time I speak with them I hear only praise and thanksgiving. What a testimony that is!

After doing time in 3 different hotels, the family was finally able to find a rental property with ample acreage for their farm animals. It is also quite close to their home, so the treks back and forth are not as difficult. Although I assume they will be rebuilding the homestead, I am not aware of any definite plans at this time.

To those of you who donated with the Pay Pal account on my blog, I just wanted to let you know that I am having so much fun purchasing curriculum for them tonight! Since they are now in a more stable situation, and eager to resume their studies, it gives me great joy to locate some much needed items for them! (Besides, curriculum shopping is just SO much fun!!!)

The Lord has truly turned sorrow into joy and has graciously poured out His mercy upon this fiery trial-- through the love and generosity of His people. ~Soli Deo Gloria!

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, 

the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; 

that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, 

that He might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3) 

New Horizons (Part 3)

I wrote this the evening we returned from San Antonio, but with my internet down I've been unable to post it... until now.

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home...

Finally in their own beds, my precious ones sleep; but before joining them I wanted to take a few moments and reflect on the past week...

When we left for San Antonio, I was unsure of God's purpose in sending us. Although mortal man can never fully comprehend the ways of God, I do believe, in retrospect, that this week was a test. And I believe I passed.

From the time I was small, my life has been one of big dreams-- but little action. I love to plan, to devise, to scheme; but I don't work diligently at the details. This is something I have repeatedly excused as not pertaining to my personality, (I'm not a detailed person) but God calls us to be faithful in the little things and not to despise the day of small beginnings.

When I was terrified on Monday morning and overwhelmed to the point of tears, I believe it was because I finally met people who were accomplishing the things of which I have merely dreamed. But instead of being daunted by that fact, my beloved husband encouraged me to use the opportunity to learn all I can from those who do know what they're doing.

Further complicating the week was the fact that my family came with me on my trip. I wanted them there. But as a potential film maker, I also needed to network with other film makers. For the entire week, my attention was torn. If you ask my Mom, she'll tell you that I have always wanted to be where the action was. When something was happening, that's where I could be found. But this trip was different. As much as I enjoyed the Academy and the Film Festival, in truth I wanted to be with my family, because I truly wanted to share the experiences of the week with them. The night before the Film Festival started, we had planned to go out to eat, but all three of the girls were sick. I was not disappointed like I would have been in the past. Instead, it was joy to spend the evening loving and nurturing them.

The rest of the week was insane, as Thom and I tried to juggle the care of 3 sick girls and the movies that we each wanted to see. But I truly delighted in the time spent with my family and I realize anew that my place is with them. That doesn't mean that we won't make a film. I hope we do. But I think I finally got my priorities right. My identity is not found in my drama class, or my productions, or any film that we may possibly make some day; rather my identity is in Christ, so I am thrilled to be right where He wants me-- at HOME. 

I am so thankful my family could share this with me!

Meanwhile, we will continue to pray for His guidance and seek His wisdom regarding the possibility of making films. There is still so much I want to share with you...