Pretty as a Picture! Happy Birthday Christianna! 

The birthday cake. Applesauce spice decorated with mom's honey icing and natural food coloring. Yum!! 

pretty young ladies! 

Perfect setting for a tea party. 

The pretty birthday girl! 

The Tea Party!

Monday was Christianna's 13th birthday! Since our family tradition is that we get a party when we turn: 10, 13, 16, and 18, the plans were made to host a small tea party on March 28, 2005!
The day started out wonderfully and right before Christianna's 3 friends were to arrive the sun came out and God blessed us with a beautiful 50 degrees afternoon.
All were dressed in their best formal gowns, and accented by tastefully chosen shawls, gloves and hats!
After enjoying a time of games out doors, which consisted of playing Women of the Bible "who am I?", the old fashion game of Graces, and a fun, yet maybe a little frustrating game of croquet, they all went inside for refreshments.
Between sipping a cup of tea (hot spiced apple cider) and daintily eating cake and ice cream out of crystal sherbert glasses the girls talked and laughed and overall have a wonderful time!
Before the time was up Faith helped them all make their own Bee's wax candles which they took home along with the pretty doily that was under their tea cups at their place on the table.

I'm sure if you were to ask Christianna, she would tell you that this was above all her most enjoyable birthday party ever!

Say Cheese! :-) 

Here are a couple pictures that Grace took with her new 35mm camera. This is our little friend Joseph, who we watched at our house last weekend. Isn't he adorable! He and John are best buds! 

Here is my Strawberry Jam sealing in the sun! Yummy! 

Strawberry Jam

Snow is on the ground outside but in the kitchen I am making Strawberry Jam! I guess it's Strawberry season in California, because at the market near us, they have quarts of berries for 99 cents! Of course I just had to buy some, and headed home intent on making Jam. I had recently bought some natural pectin (from a food co-op we are a part of), that can set jam with minimal honey or sugar, or jam that is sweetened with fruit juice concentrate. The pectin is extracted from citrus peel, and its jelling power is activated by calcium, (they give you a little packet of powdered calcium) not by huge amounts of sugar. The first batch I made didn't quite jell as much as I would have liked, but it was O.K. I had used White Grape concentrate to sweeten it, and I think it gave it a slightly different taste. For the next batch, I used Apple concentrate, and increased the pectin. It jelled like a charm, and was much tastier!

I have one little problem though, and I would be appreciative if anyone who has experience with jam making could help me out. After the hot water bath, which is for 5 min., all the strawberry chunks are at the top of the jar, and the liquid/juice is at the bottom. Is there any way I can keep it from doing that? I just stir it up after it's opened, but it does look kind of strange.

For those of you who would like to know, the pectin that I use is Pomona's Universal Pectin. Happy jamming!

~ Faith

My Little Corner - A Very Good Book

"Hello, my name is Charity and I am a book-a-holic." (chorus- "Hello Charity.";) Seriously though, I LOVE to read, and have rarely seen a library that I didn't like! Delving into the printed world at the precocious age of 3, I have never looked back, and have developed a speed reading with which I devour books at an appalling rate. History, Mystery, Adventure, Biography, Tragedy, and Happy-Endings are all in my reading repertoire, and I have favorites in each category. Lately though, I have felt the lack of what I would call "A Very Good Book" – namely, one that points you to Jesus Christ and leaves you with a higher and stronger aspiration to serve Him each day. Of course the First and Best in this category is the Bible, the inspired Word of God, which contains EVERYTHING we need to discover our life purpose and discover His will for our lives. But unknown to all but a few, there ARE some other books that can encourage and inspire the Christian in their daily walk. Most of these precious gems were written in the 1800's, when there was at the least an increased sense of moral duty, and perhaps also spiritual needs. They were written by pastors, their wives, or just simple godly men and women whose earnest desire was to bring others to Christ and encourage and rebuke them in their daily living for Him. Many of these books were directed to children, for their authors realized the importance of an early, strong foundation in Biblical truths. Yet others were directed to the everyday Christian, with admonishments to practice what they professed. It is one of these that I wish to bring to your attention today.

'My Little Corner' was written by Mrs. O. F. Walton in 1872. In this little book you will follow the lives and fortunes of the Sam Grey family, and, more particularly, his wife Fanny. Living on the same street in the same house all of their married lives, this unassuming couple has many lessons to teach the seeker after truth. Follow the newly formed family as they make the fatal mistake of deciding, on the first Sunday after their marriage, not to take the time to go to church "just this once". Weep with them, and for them, as God uses a truly tragic circumstance to bring them to their senses. Rejoice as the newly committed parents dedicate their lives to the Lord and begin faithfully attending church and teaching God's love to their children. One would think that all was now well, and the books ends here, right? No, for God had many more things to teach the Grey family. You see, Mrs. Fanny Grey has over-reacted in avoiding her former faults and temptations, and has practically withdrawn from the outside world, avoiding her unsaved neighbors and spending all her energy on her home and family. One evening though, as she attends the weekly service, one part of the minister's sermon seems to speak directly to her. His text was Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world," and he eagerly admonished his flock not to "hide their little light within the four walls of their home," but to say to the Master- "Lord, the light is all from Thee, and it shall be reflected for Thy glory. It is only a little light; but it shall shine for Thee – only for Thee. I will go home, and shine there; I will go among my neighbors, and shine there; I will shine by loving words and sympathizing looks; I will shine by a reflected light – Thy light – and the glory shall be Thine." What a prayer! Oh that it might be the prayer of each of our hearts today! Well, I will not go into much more of the story here, but only say that Fanny determined to let her little light shine, in her little corner of the world where God had placed her. May you be strengthened and encouraged by reading about all the things that God had for her to do there on her little street, and may you commit yourself – anew, or for the first time – to let YOUR light shine in whatever little corner God places you!

This book, and many more by Mrs. Walton and other good authors can be purchased at http://www.keepersofthefaith.com .
You can also find similar edifying and Christ-honoring books at the following links…
http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com
and
http://www.visionforum.com

House Showing = Panic Time

Our family, as most of you know, is trying to sell our house right now. We've been trying to sell it for quite a while, so we try to get every house showing we can, and get really excited when one does happen, right? Well, sort of, at least we try to get house showings, but unless you're talking of running around like chickens with your head cut off kind of excitement, then no, we don't get excited. Now, this probably sounds strange, contradictory, and sort of stupid, so I will give an example of what I am talking about.

It is 9:30 on a Monday morning in the Sauvé house. Everything is about as calm as it ever gets around here (which isn't very calm). Mom and the four younger kids are doing Bible History together, Dad has run off to the store, and the older three girls are doing various activities around the house. Then the phone rings. Charity picks it up and hands it to Mom. Now all the kids start the Game: "Figure out who mom is talking to and what she is talking about" just by hearing and watching her side of the conversation.

Mom: "Oh, hi Donna" Kids (thinking) Mrs. Rinn or Mrs. Anderegg, no that's Debbie.
Then John cheats, "Charity who is it?"
"Real Estate Unlimited," (our real estate agency) she answers.
"Hey maybe they got an offer on the house," Josh says. (That's an old line.)
Back to mom's conversation. Her face suddenly turns blank.
Josh: "It's an offer on the house, I know it!"
Mom: "Uh sure, yeah, sure, thank you, bye."
Mom hangs up, turns to everyone's expectant faces, and delivers the punch line. "They want to show the house at 10:30."
John: (always asking the unneeded questions) "And you said…?"
Mom: "Yes".
Now everyone panics, "But that's in an hour", "This place is a mess", "They can't do this to us", "If we only have an hour than let's get going." The last line comes from always practical Grace, and with that everyone scatters.

In a few minutes everything is pretty much under control and everyone is working. The peace remains until the people arrive fifteen minutes ahead of time. Now real pandemonium breaks forth! Josiah runs around the house shouting, "The people are here! The people are here!" John and Josh quickly shove the remaining mess in their room under their beds and pull the blankets far down to cover it. Faith starts wishing she could just snap her fingers like Mary Poppins to make her books go on the shelf. Downstairs as most of the kids are grabbing their coats and the viewers are coming up the walk, Mom shoves the bread dough into the oven and dumps all other misplaced items into a drawer or cupboard to be sought for later. Yet somehow, through all the craziness, we manage to slip out of the side door with the dog just before the people come through the front, and another showing comes off without the viewers ever knowing of the panic they have caused.

So now do you understand how a showing at our house equals panic time? Yet, that evening in family devotions, Dad and everyone thanked God (and meant it) for bringing people to view the house and asked for more. Ah well, the mysteries of life.

An Irish Saint and a . . . . Clover?

Yesterday, March 17th, was what many people celebrate as Saint Patrick's Day, in fact, it is actually a calenderized holiday. (any holiday that is on the calendar:-) But how many people really know who Saint Patrick was, what he did to earn the title of 'Saint,' or why he is associated with clover. First, a little about his life . . . . .

Patrick was born in Scotland at around 387 A.D. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by a band of Irish pirates who sold him as a slave to a Druid Chief in Ireland. There he lived for the next 6 years, keeping sheep and learning the Irish language and culture. But most important, he received Christ as his savior. He wrote this about his conversion, "I was sixteen years old and knew not the true God and was carried away captive to Ireland, but in that strange land the Lord opened my unbelieving eyes. I called my sins to mind, and was converted with my whole heart to the Lord my God, who regarded my low estate, had pity on my youth and ignorance, and consoled me as a father consoles his children." He goes on to state that his faith and love of God increased more and more, and he would spend countless hours in prayer as he watched the herd. At last a chance came for him to escape, and he was able to board a ship that heading for his homeland. You can just imagine the joyous reunion with his family! He, for all they knew, had perished many years ago, and now he was returned to them.

Wanting to grow more in the grace and knowledge of his Savior, Patrick studied the Scriptures on his own and with traveling monks that came through the area. He then decided to travel to France and enter the monastery of St. Martin there. For the next 18 years of his life, he devoted himself to the study of Scripture and was constantly sharing his faith with any and all who would listen. There he became a priest, and even rose to the position of Bishop.

Then one night, Patrick received a vision from the Lord, that would change his life and the lives of countless others for eternity. He described the incident thus, "I saw a man who was called 'Victorious' coming as if from Ireland, with innumerable Scrolls, and I read what they said, 'The voice of the Irish,' and while I was reading I heard a voice, 'Please, come and walk with us again.'" Patrick realized that he was being called to be a priest to Ireland, and saw God's providence in the circumstances of his previous kidnapping and slavery that had allowed him to learn the Irish language. He also knew all about the pagan Druid religion that had great power over the people there.

In 431, Patrick left for Ireland, and there he served the Lord for 30 years, enduring stoning, and beatings for Christ's sake and for the love of the souls of the Irish people. You can read much more about his work and ministry to the Irish people in Richard "Little Bear" Wheeler's wonderful book, God's Mighty Hand . But I will close now with a quote from that book that tells the story of how Patrick's name came to be associated with clover.

"The Gospel Spread throughout Ireland with power and might. In time, Ireland became known as the most evangelical nation in the world. Many, throughout the then known world, traveled there to receive Biblical instruction.

One concept the Irish found difficult to understand was the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three in one. Once while preaching to a large crowd and trying to explain the reality of the Holy Spirit, a frustrated Patrick bowed his head and prayed in front of the gathered crowd. "Lord, these are Your people . I cannot show them the Trinity. Please help me."

When Patrick opened his eyes, the Holy Spirit directed his attention to a three-leaf clover. Holding up the plucked clover, he said, "Trinity is like this clover; one stem, three leaves," the people's eyes were opened. Having grasped the understanding of that divinely inspired object lesson of the Trinity, they embraced Christianity in droves. Over the years of Patrick's ministry in Ireland, many thousands were baptized and some two hundred churches were established. Truly, God's hand was at work in preparing Ireland for the Gospel."

A Night Full of Music

Last Friday evening found our family in high excitement as we headed up to Lapeer to attend the performances of the Lapeer Civic Philharmonic, and the Lapeer Civic Orchestra. The front lobby of The PIX, was packed with the expectant family and friends of orchestra members for a quarter of an hour before the doors were opened. The space was limited but the atmosphere happy and full of anticipation, and we just squeezed in tighter as each new person slipped in out of the chilly March air.

Finally! the doors open and we all filter through, making our way down the slightly declining floor into the row of our choice and slipping into a cushioned seat. They are those bouncy fold up chairs, the kind where little children have to sit on the edge, or they will find themselves sitting in an uncomfortable 'V' shape. (especially if the seats have extra tight springs:-) Here and there, people were flipping through their programs, commenting on the musical repertoire, recognizing composers and trying to recall how "that one piece goes."

And here comes the Lapeer Civic Philharmonic! Filing out onto the stage amid welcoming plaudits, and making their way to their respective seats. Next, the Concert Mistress (Miss Sarah DeLadurantey) issues forth and gives the tuning note for all to echo. Now! enter Maestro DeLadurantey, our conductor for the evening, who, after acknowledging the audiences' applause, gave a few words of welcome and introduction. "All glory goes to GOD!" How wonderful and appropriate that the Author and Creator of everything, (the gift of music especially) should be given His due recognition and honor! So many people tend to take for granted their achievements and abilities, but the Lapeer Civic Orchestras' know from Whom their talents come, and are not ashamed to acknowledge Him.

On to the music! The first piece of the night was a charmingly descriptive suite by Jay Pinner. Downtown Suite for Strings consisted of three movements; The Library, complete with warning sshhh's from the musicians as the music tiptoed throughout the hall, The Park, where we enjoyed a gentle ride on a park swing, and Main Street, a busy, industrious affair, which included Police whistles and sharp horn honks from impatient motorists.

Following that delightful little work, we enjoyed a rousing medley which was made up of music by Beethoven, Dvorak, and Tchaikovsky. The 5th Symphony, New World Symphony, and 1812 Overture, respectively. Then amid appreciative cheers, the Philharmonic left the stage, making way for the Orchestra.

The first piece we heard from them was Gustav Holst's Song Without Words. A lovely work, in great contrast to the next composition, the rousing Hungarian Dance by Johannes Brahms, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Next came two works that quite rivaled each other with their captivating and inspiring characteristics. (but in my mind, one clearly came out the champion) The works in question were the gorgeous Pavane by Gabriel Faure, and a stunningly brilliant performance of Vivaldi's sumptuous Concerto in D Major for Guitar and Strings. No offense to Faure, but Vivaldi quite outdid him that night, with the help of a remarkable classical guitarist named David Wagner. Poised on the conductor's platform in the midst of the stage, and surrounded by a small, yet, equally talented ensemble, he so delighted the audience that they quite forget the customary orchestral scruples and applauded at the end of the first and second movements, and many in the crowd showed their appreciation at the end with a standing ovation.

Well! How could anything improve after that? But it did, and in a very energetic way. The final work of the night was the fun, fast and fantastic, Overture from the Barber of Seville. What a jolly piece of music! Its lively little theme is still singing inside my head even as I write this. A superb ending for an equally superb evening! The Orchestra members and Conductor DeLadurantey, arose and bowed, acknowledging the audiences applause, and then . . . they gave us a little encore! A vigorous, hand-clapping recap of the Hungarian Dance, which closed the night in high spirits.

After some chatting and congratulations, we left to start the long drive home. Weary but happy, we hummed bits of the beautiful strains of music that flitted through our heads. And the night was full of Music.

Here is our dog Baby posing for the camera. Isn't she sweet!? 

Before the Throne

The treasures of this world do fade
and all it's wealth I'd gladly trade,
When the Holy Spirit does me bade
to come before the Throne!

Dressed in my Savior's righteousness
His love and justice I confess;
My soul is not content unless
I bow before the Throne!

O how I long to give Thee praise;
a hymn of worship to Thee raise;
To spend the best part of my days
prostrate before the Throne!

I long to fly away to Thee,
Thou blest thrice holy Trinity;
My joy throughout eternity
to stand before the Throne!

Pepé (Paul's pen name)
8/27/87

Living For Christ

Finding the Truth in whatever I can.
Trying my hardest to follow God's plan.
Walking in Footsteps I barely can see.
This is how faithful I'm longing to be!

Running the race, not once looking back.
Studying God's Word which will keep me on track.
Looking to Jesus, my Saviour and King.
This, on my knees, is the prayer that I bring!

Trusting my Saviour with all of my dreams.
Knowing His plan is much more than it seems.
Reading His Promises, God cannot lie!
This is the Confidence for which I try!

Fighting the Good Fight, with Sword in my hand.
Wearing my Armor, on Christ I will stand.
Speaking the Good News where few feet have trod.
This is the Boldness I crave from my God!

Crossing the Jordan, no fear in my eyes.
Listening to Jesus, not once Satan's lies.
Meeting my Saviour at last, face to face!
This is my Glorious Hope through His Grace!

~Charity

Corum Deo

Corum Deo- Before the face of GOD
I live this earthly life.
Throughout the day, and in the night
I strive to do His will,
And must needs choose the right,
If with clear conscience I wilt live
Before the face of GOD.

Corum Deo- Before the face of GOD
In everything I act upon
Be it work, or rest, or play,
To keep always first in thought
That what I do is on display.
All things done in secret, are no longer such
Before the face of GOD.

Corum Deo- Before the face of GOD
I must ever mindful be
Of this grand truth, and tell the world
Of His love and grace to sinful man,
The chief of whom I am, but can now to them unfurl
The joy of living, sins forgiv’n
Before the face of GOD.

Corum Deo- Before the face of GOD
The sufferings of this life,
Shall pass and fade and slip away,
They are nothing in compare
To the glories that will be mine some day
When fore’er I’ll live, and humbly bow
Before the face of GOD.

~ Faith <><

Poetry - the language of God

The God whom we worship has revealed Himself to us in various ways. A good portion of the Holy Scriptures is written in the form of Hebraic poetry. Their poetry is somewhat different from what we are used to in our English poetry. It is characterized by thought arrangement rather than by word arrangement or rhyme. Nevertheless, it can be beautiful and memorable in its expression. Its main characteristic is parallelism where the content of one line is repeated, contrasted, or advanced by the content of the next line. It would make a good family study.

As we begin our family BLOG, I thought it would be good to share our love for poetry, the Word of God and it's poetical content, and our personal poems inspired by Him who was and is and is to come! To begin with, let me share Isaac Watts beautiful poetic rendition of Psalm 29:

God's Glory and Power Displayed

Give to the Lord, ye sons of fame,
Give to the Lord renown and power,
Ascribe due honours to His Name,
And His eternal might adore.

The Lord proclaims His power aloud
Over the ocean and the land;
His voice divides the wat'ry cloud,
And lightnings blaze at His command.

He speaks, and tempest, hail, and wind,
Lay the wide forest bare around;
The fearful hart, and frightful hind
Leap at the terror of the sound.

To Lebanon He turns His voice,
And lo, the stately cedars break;
The mountains tremble at the noise,
The valleys roar, the deserts quake.

The Lord sits sovereign on the flood,
The Maker reigns for ever King;
But makes His saints His blest abode,
Where we His awesome glories sing.

In gentler language there the Lord
The counsels of His grace imparts;
Amidst the raging storm His Word
Speaks peace and courage to our hearts.


May the Lord bless you as you meditate on this poetic version of His Word. ~Paul