A Thought From Each of Us...

Mallary is thankful for her new cousin Tucker...(excited is a mild description for me...)

MaKayla has felt God's peace in immeasurable and unique ways...

Mendi longs for those who are struggling, lonely and destitute to know the reality of the satisfaction and fulfillment that only Jesus can bring...

Kyle is dreading the thought of returning to work after nearly three weeks off...

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

Arminianism vs. Calvinism...

MaKayla is working through an amazing yet intense American Lit study this year and in turn is reading some great pieces of literature. The book she is preparing to start is 'Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God' by Jonathan Edwards and before embarking on it, she has several prereading activities to complete. As she finished her study work the other day she said, "Mom, I would like you to read over this, think about it and see what you think." That evening I overheard her mention to Kyle, "Dad, I learned about Calvinism vs. Arminianism today and I would like you to read over what I read and see how you feel." Tuesday, as we were preparing to leave my parent's house she hugged my dad (her grandpa whom she dearly loves) and said, "Grandpa, I read something in American Lit today and I would like you to look at it as well and share with me your thoughts about it." I love when our kids are stretched...especially when what they are learning scholastically encompasses spiritual knowledge as well. This is what was contained in her reading:

Calvinism vs. Arminianism: At this time in history within the Protestant churches, two basic systems of belief were in conflict with each other--Calvinism and Arminianism. Calvinism is named after the Swiss reformer, John Calvin, who revived the teachings of St. Augustine, writer of Confessions and the City of God. Calvin's work, The Institutes of the Christian Religion is still studied today in many seminaries. Arminianism is named after the Dutch theologian, Jacobus Arminius who opposed the teachings of Calvin regarding salvation. The differences between the two systems are summarized as following:

Regarding Free Will

Arminianism: God graciously enables every sinner to repent and believe, but He does not interfere with man's freedom. Every sinner possesses a free will, and his eternal destiny depends on how he uses it.

Calvinism: The sinner is dead in sin and is unable to respond to the gospel by himself. Man does not have a free will, but his will is under bondage to sin. The sinner must be regenerated before he can act on God's promises.

Regarding Election

Arminianism: Election of the sinner is conditional upon God's foreknowledge, knowing that certain individuals would choose to accept Christ as their savior. Therefore, the sinner's choosing God is the basis for salvation.

Calvinism: Election of the sinner is unconditional. God chooses certain individuals for salvation based solely on His sovereign will. Therefore, God's choosing the sinner is basis for salvation.

Regarding Redemption

Arminianism: Christ's redeeming work makes it possible for everyone to be saved. However, the atonement did not guarantee the salvation of anyone, since salvation depends upon the sinner's choosing Christ. The Lord's atoning blood only becomes effective if a sinner chooses to accept it.

Calvinism: Christ died for the elect only and His blood secures their salvation. The elect of God is given the gift of faith, which is applied by the Spirit.

Regarding Resisting the Holy Spirit

Arminianism: Since the sinner has a free will, he can resist the wooing of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit does His best to have the sinner choose salvation in Christ; but, ultimately, the sinner must be willing to submit to the grace that is offered by God.

Calvinism: The elect receives a special inward calling that cannot be resisted. The sinner will cooperate and repent and freely come to Christ. God's will cannot be frustrated.

Regarding Eternal Security

Arminianism (or more precisely, a tenet of Wesleyanism): Generally, those who believe are in danger of losing their salvation should they fail to keep the faith.

Calvinism: The believer is secure in his salvation because God's power preserves him.

I would be the first to admit that neither Kyle nor myself have ever really done any research on things such as these however what we read was enlightening. We have always, totally based our faith in Jesus Christ on our interpretation of the Bible through the leading of the Holy Spirit as well as what we have learned and been taught. It especially interested MaKayla because one of her closest quiz friends considers herself a Calvinist however she never really knew what all that encompassed.

It was enlightening yet it doesn't change the basis of my faith... I still see Jesus as the Saviour of the world. I still see Him as the One who chose me. I still see Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life. I still see Him as the One who redeemed my soul and calls me by name. I still see Him as my closest Friend.

I still see Him as Jesus!

I call myself a Christ-follower!

Just When You Think You've Heard It All...

There are times that I am simply amazed by the things that I hear... I am simply amazed by the things that Christians do... I am simply amazed by the things that Christians say... I am simply amazed by the things Christians believe... I am simply amazed by the things Christians allow... I am simply amazed by the things that Christians deem as "okay"... I strive to not be judgmental knowing that although God and His Word are unchanging, He calls us all in different ways, however, just when I thought I had heard it all... As Kyle, the girls and I were leaving my parent's house last night, we were talking about the state of the church and how far we have wandered from the TRUTH of who God is, WHAT His Word says and HOW He commands us to live, Mom shared a situation with me that has absolutely left me dumbfounded. Just when I thought I had heard it all, Mom told us about a church in our close proximity that actually encouraged its parishioners/congregation to dress up for Halloween. Of course Halloween fell on a Sunday this year and the pastor asked the people that would be attending to dress up, (and they did)...even he, himself dressed up. I was amazed... I truly wonder what God thinks... What are we trading our faith for??? I am still in shock... I am grieved... I am deeply saddened...

Just when you think you have heard it all...

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have NOTHING to do with them. They are the kind that worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth--men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. 2 Timothy 3:1~9

Homeschooling Survey... English Assignment...

This week my English assignment was to do a survey on homeschooling. I had to come up with three questions that asked for a "yes" or "no" answer, but that did not manipulate or persuade an opinion either way. I know that not many people leave comments on the blog, however there are several that follow, so if you would like or feel led to answer any or all of the three questions, I would love to know what you think!

1.) Do you feel that homeschooling is more structured
when there is a room in your household specifically set aside for school only?

2.) Do you feel like there are too many
requirements that children have to meet in order to receive a diploma?

3.) Do you feel that homeschooled children should
be made to have an eight to three school day, as public children do?


~MaKayla

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! :o)

Journal Entry - November 3, 2010

Thank you Lord for the wonder and anticipation of this new day! For the opposite start to this day rather than yesterday. For the miracle of Your presence and the treasure of Your love. For special moments with Kyle in Your Word and the sharing of what You are doing in our lives as individuals, as a marital team, as a family. Thank you for life, health and provision. Thank you for wisdom, direction and grace. Thank You for You!

Little Piece...

Another puzzle completed...our "fall" puzzle.

This puzzle comes with an interesting story and if you look closely you will notice that a nice neat little piece is missing near the bottom right corner. MaKayla and I carefully chose this Hometown Collection puzzle from no place other than Wal-Mart and have been patiently waiting to put it together. A week ago Sunday our pastor called asking Kyle if we could bring one of our puzzles to church with us as he wanted to use it for an object lesson/illustration during his sermon. He took one look at the box, asked her if she really thought that Amish people would ride a carousel and then promised MaKayla that no pieces would get misplaced. The two of them tend to "razz" each other so when we brought the puzzle home, finished placing all the pieces together within a few days and realized that one little teeny tiny flower piece was missing...she could do nothing else than to call him and "pick a bone"!?! We still aren't sure where the little missing piece is (no doubt somewhere around here unless Hometown forgot to stick it in) but needless to say, it's one of our fav's!

The Other Girl...

For some of you who follow our blog but don't know us personally, you might wonder who "the other girl" is that often graces several of the photos we post. You may have assumed that she isn't "officially" one of the original O'Riley 4. If you've assumed that, you are partially right and partially not-so-right. The "other girl" you see and often hear us talk about, is our niece and cousin Briana also known as...Bri, Baby-Boo and Bliana.


This "other girl" came into Kyle and I's lives 18 years ago and what a joy she has been. Of course we've loved her from the moment we first saw her but since the day of MaKayla's birth, she and Bri have been best friends, worst enemies and soul-mates. They've laughed together, cried together and weathered many seasons and storms in life together. I love her not only because she's my big sister's daughter but also because she's...Bri.

I love her because:

*she's candidly honest...
*she's a friend and encourager to my oldest...
*she loves Mal...
*she's stepped in at times when we needed her most...
*she's lifted MaKayla up during some really dark seasons...
*she has a beautiful spirit...
*she visits us on Fridays...
*she warms my heart...
*she's an extension of her momma...
*she has a burp like you cannot believe...
*she cares...
*she loves...
*she's wonderful...

Thank you Marci (and Mark) for this life you share with us. She may not officially/legally be an O'Riley, but we love her like she is one! She's "the other girl"...she's Bri!

Satisfied...

The best way to describe how I am feeling today is...satisfied! Not satisfied because life is "perfect"...because it isn't. Not satisfied because I have a bank full of money...because I don't. Not satisfied because I'm leaving on a week-long island vacation...because I'm not. I'm just satisfied...

*Satisfied where Jesus has me...

*Satisfied with what He has me doing...

*Satisfied with those He's given me to love...
*Satisfied with the provision He's afforded...
*Satisfied with the love He's lavished upon me...
*Satisfied with Him...
*Satisfied with Jesus....

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,
and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfieth the longing soul,
and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Psalm 107:8~9

One thing...

One thing that absolutely makes me love my man is the fun that we have any time we are together. We aren't just husband and wife, we are best friends. We laugh together. We cry together. We sit in silence together. We have fun together. We LOVE to be together.

Kyle was in great need of a day off so through some gentle convincing on my part, he took a vacation day today and spent the day with us girls just "hanging out"! We ate his yummy homemade waffles while chatting around the breakfast table and then got alot of little things done that had been put on the "back burner" for quite some time. We've done a great deal of visiting, laughing and having fun as a family.

Visited Dr. Mallary...

Worked on Christmas Lists...

Broke a wish bone...

Worked on our budget...
(Notice the chocolate to ease the pain...)

Ate Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup...

Completed a Science experiment...


Along with:
A road trip to the post office...
Picking stick-tites off of Kyle's hunting clothes...
Enjoying a visit from Bri and Jordan...
Preparing the yard/patio for winter...

It's been a great day and I am so thankful for the time that we've been able to share together. One thing that I love about my man is the simple but wonderful ways in which he loves his girls...
me included! :o)

I love my man!

Accountable/Accountability...

I will prewarn you from the get-go that I have no idea how this post will turn out. The Lord reminds me of self-control and the place that it is to have in my life so I will do my best to convey my feelings in truth yet in love. After all, blogging is a means to spill out what is settling on the heart and mind...it's about being real.

Last night was the night for the bi-weekly accountability group to meet that I am a part of. 99.9% of the time I walk away from these times of fellowship encouraged, compelled and with a fresh sense of how I can best pray for the sisters-in-Christ who gather and share. Last night I walked away sharpened, burdened and stretched. I have spent the past 12 plus hours searching, seeking, praying, examining... I walked away being thankful for friends who are real with their own struggles yet who love me enough to say, "That really surprises me to hear you say that after the extensive study you just went through." That comment from someone who I have come to deeply love and appreciate has caused me to really humble myself, fall on my face before the Lord and examine my heart. I am thankful for one who loves me enough and cares for me enough to test me and keep me in check.

As I've thought about this, I have been reminded of two other instances in the past week or so that I have been involved in. One instance where I was put in the position of choosing to correct a close friend where an inadvertent mistake had been made and then an instance where I had made an inadvertent mistake and an individual chose to make that mistake publicly known. As I have reflected on all three of these situations a great deal of light has been shed.

Instance #1... In the situation a week or so ago, I had the choice of correcting the friend and making their mistake known even though I knew the mistake was inadvertent (unintentional). I knew they would eventually figure out what they had done and they did. They figured it out without me pointing it out or telling them yet they asked me, "Why didn't you tell me...?" I explained that nothing drives me crazier than when someone feels the need to correct someone else in order to cover their own insecurities...especially when the mistake really doesn't matter and that in time it will be corrected. Believe me, I recognize this because I used to be one of those people who felt the need to correct. (FYI...it wasn't a moral/spiritual/integrity issue...)

Instance #2... I will not go into alot of detail on this one for I don't want to bash or hurt feelings yet an inadvertent mistake (unintentional) mistake was made on my part and I am thankful it was brought to my attention, I am just sorry for the way it was approached. I am thankful that the Lord afforded me this situation for it was a vivid reminder of who I once was yet who I never again desire to revert to being. (FYI...it wasn't a moral/spiritual/integrity issue and I did correct myself to those who were directly involved.)

Instance #3... Last night's meeting and a sister-in-Christ saying, "That really surprises me..." As Kyle and I talked about it this morning, I shared with him how I knew this friend wasn't questioning me per se, she was just, in love, keeping me in check. There was no spirit of animosity or ridicule or "correction", it was in a spirit of, "Are you sure about what you are saying...?" A spirit of true accountability.

I found this excerpt this morning and I thought it was fantastic...

In spiritual accountability a truly concerned believer doesn’t just ask questions and then remain uninvolved in the changing process. Accountability leads into discipleship. The whole process is asking a friend the hard questions and then helping each other to walk in the victory Christ offers. Real, biblical accountability is beneficial for both the asker and the receiver. On the receiving end, it’s difficult to admit weakness, yet it is the first step in true change. None of us like the idea of someone asking about our progress in areas of struggle. It’s easier to just hide behind a mask of superficial spirituality.

The process of accountability also helps the confronter. If done biblically, the person addressing the need must go in a spirit of meekness, knowing that he is very capable of sinning in the same way or some other way but equally in violation of God’s holiness (Gal. 6:1). This humility is a beautiful part of growth into Christlikeness. True accountability is not only helpful because of its reciprocal nature but also because of the mutual study in Scripture to get God’s mind on an issue. Studying Scripture together is always beneficial.

Knowing the benefits of accountability doesn’t give us carte blanche authority to address people in any way we choose. The Bible has much to say about the manner in which we communicate. In the process of accountability, our words must be carefully chosen and wisely delivered.

The first step in the accountability process is to ask good questions. I’ve often heard it said that “questions convict the conscience; accusations harden the will.” Christ used more than 100 questions even in what is recorded in the Gospels. In accountability, you need to be willing to ask the hard questions. People aren’t likely to tear off their masks without being pushed with penetrating questions. Open-ended questions are normally best to stimulate deep conversation.

I am so thankful that in any and every situation in life God gives us the opportunity to learn, grow and be reminded. He also gives us the choice to be angry, hurt, bitter and resentful. One produces fruit. One produces bondage. I am thankful for these three encounters that I have been afforded. Through them:

*God reaffirms the work He is doing in my life which compels me to persevere...
*He gives me a glimpse of the picture of disgrace of the person I once was which reminds me of who I never want to become again...
*I am filled with joy for those He has brought into my life to spur me on...

Preach the Word;

be prepared in season and out of season;

correct, rebuke and encourage--

with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:22

P.S.) Thank you to the three ladies that I had the blessing of meeting with last night. It may have been a "heavy" night but it was a good, fruitful and insightful night in Jesus. It's compelled me to do a great deal of soul-searching.