Currently reading...

Well, Dustin's going to have to show me how to make a fancy Currently Reading section because I'm not computer-savvy enough and don't care enough to figure it out on my own.

I wanted to share a book: Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God, by Noel Piper. I'll probably be sharing a quote or two over the next few days, in hopes it will motivate you to go grab a copy.

Dustin bought this book for me during our courtship. A sweet suprise complete with a great card which greeted me after a long day on the job. Unfortunately, I'm just now getting around to reading it. While Dustin's been gone, I've been spending the day toggling back and forth (?) between reading and attacking the to-do's. It is an excellent book, highlighting a short biography of 5 precious women.

Please take the time to read this review of it at the much-improved Discerning Reader. Click here to find out more about this excellent book. You can borrow my copy when you're done, if you'd like. I'm half-way done. Enjoy!!

Thanks husband!

DG06

My husband is in this crowd somewhere at the Desiring God National Conference. Tim Challies has the inside scoop (and pictures) on his live blog if you want to know what's going on over there. I miss him already, but I'm thrilled that he has this opportunity. I'm sure you will hear more about it on his blog (or on Blake's) when they get back.

Missing Max

I miss many of my Texas friends. I miss family, both Dustin's and mine. Don't get me wrong. I love it here, but I do miss people. I sometimes miss old students. I miss seeing the birth of my friends' sweet babies. Miss church people. Yup. I miss people. However, not to play favorites, but I am especially fond of this good-looking kid in the picture. I've been having Max withdrawls (you too, AK) lately and this picture was a SUPERB Max fix.

I should be working...

Get out!

We're going where, Ryan? Woohoo!








For all of you Camp people out there, I heard a rumor.
Jamie Butts is excited. Very excited.

Christians, Calvinism, and CT

So, I'm a calvinist. A Baptist and a calvinist. I used to hate that word and everything about it. It seemed that people HISSED when they said it. Much has changed in the few years since I was first so adamantly opposed to the word, the doctrine, etc. I had REAL questions. I had so many presuppositions coming into the issue that it took me a very long time to first, come to an understanding of these truths, then, a love for them, and slowly, a right application of them to MORE than just your Gospel presentation. A passion for Scripture, God's glory, an understanding of my sinfulness, God's amazing grace, etc. So, I'm a calvinist. It's just a term and I'll take it or leave it, but I definitely hold to the reformed view of salvation, believing firmly in the doctrines of grace.

Yesterday, my cousin (great blog, by the way) pointed his readers to a CT article on the topic. It's very long, but when Dustin headed to work, I sat down to work through it.

I think it's well worth your time. And I don't really write that to those of you who are all on the same page, but to dear friends and family who ask the same questions I did. I feel ya. Don't feel like you have to sort through it over night. It can be a tough issue and can keep you awake at night, wrestling with verses, wrestling with all you grew up thinking was true. That's okay. Ask the hard questions. Read articles like this, and definitely keep digging for Biblical answers.

This article will briefly hit on, among other things, calvinism and missions. In my book, those are really GOOD questions. DOES a belief that the Bible clearly teaches election and predestination really quench evangelism and missions? Those are questions you should ask.

Any thoughts?

I agree with Travis. Harris' quote was noteworthy.

"If you really understand Reformed theology, we should all just sit around shaking our heads going, 'It's unbelievable. Why would God choose any of us?'" Harris said. "You are so amazed by grace, you're not picking a fight with anyone, you're just crying tears of amazement that should lead to a heart for lost people, that God does indeed save, when he doesn't have to save anybody."

A few more

Goooood morning. A few pictures to share...

From left to right: Joey, Melodie, Charity, Erin, Blake, James, Calvin, and Jay G. Scott (and us, of course)







My fantastic 5th graders... it has been a huge blessing to have such a well-behaved, fun group of kiddos. They look pretty sharp too, if I do say so myself.






Conner - a VERY fun kid
His family was in Poland all last year, because his Dad's a producer (produced the Left Behind stuff). Anyway, he's a fun guy and he's been working really hard.

Reflections on Music

I'm a big music person. I was born to a sweet music family. I love to sing, but not necessarily in public. Love piano, although I'm really rusty. Dustin and I find ourselves humming or getting songs stuck in our heads so often! This morning I had my students listen to a classical song and then write in their journals whatever story, thoughts, response came to mind. My husband's giving me a new appreciation for some rap.

Honestly, I don't know much about good music that's out there today. I have yet to find a great radio station here. Ha! Most of what I listened to growing up is out of style now, and well... it probably always was :) Friends Are Friends Forever-type stuff. I know. Lame. However, I do LOVE music. I'm going to sound cheesy in this, but it's theraupetic to my soul. When I lived with the Stones I thoroughly enjoyed their music selection as they introduced me to various bands. I have belted out Annie songs with Anna Kate and hummed Alias with Erin. Earlier, I listened to one of Dustin's jazz c.d.'s as I washed dishes.

I LOVE hymns. I know that it was a big and silly debate (hymns, praise songs, or blended) among churches (and still is?) for many years, and obviously the issue is much more than music STYLE, but content and the attitudes of the heart, etc. For this post, I am NOT talking about music in church, but I am talking about worship music. Believers are to worship God in different seasons of our souls, even dark or stretching ones. I think I like Red Mountain music so much, because it is made up of hymns (which I love to play and love to sing.. which of course, there can be hymns that arne't "solid" and I'm not referring to those) AND it seems to capture the mood of my soul. That deep longing that isn't always really ready to scream praise Jesus 100X, but quietly wants to find a haven from this busy world to regain perspective. Sometimes the song that comes out is just a barely-audible cry for help. Anyway... for perspective or just some good music, head to Red Mountain Music. I especially enjoyed #7 (click on that link and find the song) - Weary of Earth, Myself, and Sin. I don't have it "all together" and these songs, the lyrics of which were written hundreds of years ago, somehow express that.

For the married ladies...

Check out this post by the Hoovers, friends of the Peeks and other Aggies:
Praying for your husband (a list by Martha Peace)

I think this is very helpful.

A Nap Earlier+Caffeine+Dustin's At Work=Sleepless in Louisville

So... One more picture. Caption Contest #2. Have fun. Good night. Seriously. Stinkin' addicting blog and wedding pictures. Happy Friday (in 5 minutes)

Caption Contest

One more. I LOVE this picture. My two (yes two, I broke the "rules") Matrons of Honor. Fun caption ideas anyone...

Wedding Pic #1

We finally have pictures! But.. because this is such a SLOW process, I will have to wait until this weekend to play with them. Here's me and my dear husband. What a blessed day! More to come...

Just for fun, while the kiddos are testing...

I know, I know. I should get back to work. But.. I wanted to post ONE picture. A little distracted on this slow morning... :)




Aunt Jamie, Uncle Dustin, and too-cute E-man (Ethan)

Good Song, Date Night, and Journaling

"Son, thy sins are all forgiven."

This morning, I heard this song on the way to school. I was listening to the Red Mountain version ("Jesus Whispers"). When I looked it up at school, the original had even MORE amazing verses. What do you think about it? So good.

On a different note, part of Dustin and I trying to somewhat simplify our lives is DATE NIGHT. Every Wednesday. He's off work. I come home early. We go out to eat, hang out, and go to bed early. It's fantastic (if you're married and can arrange it in to your schedule, it's very beneficial). Tonight, we are also going to church at Third Avenue. I'm looking forward to it. Also, my school doesn't allow homework on Wednesday nights (church night) so the kids are happy and I'm happy (because of Date Night). It's a good day, but more so because Jesus whispers this SWEET sentence.

**I've also been thinking a lot about journaling lately. I make my students journal (usually with prompts) every morning. In my own life, I have journaled very sporadically. I remember my dear friend, Mary Row, telling me how journaling helps us record the history of God's faithful dealings in our life. OT constantly urges us to REMEMBER our past. Don Whitney, professor here at Southern, talks of journaling in his book about spiritual disciplines. I may blog (NOT the same as journaling) about this soon, but if you have any insights or more reasons to journal, let me know. It's on my mind

The American Way

Well.. awhile back, I rambled about the American Dream and you guys had excellent responses. Lately, Dustin and I have talked some about the American Way (being too stinkin' busy). When is being busy okay? Why are we busy? What are we busy for? Why??? If it's for money, how much do we really need? If it's prior commitments, are we overcommited. Anyway.. interesting conversations. Too busy (joke) to comment further, but on a much simpler note:

If you are looking for a cheap, quick, and very tasty meal, we made a wonderful discovery today. It's called SLOPPY JOSE'S. Has anyone actually heard of these? Glorified Sloppy Joe's. We found this fantastic recipe. It's quick. It's easy. Perfect for "I have 10 minutes to get supper ready" nights like tonight. We'd give you the recipe, but it's top secret since I got it from a Saving Dinner recipe (a fantastic wedding gift from Mrs. Risse) thing that makes you practically vow not to forward it along. If you are interested though, we can explain it to you though. (Is that cheating?) We spent the entire meal going, wow... this is good... yummy... ooh... ahh. It was funny. If you have any more quick meal ideas like that, send them our way. We are learning to simplify our lives and the "American Way" that has sucked us in, and part of that is spending less time (and money) on cooking. =) Big meals are fun from time to time, but practicality it the key in our little seminary/teacher family. :)

Go see Laura and Slade's wedding pictures and Beck's new post. Good evening.

Ooh.. and someone's pregnant! Guess who? (Not me) Congrats!!!!

Peek shout-out (a birthday and an engagement)

Yea. Christopher Peek, dear adopted brother of mine, is engaged to super sweet Seattle Sarah. :)

(And it's the Peek twins birthday too, by the way. Happy birthday, Chris and Kevin!)

AND... if the news couldn't get much cooler... they have a blog. I'm thrilled. Check it.

Kevin, Chris, and I were like a little family back in our youth group days. When we used to laugh about who would get married when.. who knew the Lord would purpose all 3 of us to marry in the same year.

Congrats, dear Chris and dear Sarah. Read their blog, people.

Mindy Makes Me Smile :)

I was thinking of my friend Mindy during my conference period today. While grading Social Studies journals... I have no idea why. Anyway, hope all is well with your job, Mindy. I posted this so everyone could see this fantastic picture. It always makes me smile. Back to work. Happy Friday!

And yes... it is Calvin's commentaries. :)
Ooh... and go to GerltHouse. There are MORE Jake pics.

Some are serious, most are not.

A list for your evening...

1. The Bebees have a blog.
2. The Dawsons have a blog.
3. Laura Cozart has a new husband and a new blog.
3. Nothing is so sanctifying, and I'm only half-joking, as being stuck in traffic for almost 2 hours when you wanted to be at your husband's basketball game AND you're almost out of gas.
4. My Student of the Week brought a gecko and I stinkin' fell in love. I want a gecko. :) Dustin says no... but I may get one for my classroom. What do you think? I could put different kids in charge of taking care of him, buying his crickets, etc.
5. Well, wow. I guees I should get out more. I'm sitting here staring at the screen, Dustin's at work, and I was attempting to get a good post in. I have serious thoughts, but they would take a long time to write out. I have silly thoughts, because 5th grade teachers get weird by Thursday evenings. I don't have any new pictures, so go look at Baby Jake again. He's cute.
6. Love to all. Check out the new blogs.
7. Okay, I changed my mind. One serious thought to leave you with... I was really hit this morning with the fact that I am a dependent disciple and this thought should prevail over my thinking and actions and.. well, it would be a long post. Maybe soon.

The word on the street is...

I didn't want to steal their thunder, but since Chad posted, I can help spread the fantastic news! Baby Jake is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOHOO!

Go to the GerltHouse blog and post about how great our God is, how cool babies are, and how much we love their growing family! What a miracle you are, Baby Jake. We love you already!!

After the walk...

it was back to cleaning house. :) You'd think that with such a.. um.. COZY apartment, it wouldn't take long to clean, and you're right, except we still have some deep cleaning to do. It was a mess when we got here. Still scrubbing at some tile, cleaning baseboards and discovering that this old apartment really gets dusty. We're both pretty allergy-prone, so it's extra important to attack the dust. Gross. All clean now though and it's not like the weekend's zapped. Monday's Labor Day. Woo stinkin' hoo, as my husband likes to say...

Pics of... the bedroom and bathroom. Still have some bare walls, but oh well.

We mainly uploaded these for our sweet families who are dying to see pics of where we live. Thanks for your support, prayers, and love. There you have it... the pics. Sorry it took so long :)

Amigas!

This afternoon, I went on a long walk with Becky Peek! The weather is super! It was so fun. I also went out for coffee last night with Kari while Dustin was at work. It has truly been so refreshing to have some time to fellowship and have fun with some ladies (that aren't 5th graders) who are in such similar seasons of life. Thanks, Kari and Becky.
Here's a picture of the Becky and me from last December, way back before we were married. Ha!

And since we're on a picture kick (and cleaning break)

I thought I'd mention, if I haven't already, that with marrying sweet Dustin came instant aunt-hood. Just as my sisters were thrilled to have an "instant brother" I am overjoyed to be an instant aunt to cute little Ethan. And Alison, my sister-in-law has one on the way, too! Dear friend Kelly Lyrene is preggers too and Baby Jake Gerlt is due any minute. Miss all of you TX ladies and seeing you pregnant. Send pics!

Check E-man out!

Presenting...

the DADDY of all space savers. We love our little island/pot rack/whatever you call it. Those shiny rectangular things on the frig are Dustin's old licence plates that read D Butts Fun stuff. Our walls are still kind of bare, but we'll work on it in our spare time.
Ethan and Anna Kate, your drawings are on the frig. We miss you daily. :P OOH - and the apron in the other picture was a sweet gift from Erin!

Kitchen

Sweet Dustin helped SO much. He put up apron and towel hooks for me, the cafe curtains, bought the runner, etc. You can look REAL hard and take a peek into the bedroom. I will have to send pictures of that a little later. :)

Love to all! Miss you. Come visit!

Living and Dining at the Butts'

This is our little living room/dining room/library. :) We love it! Dudley and Carolyn, Dustin's parents, graciously provided the furniture you see. All our wedding Target gift cards probably helped with anything else you see (rugs, knick knacks). We're grateful indeed. And for those of you who know me well.. there is a tick-tock clock, BUT with the fan noise, you can't hear it! Woohoo. (Charity/Mom Butts - your clock is in the bedroom. Pics of that will come.. when I clean it this afternoon. Ha)