Christmas Thoughts

Christmas time is fast approaching and around this time we do a lot of things. We get a tree, buy presents, sing songs, and think about a lot of things. But that is not what Christmas is. That is what we do.

To many people it's all about Santa Clause and getting lots of presents. But why do we give presents in the first place? Why does Santa Clause come barreling down the chimney (for those who have one) every year with a sack of presents? It all points (0r rather it should point) to the perfect gift of God given to all mankind many years ago.

We hear many songs around this time of year, and one of them is Joy to the World. Do you think about what those words are saying? Recently, my brother, Jeremy heard that song playing in a shop in the mall. People walking back and forth and going about here business are missing some great news in this song:


Joy to the world,
the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.



Joy to the earth,
the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.



No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.


He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.


This year let's remember who and what we are celebrating and what gift giving symbolizes.

Some scenes from our "parlor" the last few days...

Chewie is very relaxed!

A Hand???

Let's see, how should I act this out?

Having a feast!

A Woodpecker???

Praying, that's right! Now all I have to do is get them to say mantis!

Come on you guys, it's flexible!

Is the timer ready?

Ok, I should know how to draw a sled!

This is too much fun!

Jeremy did it, really!!

Ninja Jeremy

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Luther

I watched this movie last night and it is a great movie! It's all about the story of Luther and how he started a reformation that impacted many lives. I highly recommend this film!

Note: The film is rated PG-13. For a more detailed review go here: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0001509.cfm

New Blog

Just to let all of you who read this blog know, I have started a new blog. Go here to check it out: http://mollystales.blogspot.com/

Green-eyed Monster

She looked stiffly over at the woman walking through the door. Her eyebrow went up as a sarcastic thought shot into her mind, "Another cute dress!" Chewing on that thought a little more she said to herself, "She must spend a lot of money on clothes and she must wear a new outfit every Sunday and here I wear the same old things. I wish I had more money to buy more fashionable clothes. Why does she get all the good stuff?" The next thing you know she is avoiding the woman with the nice clothes. Does the green-eyed monster of jealousy ever creep into your life? It may not be a situation about clothes, maybe it's an opportunity that someone else has and you don't. If we are honest we have to say we all struggle with the sin of jealousy or envy. So what is the underlying assumption that we are making when we have thoughts like the one above? Well, one is we are assuming that we deserve more than we have. Another assumption is that we have worked harder than others so we should get more than they do.

In Jerry Bridges' book Transforming Grace, he uses Jesus' parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) as an illustration of God's grace to the believers. He first says that the parable should be called "The Generous Landowner" for the emphasis is on the generosity of the one who hired the workers and paid them all the same no matter at what hour they began. Bridges says that the parable focuses on the workers who were hired at the eleventh hour. "They were treated extrememely generously, each one receiving twelve times what he had earned on a strict hourly basis. He hired them not because of his need, but because of their need. He represents God in His gracious awareness of our needs and His continuous work to meet them."

If we keep in mind the generosity of our heavenly Father and all He's done for us this should characterize our living and thinking. But we are like the workers who had worked all day in the vineyard. When they started comparing what they received with what the other workers received then the green-eyed monster crept in. They weren't appreciative of the fact that the landowner hired them at all. He didn't have to, but that was his nature to give to those in need. Oftentimes that's what happens with us; we stop focusing on the awesome character of our Lord and His graciousness to us, and our brothers & sisters in the Lord, and we slip into that legalistic, worldly mindset of: "I did this and now you owe me that!" Or "she doesn't deserve to get that, but I do!" When we stop to think about God and His gracious character we realize that He has given us much more than we deserve; He gives when we are full of our selves...when all our righteous deeds are filthy rags...when we have nothing to give.....

"O, beware of jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on." Shakespeare

We are Marshall

This is an inspiring story based on true events. It takes place in 1971, and Marshall university in Hunniton, West Virgina is at the top in football. Their team is doing well and everything looks promising untill tragedy strikes and the plane carrying the team, coaching staff, and even the athletic director crashes. None survive the crash. Four teammates and the assitant coach were not on the plane though and as the town begins to heal from this tragedy thoughts turn to the next season. Some think that they should wait and not try to put together a new team; but Nate Ruffin, one of the remaining players, will not stand for it. He rallies the school behind him and soon they are looking for a coach.

Meanwhile, in the little town of Wooster, West Virgina lives Jack Lyngiel. After hearing about the crash and the open coaching position he gives the University president, Don Dedmond a call. He says he is interested in helping them out and filling the head coach position. There are mixed feelings as Jack and his family move to Hunnington and take over the football program.

A lot of the lessons from We are Marshall can be summarized in one-liners: Perseverence, Courage, Hope, and Faith. There is one more lesson though, and that is the lesson of winning. Jack teaches the hurting people of Hunnington that winning is not as important as going out there and playing. He brings hope and gives encouragement to all. When you are done watching We are Marshall you are left with amazement and the wonder that this was a true story.

We Are Marshall!

Soli Deo Gloria

Lately I have been amazed at God's goodness. I have been blessed a lot.

-The first blessing is Jesse's engagement to Kate. It has been great getting to know my future sister.

-Another blessing: we just found out this last week that I am to be an aunt again! My oldest brother Toby and his wife Jenny are expecting another child. God is good!

-This is my senior year in highschool and I thought it would be very crazy and stressful. It hasn't been that way though. I've gotten busy, but through it all it has been pretty relaxing and I've been able to enjoy it. Related to this, I've been reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis as a school assignment and I have really liked it! Lewis is such a good author and I love the way he can explain something in such simple terms.

So, in conclusion, this all has caused me (and I hope it will cause you) to be very thankful and grateful to God. Praise the Lord!

Soli Deo Gloria

A great cookbook!

I got this cookbook from my future Sister-in-law, Kate. I was so excited to get it and it has lots of fun recipes. They are all dessert recipes and all use cake mixes. It's very different in that way. Plus it has basic tips in the front to help you out. I've been wanting some new recipes, so this came just at the right time. I can't wait to start using it! Thanks so much Kate!

-Molly

Blessed Birthdays

Mom and I both celebrated our birthdays this week. Mine came first on Wednessday and it was so much fun! I was babysitting some kids in the morning, but then Dad picked me and we had a fun afternoon. That night was also fun and I loved getting home and reading all the messages sent to me telling me Happy Birthday. Thank you all!

Trying not to laugh at my brothers

Me laughing anyway

I got a great book

Mom was surprised with a party on Thursday. The ladies of our Church got a lot of girls and ladies together and we had a fun night playing games and listening to some wonderful singing. The fun part was actually surprising my Mom! She had no clue.

There were a lot of people there!

Mom had a fun time and recieved a lot of cards and nice gifts. Thank you to everyone who was there and helped put it together. It was a special night.

Today is Mom's real birthday and we plan to have a nice dinner and maybe play some more games.

Molly

Recommended Reading Material

Trusting God, Even When Life Hurts, by Jerry Bridges--

When an unexpected event occurs people wonder: Where is God in all this? Has He created the world and then left us to deal with things on our own? If God is a God of love how could He allow such a calamity? Bridges hits on all these questions in this book. Three essential truths about God are important to know if we are going to trust Him in adversity. They are: 1) God is completely sovereign 2) God is infinite in wisdom 3) God is perfect in love. "God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what is best and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about." Bridges is able to explain these spiritual truths to the reader, using God's Word, and by giving examples from his own life and others. When things are going smoothly it's easy to say, "I trust the Lord", but when the test comes will I still say, "I trust You, Lord" and believe that His ways are right and good for me? My prayer is that all His children will hold fast to Him who is always faithful. Jerry Bridges has a way with words that conveys God's truth powerfully and will fill you up so that you will have strength when you need it.


Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields produce no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will
make me walk on my high hills. Habbakkuk 3:17-19

-Peggy-

Another Idaho trip...

We are back and it was a lot of fun! This trip went so fast, but I'm really glad we went.

We got to see where Casey works now.

Going to look at the church building where my brother Jesse's wedding will be

We had lunch with my future Sister-in-law's family Sunday afternoon

Visiting with Kate's family

Jeremy and Casey

This trip was a blessing for several reasons. 1. We got to know Kate's family better and we were able to talk a lot about wedding plans and all that fun stuff. 2. On Friday we sat in on a New St. Andrews class (the college Jesse attends) which I had never done before. That was an eye-opener and we got to listen to two great speakers. 3. We got to spend a lot of time with my brother Casey and see where he works. It was an amazing weekend and I can't wait to go back up again.

Molly

Jane Austen Poll

We have added a poll to the blog (to the right). Please vote and let us know which Jane Austen book is your favorite! And after voting if you could please leave us a comment telling us why you like that book. Others might not have read your favorite Austen book; this way you can tell them why they should read it. Thanks!

The Pemberley Parlor Team

Jesse and Kate

Jesse Sumpter is engaged to be married to Kate Callihan. We Sumpters are all very happy and excited!






"Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD!" -Psalm 106:48

Fair Entries

This week I have been busy getting ready for the Josephine County Fair. I'm excited because this is the first year I have entered in three different categories.
First, I entered a baby blanket that I crocheted. It turned out really well and I'm happy with it!









For baked goods I entered some Molasses Cookies and some Baking Powder Biscuits. After a few mishaps (aka: not following recipe correctly) these also turned out well.

The last thing I entered was a photograph of my niece Felicity which I took when she was born. It turned out so well that ever since I've thought of entering it in the fair. Who knows if it will do well, but I'll have fun anyways. That's all from the Sumpter ranch!
-Molly

Trapp Family Singers

A while back Molly & I read together The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, by Maria Augusta Trapp. We enjoyed the book, although we didn't get to finish it because it was due back to the library. I hope we can find it again and read it in its entirety! Here is an excerp after the family started reading the Bible together six weeks before Easter, Maria says: The reading of the Gospels together proved to be wonderful. It proved to be the Book of Books, the only one in the whole world to which a four-year-old girl would listen with enraptured interest, while all the philosophers are not yet able to get to the bottom of its divine wisdom.
-Peggy-

Miracle of miracles

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles-
God took up Daniel once again,
Stood by his side and- miracle of miracles-
Walked him through the lions den!

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles-
I was afraid that God would frown,
But like he did so long ago, at Jericho,
God just made a wall fall down!

When Moses softened Pharaohs heart, that was a miracle.
When God made the waters of the red sea part, that was a miracle too!
But of all God's miracles large and small,
The most miraculous one of all
Is that out of a worthless lump of clay,
God has made a man today.

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles-
God took the tailor by the hand
Turned him around and- miracle of miracles- Led him to the promised land!

When David slew Goliath (yes!), that was a miracle.
When God gave us manna in the wilderness, that was a miracle too.
But of all God's miracles large and small,
The most miraculous one of all
Is the one I thought could never be:
God has given you to me.

-Fiddler on the Roof

Tales from Idaho

Here are some stories from our recent trip to Idaho:

My Brothers

The Friday night we were there we were all talking while my brothers were outside playing volleyball. Well, they soon came in and disrupted our peace and quiet and before we knew it they had the milk and cookies out and were playing rummy.

Thursday night we met the Callihan family and Kate (the girl Jesse is courting). While we were at their house we decided to take some pictures. After a big family picture we started taking ones of us siblings. Right before the camera went off Jesse started jumping and laughing. He had gotten tickled by someone. ;)

My Nephew, River

Thursday afternoon River wanted to go swimming (he had been encouraged by his cousins I think) and he was so much fun to watch. His grandparents had a little kiddie pool and at one point River walked back a few feet from the pool and started running. He ran right up to pool and then jumped in. Splash! He is a great big boy.

When we first saw River he was watching “Sleeping Beauty” and when I asked him about the cover he pointed to one lady and said “That’s the bad Lady, she’s not good.” The next day after reading the Bible he told me “Molly, you need to be like Jael and kill the bad man.” I told him that I would need his help.


My Niece, Felicity


This little girl is walking at 11 months. She was very cautious about accepting us and it took a little while for her to allow us to hold her, but she eventually did both. She follows her brother around and wants to do everything he does. At one point River was climbing up and down the steps on the back patio of the Jackson's (my sister-in-laws parents) house. Felicity watched him closely and soon tried to do it too. She moves slow, but once she makes up her mind to do something she does it. She is a little doll!

Those are my tales from Idaho. Hope you enjoyed them!
-Molly

Advantages of sickness

I'm at the tail end of being sick for a week. Now I will be the first to admit that it wasn't a pleasant experience, however, I had some fun being sick. Here is a list of advantages to being sick:



1.You get waited on. Of the last 7 days I spent 5 in bed and had food brought to me and medicine was at my disposal. Nothing was done without my comfort in mind and I was even called "your highness" at one point (even if it was said in a sarcastic way :D).

2.Entertainment is forced on you. When you get sick eventually you are asked "do you want a movie?" You don't want to appear rude, so of course you say politely "Yes, please." Movies, tapes, and books are brought to you from all corners and all at once you feel so much better.

3.You are treated with special kindness. As soon as you feel under the weather, people insist that you stay in bed. "Oh no, you just stay right there." You also are exempted from having to do dishes and other jobs. "She's sick, could you do them for her?"

Well, now that I'm pretty much over this sickness I can't use the excuse "I'm sick!" any more. I am glad to be well, but as an encouragement, remember the fun things about being sick when you are.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ," -Ephesians 1:3
-Molly

"Those that have given themselves up to the direction of God's Word and Spirit steer a steady course, even when they seem to be bewildered. While they are sure they cannot lose their God and guide, they need not fear losing their way."
-Matthew Henry

Posted by Peggy

Idaho Pictures

Good Morning! We visited family in Idaho last week. It was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures:

Our Family:


My Brothers:


Felicity:


River:


We will post some highlights of the visit soon. That's all for now!
-Molly

The Last Sin Eater

This past Friday night we watched The Last Sin Eater. The movie is an emotional and beautiful story about the journey of a village of mountain people to faith. It's all centered around two people: Cadie Forbes and the Sin Eater.

Cadie is a ten-year-old girl searching for answers. She is torn up with guilt about her sins (one in particular) and hopes to be rid of them. Her search leads her to the Sin Eater.

The Sin Eater: This villiage of mountain people have a custom that after someone dies the "Sin Eater" comes and "takes away the deceased persons sins." For the whole movie the Sin Eater is covered in black and isn't unveiled till the end. We soon find out that the Sin Eater isn't a happy person though. He has resigned himself to a life of seclusion and mortification and he firmly believes God chose him for this.

This movie is a wonderfully inspiring story and I highly recommend it. This movie is rated pg-13 and that should be taken seriously. This movie is not for children; however, older kids and teens should really enjoy this film about the power of God.


-Molly