Southern T-U-L-I-P

In Sunday School we're studying Calvin and today the teacher had to expound Calvin's doctrine, usually understood by the acrostic T-U-L-I-P


In Southern this becomes P-E-A-C-H

P=pervasive perversity=total depravity=T
E=election, external and eternal=unconditional surrender=U
A=atonement, limited by design=limited atonement=L
C=calling, effectual=irresistable grace=I
H=heavenly home held by heavenly hands=perserverance of the saints=P

He agreed the *H* needed some work, but the example served the purpose.




Added  3/19/2010
Jay Adams on TULIP

“I’ve been reading your blogs for a few weeks now, and find them . . . well . . . . different. But the title to this one takes the cake! What in the world are you writing about this time?”




Well, I’m glad you find my blogs . . .uh . . . different. I try to keep away from the run-of-the-mill presentations that bore rather than inform.



Some time ago, I wrote an article for RC Sproul’s little monthly magazine Table Talk. In it I wanted to stress some aspects of the so-called “Five Points of Calvinism.” As you know, the word T-U-L-I-P is used as a means of remembering each of the points. T stands for total depravity; U for unconditional election, L for limited atonement, I for irresistible grace, and P for perseverance of the saints.



Now, many people find no difficulty in accepting four of the five points, notably, the first and last two in the word. I wanted to stress the fact that in leaving out the L, they not only mess up the word TULIP, but their own theology, and at the same time, miss what is, in many respects, the main doctrine of the five. So, I devised the TULIPBURGER.



Let me explain. The T and the P are like the two pieces of bun that hold a burger together—absolutely essential, but, in themselves, hardly a burger at all. I liken the U and the I to the lettuce and the tomato. Better, but still not a burger. Lastly, I suggest that the L is like the meat in the center. Truly, the idea of limited atonement is the “meat” of Calvinism. To hold to the fact that Jesus didn’t die for “mankind,” or, as that means, persons in general—but for persons in particular, is essential to having a “Personal Savior.” I’m delighted, that with the apostle I can say, “He loved me and gave Himself for me.” I agree with Luther who, when commenting on the first verse of the 23rd Psalm said, “Thank God for personal pronouns.”



To realize that Jesus’ death was 100% effective; that He didn’t die for people in general, but that He knew His sheep, and called them by name, and gave His life for each one of them individually is a blessed truth, not to be omitted from the burger. Because He did, therefore, every one of them will have eternal life. It is a rich doctrine not to be lost by focusing on buns, lettuce and tomato alone, while forgetting the meat.



Jesus didn’t come to make salvation possible—He came to “seek and to save that which was lost.” God was satisfied with His death for everyone for whom He died. He didn’t die needlessly for millions who would reject Him. He knew all that the Father had given Him, and said that not one of them would be lost. They would all be saved. After all, if Jesus’ death for sin really did satisfy God’s justice for any, it would also do so for all. So, if He died for all—all would be saved. Of course, we know that isn’t true. Yet, if universal atonement were true, then God could hardly punish men and women for eternity for whom Christ had already suffered the punishment. There is no double jeopardy. And therefore, there is no burger unless it is a TULIPBURGER!

I copied this from Donna@QuietLife http://www.booshay.blogspot.com

1. If the world were to suddenly end right now, what do you wish you would have done?
...organized my basement
2. How many times do you hit the snooze button before getting out of bed?
...none, i usually awaken about 2mins BEFORE the alarm goes off
3. What cartoon do you enjoy watching from the present (or the past)?
...sorry, no cable here, although Candid Camera makes me laugh
4. If you could go to any time and/or place in history, where/when would it be?
...difficult choice, esp since I was a history major in college, hmmmm...right here in the Great State of Georgia, the 50-60 years preceeding the War of Northern Agression
5. If your life were a movie, what would it be rated and why?
...*G* because my life is divinely ordinary

You're a Classic Cup 'O' Joe!


What Kind of Coffee are You?
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You are Proverbs.


Which book of the Bible are you?
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Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup shortening (butter)
1 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour,
      sifted with 1 tsp soda and pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla

Cream together first three ingredients.  Add eggs and vanilla.  Add flour, mixing slowly until combined.  Pinh into small balls.  Press onto cookie sheet with two fingers or tongs of dinner fork.

Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 8-12 minutes.

What I'm

Wearing:
flax-colored Irish linen shorts with black print linen blouse; black strappy sandals and "hammered" gold jewelry

Eating:
Broccoli-Beef Stir-Fry with vidalia onions and red peppers; Cavit Pinot Noir

Reading:
Dorothy Sayers' Lord Peter stories and Ross King's Michaelangelo & The Pope's Ceiling

Gardenia Bushes

On both sides of the front door of my house sit a gardenia bush. I am pleased to report that each is chock full of buds. All day long I've been checking the progess of flowers as they open. The fragrance is intoxicating. The white petals are silky smooth. The color scheme is dramatic. Simply elegant.

Sermon Meditation

Aside from taking good notes during the sermon on Titus, I spent some time diagramming Titus 2:11-13. Diagramming helps one understand the meaning of sentences. One learns to read for the purpose of reading Scripture and increasing in the knowledge of God. One learns to diagram for the purpose of improving one's reading skills.

Do you and your children know how to diagram sentences?

Sabbath Meditation

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.

ITim3:16

It is not hard for me to imagine some first century Christians gathered in a home for worship and reciting this common confession. I look forward to meeting them.

Nearest Book

Her church life really meant something to her.
The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot

Copied this idea from Sora, who got it from Kelly.

Follow the herd:
1)Grab the nearest book.
2)Open to page 23.
3)Find the fifth sentence.
4)Post the text of the sentence on your blog along with these instructions.

I REALLY need to learn how to link and manipulate this log.

Flat Rocks

Vegetarian Dinner Idea which received rave reviews from my family this week.










6 rounds Pita Bread (approx 6"dia)
6-8 Cups Veggie Stir Fry (see below)
6-8 Cups Cheddar Cheese, grated (Vermont White)

Preheat broiler. Arrange pitas on large baking sheet lined with foil. This might take two cookie sheets (3 pitas per sheet). Top each pita with 1 C stir fry. Thoroughly cover each pita with grated cheese. Broil until cheese melts, usually 3-5 mins in my oven. (dont leave the room ) Serve immediately.

Veggie Stir Fry

6-8 C broccoli, washed &trimmed, flowerettes and some stem(peeled&diced)
4-5 carrots, peeled&sliced thinly in half-rounds
2 med onions, sliced into crescents
1 lg tomato, peeled&diced

In large frying pan(or wok) heat 1 T oil&1 T butter. Add onions and saute for 1 min. Add carrots then broccoli. Stir continually, cooking on high heat. Or cover and steam for 3 mins until tender yet not losing color. Sprinkle with soy sauce for added flavor, optional. Turn off heat. Stir in diced tomatoes.

Spring

The finches eating at the kitchen feeder are now bright yellow: a sure sign of something.

Two Categories

These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. 2Thess1:9

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3

Lemon Ice-Box Pie

Lemon Ice-Box Pie

1 can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
6 egg yolks
2/3 Cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 T grated lemon rind.

Combine and chill thoroughly. Pour into a baked but cooled graham cracker crust. Top with meringue. Bake 5 minutes in an oven which has been preheated to 425 degrees.

Meringue

6 egg whites
6 Tbs granulated white sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar (opt)

Beat at high rate of speed in mixer until eggs whites are stiff, but not dry. For example, when you pull the whisk out of the whites, the peaks should fall over slightly. In addition, when you rub a little of the mixture in between your fingers, it should not feel gritty.

Graham Cracker Crust

1 1/3 cups graham crackers crumbs
(approx 24 crackers)
1/2 cup melted butter
1 Tbs sugar

Combine in large mixing bowl. Then press into a 9" glass pie plate. Bake 5-7 minutes at 350. Cool. Then fill.

Peach Trifle

Leftover pound cake, torn/cut into bite-sized chunks
Peachtree Schnapps (peach brandy)
Vanilla pudding (from vanilla wafer box, thinned w/juice from peaches)
Peaches (using ones "canned" by a friend last summer) 1 qt
Blueberries, approx 1 C (been frozen in freezer since last summer)
Whipped Cream

In a large glass bowl, layer pound cake and drizzle with a little brandy. Top with pudding, then peaches, then blueberries. Repeat the layers until all your ingredients are used, having chosen enough to serve your guests. Top with freshly whipped cream. Cover with saran. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with a "rice" spoon.


The beauty of a trifle is that it can not only be made ahead of time, but also be made from ingredients one has on hand. So, I feel particularly economical to be recommending this dessert.

Meal Suggestions

After Church Sunday dinner (plan A):

Spiral Sliced Ham
Eggplant Casserole
Steamed Broccoli
Honey Glazed Carrots
Deviled Eggs
Croissants

Peach Trifle


After Church Dinner (plan B):

Roast Lamb w/gravy
Sweet Pepper Casserole
Steamed Asparagus
Steamed Carrots
Croissants

Merlot or Iced Tea

Peach Trifle

Meal Art

Open-faced Sandwich

Brown-One slice Brownberry brand bread, toasted
Yellow-One egg, hardboiled & mashed w/1T mayo
Red-Sliced Tomato
Green-Alfalfa Sprouts

Almost too pretty to eat!

The Finches are Back!

Well, Happy New Year! I can't believe how long it has been since I've posted!

Lately, I have been sighting goldfinches at the thistle feeder. They are barely yellow. It won't be long before they are boldly yellow. And then they will depart.

On Christmas Day outside my kitchen window on the deck, I saw the following birds feeding: cardinals, titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, Carolina wrens, white-breasted nuthatches, rufous-sided towhees, brown thrashers, a red-bellied woodpecker, and an hairy woodpecker.

What fun!

Fashion-Square Knot

Brownie Points

I walked twice today. Two twenty-minute episodes: one inside following a video and one outside ejoying the cool weather.

Wish I could think of a better way to update my site. I will continue to try and conjure up reflections I want to share.