SchwartzCats.com

Blog moved to Facebook

2012-01-17T15:27:00.001-08:00

You can connect with the SchwartzCats at facebook. :)

A few Alaska pics over at Facebook :)

2011-01-08T17:26:00.001-08:00

A few Alaska pics over at the Facebook account!...

the lone ranger-ette

2009-06-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

She lives in her own little world...

Lest we forget...

2009-06-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Colossians 1:21-23

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.

But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.

This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

bees!

2009-04-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hey all -- sorry bout bein so quiet. I/we have shifted more to facebook which is a bit more private. Feel free to send friend request to John Schwartz, Portland OR.

Hived some bees today. :)

Psalm 1

2009-02-24T14:18:00.001-08:00

1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

schwartz fam '09

2009-01-13T11:53:00.001-08:00

our God is great!

2009-01-07T21:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a great story from a guy in our church body today. I was really blessed by it!

Hi Everybody,

A really amazing thing happened today that I just wanted to share with you.

This morning a truck pulled into our ministry with a donated load of flour. It was a load that was promised a while back but never came(I had kind of forgotten about it). After we unloaded it I wondered who we could send it to. Flour is not something that we get too often.

When I got back to my office there was an email waiting for me. It was from a ministry in No. Korea that runs a bread factory which feeds orphans. They feed 4,000 children a day a least 1 slice of bread. They asked me if I knew where they could get some flour! They said that they were desperate, that they were having to buy flour in No. Korea and it is unbelievably expensive, and that China has stopped the exporting of flour. When I read that I was overwhelmed at how good our GOD is! He knew of their needs before I did and he met it!

I got very excited and send her an email back telling her the great news. The first line I put in my email was "Our GOD is Great!" I called her right away and I told her about what happened, she screamed and cried. She had not receive my email yet- the first words out of her mouth were "Our GOD is Great!". Now I don't know about you, if you find this experience as amazing as I do. I hope so.

I write this to encourage you. I know these are hard times for all of us, but always remember that Our GOD is Great!!!! He will never leave you nor forsake you. The same GOD that is watching over those orphans in Korea is the same GOD that is watching over you.

My prayer is that this year you would experience His love in ways that you never have before. We pray that you will be blessed.

Have a wonderful and Blessed New Year!

Eric for the family

resolutions of john edwards

2008-12-29T16:46:00.000-08:00

Thinking of some resolutions for the new year? Consider some of these resolutions from Jonathan Edwards (1723):

Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him, by his grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.

1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.

2. Resolved, To be continually endeavouring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the forementioned things.

3. Resolved, If ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, Never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God, nor be, nor suffer it, if I can possibly avoid it.

5. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, To live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, To act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings, as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30.

9. Resolved, To think much, on all occasions, of my dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, When I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder. xxi

12. Resolved, If I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, To be endeavouring to find out fit objects of liberality and charity.

14. Resolved, Never to do any thing out of revenge.

15. Resolved, Never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.

16. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, That I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, To live so, at all times, as I think is best in my most devout frames, and when I have the clearest notions of the things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, To maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

22. Resolved, To endeavour to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigour, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, Frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs, and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the fourth Resolution.

24. Resolved, Whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavour to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, To examine carefully and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and so direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, To cast away such things as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, Never wilfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, To strive every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, Never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of christian honour, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said any thing against any one, to bring it to, and try it strictly by, the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, To be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Prov. xx. 6. ‘A faithful man, who can find?’ may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, To do always what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without an overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.

34. Resolved, In narrations, never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, Whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call to it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, To inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,—what sin I have committed,—and wherein I have denied myself;—also, at the end of every week, month, and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, Never to utter any thing that is sportive, or matter of laughter, on a Lord’s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, Never to do any thing, of which I so much question the lawfulness, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, To inquire every night before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, Frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism, which I solemnly renewed when I was received into the communion of the church, and which I have solemnly re-made this 12th day of January, 1723.

43. Resolved, Never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s; agreeably to what is to be found in Saturday, Jan. 12th. Jan. 12, 1723.

44. Resolved, That no other end but religion shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan. 12, 1723.

45. Resolved, Never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.

46. Resolved, Never to allow the least measure of any fretting or uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved, to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye; and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving, and sincere, temper; and to do, at all times, what such a temper would xxii lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have so done. Sabbath morning, May 5, 1723.

48. Resolved, Constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, That this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, That I will act so, as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51. Resolved, That I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, That I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, To improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Resolved, Whenever I hear anything spoken in commendation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, that I will endeavour to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, so to act, as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, When I fear misfortunes and adversity, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it and let the event be just as Providence orders it. I will, as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13, 1723.

58. Resolved, Not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness, and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, When I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.

60. Resolved, Whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4 and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, That I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it—that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, &c. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, Never to do any thing but my duty, and then, according to Eph. vi. 6-8. to do it willingly and cheerfully, as unto the Lord, and not to man: knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall be receive of the Lord. June 25, and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true lustre, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, To act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14, and July 13, 1723.

64. Resolved, When I find those ”groanings which cannot be uttered,“ of which the apostle speaks, and those ”breathings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the psalmist speaks, Psalm cxix. 20. that I will promote them to the utmost of my power; and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavouring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and Aug. 10, 1723.

65. Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness of which I am capable, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him, all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance, according to Dr. Manton’s Sermon on the 119th Psalm,. July 26, and Aug. 10, 1723.

66. Resolved, That I will endeavour always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking, in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them; and, what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, To confess frankly to myself, all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, Always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723.

volition

2008-12-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

15-minute short video you need to watch.

Volition (n)- The act of making a choice. Sometimes the choice of inaction has consequences stronger than we could ever imagine. Throughout history, men have been faced with difficult choices in a world that makes it easy for them to conform. This film explores the hope that lies behind every decision made in the face of adversity; the hope that is buried in the heart of those that look beyond themselves and see something bigger worth fighting for.

the latest cat

2008-10-27T15:13:00.001-07:00

we were all blessed to have Sarah Elizabeth Schwartz join the fam early Sunday morning. i had just arrived from a weeklong trip some hours earlier and Christy went into labor. Sarah has been in breech position for some weeks/months so they took her via c-section. by 6:55 we were able to hold a fuzzy little pink thing.

God is good. it was a blessing to dedicate her to the Lord and express our thanks for skillfull doctors and provision from family, friends, neighbors and our church family. as we ask for each of our children, Christy and i pray that Sarah "become a woman of God".

-john

centrality of the home

2008-10-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

A very good message folks. Check out Dr. Voddie's (above) discussion about the church, our culture, our attitude about children and education and more... »

it is not death to die

2008-10-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

a great song and lyrics from sovereign grace's "come weary saints" album:

It is Not Death To Die

It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

Chorus
O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)
Original words by Henri Malan (1787–1864). Translated by George Bethune (1847). Music, chorus, and alternate words by Bob Kauflin

latest mug

2008-09-30T17:30:00.001-07:00

i took some photos of the kids around the dinner table last night. :) the Lord has indeed blessed us with the kids and "one in the oven".

[Zach, Drew, Annie, Abbie, Becka, Dad, Mom (& Sarah)]

grapes everywhere

2008-09-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

i love growing grapes. we've got three varieties in the back yard that are four years old and really producing. i'm finding their remains everywhere... in the van, on the deck, couches, kitchen, in books, etc. the kids just grab and munch. :)

grapes are a most excellent creation of the Lord. such beautiful and sweet fruit coming from a plant that grows like a weed and you don't have to water. just give it some sun and stand back.

you know--you find grapes everywhere in scripture as well! they are used in context of both judgment and grace, sorrow and celebration. just gaining an understanding of it's cultivation can take a lifetime to understand and perfect. i think the same is true for understanding the metaphor and meaning of grapes/vine/wine in scripture.

at it's most deepest level, the crushing of grapes and the wine that is made represents the blood of Christ that was spilled for mankind which we celebrate every communion with those who believe. the next time you have grapes, think about Jesus. :)

great grandpa william john

2008-09-10T20:13:00.001-07:00

My Aunt Marilyn has been doing some family research for the Schwartz clan at large and struck some gold this week. She located a significant amount of information about our family and it's roots in Prussia and subsequent immigration to Des Moines, Iowa.

My great-grandpa William John Schwartz (my name is John William), is pictured below. He was a minister in the Lutheran church. Quite amazing to be able to look back into the past and see your own flesh-and-blood for the first time.

I can't help but think about the impact of the Gospel in our family tree that starts with William John and before him most likely. Much of our family follows Christ and impacting the world in many places. I'm grateful to God both for the privilege of being born into a family where Christ was made known and to live in a land where we have the freedom to worship Him.

across the starbucks tile...

2008-09-03T09:11:00.001-07:00

I'm working at Starbucks this morning. One of the hardest weeks of my life and a time of deep reflection. Thankfully good brothers and one of our church leaders reminded me in different ways that I should focus on Christ and look to see how this week could glorify Him. Good advice.

I'm sitting near a window and watched the light from the sun slowly move across the tiles. Imperceptible movement at a glance, but noticeable every few minutes--like a sundial of sorts. It reminded me of my fleeting life. That my days are known by God and I have one life to live--for Him.

As the Scriptures say: "Lord teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

-J

if you give a mouse a marker...

2008-06-05T08:39:00.001-07:00

At least it was washable...

a few flowers

2008-05-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Took some photos from the cellphone of flowers in the yard this evening. God sure made some amazing plants...

Izzies

2008-05-21T18:06:00.001-07:00

About to be fed... Thus the happy countenances.

drew's bees...

2008-05-12T11:55:00.001-07:00

Hi folks :)

Just wanted to throw some photos your way of the bees. One of my boys (11 yrs old) built a TBH (with some help from Daddy). He hived the bees on his own although I had to help a bit with the queen and got stung for the privilege. ;)

He had a crowd of his friends/fam watching him...

I checked my hive next to Drew's. Saw eggs, brood and capped brood. All looking groovy. I pulled out a frame without gloves/veil for first time. So, posting that pic for posterity's sake. :)

The family has become quite familiar/attached/intrigued with the bees. Here's a common scene...

still burnin...

2008-05-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

I pray my "light" will still be burning 100 years from now.

Braces off!

2008-05-01T11:08:00.001-07:00

Bees are flyin...

2008-04-25T15:14:00.001-07:00

The first warm day since Monday when we first hived the bees. They're going through a mason jar of syrup daily and looks like comb building has finally begun. They're cleaning out the hive (no more dead bees or sawdust), fanning, bringing in pollen, etc. Saw a couple drones flying--they kinda remind me of big ol' bombers.

-John

Our first bees!

2008-04-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

Quite the experience today with the family receiving our bees and installing them in our TBH. I thought I would share some photos :)

Bees in the package. Not something you get in the post every day!

Putting on the silly hat. The girls giggled pretty good.

My two boys helping me carry the hive out to it's location.

The three girls ran back into the house and watched from safe height and distance, hehe. :) Momma is lurking in there somewhere as well.

Getting ready to drop the girls in their home. I was as nervous as my first date!

After the boys backed off a bit, I carefully dropped them in and set up the queen and food. They all spread out calmly and fanned away.

At the entrance fanning.

The boys were braver than I and helped throughout the process with no suit or gloves (they did wrap their heads a bit!).

Dusk approaches. All is quiet. Bees are humming. Chickens are roosting behind...

Psalm 19:7-10

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

sweet!

2008-04-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

bee boxes

2008-04-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Mason bees are hatching left and right from the boxes next to my window. Spring is finally here (I think)!

The boys and I have been getting the bee hive ready for the arrival of about 5,000 new members of the Schwartz family (lots of girls). Drew is helping (above) paint the beeboxes.

We're going with an unconventional dark-green to help it blend in with the landscape and not raise any eyebrows with the neighbors. Of course, if they swarm in June or July, well... they'll know we have bees then I guess. :)

-John

prepare yourself

2008-04-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Job 38
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:

2 “Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?

3 Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.

4 “ Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.

5 Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?

6 To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,

7 When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

8 “Or who shut in the sea with doors,
When it burst forth and issued from the womb;

9 When I made the clouds its garment,
And thick darkness its swaddling band;

10 When I fixed My limit for it,
And set bars and doors;

11 When I said,

‘This far you may come, but no farther,
And here your proud waves must stop!’

12 “Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
And caused the dawn to know its place,

13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
And the wicked be shaken out of it?

14 It takes on form like clay under a seal,
And stands out like a garment.

15 From the wicked their light is withheld,
And the upraised arm is broken.

16 “Have you entered the springs of the sea?
Or have you walked in search of the depths?

17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you?
Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?

18 Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?
Tell Me, if you know all this.

19 “ Where is the way to the dwelling of light?
And darkness, where is its place,

20 That you may take it to its territory,
That you may know the paths to its home?

21 Do you know it, because you were born then,
Or because the number of your days is great?

22 “Have you entered the treasury of snow,
Or have you seen the treasury of hail,

23 Which I have reserved for the time of trouble,
For the day of battle and war?

24 By what way is light diffused,
Or the east wind scattered over the earth?

25 “Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water,
Or a path for the thunderbolt,

26 To cause it to rain on a land where there is no one,
A wilderness in which there is no man;

27 To satisfy the desolate waste,
And cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?

28 Has the rain a father?
Or who has begotten the drops of dew?

29 From whose womb comes the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?

30 The waters harden like stone,
And the surface of the deep is frozen.

31 “Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades,
Or loose the belt of Orion?

32 Can you bring out Mazzaroth^[a] in its season?
Or can you guide the Great Bear with its cubs?

33 Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
Can you set their dominion over the earth?

34 “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
That an abundance of water may cover you?

35 Can you send out lightnings, that they may go,
And say to you, ‘Here we are!’?

36 Who has put wisdom in the mind?^[b]
Or who has given understanding to the heart?

37 Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,

38 When the dust hardens in clumps,
And the clods cling together?

39 “Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

40 When they crouch in their dens,
Or lurk in their lairs to lie in wait?

41 Who provides food for the raven,
When its young ones cry to God,
And wander about for lack of food?

number six on the way!

2008-03-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hey friends, Christy is pregnant with our sixth! What a blessing. And, yes, I actually mean that. Children are a blessing from the Lord. The wisest man in the world (Solomon), inspired by the Holy Spirit, penned the following long ago:

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord;
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

A good book we'd both recommend for young folks (and grandparents) as they consider what Scripture says about families and having children is entitled, "Be Fruitful and Multiply".

some rats in the car

2008-03-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

spring has sprung

2008-03-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Spring is well underway in the yard. Took these photos couple weeks back. I hit a nest of mice (at least 10) in the compost. The kids temporarily imprisoned a couple of them--both of which, fortunately, made good their escape.

And, the Schwartz's have chickens again. :) We were supposed to have five, but grandpa talked us into 10 and then he went and got his own! Oh well. I'm sure we'll find a good home for a few of 'em. (Freezer)

seagulls and kids oh my

2008-03-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

We went to Lincoln City as a fam recently to feed the birds and find agates... and boy, did we fare well on all accounts. Plenty of birds to feed (five loaves gone) and about five lbs. of agates. Abigail found one about 3 inches long!

reality

2008-02-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

(Lima, Peru) This boy sits in the cart of garbage his mom has collected and will sort to earn a meager living...

It's SO easy to forget the reality that we live as kings here in America. We live in a 100-year-old bubble of widespread prosperity and ease. And, at the same time, the reality for billions like this boy above is destitute poverty and, for many, little access to the Gospel or a copy of the scriptures in their language.

y-m-c-a...

2008-01-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

The official start of Zach's YMCA basketball season! (He's the handsome one out there.)

ring around taco delmar

2008-01-30T15:55:00.000-08:00

The girls playin with the Kochran girls after church outside Taco DelMar... the Schwartz "tradition" on Sunday. :)

subprime nation

2008-01-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

Buchanan has a great article today at Worldnetdaily. He's talking about the recent headlines about Moody's warning of a possibly downgrade of treasury bonds.

We are thus in the position of having to borrow from Europe to defend Europe, of having to borrow from China and Japan to defend Chinese and Japanese access to Gulf oil, and of having to borrow from Arab emirs, sultans and monarchs to make Iraq safe for democracy.

We borrow from the nations we defend so that we may continue to defend them. To question this is an unpardonable heresy called "isolationism."

And the chickens of globalism are coming home to roost.

We let Europe to get away with imposing value-added taxes averaging 15 percent on our exports to them, while they rebate that value-added tax on their exports to us. Thus, the euro has almost doubled in value against the dollar in the Bush years, as NATO Europe begins to bail out on Iraq and Afghanistan.

We sat still as Japan protected her markets and dumped high quality goods into ours and China undervalued its currency to suck jobs, technology and factories out of the United States. Now, China and Japan have $2 trillion in cash reserves. The Arabs have an equal amount of petrodollars. Both are headed here to spend their depreciating dollars snapping up U.S. assets – banks, ports, highways, defense contractors.

America, to pay her bills, has begun to sell herself to the world.

I could not agree more. Read the full article...

mc cafe!

2008-01-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

emmanuel

2007-12-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

Our family opened our few small gifts a little early this year (like usual). It's nice to get all that fluff out of the way and be able to think and dwell together on the incarnation.

We sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. It's what we do for each other and those we love, so we decided to do that for Him. Then we talked about the mystery of Emmanuel (God with us)--of God coming to earth and dwelling with us. As Yoda would say, "Hard to understand, it is." :)

I hope you all have a peaceful time this Christmas in thankfulness to God. Being thankful for Him entering into our mess here and redeeming.

I've learned some things recently that have helped me re-focus my life on Jesus where it should be. I'm looking forward to this coming year as we, as a family, more earnestly share that hope, joy, and peace with others here in Gresham.

-John

winter hail

2007-12-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

God speaking to Job:

38:14 The earth takes shape like clay under a seal;
its features stand out like those of a garment.

15 The wicked are denied their light,
and their upraised arm is broken.

16 "Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea
or walked in the recesses of the deep?

17 Have the gates of death been shown to you?
Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death [a] ?

18 Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth?
Tell me, if you know all this.

19 "What is the way to the abode of light?
And where does darkness reside?

20 Can you take them to their places?
Do you know the paths to their dwellings?

21 Surely you know, for you were already born!
You have lived so many years!

22 "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow
or seen the storehouses of the hail,

23 which I reserve for times of trouble,
for days of war and battle?

24 What is the way to the place where the lightning is dispersed,
or the place where the east winds are scattered over the earth?

25 Who cuts a channel for the torrents of rain,
and a path for the thunderstorm,

26 to water a land where no man lives,
a desert with no one in it,

27 to satisfy a desolate wasteland
and make it sprout with grass?

dirt

2007-12-18T12:20:00.001-08:00

Most guys ask for tools or big toys. I ask for dirt. :)

Winter gard-nin is in full swing here at the Schwartz household. This is three-way I'm adding to newly created beds. We're turning much of the back yard into garden. I'm looking forward to seeing a nice crop o' corn next summer!

the food effect

2007-12-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

Kids are always happy, just before you feed them. :) This happens to be at Taco Del Mar.

hunting?

2007-12-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

Scanned a few photos from a beautiful trip to Mt. Adams with Dad, Shon & Timmy, Joe & Luke, and my boys Zach and Drew. You'll notice no animals. :)

And, here's some phone pics from our trip to the wilderness. You'll notice... no animals. Mighty hunters, we.

dogshoes

2007-12-14T10:58:00.001-08:00

Does the dog like them or not?..... :)

great story

2007-12-12T10:23:00.001-08:00

...although not sure why they say he's a "green enthusiast"... just a guy usin his noggin to get some juice into his house. :)

a burger with mick

2007-12-11T21:11:00.001-08:00

At the pub with Micky last night talkin Jesus, life, fam...

the tree is up

2007-12-11T08:45:00.001-08:00

gingerbread houses

2007-12-07T14:40:00.001-08:00

Nanny is in the house...

the cure

2007-12-07T11:06:00.001-08:00

The cure for the human condition (not good) is not to be found in human books, human wisdom, human psychology, human philosophy, or any other human source for that matter.

As well, the cure for the impotent American church is also not found in humanity and it's perceived "christian" wisdom. It is not found in christian music, christian books, christian paradigm shifts, christian pop psychology, christian seminars, christian leaders/icons, christian t.v., christian internet, emerging christian churches, christian philosophy, ad nauseum...

So, what IS the cure?

The Cure is Christ. That's it.

Jesus is the salve for all wounds, all sin, all injustice, all darkness. He is the only foundation for a healthy man, healthy family, and healthy church. To add anything else is to add our own solution to the precious blood of Christ by which we were redeemed.

don't waste your life - update

2007-12-05T20:07:00.000-08:00

After finishing Piper's book, I'd have to say it's in my top 10. It's really nailed me in a couple areas. I finished it on the plane to Iowa and the small church we visited last Sunday was just finishing it up in their Sunday School class! I really believe that was arranged by a caring Father...
-John

some november/december photos

2007-12-05T16:07:00.001-08:00

back from iowa

2007-12-05T09:40:00.001-08:00

Becka looking out the plane window and shouting, "whooaaaaa!" She delighted quite a few passengers with her comments as we took off and landed.
-John

spiritual supplements

2007-11-27T06:29:00.000-08:00

First thing this morning after a shower I grabbed three or four vitamins and chugged 'em down with some water. It's really something you and I do without thinking. We naturally want to take care of our bodies and do what's best for them--which includes supplementing them with vital nutrients they don't naturally create. This prevents sickness and even premature aging and death.

Peter tells us we also need to "supplement our faith". Now that's an interesting truth! Our faith, like our bodies, needs attention. It needs spiritual supplements to prevent it from withering--nutrients like Vitamin V (Virtue) and Vitamin BA (Brotherly affection). And what does Peter say these supplements will prevent? Things like "unfruitfullness", "ineffectiveness", and "spiritual blindness".

In fact those who don't practice and add these spiritual vitamins to their faith Peter says:

...is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

-John

"boo" and i

2007-11-24T13:05:00.001-08:00

Boo and i warmin by the fire...

don't ask

2007-11-24T13:04:00.001-08:00

crazy people

don't waste your life

2007-11-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

An excellent read from John Piper I started over Thanksgiving. I highly recommend it after reading just the first couple chapters.
-John

amen

2007-11-22T14:36:00.001-08:00

Still wondering why folks drink decaf... (took a pic of this lovely postcard at my sister Vicki's house over Thanksgiving.)

about to lose

2007-11-21T20:55:00.001-08:00

my dad about lose at probe... and lose he/they did! i swept them all three games to none at dad & mom's house. :)

kitty and book

2007-11-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

A cat and her book... ("A Thomas Jefferson Education")

sigh

2007-11-19T16:55:00.001-08:00

Why are all the important things in life so painful? Off to run 2 miles...
-J

big drewps

2007-11-17T14:18:00.001-08:00

Drew is now 10, is taking guitar lessons from Daddy (and doing great!), shot a grouse this year hunting with a shotgun, loves to read and doing great with home-schooling.
-John

from drew

2007-11-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

[From Drew awhile ago] It's nice to know your son loves you... :)
-John

stoplight in the water

2007-11-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

I love light in water at night....
-John

purple mud

2007-11-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

There's no such thing as playdough with unique colors in the schwartzcats home. Boo (Rebecah) loves to mix all the colors together which makes a real nice shade of purple. I notice this batch has just about reached that point. :)
-John

queen o' the yarn

2007-11-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

Annie learning to knit.
-John

peppermint mocha

2007-11-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

At one of my many satellite offices today. :) Peppermint is back on the menu (shazam).
-John

got webbed feet?

2007-11-15T18:05:00.001-08:00

Ha! Dixon just took in for seven big ones on 4th and 5 from the 40. Not looking good for the home team, baby.

First drive for Arizona - interception!

Well... got my 15 minutes of espn coverage of the game. We'll see what happens manyana. Off to better things (reading to kids, talking with wife, etc). :)

2 hours later... amazing.

One moment you're a Heisman candidate, sitting at #2 in the nation... the next you're out for the season with a leg injury and your team probably loses the rest of their games.

I'm glad I only spent 15 minutes watching!
-John

lucky dog

2007-11-15T08:23:00.001-08:00

[Photo from Zach!] That's one charmed dog. I'm pretty sure polar bears don't typically frolic with canines. :)

jason in the house

2007-11-14T21:35:00.001-08:00

My bro Jason discussin Jesus with me by the fire...

yummy squash

2007-11-14T18:11:00.001-08:00

Yummy squash from this year's garden... you either like this stuff or hate it. All the schwartzcats fight over it. :)

i just had to

2007-11-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

This photo made me laugh.

Life is full of paradox isn't it? My family uses all kinds of nicknames based off cats (kitty, mew, kittens, etc, etc) and yet I have little love for cats. They think they're king, don't fetch you anything, don't smile and dig up my garden areas.

As the saying goes, "A good cat is a..." :)

teddy is driving

2007-11-13T18:23:00.001-08:00

Abbie says, "teddy thinks he's driving, but really i'm pushing."

tired snail

2007-11-13T17:41:00.001-08:00

Time for bed...

removing the header

2007-11-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

hey folks... i noticed you can get to trash quite quickly with the "next blog" link in the header. if you need help removing that header (as i have done), just let me know. i found out a slick way here. remember to save a link to your dashboard (http://www.blogger.com/home) so you can login/edit your blog as some of that functionality is in the missing header. :)

help mommy

2007-11-13T15:42:00.000-08:00

Stuck in a bottle, she says, "help mommy".

compostin

2007-11-13T15:22:00.001-08:00

Compost is cookin. The goal? 140 degrees of breakin-down-goodness.

at the office

2007-11-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

Zach at "the office" with me this morning. :)

song on my mind

2007-11-13T07:18:00.001-08:00

A little song from Waterdeep has been on my mind.... taught it to kids last week:

You have redeemed my soul
From the pit of emptiness
You have redeemed my soul
From death

I was a hungry child
A dried up river
I was a burned out forest
And no one could do anything for me

But you put food in my body
Water in my dry bed
And to my blackened branches you brought the
Springtime rain of new life
And nothing is impossible for you

-John

my kitty

2007-11-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

My kitty

the boys

2007-11-12T12:41:00.001-08:00

One last post for today to get this blog up and rolling. The boys and I
at the Timbers game (soccer) and one of my lovely bride Christy, from
whence all things "cat" or "kitty" come from.

blazers

2007-11-12T12:28:00.001-08:00

At the blazers game... Go ODEN!

the girls and i

2007-11-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

My first post to the blog. Ya, I know, I'm a web guy and don't have a
blog yet. Well, issue resolved. :)