Doctrine can bring Comfort

This semester I am taking the class called Reformed Creeds & Confessions. It has been providencial that throughout the difficult month of October, I have been required to read the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and now we're into the Canons of Dort. Each of these have brought in their own way comfort, understanding and assurance during periods of hurt, confusion and doubt.

I'm not sure I quite understand those who believe that doctrine is dry, boring and not relevant for our lives. My greatest source of comfort has been these creeds & confessions. I am thankful for my Reformed heritage and the depth of it's insight into God's word.

I've already shared a few Heidelberg Q & A's in previous posts, so I'll only include the Canons & Belgic this time.

Canons of Dort
Article 17
The Salvation of the Infants of Believers
Since we must make judgments about God's will from his Word, which testifies that the children of believers are holy, not by nature but by virtue of the gracious covenant in which they together with their parents are included, godly parents ought not to doubt the election and salvation of their children whom God calls out of this life in infancy.

Belgic Confession
Article 13
The Doctrine of God's Providence
We believe that this good God,
after he created all things,
did not abandon them to chance or fortunebut leads and governs them
according to his holy will,
in such a way that nothing happens in this world
without his orderly arrangement....
...This doctrine gives us unspeakable comfort
since it teaches us
that nothing can happen to us by chance
but only by the arrangement of our gracious
heavenly Father.
He watches over us with fatherly care,
keeping all creatures under his control,
so that not one of the hairs on our heads(for they are all numbered)
nor even a little bird
can fall to the ground...

Weigh-In Wednesday

My body has been through a lot in the last few weeks. I've been more aware of my body recently than I have been since giving birth. I'm realizing that I'm not altogether healthy. I may have competed in a triathlon only 2 months ago, and I may not be obese, but I am certainly not as strong or fit as I could be. And I have no doubts that my eating habits need to improve. I had a goal of getting down to my pre-Isaac weight before getting pregnant again. I failed. Now is another opportunity to get there, so I'm going for it.

On Monday I joined about 15 other women who are doing a local 'biggest loser' competition. We weigh in on Wednesday's and track our progress on a blog. If we gain, we pay more into the pot. It's going until January 13th - Isaac's 2nd birthday! I weighed in on Monday and weighed in again today & have lost 3lbs already! I think I may have weighed in right after eating lunch on Monday or something. :)

Anyhow - I thought I'd track my progress on my own blog as well.

Just to clarify:

I am NOT interested in being a skinny minnie. I am NOT interested in looking like a model, or being able to wear a bikini. I am NOT interested in unhealthy obsessing over my looks or weight. I am NOT interested in placing my value or worth on my weight.

I AM trying to get to a healthy weight for my height and frame. I AM trying to get healthy so I can teach my son healthy living habits. I AM trying to get fit so that when I hopefully am able to get pregnant again, my body is in good shape for it.

So, Weigh in Wednesday #1 - 3lbs lost! Total lost: 3lbs

Rememberance Ring

It will in no way ever replace the dear baby I lost, but it will be a constant reminder of the short life he or she had. It will also remind me of God's faithful plan for my family, which is obviously different than what I had in mind, but I remain confident in Him.

My little American Idol

In His Hand

Heidelberg Catechsim

Lord's Day 10

Question & Answer 28

How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?

We can be patient when things go against us,
thankful when things go well,
and for the guture we can have
good confidence in our faithful God and Father
that nothing will separate us from his love.
All creatures are so completely in his hand
that without his will
they can neither move nor be moved.

My baby is so completely in His Hand. That brings me comfort.