Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord…(psalm 102:18)

Do whatever you can to help your children love Jesus, and be obedient to God. Protect them, father them well and strong and teach them to delight in a God who is majestic, glorious and grand.

Know that you are depraved. It keeps you humble. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9) Our children are depraved too.

Think about suffering, and know how to truthfully answer the question “why do bad things happen to good people?”  When you, or your family or a loved one close to you is suffering remember God’s faithfulness in the past and ultimately remember Jesus and that he bore our sin, and suffered even though he was blameless. I think developing a proper theology of suffering is crucial to a pilgrim’s walk. How haughty and arrogant we are when angry at God.

Look to Jesus, look to Jesus, look to Jesus.

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Be intentional in showing your children the many blessings they have. Get creative and cultivate thankful hearts in yourself and your children.  Tenderly and with wisdom expose your children to a greater world broader than the one they are consumed with in efforts to maintain a proper perspective on their blessings and sorrow.

Know God’s word.  Let’s be resolved to depend on that more and less on programs. Teach your children to know and read God’s word within the daily routine of  life. Don’t depend on a weekly activity at church to do that.  Don’t be lazy and say the Bible is too difficult to read or that study is too hard. Let’s be a little hard on ourselves and be people who are disciplined in prayer and reading scripture.

Sam and I were recently discussing a book titled The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind which argues that there is not much of an evangelical mind. I think the greatest challenge to Christians today is that our minds have turned to mush and we are doing an awful job of heeding David’s charge to Solomon:

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. “ (1 Chronicles 28:9)

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Phil 4:5-7)

The notes in my bible say “reasonableness is crucial for maintaining community. It is the disposition that seeks what is best for everyone and not just for oneself.”

Let’s be marked by our reasonableness.  Let’s get smarter and more disciplined. If we’re going to do this Christian life, let’s do it well.

The post advice – on parenting and being a christian in general. appeared first on Saga of Sam Sutter and Ashley Sutter.

Just a bit of good news on a Wednesday evening.

This necklace is a Noonday Collection top seller.

It is made in Ethiopia out of up-cycled artillery pieces by a very special group of artisans.

Today the Noonday home office received some great news from the Ethiopian group:

 ”Thank you for your huge order.We are very glad to inform you that we are

preparing to give a chance of work to 25 more women who are oppressed.“

Thank YOU for making dreams come true.

The whole concept behind Noonday is working.

If you want to be part of the solution – please contact me about hosting a trunk show.

When you host, you become an advocate for the oppressed.

ashley.noonday@gmail.com

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Spring Cleaning around my house unearthed some treasures  – one in the form of a notebook from 4 years ago, filled with the prayer requests of my small group girls when they were still in junior high. I had to smile – there was a lot of time discussing and praying for pets back then — I can remember constantly questioning if what I was doing was important – trying to get a bunch of talkative middle school girls to quiet down only to have them talk about sick cats for a while–and then try to connect that to something biblical.  I couldn’t believe they’d return week after week.

This weekend we’ll be attending a sweet 16. These parties are always a little bitter sweet for me. It feels like we’re dancing our feet off at a sweet 16,  go to bed, wake up and then all of a sudden I’m sitting around a table with the other youth workers planning that girl’s senior banquet. I can anticipate the challenges that will soon be upon them, and they’ll be walking some new roads which have the potential to make or break their young adult years.

I was thinking about their maturation in Christ through the lenses of what their prayer requests are at each age.  From praying for sick cats and geriatric dogs in junior high, to becoming concerned for their friends and their parents in high school to the really big things–anxiety over the future, doubts about their faith, longing to see God move through seasons of suffering–that college age girls have shed some tears over while sitting on my couch…All hard things for each girl in that moment.  All things that are being used to draw them nearer to Him.  

^“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:26,27

Easter morning at church I was surprised by what I was focused on – my small group girls. I so badly want them to trust in Christ completely for their salvation – Easter is a time to celebrate what God has done for us, simply because he loves us and how I long for them to deeply know that now, so the power of the gospel would carry them through every temptation and hardship.

As a youth worker who is now a mom, I often am questioning how to play my role – should I be more of a mom? More of a friend? When do I speak up and when do I just shut up and pray? And in every dilemma when dealing with high school students I am reminded that to change the minds and hearts of these girls, I must be first changed, the gospel ever affecting me.  But I am comforted by the activity of the Holy Spirit on their hearts.

One of my most memorable moments as a youth leader was when I was closing up small group one night, asking for prayer requests. One girl, who typically was honest and open about hard things, had not yet contributed. So when I asked her again if she had any requests I was overjoyed by her response:

“well, I could give you a long list. But God knows. I’m ok.”

I loved that because it indicated to me her humble confidence in God. The God of Psalm 46 – a God who is our refuge. Whenever I come to verses 4 & 5, I read and (pray for) my own heart into this Psalm, and now I pray the same for the hearts of our DHEFC students and gleefully rejoice as I see them faithful, humble and confident in a God who has saved them.

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.

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One of my professors once started a class by asking “what are the first names of your great grandparents?”

Not one person knew the answer.

Point is – in two generations you will likely be forgotten, and I found that kind of humbling, so it’s spurred me to ask questions – even about mundane topics.

Last month I was able to visit my grandma. She lives on the west coast and tended to come east to visit us. So I haven’t really been in her house as an adult and cared to ask questions like “what were you like as a young women?” or “were you as frightened after Pearl Harbor as I was after 9/11?”.

So I really enjoyed having the opportunity to look over her pictures and ask some of these questions – also, I found these pictures of her.  Visually, I’ve been finding them inspiring. I just love how women dressed in the 40′s. Whenever I watch a WWII period movie, I always wonder how did the women get their hair to do that. I asked my grandma – she said she can’t remember. She is in her 90′s, so I gave her a little grace.

My grandma looks like an anthropologie model.

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This is not my idea – you can find where I’m stealing it from here.

There are many things in life that I want to be REALLY intentional about, like how we celebrate Jesus at Christmas and Easter. There’s just too many things distracting us from what’s really important.

So, instead of an Easter basket – Miss C will be getting an Easter jar. It will be filled with some treats, and one egg. Within the egg – a verse, chosen by her parents, that we’ll be mindful of as we pray over her throughout the year.

This verse leaves me compelled. I read this, and I just want to follow him more. And when it was mentioned during the sermon yesterday – I decided this would be what I pray for my daughter.

When he saw the crowds,

he had compassion on them, 

because they were harassed and helpless,

like sheep without a shepherd.

matthew 9:36

So my sweet girl – it is my hope and prayer, that as you grow, that you will trust in Christ for your salvation, and grow like him. May you look at people and have compassion on them along with the wisdom to understand what they really need. Whomever is influenced by you, everyone from your little friends to the children of your own you might have – I pray that you will shepherd them with compassion – humbly leading them to Christ, knowing he is the good shepherd, the one they need. When others fail you and when you fail too – I hope you are drawn to Jesus and the grace he gives, for he sees you. He has compassion on you, and he has come to save you.

I took Miss C to Disney World, er…ah store.. She lovingly picked up this snow white doll and told me “Show Pop Pop.” Needless to say, Snow White came home with us.

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I went digging in the basement today and found a box of dearly loved books that were exceedingly influential on my heart and found this little gem – “The Reformed Pastor” by Richard Baxter(1615-1691). I laughed out loud for two reasons – a) My brain used to process so much more stuff, my nose is more likely to be found in a Toot & Puddle book and b) HAH! At the time I read this  I never could have imagined I would actually be married to a reformed pastor – I distinctly remember thinking that it was sooo freeeing to not be tied to someone in the clergy.

(Sam, you are a precious gift and I am amazed that God chose you for me. I don’t even play piano.)

Apparently I had held a page with a post-it and on that page was underlined “Now if the work of the Lord be not soundly done upon your own hearts, how can you expect that he will bless your labours for effecting it in others.”

Thank you vicar of Kidderminster for speaking straight to my guts.

I have been a hot (and I say hot because when I have cried tears of frustration they have felt like hot, angry tears. Don’t judge. Jesus says not too, it’s in the bible) mess lately – feeling overwhelmed by scheduling, upset and disillusioned. TGC had this great post that spoke to every {negative} thought I’ve been having.

Which brings me back to this – I need the gospel, I need to be reminded of it, refreshed by it and keep it in its rightful prioritized place.  I need it so I can be a minister of it to my husband when he is discouraged, my daughter when she needs to be disciplined and my small group girls when they share their burdens.

God sent Jesus to rescue me. At Easter we celebrate that he has risen from the dead conquering the punishment I deserve. Often, I learn about obedience through suffering, and it is hard and tough. But my inheritance is great.  People are lost, discouraged and looking for the good news. Today, I am encouraged because incredibly difficult seasons are opportunities for growth, illogical as that may seem.

God’s word is powerful, accomplishes much and changes me.  Last month I bumped into a girl who I had shared a verse with and she told me that I set her soul free with that verse.  Honestly, she had been getting on my nerves and I just wanted her to stop talking so I gave her that verse. And God used it. I gave it to her out of impatience (that’s not a fruit of the spirit by the way) and he used it.  Now you all know how awful I am. It’s okay, I believe in total depravity.

So I give you some of God’s word – and I pray he sets your soul free. If the gospel were drinkable, I’d want a whole pitcher. If I could eat it, we’d have it for dinner. I just need it so badly- the good news is, that everything the gospel encompasses is satisfying (Psalm 63).  Keep thinking about the gospel.

isaiah 25:8 

he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.

deuteronomy 4:31

The post i get by with a little help from my {puritan} friends appeared first on Saga of Sam Sutter and Ashley Sutter.

What would help? What type of developments should take place? What do the people need? How could the church be involved? Does anyone else care? What would improve the quality of life?

When I first heard about Source the Station, I was really excited. A few years back I had visited Greenville, SC and seen a snapshot of what happens when revitalization happens in a community (check out this website for a peek) . As I was standing in the midst of a beautiful green-space in the heart of the down-town area, watching residents walk by who were enjoying their community, I wondered why is nothing like this happening back home on Long Island…enter Source The Station!!

To understand the concept behind Source the Station, I recommend you watch the video below.   I want to be passionate for my community and be an agent of good change – that’s why I’ve been supportive of Source the Station.

On March 23^rd, STS will be hosting a Community Fest (10 am-4pm, in the parking lot across from The Yankee Peddler on New York Avenue – lot of games, food, music, etc).  I’ll be there representing Noonday, and hosting a trunk show where 10% of sales will go towards the adoption of a couple from the community who are waiting for their son or daughter to come into their life. I want to encourage all my friends to come out, learn more about STS and their efforts and come meet other people who care about the community. Let us not grow apathetic, or lazy or cynical.  I love being around people who are doing something, working earnestly for good change.  Come out and celebrate revitalization and love where you live.

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When it comes to parenting, every now and then I feel like I need a little pep talk from Jimmy Dugan(Tom Hanks) in a League of Their Own.

“ It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard… is what makes it great.“

Of course he was referring to baseball, but I’d say the same for parenting.

I have a sweet friend at church who always makes me laugh when giving  advice on parenting. I’ve really come to appreciate the calm she always brings to my calamity.  The first tid-bit I received  from her came when I was rushing (late) into church with my cranky, teething baby. Noticing I was stressed/frazzled/a mess/needing help she kindly, quietly said:

“When my kids were teething, I took a little shot of whiskey, stuck my finger in it and rubbed it on their gums…then I finished the shot. The pediatrician said it was ok. ”

If you find me rushing into church late and sneaking a flask into my purse – you know who to blame. We’re working on our molars over here. Just yesterday I saw her and she joyfully admired my sweet, almost 2 year old little girl.

“Uh, oh…almost time for the terrible twos. They’re actually not that terrible. Your strategy just has to be to win. Win every time.”

She just makes me laugh, and that is mostly what I need to do when the parenting days are long and full of a hundred little battles of BIG wills held by small people.  I hope when my children are grown, I’ll be able to encourage other young mothers  through humor and  a sentiment of  ”this is just part of raising a child, I’ve been there and although it’s hard at times, it’s good.”

(PS these pictures were taken on a cross country flight – a particularly difficult time as a mom!!)

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It looks like we’re bracing for a huge storm to hit us, which reminds me that there is PLENTY of winter left – so snatch up these Noonday Samples from the Fall 2012 line.

Here’s the rules -

I will sell products on a first come/first serve basis. I prefer that you email me {ashley.noonday@gmail.com} if you’d like to purchase an item (or items!!), but I will be checking the comments below.  Remember I only have 1 of each item. Play nicely ladies!!!

I prefer paypal as a form of payment – but will accept cash/check if local. If you have any questions about payment, just let me know.

If I am shipping an item to you, I charge a flat rate of $5 for the first item, and $1 for each additional item.

These items are samples, and thereby will be sold as is, and are not returnable.  Some items might have been lightly worn-mostly to trunk shows.

Thanks for helping me clear out my Fall/Winter Inventory – your purchase will help me stock up on the Spring/Summer 2013 goods!!

Did I mention the Spring Line launches live on my website March 1st? !!! I can’t wait to share it with you!!, there are some gorgeous pieces at great price points! Score pretty things while helping to provide pathways out of poverty, on top of supporting the adoption of orphans?! Sounds like a win to me!!  Noonday affects so many people who need the help. I’m so honored to be a part of it.

Is your Noonday List looking a little long? Host a trunk show and qualify to earn free product! It’s easy, it’s fun and in doing so you become an advocate for oppressed people groups around the world.  Your action makes a difference.

But now for the fun part….time to get shopping!!!

1. Angelica Infinity Scarf – currently $58, I’m selling my sample for $40

2. Bouquet Necklace – currently $36, I’m selling my sample for $25 - get it before it’s gone, this top seller Noonday Piece will be phasing out… THIS ITEM HAS ALREADY SOLD!

3. Cubist Cuff in Gold – currently$26, I’m selling my sample for $15

4. Funky Paper Bead Necklace – currently $30, I’m selling my sample for $20  SORRY, THIS ITEM HAS SOLD!!

5. Kampala With Love Necklace – currently $48, I’m selling my sample for $28 - this is a Noonday Top Seller – great opportunity to own such a popular piece and help the artisan group Noonday helped launch! THIS ITEM HAS ALREADY SOLD!

6. Knotted Nobility Necklace – Currently $92 (also, it’s back ordered so get yours now!!), I’m selling my sample for $75 - this is a stunning piece, I’m a little sad to part with it – would be great for wedding season!!  SORRY THIS ITEM HAS SOLD!!

7. Zoe Necklace in Turquoise - currently $48, I’m selling my sample for $35

8. Pelotas Bracelet in Rose – currently$15, I’m selling my sample for $10 - this was a super popular piece and will be phasing out, so get it before it’s gone!!

9.  Tagua Seed Bracelet in Lava – currently $28, I’m selling my sample for $18

10. Wola Noni Bowls – currently $38, I’m selling my samples for $25

11. Zip Up Wrap – currently $78, I’m selling my sample for $65 - this has been one of my top sellers this season – snatch it up quick!!!

The post Noonday Collection Fall/Winter 2012 Sample Sale appeared first on Saga of Sam Sutter and Ashley Sutter.

Life with a newborn was certainly an adjustment. Instantaneously a new mother becomes the overseer of  hundreds of new crucial details.  You can’t even imagine how crucial some of the details are until experience shows you.  So you end up learning a lot. And forgetting a lot. And laughing and crying a lot.

When Miss C was around 2 months old, I lost my keys. I turned the house upside down looking for them.  I had a spare set so I spent a couple days utilizing it with the hopes that the other set would turn up. It didn’t, so I ventured to Home Depot to have some keys copied so I’d have two sets again.  A couple more days passed and the beautiful early summer sun turned to rain.  I was itching to get out of the house so I settled for a walk through the mall.  Upon parking I got out, walked to the back of my car to open the trunk to get the stroller out. Lo and behold my keys were dangling from the key hole.  They’d been residing there for about a week. I had been driven myself mad looking for them. I had driven my car all over town running errands, and yet there they had stayed. I had become that mom.

The newborn phase is rough,  because where your attention was once captivated by many  things, all of a sudden you’re just really focused on getting a good feeding in. Why should I also have to know where I left my keys?

For a while I have been drafting a post on all the things I’d like to say to a new mother but have not been able to organize my thoughts into words.  In the process of becoming a mom I was surprised by how much the Holy Spirit was showing me about learning to sow gratefulness and contentment in my heart.  I was hormonal (a google commercial made me sob), tired, stressed out by the laundry, and often felt lonely and isolated because my husband was super busy and I was just home- living in 2 hour cycles.

It’s amazing how forgetful we really are – and I’m talking more than losing keys.  The greatest tragedy of my life was losing a child in miscarriage, and since that day I had longed to hold my child in my arms.  Now I had been given that child and I’d catch myself running a lengthy list of  things I was unhappy about.

There are days where I want to retreat from all my responsibilities, and then there are days I find myself so grateful that as my husband’s wife and daughter’s mother I have the gift to set a certain tone in our home.  I’m grateful for the power in God’s word, and for being in Christ because it enables me to change.  In reading Ephesians today I was struck by Paul’s directions in Chapter 5, and how apt it is that these verses precede the section of Instructions for Households In Christ.

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is…Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If I could go back to that hazy newborn stage I would preach the above to myself, with great urgency.

Thoughts??

//many thanks to my Noonday sister McCall, who invited me to be a guest blogger on her own blog, for a series entitled “I Am that Mom” …If you want to keep up with ministry life in New York, visit www.suttersaga.com where I’m normally found!//

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