Reformation Day- Luther

I haven't posted here in a while and it has just been because I have been overwhelmed in the beautiful season I am in- the season of little ones. How can such wonderful children create so much havoc? For instance, did you know that one Hot Wheels car casually dropped into a wall heater by your 1 year old before bed is capable of producing enough soot to cover everything you own in your entire house? And, upon waking in the morning and surveying the coal mine you now live in, your three boys will squeal with delight that they can make tracks and see their footprints and handprints on everything? (And the next logical course is to see how many prints they can get all over the house!) This, my dear friends, is all that I could think about while cleaning:

Well, my husband and I certainly got a good laugh out of it and my house received a through cleaning. But, somehow I am still finding soot!

Anyway, today is Reformation Day for those of you who didn't know. In 1517, today, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of his church in Wittenburg which was the start of the Reformation. Luther studied the Bible and composed his 95 Theses to declare some of the ways the church's teachings were not Biblical, particularly the sale of indulgences. Here is a picture of the church door from Wikipedia:

I know that people celebrate Reformation day and I never have so I have no clue what I am doing. But, I thought today would be a wonderful way to teach my children more about Luther and the Reformation. I think that we might have a little celebration tonight if I can get creative! My hunt for ideas will definitely include the internet! So far, thought we have just read some about him from these books:





Also, there are some really great resources available for free today only through Justin Taylor of the Gospel Coalition:

What Was Martin Luther Doing when He Nailed His 95 Theses to the Wittenburg Door?

Some Free eBooks and Lectures on Reformation Day

Here is a massive list of Luther's works from Project Wittenburg.

Also, I highly reccomend this book on prayer and it has fantastic chapters on the Reformers and prayer. Prayer was a key issue for the reformers as they sought to base prayer on the Word of the Lord. I would highly reccomend you purchase this lovely book. I will be re-reading those chapters today for my own benefit:



Since I have never done anything with Reformation Day, I would appreciate it so much if you would share! Do you celebrate it? Do you have any resources that you recommend?

Finally, here is a beautiful quote from Luther at his trial at the Diet of Worms:

"I stand convicted [convinced] by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, and my conscience is taken captive by God's word, I cannot and will not recant anything, for to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."

I pray that my conscience will always be taken captive by God's Word as well.

Food for Thought in Election Season

I think that no matter how you vote in this season of politics, this is a good reminder from Charles Spurgeon:

"Let us whenever we shall have the opportunity of using the right of voting, use it as in the sight of Almighty God, knowing that for everything we shall be brought into account, and for that amongst the rest, seeing that we are entrusted with it."