I get these occasionally from Michael Halpin, and thought you might appreciate this one too.  He said I could share it on my blog with you.

Blessings,

Nancy

HAPTOON: OUT OF EVERY NATION

Hey there!  Hope your week has been good so far!

I had a discussion with a dear one today about change.  This person has been praying for much lately, and hasn't seen the fruit of her prayers.  She was adamant that God wasn't hearing her prayers at all.  Prayer is no good she said! 

Well, after pondering her frustrations I began to see a word picture forming.  We were in a room that needed painting badly.  I told her that if we looked at those situations that needed changing, and didn't see any results it didn't mean that God would never act on our behalf.  Sometimes we don't see the answer to our prayers....even in our lifetime!  But we aren't to give up praying.  That is trust.

When we see something that we can change, like a wall that needs painting, but we have already convinced ourselves that it isn't ever going to get any better even though we hope it is, it probably never will get better. 

But we can decide that it is going to get better with our help, so we pick up a brush and get busy. 

Prayer is like that.  We can pray and trust and "maybe" we will see that change, we will see the outcome.  It might not turn out how we planned, but God will do what He will. 

But if we stop praying, we can't even hope for the outcome.  It would be nothing but a guessing game. Fate, consequence, happenstance. It will never happen, at least we won't be able to give God any credit.  How can we?  We have already given up hope. 

 But if we trust Him and keep approaching His throne, He is a rewarder of those who seek Him diligently!

We can sit and stew about just about everything.  Or we can pray and trust.  And we can act upon those things we can do in the temporary world, just as we can pray and trust that God will do His will in the eternal one.

A little paint can change your whole outlook, but you have to pick up the brush and get busy. 

 And a little prayer, said in faith,  can go a long, long way.

Nancy

"Thanking God today for those who prayed for me and yet never lived to see what God has done in my life.  They taught me a lot about trusting Him."

Oh, that's right.  1 Corinthians 13.  These verses: 

Or sit, actually. 

If you read my good Fry-day post, you might remember that I said "Sheep Are Dumb." 

Well, I found out today, that not all sheep are dumb!  The two lost sheep are back with the flock!  They wandered home on Saturday.  I can't tell you how thankful I am. (And they aren't even mine!)

I think there is another very important lesson here.  Even though "I" gave up on the sheep, however reluctantly, they knew how to get back to their master.  I am amazed, because they were a few miles from home.  They were across pastures, over creeks, through hills and valleys.  They were without water, unless they got a drink from the creek.  They were at the mercy of dogs, coyotes, and other predators!

But they made it home.  Spiritual application?  Don't give up on anything OR anyone!  Have faith, keep praying.  Only the Master knows the outcome and He doesn't give up.

"I lay down my life for the sheep"  John 10:15

Blessings,

Nancy

A couple of weeks ago I posted on how we either do, or don't redeem the time while doing mundane tasks......such as the dreaded dirty dishes.   I got a lot of wonderful ideas from my blogging friends on what they direct their thoughts towards, while their hands are working hard to bless their families while they scrub and scrape, rinse and stack. 

It's easy to get in a rut of complaining---think of those Israelites and all the murmuring they did!  All the while being led by the Lord with a cloud during the day to keep the heat off, and a fire by night to keep the chill off.  And they were still grumping, even to the very point of forgetting who God was, and what He had already done for them....AND was doing for them at that very moment! 

As homeschooling Mom's and Dad's we need to guard our tongues, and our minds---because as they say, little pitchers have big ears. You know it's true that most of what they learn from us is caught, not taught, even though we strive for that daily!  The lessons they learn are what they hear, and see.....us doing.....not necessarily while we are talking directly to them!  So are they seeing you complaining and grumbling while you go about your day? Or are you singing, praying, memorizing scripture, or even training them, gently, kindly, respectfully and patiently while you work together?  Now, please don't think I am coming down on you.....I am not perfect myself, and we all are works in progress no matter who we are or how old we may be.  Just take this little soap-box nudge from me with the spirit it is intended, and remember, a little Joy goes a long way at the kitchen sink, and just about everywhere else you are!

Don't forget to go read the comments on the original post.  And be sure to leave me some good ideas too, ok?

 From Philippians 4 (a little bit paraphrased by me)

 1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

2 I implore my blogging friends to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with homeschool mom's and dad's also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Blessings!

Nancy

    I know there are a lot of us running around like turkey's with our heads cut off today, and we aren't sure why. ( Actually, I am sitting here hoping to bless you, while my husband makes me a coconut merangue pie!)

  But back to YOU. 

 For some folks this is a depressing time of year for whatever reason.  And those reasons are valid, your feelings are your feelings and no-one can take them away from you.  BUT you can shift your focus and start thinking about something, or SOME "ONE" instead of those joy and peace stealing thoughts!

I always know that the Lord is trying to get my attention, when I read His word He means for me to take it to heart.  But, when He REALLY wants my attention, He sends me the same scripture verse from several directions at once, sort of a Holy bombardment, so to speak. 

 This week it was Isaiah 55: 1-3.  First, a postcard came from a local church here with the words on it:  "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? " Isaiah 55:2.

And then, "I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly."  John 10:10b.  (That is the someone I was talking about, who has come, you know---the one who was in the manger.....)

Later that night, I found an old copy of "An Encouraging Word,"  from Wisdoms Gate.  It was a couple years old, (Issue #41) but there was this article that jumped right out at me called Godliness with Contentment, by Skeet Savage.  Right in the first column, there it was again;

  "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy , and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not?  hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.  Incline your ear, and come unto Me:  hear, and your soul shall live;  and I will make and everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."  Isaiah 55: 1-3 

So I decided I had better listen.  We get caught up in the fun, the merriment, the buying of gifts----but there is always some remorse, couldn't we have spent it more wisely?  But it is fun, but what about so and so who really needs such and such......ok, so maybe I am the only waffle around here, but even though we do our best to "give" during this season, it comes at a price.

The Lord has so many ways of curbing our sorry behaviour.  And, no, I am not trying to make you feel guilty, the only person who can bring conviction is the Holy Spirit himself living in us.  But we have had two kids sick (haven't had any sickness since last April, and now the van isn't running.  Last night it was, today, we are stuck here.)  God is so clever!

My husband was listening to the radio (probably Rush or Hannity or someone like that, ) and there was a call in about Christmas traditions.  One lady said they take a family portrait every year and then put their fingerprints on the back---as a symbol of giving themselves, and their talents to Jesus---they wrap it and make sure it is the first thing opened on Christmas day.  What a neat thing!  So that is what we decided to do.  And even though it isn't necessary, it's fun, and it helps keep our focus on Him. 

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, filled with joy and peace in your home.  And remember, if it isn't, you just need to re-focus, on the Son. 

 When He is looking down upon you lovingly,

and you are looking up at Him, longingly,

that, my friend, is when everything begins to FOCUS.

Blessings Abounding,

Nancy

p.s., here is a neat link to some Christmas Midi music----check it out!

We had a very long, exhausting but very uplifting day today!  Our HUGE sale was on TV, and we had many people come down and support this effort, but only a handful of volunteers.  We are just chalking that up to a very busy weekend for everyone, but boy are we beat!  As soon as I close, I will hit the hay :)

We made over $1000 today!!!!  All of this will go to America's Second Harvest, which has even waived their small administrative fee for us, so all this goes right to the relief effort.  We are so blessed!  Most everyone was very supportive, and gave donations sacrificially.  We even had  a band there for some very upbeat shopping music----called "Cool Dirt."  I kid you not.  They are a classic rock band, although not my favorite genre of music in my "old age," they were WONDERFUL people and we were thrilled to have them come and support us too.  We also had a bounce house for the kids and plenty of food for sale etc. 

One more day to go, and then we can rest again.  So tomorrow, we will  head over there----I know it is Sunday.  But we will still have our house church worship time, and then go do what the Lord has put in our path to help with on this lovely day.

God is good!

Have a wonderful Lord's day, y'all!

Nancy

Hi everyone,

A local homeschooling mom with a big heart here decided to host a huge rummage sale for the hurricane relief effort and it is happening this Saturday and Sunday!  We spent all day there today sorting, folding, laughing, praying, and tomorrow morning we open at 7:00!  The donations that came in were awesome!  It is a huge undertaking, and unfortunately, there are a ton of other events going on here so we don't have but a handful (less than a handfull) of volunteers. 

Please pray for this event, for the hosts, for the Lord to send volunteers, for the people to come and support it, for a blessing on those who donated AND last but not least, for the people we hope to help because of  it.

Thank you!!!

Nancy

Remember the families I was meeting with last week?  Well, I never got back to you and told you about their situations, or how the meetings went. 

I wanted to give you a quick update, and ask you to be in prayer for:

*L* is a young girl who wanted to be homeschooled.  She is supposed to be going into 9th grade, and the local school she would be attending is a very rough place.  She had the foresight to NOT want to attend there, and you see she is an honor student and seems to have a lot going for her.  Please pray for *L* and her Mom and Dad, as they basically become the facilitators for a self taught, academically motivated girl.  These are working class folks and this is their first experience with home education---and jumping right into high school is going to be a challenge for them, but I know there is great potential there and since you can't cheer them on face to face---will you please pray for them?  Thanks!

Now, on to *M* is a mom who has been homeschooling for several years now.  She wants to boost some skill areas that she feels like her children are behind in, and so I gave her some ideas and resources that will hopefully help. She also confessed that they have been a bit isolated, and she feels that she needs to get connected with some other Moms out there for support. 

 Just a side note, my take on homeschool support is this:  It is available, and it is up to you and your personal needs as to how much you take advantage of it.  I think we need to be proactive on ANY needs that we have.  Don't wait for it to come to you, seek it.  If you want to meet some homeschoolers, it is up to you.  You can go to a group, and even if you are an introverted soul, you can still make a friend.  To make a friend, be a friend.  Have you ever heard that before?  It is true.  Your homeschool support system is only limited by YOU.  Make something happen.

Back to *M*.  After talking about books, styles, curriculum, schedules, no schedules, etc., for some reason I felt like mentioning an article I had read by (gasp) Michael Pearl, in the No Greater Joy magazine a little while back called "Jumping Ship."   (Be sure to read part one and part two---and I don't know if there will be anymore installments...) Now, there are some very graphic "points" in this article, and I absolutely did not allow my kids to read it.  BUT the premise is this:  Why do Christian kids leave their family's teaching behind and jump on the worlds band wagon?  One simple reason is this: Joylessness in the home.  If it's grim and depressing where we live, the world's "party" is going to be a magnet.  Of course you and I both know that particular party will have consequences that may last a life time.  But the thrill always looks really good at the time.

So I mentioned this article......and mostly because it applies to my life, not trying to indict anyone else.  Especially someone I just met.  But then this dear woman began to weep, and through her sobs told me that one of her children had run away.  And at this writing, has been gone a week.  This family is hurting.  Scared, worried, feeling empty, the whole gamut. 

I would like to talk more about the Joy aspect of our lives, or the non-joy part.  But that will have to come later.  Right now, I just want once again to ask you dear friends here at HSB, to lift this family heavenward. 

God is faithful. 

 We know the father of lies wants to break up every family who has a hearts desire to live for Christ.  But we can't let him win.  We are more than conquerors through Christ who died for us. 

 And we need to intercede for this family.  Gods Word does not return void, and this young person who has run away has HEARD the Gospel.  Pray that it will take root in this child's heart, and they will return home.

Thank you!!!

Nancy

Yesterday, when the mailman drove up I let my dog out of the house so she could bound down the driveway and...................get a treat from "Ric" our regular mailman, and friend. No, I wasn't "sicking" the dog on the postman!)

 Ric has been driving our route for so many years now, I have forgotten, and he is the friendliest we have ever had.  He always has a treat for "Midi" our black lab.  She adores him.  If we take her out, before he gets around the circle to our house, she moves like a hand on a clock, watching the mail truck stop at each house.  It is SO funny to watch her.  Then when he pulls up infront of our house, she jumps up on the side of the truck to get her treat, and practically takes his thumb with it.  Then she usually sniffs out another treat hidden somewhere.....she's such a greedy thing. 

Anyhow, Ric shared with me that his wife was just diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and the prognosis isn't good, from the natural standpoint.  But we serve a supernatural God, and I told Ric we would pray for her!  Won't you join me?

We were at a store later, and the lady in line in front of me had three beautiful hanging pots of petunias.  I noticed a lot of "party" supplies, shrimp, crackers, fruit, plates, etc., and was wondering what the occassion was. One of the petunia pots fell off her cart, and we started to visit.

 She shared that they were getting ready for a wedding tomorrow, and the hail storm we had this week completely wiped out all  the flowers in their yard, pond, etc., that they were hoping would grace the outdoor wedding in full bloom.  I felt compelled to offer her some of my own potted flowers, but she declined.  She was worried that it would rain again, and ruin the outdoor wedding.  I offered to pray, and she accepted!  God cares about every little detail in her life, and yours and mine.  Will you pray with me for sunny weather tomorrow?

That evening, we went to the grocery store for snacks for our Mom's Time.  Since I have been shopping at the same grocery store for over 10 years, I know a lot of the clerks.  One dear lady shared that her "beau" is struggling to understand God.  Only the Spirit Himself can do this work in "Larry."  Won't you trust with me that he will come to know Christ in all His fullness?

This morning, my friend Mary called to tell me her husband, was just diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.  Another similar diagnosis like our mailman's wife!  They thought it was pneumonia, but no.  Mary's husband has been a pastor, and loves the Lord.  Let's pray for them.

I just got an email from a friend in Hawaii who I haven't talked to in months!  The Lord brought her to my mind just in the last couple of days, and can you believe it? She spotted me on HomeschoolBlogger!  God is so good isn't He?

Thanking Him today for those friends who abound, and prayer opportunities found!

Nancy