Heirloom of MY LIFE
Apr. 12, 2009
Flashback to the '80s

Flashback to the ‘80’s April 11, 2009 Today was a good day of working for the LORD and a modernized attempt to get the gospel to the masses via the internet. Before I explain what we did, allow me to share the history behind what we were able to do today. June 23, 1986--at that time we lived in Astoria Queens, NY. At the time, we were so small, that we couldn't afford to rent a place for services. We met in our apartment once-a-week for Bible study, which we conducted like a regular church service. There was singing, prayers, fellowship, and sermons. To be public, and open to guests, we would meet as a group on the same street corner at the same time every Sunday. The address was printed on all our tracts. Obviously, only the serious enquirers showed-up. After waiting a reasonable amount of time, usually 15 - 30 min. we would walk back to our apartment for some light refreshments and church. Always on the lookout for interesting or different ways to get people's attention, Pastor Bob got the idea to start a phone ministry. Pastor Bob's idea was to record a short gospel message on an answering machine. This was a painstaking process. There were no hi-tech gizmos available to help us. Pastor Bob would write up his sermon. It had to be exactly 3 minutes or the cassette which played on a loop would record over the beginning of the message. We also had business cards printed up with the title of the message or a catchy short phrase or question that would peak the curiousity of those who found the cards, and phone number. When the message and cards were ready to go, we would make a "midnight raid". Literally. With rolls of scotch tape and stacks of cards, we would go to areas that were busy by day, and tape these cards to doors, storefront gates and windows, apartment building entrances, parking meters, etc. Any place we could tape them without causing damage to property, we put them up. By the time we arrived home after our raid, the phone was already ringing off the hook. Hundreds of calls came in after these raids. Though we don't know if anyone ever got saved as a result of this ministry, MANY people heard part or all of the Gospel. A total of 5 messages were done. Speeding up to the present day, we still have the original cassettes these messages were recorded on. They have been digitized, and today they have been put back into use. If you would like to listen to any, or all of them; please follow the individual links below. Share them with your friends, relatives, acquaitance. Feel free to link your website or blog to them too.Be sure your computer sound/volume is on. http://.AbsolutelyFREEGIFT.webs.com http://Are You Prepared.webs.com http://NeedGoodNews.webs.com http://PlanfortheFuture.webs.com http://harpingonHELL.webs.com

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Apr. 6, 2009
Future Family

Today my mind is wandering to the future. Many questions are whirling around in my head.
Alot of them have come about as a result of the mission's conference last week. The need for workers in the fields is great. Each missionary, each field, made me ask, "Is that where one of my children will go?"

In our flesh, in our physical world, at least in our family/home, we don't have much to give as far as money goes. Yes, our home is beautiful, glory to God, and it is a great gift of love from Him to us, but our home is more than just the painted walls, and furnishings. What we have to give is priceless. We have offered up our children for His use. Now I realize that their full surrender to God is a personal choice that they must make for themselves, but we as parents desire our children to be vessels fit for the Master's use. Our heart's desire is that God will take them and use them, and that not one of them would refuse Him.

These thoughts have alot of emotions attatched to them. As a mom, in one way the last thing I want is for my children to go live in a distant land, and only visit with us every few years. I don't want to go to bed at night and wonder if my child is safe or being watched or taken to prison for preaching the glorious Gospel of Our LORD Jesus Christ. In my flesh, in the natural mother's heart, I don't want them to go very far from home, EVER. But with eternity in view, I want them to go for God without thought for dear old mom and dad. I want them to be consumed with Jesus. In fact, the last few months I have really begun to expect that in my golden years, if the LORD tarries that long, I will sit in my rocker, praying for my children, grandchildren, and maybe great-grandchildren, to stay by the stuff, to keep on for God, to fight the good fight, to finish the course, to reach for the prize of the high calling of God.
My mind is set upon them all being far from me, and yet close to my heart. I am expecting them to be warriors and servants in distant lands, to go to the regions beyond and to say with all that in them is, "Here am I LORD send me"

And if the LORD determines that they need not all go so far away to serve Him, then i will be extra blessed.

I give up my children for the service of the KING of Glory-Jesus Christ. What more can I give?

The other question that naturally follows, well several of them, are: when and where will they go? will they marry? who will they marry? when will this all come about?

David is on the verge of marriage, Godwilling. What plans are in his future after that?

We are so isolated, it is hard to keep my eyes of the practical issue of meeting prospective brides or grooms. Years ago I wrote to a precious sister about this matter. I told her that I believed that if necessary God would bring them to our front door-their car could break down, or asking for directions, or "accidentally" finding the wrong house. When I get a case of "how in the world will..." I remind myself of this...God's way are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. He can do anything, nothing is impossible with Him. All we know is we want God's choice.

When a family friend was about to marry, I began to fret, and wonder how we would ever be able to give our daughters wedding gowns and pull-off even a small wedding. This was going through my mind on a Tuesday as we drove home from town. Tuesday was the day that the clothes house was open (over the years we have gotten many items from them free of charge) so we decided to stop on the way. We ran in and then out pretty fast for us. But oddly enough they had a wedding dress that particular day. Never before had I seen one there. As we drove up the hill for home, I went on and on about the wedding dress, chiding myself for not getting it. After we unloaded the van, Bob told me to take Charity back and look at it again. Off we went. The wedding gown was still there. We carefully removed it from the hanger, and one of the workers came over and held it close to Charity. I looked like it would be a perfect fit. Then more of them workers gathered nearby, formed a circle and prayed for her. They GAVE us the dress! As we were leaving they asked when she was getting married. I just had to laugh as I told them, she didn't even have a "boyfriend". They were amazed, and yet happy to give the dress to her.

To Charity, it seems to be a promise that one day she will need that gown.

To me, that was more a blessing to me than to Charity, because I'd be wondering about buying all the things you'd need for a wedding. It was God's way of telling me, in a dear, loving, gentle way, "Terry, see, you don't have to worry about anything. I've got it all under control"

During the missions conference, they had special sessions for just the ladies with the main speakers wife, Mrs. Ireland. She spoke on the topic of "Prodigals". I wasn't able to talk to her but she really helped me by repeating my own words back to me, though we have never met. But during her lesson she said something very profound. "Control is an illusion" God is the one at the controls, He allows things to occur for our good, and learning.

The greatest thing I can do as a wife and mother is to stop trying to control anything and reliquish control to my great Father, who doeth all things well.

The future of our family will be full of changes, the unexpected-good and bad, but God is in control. And we know His way is perfect.



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Apr. 5, 2009
SOAP and Sermons

This is just going to be brief because I am totally wiped out today. The late nights, up to 2am+ for over 2 weeks has caught up with me. 

Today we figured out how to put sermons online. The first one is from today. It is called COME OUT. You can listen to it on our site www.boazbaptist.com/sermons  or www.sermon.net/boazbaptist  Remember that we are a small home-church, with a relaxed atmosphere. The purpose of putting this sermon out there is to help, to edify, to encourage. We apologize for the less than great quality. We are in the process of getting the proper equipment to record digitally. Thanks for your understanding and patience.

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Feb. 18, 2009
Forgotten Mission Field


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Jan. 29, 2009


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Jan. 3, 2009
Happy Betrothed Couple

 

  This is my son and his "espoused" wife.  They have not set a date yet,. This was taken New Years Eve. Don't they look happy, and so cute. LOVE the huge space between them They are trying so hard to keep things pure and holy.  Would you believe she is 8 yr. older than he is??? She is very sweet and beautiful inwardly too. Photobucket


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Dec. 8, 2008

Posted in HOMESCHOOL FAMILY CIRCUS

The link I am posting today, ok, 2 of them are sensitive topics for many people, and will possibly make some readers really upset. I am not posting them to create a stir, but simply to give information so that you, and your spouse can make informed decisions.

Both are prevalent in Christian circles, and one especially targets homeschoolers, even producing their own curricula. The other has permeated Christian college campuses since the early 1980's. Recently it was brought to my attention because someone told my son he is a "sanguine" and I had to explain to him what it was. It is unfortunate that many times we fall into the latest fad of Christianity with out understanding the root of it. Neither do we consider the consequences. We are all guilty, including me, of wanting to be "with it".

Bill Gothard

Spirit Controlled Temperament


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Dec. 2, 2008
A Good Day

Am I the only one who's whole routine is thrown off when a holiday or appointment comes along???  Are my children the only ones who seem to forget what school is, much less want to do it after a mini-break--even if it is only half a day????

Today was much better than yesterday. Yes, we started late-nothing unusual there-but at least we finished in a reasonable time.  Which means Mom gets do something besides cooking and schooling today! Yeah!!! 

My sewing has piled way up, and now there are the projects I MUST complete for gift-giving.  One year I am going to plan to make everyone the same things and do it assembly line fashion. That will save alot of extra little things that eat away at my time.

For those of you who read the previous post Mote V. Beam, I can't tell you how much your prayers and comments have meant to me. The LORD has ministered to me greatly, and my husband too. The one thing about stuff like that is that the more it happens to you, the more you learn to let it go, or become a bitter old bag that no-one wants to be near.

When you are in or put in, a position of being...ok...I'm gonna use the "J" word...cover your ears kiddos--JUDGED... and you are hurt, or angry, or... you have to make a choice.  You have to choose whether you will let it destroy you, spend time with the LORD about the matter seeking His judgment on the matter, and/or let it go. People are going to point fingers no matter righteously you live. Not one of us will ever entirely live up to one another's convictions, standards, etc. 

All of us are hypocrites down deep inside, even if we chose to ignore that little fact. Our flesh and our human spirit are weak. If not for the Holy Spirit, we'd be sunk.

I am not saying we should just let everyone believe what they want, as long as they believe in something.

I am not saying there is no right and wrong, no black and white.

I am saying that many issues of controversy, are shades grey.

For example:  I think smoking is horrible. I hate it. Can't stand to be anywhere near it. makes me sick. And while I have heard it preached for all my life that smoking is a sin, there is not a scripture verse anywhere where God says, "Thou shalt not smoke".  It would fall into the category of self-control, or being under a power (nicotine) that control us; instead of being under the Holy Spirits control. 

Another example is...dresses only for girls. Let me make it clear here that I am a dresses only advocate. BUT there's not a verse of scripture that tells women to wear dresses and men to wear the pants. But the principles are there. God condemns a man being effeminate--which we see is quite prevalent in todays society--, so it is implied that a woman being masculine-which is also prevalent- is not a good thing. We all make a point of saying God created Adam and EVE, not Adam and STEVE.  Therefore it is good and proper that women dress and act like women and men be manly and look/act manly.

 

Well, my pies are finished baking so I have to run.

 


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Dec. 1, 2008
Motes and beams

 

This past week we had yet another session of the brethren getting on his/her high horse because of something we say and/or do.

Please dear ones, heed this warning. Be careful who you share your life with, who you are honest with about your personal and private home life. Don't be so quick to let your "secrets", or sins, or vices, or faults, or obsessions, or likes, or loves, or...  out in the open, UNLESS you fill in the blanks of the where, when, why, how much or how long, and what type/style of the "thing" in your life that most of the brethren hide or fail to disclose, for the reasons why I am writing this now.

Yes, I am being vague, and I apologize for that.

My husband is great, and he is especially passionate about reaching out to brothers and sisters, and trying to encourage them in life. He also seeks to challenge their thinking on doctrine. But last week he made the "mistake" of being honest with someone about something, and without them knowing the who, what, how much... etc the listener took it upon themselves to brow beat him over the phone.
 
Why is it that we have to preface everything we say about our life, especially with things that someone might believe is wrong, such as TV, movies, books/authors, sports, hobbies, computer/internet, music, ..... I have personally seen the looks...you know the type of look that a NON-TV person gives when a TV watching Christian lets it be known that they watch TV. 
 
Because of our recent confrontation, I am sure that we need to explain the who, when, how often,... immediately following the disclosure. 
 
Many people grew up in homes where TV was on every waking moment, and for some household members, was on all night too.  And that was when TV was not as bad as today.  But if you indulge in TV programs, you almost have to share your watch list, and explain that simply because you watch EMERGENCY doesn't mean your set is on 24/7; or that you are in agreement with everything seen, said, and done. OR the maybe the person watches only specific channels or programs or news or sports or limited time each day/week.
 
This is true for sports fans. Does a football fan have to hate the sport bcz there are advertizers who promote drinking?  Is it wrong to like basketball bcz players live immoral personal lives?
 
How about newpapers?  They are full of garbage...dear abby, gossip, horoscopes, one sided political statements.... are they any better than the TV  or sports?  Isn't sin a sin a sin a sin...if indeed the "thing" in dispute is a sin according to Scripture.  Mind you I am not saying sin isn't sin. 
 
You might even recall my own gripes with romance novels, even Christian ones put unrealistic ideas into the minds of women-married and single. Then when ones husband, father, beau, isn't as "romantic" or regal as the hero from the novels, it hurts. Fiction is often hard to keep in it's proper place when it is so appealing to our female emotions and spirit...but I digress...
 
WHY do we have to prepare a statement to explain, not necessarily justify, our choice of entertainment--for lack of a better word?  WHAT makes brethren think it's right for them to call one on the carpet for this choice? 
 
It has become quite tiresome to have to be on guard from the bretheren who are ready to lunge and plunge a knife into your chest when you engage in some activitiy or pastime from which they have chosen to abstain.
The saddest part is that often is the case, that the brother or sister who decided to launch an assault on me/us on one matter, is/was, humanly speaking, engaging in much more gross activities, and appears to have rebuked me/us to take or keep the focus off themselves.  Kind of the mote and the beam scenario.
 
Mind you that what has often hurt the most about this happening, is that they go by their own experience and not the facts of the situation. (refer to the previous mentioned TV paragraph) On top of that, to be calling a "friend" to encourage them, to see how they are doing, and have them turn on you, so to speak, well, it HURTS!  It would be nice if the "friend" could put off their sermon until the next phone call.  I know the verses about rebukes, and reproachiing, correcting etc...  but there is a proper time, place and manner, and often is the case, these facts were not considered, to my knowledge.
 
The reason I am writing this is not to justify anyone or condemn any specific person. No. This is my plea to the bretheren at large, be sure you have all the facts before you start hurling stones and weighty words at someone who has come to you aid.  It is rather like a person drowning in the ocean, and the lifeguard swims out to them, risking his/her own life, and when they get to the victim, he/she starts telling them how ignorant and stupid it was for them to swim out risking their life for another  person.  Or a sick dying man killing the only dr. who is capable of performing the surgery he needs to live. 
 
But sisters, we do this type of thing all the time. I am NOT saying we should condone sin, but at the same time we need to be careful to have all the facts, to have the right spirit, to be sure our own life and heart and mind, are perfectly in tune with Christ and God before we start to preach harshly at others.
 
I apologize for this being so.... jumbled.... it's been on my mind for a week now, and it is hard to say that we have to stand against sin, but we have to be sure the situation isn't a mote v. beam one.  If we strive for that, I think that there will be far less controversy personally between brethren and the Holy Ghost will have free course to convict of sin and bring true repentence. 

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Nov. 25, 2008
Prayer needed

Monday, November 24, 2008

Please Pray!!!

Please read this story here to find out the horrible things that are happening to these boys/girls homes that have been helping troubled kids for years. Your prayers are truly needed for all of those involved in this! Let's fight the forces of Satan by coming to the throne and finding grace to help in time of need!

The Hephzibah House is another that has been attacked and they are already trying to pass legislation to shut down all homes in that state.

These kids are so much better off in the environment and programs that these homes offer. They need to stay up and running!

FEEL FREE TO POST THIS ON YOUR BLOG ALSO! WE NEED TO GET THE WORD OUT TO CHRISTIANS ACROSS AMERICA AND THE WORLD!

Please comment if you are praying!


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Nov. 25, 2008
Missing Simple Words

How often have your read the Bible, and really didn't READ what it said?  Your eyes go over the words, and the words go into your head, sometimes, and ....

I don't know about anyone else, but I love the "AH HA" moments that occur when we read the Bible. You know the kind: when your reading a familiar passage, but your half reading it from memory, or skim reading, (admit it, you do that too, right?) when without any warning a word or two, maybe a whole phrase or verse is transformed into a flashing neon sign. 

Has that ever happened to you???  It happens to me, and when it does, oh my, talk about goosebumps! 

Well, I'm going to show you one of those flashing neon signs that Bob pointed out to us on Sunday morning.  As part of our family Bible study, we are reading through the New Testament on Sunday morning, kind of like our version of Sunday school.  Last week we took a sidepath and studied marriage/remarriage from the Bible; this week we finished Matt. chap. 19. 
 
Thus we come to
 
Then were there brought unto him little children, 
 
Why were they brought to Jesus?  To be baptised?  To be healed? To be blessed?  (I wonder if this is where Catholicism gets the infant baptism) 
 
These are familiar passages to us, and often we interchange the accounts, verses etc from teh Gospels.  Or in our busy daily schedule we glance over the words, with an unspoken, ya ya ya attitude/ mentality. But when we do that, and I am including myself, we miss important details. Then again, The LORD knows all, and He knows when we will see the details, or when we NEED to see the details and it is when we are able to bear it, or when it will be most valuable to us, that we see it or it is brought to our mind by the Holy Ghost.
 
That's what happened to my husband this week as he was preparing Sunday's lesson. 

He was just reading along, and SURPRISE, out pops
 
 
that he should put his hands on them,and pray:
 
Children were being brought to Jesus for him to PRAY for them, over them... My thinking is, yes, Jesus blessed them, but not in an eerie ceremonial almost creepy manner. He simply touched them, to pray for them, over them....  It might be true that some were not physically whole or healthy, but Scripture doesn't say that.

From the perspective of a Mom....  WOW! If I could take my baby somewhere and have Jesus Christ himself do that, I would too. In many baptist churches it is customary to have a baby dedication, and the pastor holds or touches the infant and prays for him/her and the parents dedicate their baby to God and His service.  So who among us wouldn't have taken her children and sought out Jesus to put his hand on them. I can't even imagine the power in his touch. Think of the woman who touched the hem of His garment and was healed. ALL she touched was His HEM. Imagine touching His hands, having Him put His hands on you, or your child. Seems like that alone would do somethings unimaginable. 

Have you ever seen people overcome to the point of tears and trembling because a popular actor, singer, or political figure shook their hand, or they saw the person up close, or they spoke to them.... A perfect example can be seen in a clip from the Ed Sullivan Show when the Beetles made their first TV appearance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k23OX_p4VvY
 
 Or in a clip of the audience watch Elvis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1Qo1eaWF8c 
 
Listen to the audiences... don't you think that you or I might have been that excited to see Jesus? I sure wish that was so. I wonder if any of us are anywhere near that excited to see Jesus at all?
 
The Bible tells us the crowds thronged him. Mar_5:24, And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
    Luk_8:42, For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
 
and the disciples rebuked them. \
 
 
This is very sad....I don't understand why the disciple rebuked them. Perhaps it was their way of protecting Jesus. In their way, they might have felt that the people were bothering Jesus, (which we can NEVER do) so, like a modern era bodyguard to a celebrity, the disciples took it upon themselves to keep people away from Jesus to let him rest, or eat, or sleep, or.... 

 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 
 
Isn't that a blessing????  This confirms that fact that we are NOT bothering Jesus when we come to Him for any want or need, and especially if we just want to have him to touch us, to give us something.

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.Mat_19:13,-15
 
Jesus not only rebuked the disciples for keeping the children from him, but he did what the parents wanted, he laid his hand on their children and prayed. How often do we miss out on ______ because we simply don't want to bother the LORD JESUS with out cares, or dream?  The truth is that usually it is WE who don't want to bother asking or praying. That Jesus is our last resort instead of our first choice.  

I KNOW that all too often Jesus is my last resort. I get the attitude of "well, all I can do now is pray, and trust the LORD." That isn't the way it should be. We/I should be boldly going to the throne of Grace whenever we/I have need. That's a blessed privilege given to us because of Jesus Christ. Read Heb. 4.
 
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Heb. 4:16
 
No doubt all of us could benefit from being a little bolder before the throne of grace, and more timidly in everything else.
 
If this spoke to your heart today, all praise and glory to be to God. 
 
Love,
Terry at home in PA
 

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Sep. 26, 2008
Adventures of Fuzz-Fuzz

Adventures of Fuzz-Fuzz


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Sep. 22, 2008
Learning Styles

Learning style? What's that?  If thats what you're thinking, this is for you. When we started homeschooling in 1990, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. At that time, I knew of 3 curriculum publishers (Christian ones)_BJU, ABEKA, and ACE.  Fast forward almost 29 yrs. later--how can it be that long--and wow, you could build a library just to hold all the catalogs of homeschool materials, and new ones are coming out all the time.

We were more than halfway through with school for my older children before I even heard of learning styles. At the time the problem wasn't figuring out their style of learning, but how do you incorporate the individuality of styles when schooling more than 1, or 2 children, AND, how do you do it with grammar????

Looking back, I should have explored it further, but as many of you realize that little thingy we call time, it just didn't allow it. And with 3 little ones... we just did our best. 

The rest of this post is from http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/  I hope that you will glean some ideas that will restore the joy of learning to both you and your child/children.

 Overview of Learning Styles

 

Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.

Using multiple learning styles and “multiple intelligences” for learning is a relatively new approach. This approach is one that educators have only recently started to recognize. Traditional schooling used (and continues to use) mainly linguistic and logical teaching methods. It also uses a limited range of learning and teaching techniques. Many schools still rely on classroom and book-based teaching, much repetition, and pressured exams for reinforcement and review. A result is that we often label those who use these learning styles and techniques as “bright.” Those who use less favored learning styles often find themselves in lower classes, with various not-so-complimentary labels and sometimes lower quality teaching. This can create positive and negative spirals that reinforce the belief that one is “smart” or “dumb.”

By recognizing and understanding your own learning styles, you can use techniques better suited to you. This improves the speed and quality of your learning.

The learning styles are:

Why Learning Styles? Understand the basis of learning styles.

Your learning styles have more influence than you may realize. Your preferred styles guide the way you learn. They also change the way you internally represent experiences, the way you recall information, and even the words you choose. We explore more of these features in this chapter.

Research shows us that each learning style uses different parts of the brain. By involving more of the brain during learning, we remember more of what we learn. Researchers using brain-imaging technologies have been able to find out the key areas of the brain responsible for each learning style. For example:

  • Visual. The occipital lobes at the back of the brain manage the visual sense. Both the occipital and parietal lobes manage spatial orientation.
  • Aural. The temporal lobes handle aural content. The right temporal lobe is especially important for music.
  • Verbal. The temporal and frontal lobes, especially two specialized areas called Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas (in the left hemisphere of these two lobes).
  • Physical. The cerebellum and the motor cortex (at the back of the frontal lobe) handle much of our physical movement.
  • Logical. The parietal lobes, especially the left side, drive our logical thinking.
  • Social. The frontal and temporal lobes handle much of our social activities. The limbic system (not shown apart from the hippocampus) also influences both the social and solitary styles. The limbic system has a lot to do with emotions, moods and aggression.
  • Solitary. The frontal and parietal lobes, and the limbic system, are also active with this style.

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Sep. 16, 2008
Foggy Brain and Pulling the Plug

This season of sickness from which we are emerging feels much longer than it really is. It has definately given me a greater appreciation for our overall health and wellness. Praise the LORD that it is temporary, and that we will one day leave this behind, and even the worst pain and suffering will be forgotten.

Bro. Bob had a birthday on Sat. We baked him a cake. He was very touched to get a new Bible and Charity made a cover for it. I'll work on loading some of them later. I am a bit rusty at all this, and now that we are moving back into a normal routine, there is so much hanging over my head that I almost don't know where to begin.  Guess I will need to make some lists and prioritize tasks. 

My brain has felt foggy the last month or so. Email and basically even a conversation has beeen hard. For the first time in several years I have gotten online only to sit and play games.  Then I start to feel guilty about NOT feeling guilty. Isn't it amazing how the enemy wants to control us with guilt? 

Bro. Knox preached a sermon when we were up in NY, and I forget which one it went with, but he reminded everyone that though our souls are saved, our mind is not. That is why Paul talked about "renewing our minds" that is why we must immerse ourselves in the word of God. The only difference between a Christian who is living for God and one who is living for self, is God's grace, and staying in the word. Keeping our hearts clean. Renewing our minds daily. How shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed there to according to thy word.

In the past few weeks of quarantine by our own volition, I've thought alot about my dilemna with my friend--the phone call from a previous post--and I realize a few things. The reason I am going to share this with you is to help those who might read this, should they be enveloped in a similar situation. Some of what I am going to tell you I have not yet done, yet. But I hope to be able to soon.
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Confession time: don't hate me, ok?  While we've been sick we've watched a good bit of TV. In fact, we never watch so much of it except when we are sick. It is discouraging really--you finally can't do much but sit and stare, or "veg-out" and there is nothing suitable to see.  Anyhow...I am getting a little ahead of myself.

Reverse.... Since that fateful phone call, I have done MUCH thinking about it. The rest of this post is a conglomeration of my conclusions, and response(s) to my friend. 

First, my beloved friend, is not living her life for the LORD JESUS. Her goals and desires are not well pleasing to Him. In fact, I hate to admit it, but some of the things she enjoys are completely opposite of godly. And I mean that in the fullest sense of the words. There were some sports she was into for years. Yes, it bothered me--the beer ads, liquor company sponsors, and the numerous commercials for mens products, and worst of all , this all was on Sunday--is it any wonder these folks in the sports world don't see a difference in our lives and have no desire for Christ?  Ok..sorry...coming back now... ALL that I could "live with" and just shook my head to myself. The history between us is not the greatest. There were many years of silence between us, because of childhood wrongs done to her. Each encounter I am reminded and blamed for everything wrong in her life. alright..sorry..I guess I have just held this all in so long it is spilling over and making little sense to any of you... don't feel bad, I can't make alot of sense out of it either.  Anyway, the history lesson had to be given so you see where this is all coming from... alot unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, that has freely grown over the years, and held onto like a trophy. 

So, what am I to do?  About 6 maybe 7 years ago, there was a huge turn about between us. She was going to church, growing, saying all the things a christian who wants to please God says.... The old contentions between us seemed like they were forever behind us, and we became BESTEST FRIENDS up until 2006.  I though BFF.

I'm not sure WHY, but in a few short months we went from   to    .  To this day she has never told me what I did or didn't do. And from there, 2006 to the present, it's been a downward spiral. Nothing I say or do amends the problem.  Honestly, I am not strong enough, or weary enough, yet, to pray, whatever it takes LORD. The possibilities of WHAT it would take, and the SEVERITY of that, is a bit overwhelming at this point. 

My foggy brain... sorry.... This is heavy on my heart and mind. It isnt' everyday you lose your BFF, ya know???? 

Guess what I realized?  The unravelling of our BFF-ness... I refused to see it, I clung to it, and wouldn't let go. That is why it is unravelled instead of just a clean break.  (Many marriages are like that, but that is another topic for another day) 

It seems to me, now that I have stepped back a bit from it, that I tried to keep a friendship alive that was already dead. Our friendship was on life-support--and I am/was the one with the choice of pulling the plug, and I didnt'. I kept hoping if I did this, or tried that, or said this, or just didn't say anything...... it would help. I've watched in silence as she destroys her own life, but refuses to accept any responsibility for her actions. In fact, she sees nothing wrong with her actions, and when she does she excuses herself somehow. For example, were any of us who know her, to be cranky or extra sensitive one time, and snap at her, she'd be highly offended, no matter what the reason, BUT she snaps, and bites, and tears, and rips at the people who care about her, who put up with her, who love her, and denies she hurt them, or makes an excuse for it-hungry, tired.... and we are all to just take it. And we have, to keep peace. well, it hasn't worked. 

Remember I am just putting all the pieces of this scenario together even though it's been in the works for decades, literally!! 

She commented to me that I always think I am right. Naturally I protested. LOL  But in retrospect, understanding her rationale, I can see how she feels that way, even though I thought I was just trying to be a good friend and help. 

Unfortunately, you can't force someone to accept your help. And when they too have been well taught what the Bible has to say about sin, and they disobey God's word, and they know you are trying NOT to disobey,...it just doesn't sit too well . That is why she accused me of thinking I am always right.  In that sense, she is correct.

Regardless of my calling or not calling enough, what we had 3+ yrs ago has died. God can revive it, but He won't force that. And neither should I. That is what I have tried to do all this time.

She may very well had justifiable reasons to be upset with me, but the diffference in where we are at in our walk with the LORD, is why we are at the point of no fellowship. (and I say that with all humility, because I KNOW KNOW KNOW that it is ALL GODS GRACE that I am here and not out in the world, living for the flesh, and the devil)   Its really hard to know when to let go sometimes. But I am letting go of the friendship that was and is no more, and if God so wills to grant us a new lease on that friendship, I'll take it, but for now I have to step aside and stand for righteousness and holiness.

I do not know the state of her mind and heart as God does. From what I hear, see and know, it will be a long road to recovery. I don't know all of what she has involved herself in, but some of what I've seen is rebellious and evil and wicked, and it feeds that side of human nature. (It would feed my flesh, selfish side if I got into too). 

Part of me wants to tell her that the real issue isn't between us, it's between her and God. I don't like not having peace about her salvation. She stated that when she was really bad, 10yrs ago, she still felt guilty so she knew she was saved because of that. However, except for the few yrs she was going to church, if the fruit in her life is evidence of anything at all, it says loudly that her salvation is questionable at best. She grew up in church, hearing what was right/wrong. It is natural that she'd feel guilty, but not evidence of being saved, right? 

One thing is certain, I will always love her, and I will never purposely be unkind, or try to hurt her, even though in my flesh I want to reallly give her a piece of my mind, for this present time until whenever, for the sake of my children and I,  we MUST take steps away her. This is to keep us sane, prevent future fights, and in accordance with Scripture 
Eph 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

 

I' know that many of you might have already faced a situation such as this with you family, friends or neightbors. And like anyone who has had to do this, it isn't easy to do. 

My heart is very open to restoring her, ASAP, but she has to want that. Right now, that seems highly unlikely. However God's ways are not ours,and just when we think all is lost, Jesus comes walking on the water and works a miracle. 

Please pray for all of us, and the God will be glorified through it all


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Sep. 10, 2008
Tidying Up

General Newsy Update Crosspost

With finally feeling like we are on the upswing from illness, I realize how far behind I've gotten, not just in keeping in touch with family and friends, but life in general.

Today I decided that I have to "tidy up" my desk, since I am forever on my children about how cluttered theirs are. "Do as I say, not as I do" mentality has been mine for a long time. Honestly, though, I do TRY to keep my desk clear. Everyone sees it as a "dumping ground" for papers, catalogs, mail, and any other odd or end that they don't know where to else to put it, hence, it ends up on my desk, or windowsill. Sometimes one of them will get creative and set it among my few nic-nacs hoping I won't notice. They do this with cutesy or new small toys that they want near them during school time.

As I am writing this, The LORD put it on my heart to ask this question: Isn't that what we do with God? Isn't that how we keep our hearts and minds, or how we live our lives?


I/we are like my children. God says to "keep they heart with all diligence", "abstain from all appearance of evil", and many more admonishments about He wants us to act, walk, talk, think, pray. Unlike me, God, and His ways are always perfect, righteous and holy. He doesn't have to take time to "tidy up" Himself. He is altogether lovely, spotless, clean, and in him is no darkness at all.

Father has set the perfect example. He says, this is the way, walk ye in it.

If we aren't careful, to keep our hearts and minds, these will be a dumping ground for all manner of sinful thoughts, ideas, imaginations, and evil. We get cluttered with an assortment of things that clutter up our thinking, and make us less effective, or ineffective servants. Then we falter in our ministry at home, church, and to the lost world outside our doors.

Speaking for myself, lets just say that my children don't just happen to be good at sneakiness by accident. They are sneaky because Mom can be sneaky too. Usually it goes against the grain for me to share my faults and sins with others. Most of us proclaim our own good. Given the chance, many of us would beam with pride if someone erected a billboard glorifying us. It might be slightly embarassing at first, but when people saw it and would start to notice me, I think I'd start to think, I'm not such a bad gal after all. It would take alot of effort to hide my faults with more people watching me all the time.

God watches us all the time. He sees it all. He knows it all. Every intent of our affections, and actions are before Him. Gulp! When my children were little we used to sing the song, "Oh Be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down in love, oh be careful little eyes what you see." The song goes on to the ears being careful about what they hear, the hands-what they do; the feet where they go; the mind-how it thinks... for the FATHER up above is looking down in love OH BE CAREFUL>>>>

Along the way to adulthood, maybe it is getting caught up in academics, and busyness of daily life, but we go about our business without a thought to God. How conscious are YOU of Father looking down from above? Truthfully, I am oblivious to that fact most days. That is a terrible thing to say, but it is true. Instead of wondering what would Jesus do, we need to think about the Father looking down in love and how we must grieve Him with forgetting He's even watching. Forgetting that He knows all we see, hear, think, do, where we go. How we must grieve Him day after day.

If your own child disappoints you, if a friend or loved one disappoints you, and you and I, we are fallen creatures, saved by grace, but we are flesh and blood, and imperfect. Doesn't it make sense that God, the Father up above, perfect, holy, sinless,...is disappointed in us.

I don't want to disappoint people. And more importantly I don't want to disappoint God. But shamefully, I often strive to please people more than God.

Let's be careful not to grieve Him. Let's thank and praise Him for His everlasting mercy and grace, the tender mercies that are new every morning. Thank Him for His great love wherewith He loved us, and the continuous love extended to us because of Jesus Christ.

And now dear friends, I am off to finish my task...tidying up my desk....and my heart.


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Sep. 9, 2008
Sickness, rugery, and Storms

With us all being so sick, including Bob, we have had to cancel church for the past 3 weeks. That alone throws life off, add to that the fact that we have all felt like doing nothing but sit and stare into space, or sleep,…you get the idea.

 

BESIDES all of us being sick/getting well, dear Joshua had a gall bladder attack. His gall bladder was functioning at 24%. The ER doctor told him it had to go, but we needed to get a referral from his primary physician (PCP). The PCP made an appointment for Monday (which would have been yesterday). Since we had to go to the hospital for me to have my labwork down, and the surgeons office was right across the street, Bob and Joshua went to the surgeons office while I had my blood drawn.  When they met me back at the hospital waiting room, they were on their way back to the ER bcz the surgeon wanted to see Josh up there. There was some confusion and mixed messages about this but the surgeon arrived much sooner than I thought he would. He looked over the previous lab results, ultrasound, etc; then he ran through some of the common symptoms of gall bladder trouble (Joshua had them all for a LONG time); then he drew some pictures of what he planned to do, and assured us that if there was only blockage he’d clear that and leave the gall bladder in place.  The Dr. admitted him right then, Thurs. afternoon, and he would have surgery on Fri. morning.

 

Surgery went well, but Joshua felt a lot worse than he thought he would. He told us when they took him to the OR he had to tell them not to start bcz he wasn’t out yet. LOL  They allowed him to stay at the hospital until Sunday afternoon. The surgeon told him Sun. that he is surprised the ER Dr. let him go home bcz Joshua’s gall bladder was so enlarged from all the backed up bile, that it’s a miracle it didn’t burst.  Praise the LORD for His protection. 

 

Joshua is home and on the mend. He has the usual pain, but is glad it’s over with.

 

Anyway, as many of you know, since last Sept. or Oct. our family has been through a lot. Many storms have come our way, and you start to wonder if you will survive it all.

On Sunday we listened  to this sermon, and it was such a blessing and encouragement that I thought I would share the outline and link with all of you. Maybe you are weathering a storm right now. Just remember Jesus cares and knows all about it.  You might feel forgotten by your friends, and loved one, but He is there, guiding, protecting and ensuring that you don’t drown when the waves go over you head.

 

A storm that seems small to you, may be huge to someone else. When you’ve gone through a hurricane or tornado or survived a blizzard a heavy rain or snow might seem small to you, but to one who has only seen a shower or flurries here and there, even a little have rain or few inches of snow might be all it takes to rock their world.  Keeping that thought in mind helps me to have compassion on others when they cry or even whine about something that seems small to me, because from where they are seated it’s BIG.

 

This sermon was really perfect for me. It blessed me so much. 

 

 

How to Find Peace in the Midst of Your Storm

 

John 6:16-21
(Program 2158, Airing on 08.31.08)

                                                                                                           I.            I AM GOVERNED BY HIS PROVIDENCE

                                                                                                                                                 A.            Matthew 14:22

                                                                                                                                                     B.            Psalm 107:24

                                                                                                                    II.            I AM GROWING BY HIS PLAN

                                                                                                                                                         A.            Psalm 4:1

                                                                                                                           B.            There are two types of storms

                                                                                                       i.            Correcting storms – when we’re outside the will of God

                                                           ii.            Perfecting storms – when we’re inside the will of God; God uses the storm to grow us

                                                                                                                 III.            I AM GRACED BY HIS PRAYERS

                                           A.            The finished work of Jesus is Calvary; the unfinished work of Jesus is His prayer ministry

                                                                                                                                                        B.            John 6:17

                                                                                                                                                 C.            Matthew 14:23

                                                                                                                                                    D.            Mark 6:47-48

                                                                                                                                                    E.            Hebrews 7:25

                                                                                                          IV.            I AM GLADDENED BY HIS PRESENCE

                                                                                                                                                        A.            John 6:20

                                                                                                                                                 B.            Matthew 14:27

                                                                                                                                                    C.            John 6:12-13

                                                                                                                                          D.            1 Thessalonians 5:18

                                                                                                                      E.            The Lord waited to calm the storm

                                                                                                                                                                    i.            Isaiah 30:18

                                                                                                                                  ii.            His wait is strategic and deliberate

                                                                                                                                                        1.            Raising of Lazarus (John 11)

                                                                                                                                                    F.            Habakkuk 2:3

                                                                                                                  V.            I AM GUARDED BY HIS POWER

                                                                                                                         A.            He is the Great I AM (John 6:20)

                                                                                                                                           i.            Proclamation of His presence

                                                                                                                                         ii.            Announcement of abundance

                                                                                                                VI.            I AM GUIDED BY HIS PURPOSE

                                                                                                                                                        A.            John 6:21

http://www.lwf.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8353&news_iv_ctrl=1381

 

 

 

 


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Aug. 27, 2008
Placemats for Character Building to make

http://www.xanga.com/Titus2Mentor/671967873/the-heart-of-the-matter-place-mats.html

 

We are going to do these tomorrow.


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Aug. 26, 2008
Needle in a Haystack

Today I was searching for a needle in a haystack, at least that's how I feel...and I feel that way alot when I am looking for information or resources on the internet. It seems that every possible help would be at our fingertips in some far corner. I didn't find MY needle though.  However, I did come across some interesting websites that might be helpful to other homeschool moms, especially those on a teeny budget, and/or those who prefer to be eclectic.  I hope these will be helpful to you. 

  • The Home School Mom Freebies--educational

    The Teachers Corner

    Enchanted Learning  Printable worksheets, workbooks, printout for thematic studies.

    Education World Printables and links all academic subjects and topics. My children love the Writing Bugs!

    Multiplication facts Our children HATED memorizing their times tables. It took them ages to nail them down, and they did so only because they saw how necessary they are in real life.  This keeps it interesting.The variety that is.

    Multiplication Station  online game

    Cybersleuth Math  Linkf to a variety of genres and resources. 


    What was I looking for????  We are studying rocks and minerals. I was trying to locate video or photos of a real archaeological dig.  Know of anything like that??? Please let me know. I tried the smithsonian institute, discovery, nova and the like.... Oh well, this is the last week of gathering information and all that. The children have until the 8th to complete their lapbooks on Archaeology and Rocks.

    Collecting rocks is another matter. We are going to keep that up until early spring. I'll try to remember to post photos of their collections then.

    I didn't forget about the lapbook videos either. It crossed my mind to do it today, but both STARS are coughing with frogs or horses in their throats. LOL not sure which!

    Charity was a great help today. She did all the housework and made dinner.

    Bob popped into the Dr.'s office to weigh himself and he is down another pound. Total lost in the last 2 months is 10lbs. Overall loss (in 3 yrs.) is 38#.  We both have regular appts. on the 8th. Ugh! I always over or under estimate how much weight I have gained or lost.

    A little later I'll post the links to the sermons from last weeks conference. They weigh heavy on my heart, and I am grieved bcz as much as I want to do right, it is such a struggle. A few yrs ago I made the statement that I am not always able to live up to my own convictions, and to all that I believe is right, and Biblical.  One of my friends couldn't understand how I could say that, and chided me for it, stating that it wasn't possible, that it was like a fountain that sends forth bitter and sweet water. Even as I began to confess my fault to all of you, the LORD reminded me of the Apostle Paul, who in Romans tells us he had the same trouble. The spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. Pray for us dear ones. The LORD has alot of work to do, and Praise the LORD that He's still working on me!!!! I always like the song>>>

    He's Still Working on Me  Such a simple song title but powerful meaning. Think about it!
    WORDS & MUSIC: Joel Hemphill

    He's still workin' on me,
    To make me what I ought to be.         
    It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars,
    The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
    How loving and patient He must be,
    He's still workin' on me!

    VERSE 1:
    There really ought to be a sign upon my heart,
    "Don't judge me yet, there's an unfinished part."
     But I'll be perfect, just ac-cording to His plan,
    Fashioned by the Master's loving hand.

    VERSE 2:
    In the mirror of His Word, reflections that I see
    Make me wonder why He never gave up on me.
    He loves me as I am, and helps me when I pray,
    Remember He's the Potter, I'm the clay.


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Aug. 12, 2008
Shuffle off to Buffalo

 

This is my last post until we get back on Monday.  It's been a busy, crazy day...a real mixture of excited anticipation and S_T_R_E_S_S  STREEEESSSSSSSSSSS..... But we are all anxious, in a good way, to see what the LORD has in store for us at the meetings.  Every turn of the clock brings with it fresh provision for our needs to get us there and home again. It is really neat to see God work when you go by faith, or plan to do so. The dear Bro. who is coming to our church, he's 73, and can't walk very well, but is able to care for himself. He wanted to go with us too. And we wanted to take him along. The catch was finding a place for him to stay. We pulled out the video of the first Blitz in 2003, which this is not a true blitz, but a memorial for Bro. Hance whose heart was street ministry/preaching. 
 
Watching the video was bittersweet. There are many faces we do not see anymore bcz the world, the flesh and the devil have pulled them away from serving Our Blessed Saviour. On the other hand, there are faces we can't see this trip because these dear saints of God are off in distant lands preaching the gospel to the people there. That is bitter-sweet.   Oh my, seeing my children, they were so small, and zealous, and comical. Joshua is so small, and his Bible looked huge under his little arm. And he looked adorable in his dress clothes complete with suspenders.  He was so happy to be holding a scripture sign for Jesus.  David too was small, holding up a banner the same height as he was, and having his bible tucked in the back waistband of his pants--he thought that was the greatest thing EVER!  So many memories!!! It was at that blitz that Josh was called to preach. At one blitz Joy got saved. Charity was saved at the next one. And David got saved, or is sure he got saved, the week after we came home.  Obviously, these trips are not about having a vacation, though for us, the getting away, the fellowship, the camaraderie around dear brothers and sisters in Christ who serve the LORD with gladness and love Him so much makes it FEEL LIKE a vacation. It is such a season of refreshing. Any of you who have the means and the time to make the trip should come and see for yourselves. Each year somehow changed our lives for the glory of the LORD. And that is what we need, we need to be conformed to the image of Christ more and more, and have a heart that is glad the HE CAN USE US. Instead of thinking to ourselves that he is lucky to have us; or we are nor worthy, or not able to serve Him. In our flesh and our own strength we cannot serve or bring glory to Him, but the BLessed Holy Spirit enables us to do things which humanly seem impossible.
 
For example, I have learned to play the piano. This desire has been in my heart for a long time, but it was after that first blitz that God showed me HE can teach me (though the words of a dear bro.) bcz HE created music.  Though I do not play very well, and have MUCH MORE to learn,  Jesus is teaching me to play. And I LOVE IT!  I can lose myself at the piano, playing for hours and hours, if I didn't have my family to take care of.  It is my sure belief that the reason why God has used these meetings, the sermons, etc, to change and mould our lives for the better for His use, is because we want that. We WANT Him to use us. We WANT to be busy DOING HIS WILL. That's not to say we don't have moments that we doubt, or wonder what His will even is...but HIS will is on our hearts and minds, to find it, or try to do it. Yes, we fail, miserably. But that is when He is all the more gracious, loving and kind. He doesn't tell us to get away, or push us off, but pulls us close to His loving breast, dresses our wounds, dries our tears and pats us on the back with a "there, there my child" and we can go on BECAUSE OF HIM.  That's why we are where we are, why we do what we do, why we ANTICIPATE with JOY what HE has in store for us this weekend.  PRAY for us, Please!!!!
 
David and I talked on the phone for more than TWO hours last night!!!  God is so good. What a blessing! What a miracle. Our chat was a little bit of goofiness,you  know the kind that you get into on the phone, but it was more about life and the things God is showing him, and leading him. He just oozes JOY in Jesus LETTING him serve Him. That was his exact words. My heart is overflowing with joy!  I put together some school supplies to encourage him as he starts Bible School in a couple weeks. When your son tells you he is reading his Bible and praying, and sharing with you how the Holy Spirit speaks to him about this or that, and brings scripture to his mind; when he called  here about 2 weeks ago to tell us he'd led a 13 yr. boy to the LORD when they were out street preaching in Buffalo--let me tell you he was EXCITED!!!! Bouncing off the walls excited.  PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!
 
Alrighty, I know I wanted to gab a bit more about other things but we are leaving around 4am, and I have a few things to do before I hit the hay....so I will send this off to you.  Please keep us all in your prayers. We need all we can get. 
 
Love,

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Aug. 8, 2008
Class of 2008--Homeschooled, by God's grace and power, all the way.


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