Lois, the SIMPLE

I found this off of Jocelyn's blog so I thought I'd share!

“Taking the time for old fashioned correspondence is almost non-existent with the communication possibilities available today. Many people find little reason to sit down with a pretty piece of stationary to carefully pen a nice letter. Perhaps you enclosed a lovely bookmark, scented-pressed flowers, a photograph, or just a hello hug. So few know the joyous anticipation of this lovely gift!”

I’ve already enrolled in the Kindred Hearts Pals so that we can correspond through mail. I must say, I do enjoy getting letters in the mail, especially from people who I have come to be close friends with. It certainly does bring a smile to my face to see someone’s handwritten letter that they took so much time to write. If you would like to participate in this, please go to the Joyous Home site and submit your info. I would really encourage you to do so. It’s really for all ages!

If you would also announce this on your blogs to spread the word, even if you’re not going to participate, that would be great!

New Christian Take on the Old Dating Ritual

By LAURIE GOODSTEIN

Casey Moss and Kara Price never dated each other, or anyone else. They never shared a meal alone, never talked about their dreams or plans. They never kissed and never held hands.

Yet two years ago, when Kara was 14 and Casey was 20 and heading off to medical school, they pledged their lives to each other in an improvised ceremony at their church that they called a betrothal. They exchanged matching signet rings, promised to be faithful and considered their vows as binding as a marriage.

Only then did they set about getting to know each other and thinking of themselves as a couple. Last month, with their parents' permission, they decided they could start holding hands.

While their story may seem a throwback to the Victorian age, Casey and Kara are actually on the front edge of a small but growing movement among conservative Christian youths who are rejecting the dominant culture's approach to dating and romance.

They are not simply saying no to premarital sex. They are essentially saying no to premarital romance. Convinced that dating causes emotional pain, broken promises and sexual straying, they are trying to rewrite the rules for relationships.

Although a formal betrothal like Casey and Kara's is rare -- even in conservative Christian circles some would consider their union extreme because of her youth -- many people are promoting a similar hand-before-heart approach they call courtship. The commitment to marriage comes first, before a couple is allowed to begin drawing emotionally close. In some cases, they are little more than acquaintances. Even then they are chaperoned and kept accountable by parents, pastors or responsible peers. 

Jeremiah 10: 3-4 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

"Even if everyone celebrates a holiday for the wrong (pagan) reasons, doesn't mean that we are celebrating the same holiday for those reasons."

"Yes, I really meant it - I love your blog. :) I think it is wonderful and that you are such a joy to the Lord being so strong in your faith at such a young age. I would give my right arm if I could have been like you that young. It brings tears to my eyes. I had to come to the Lord the HARD way. You can read my testimony on my blog's sidebar. I hope my daughter grows up and is just like you.

God bless and keep strong in Christ,
Heather "

Titus 2: 3-5
    3The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
    4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
    5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Spoken by Walkersquiver  at 9:09 PM
I enjoyed reading your passion for the Lord. It gives me hope for my own daughter. God Bless!

 1In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

 2For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

 3If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

 4The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

 5The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

 6Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.

 7For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.