Horizons Math Grade 4 and K,The Reading Lesson, Sequential Spelling, Lifepac Language Arts 4, Apologia Astronomy, Veritas Press New Testament/Greeks/Romans
Prima Latina, Contenders for the Faith and various Winters Promise books, Live Mocha Spanish, Plants Grown Up
"In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened itr and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their contents. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird: "Books I Have Read," "Lies I have Told," "Comfort I Have Given,'' "Jokes I Have Laughted At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "THings I Have Done in Anger," "Things I Have Muttered under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be suprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes there were fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my twenty years to write each of these thousands, possibly millions, of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I cam to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed contents. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. Suddenly I felt an almost animal rage. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took the file at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, slef-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt in my my stomach shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out in shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please, not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.
I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands, and began to cry again. HE walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on those cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and continued to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written."
Pg. 104-106 of I Kissed Dating Goodbye By Josh Harris.
If you haven't noticed, I LOVE this book (Against the Wind). I really think all Christians should read it ,or at least one book by KP Yohannan (this is my third). He is so great at convicting and inspiring you to take your walk with the Lord to a deeper level. And I really love that because we are doing a weekly study on the book I have been forced to slow down are truly think about each chapter (as well as blog about it) for a week before moving on. I think I should do that more often! Too often I find these wonderful reminders in books, but I read through so fast they just dont get the consideration they deserve. As wonderful as the entire book has been, I think maybe this was my favorite chapter thus far...
Now on to this amazing chapter:
Disciple Makers
"He[Jesus] lived with them[his disciples], laughed with them, and taught them day by day through various situations of life. He intentionally invested His life into them, knowing one day they would go and do the very same thing-teach what He had taught, and bear witness to the truth. "
While K.P is talking about making disciples of new believers, I couldn't help but think about the 3 small disciples in my very own home. This is WHY I homeschool. To make disciples of my children, but am I remembering that every day? Am I purposely living EACH day in a way that is teachiing my children His truth and how to love Him more? I was convicted to really ttake that calling more seriously...
We are responsible for the good measure the Lord has poured into our lives, responsible to pass it on to a younger brother and see him grow up to be a man of God who goes out and in turn makes disciples. We can not simply accrue all of our spiritual knowledge for our own sake-it is to be given out, used to encourage, edify and build up the family of God.
As the chapter went on I was convicted about being transparent. I am not one to hide any aspect of my life, but I often dont post about my struggles. I figure my purpose is encourage, not complain, but the times I have shared my own struggles I have gotten more feedback about how that has encouraged others to know they are not alone in their struggles.
Are there brothers [or in our case, sisters] who come to your house regularly and spend time with your family? Do they know how you live and what your weaknesses are? Do they know about the times you have had to repent to your wife [husband] and kids, or are you keeping the door shut? No worker is truly God's worker who cannot expose his life to others whom he is trying to help. Let your life teach others what it truly means to walk with Christ.
This reminds me that I should not feel annoyed or ashamed when I have to pause a conversation with a sister in Christ to correct a child misbehaving, or clean up a glass of spilled milk.
Dependence on the Lord alone is central to our lives as we live for and serve God.Our attitude must always reflect that belief that God is our only source-not information, evaluation and judgment from culture, someone else's view or our own prejudices.
Thus says the LORD Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD...Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD , whose trust is the LORD For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to bear fruit Jeremiah 17:5-8
Many times our natural response to any difficulty, challenge or task tends to be. "What must I do to get this done?".We look inward to ourselves, or outward to friends, family or doctors. Most of us do not naturally think "I have a headache; I need to talk to the Lord about this. The Lord is my healer. "
Do you depend on your own energy and strength?
The Lord resides with the lowly and humble, with those who will depend on Him and give glory to Him.
In all things we must look to God alone as our source, continually living lives that recognize who we re, and stay dependent on Him.
I just finished reading the Moody series out loud to Andrew. Previously I had read the 1st one, and had little Peter summarize the rest for me and recommended them based on that. But EACH BOOK GOT BETTER! Not only are they an amazing wholesome series for children to read, they were so convicting for me as a Christian. These are my favorite childrens books ever!
It really convicted me to have a real passion for lost souls. Those of my neighbors, but even the bag boy at the grocery store and telemarketers!
I am also reading Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends.
I haven't even mentioned it to my children yet, but I myself have again been so convicted about Biblical truths. I am really enjoying it!
I'd seen this book recommended a few places, but didn't take it too seriously. After all I have the anti-clutter thing down. But a couple weeks ago I saw it at the library and felt compelled to check it out anyways. I thought, maybe there was more to learn about clutter?
I'm really glad I did. This book was about much more than physical clutter in your home. She addressed clutter in your mind (thinking about an abundance of things that are not the things of God), clutter in your heart, even clutter in your finances. I was really convicted in a number of areas! Simply put; until you declutter your heart, any changes to your cluttered home or cluttered life are only temporary.
The author breaks down verses from Hebrews 12 and applies it to how Satan uses different kinds of clutter to keep us away from the Lord.
She says "Clutter is more than stacks of magazines and unused kitchen gadgets. It is anything that complicates your life and prevents you from living in peace as you live out your purpose. Clutter is anything that doesn't add value or meaning to your life the way it once did. Unused, unneeded material possessions are only the tip of the iceberg. Clutter is an issue of the heart. Clutter does more than affect us physically and emotionally, it keeps us from following Jesus fully. We can not make room for Him or put Him first in our lives if our lives are filled with other junk."
"Satan knows that if he can keep us occupied with the pursuit of more, we will be distracted from appreciating what we already have. He also knows that having too much already keeps us running after the wrong thing. We dont need more possessions to make us happy-we need to find greater joy in what we already have.
Ask the Lord to take away your need to aquire. Request that He replace that need with an openness to receive what He has for you, and an appreciation of what He has already provided. "
Let us also lay aside every thing that hinders us(slows us down) and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us Hebrews 12:1
I just finished yet ANOTHER great chapter in Against The Wind, and wanted to share a page with you.
The chapter was about self discipline, and it ends like this:
Begin with little things. Don't try to run or fly; start by walking, or even crawling if need be. Do the little things. A disciplined person will always seek to avoid making unnecessary work for others, so hang up your clothes, put your trash away and help with the children, dont wait for {anyone} else to do it.
Break the habit of procrastination. Dont avoid challenging responsibilities, but welcome them and tackle them quickly. Don't say "Tomorrow I'll do it. Later I'll find the time". Do them right away so they are done. It is hard, but if you do this, you find that things are much easier in the end.
Be punctual for your appointments. If people have to wait for you, you are being undisciplined. Plan enough time to ensure you are on time.
Master your moods. Discipline yourself to deal with the feel-sad and feel-good modds. Do not allow your feelings to influence your work negatively. Make your moods obey YOU!
Control your curiosity. It is a difficult thing to do this...but we should not busy ourselves trying to find out everybody's problems. If someone is talking on the phone and you can hear even one word, move away to give them privacy. Dont try to listen. If a letter is on the table, dont read it or even try to figure out whose handwriting it is. You be concerned about your own business. Curiosity about other people's business can make you imagine things and the devil will use it against you.
To grab something before God's timing is to spoil it.Therefore, we MUST learn to wait. Let us be a people known for our patience.
Apr. 22, 2009 - A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family
Yes, I may not have a "large family" but I wanted to read this book anyways! Partly because I run my home as if I had a large family, and partly because you never know what the Lord may have in store .
So after seeing it recommended on a blog (I have no clue which one now, I keep a running list of books recommended on blogs, I'm such a blog addict it's kind of pathetic) I put it on my library queue and it came in this week.
I REALLY liked it. It was just little bits of info about pretty much all areas of life, and almost ALL of it is what I already do anyways (maybe why I liked it so much).There were a few small things I wouldn't do but it was filled with great tips! A lot about just keeping it simple.In fact is some ways I am even more extreme than her, we do NO sports or outside activities even with only 3, and I expect more chore wise out of my children.
One of the reminders hit so close to home for me.
"Sometimes when my husband goes bodyguard on me, it rases my hackles. I see his protection as an insult to my intelligence. Does he really think I am helpless? I forget that God has given my man those protective insticts."
and this quote is relevent whether you have 2 children or 20!
" As the mother of almost 12, I can say with all certainty that the most amazing part of having a large family is the fact that it drives you to your knees before the Father so often. There is no self delusion that you can somehow 'be enough" for your children...that you can meet all their needs.... because it is appareent 24/7 that you can't. Becoming a parent exposes flaws I might never see otherwise. Each child reflects just how well I am doing. It can be cripplingly humbling sometimes, but it keeps me dependant upon His grace, and His grace alone.
I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them.
Jeremiah 32:39
In every generation there are those individuals who chose to rise above the norm, set their face like flint, and thus accomplish great things for God....His life is hdden in Christ and he lives for Him alone, not for recognition, not for a salary, not for personal gain. He serves and lives by godly character. knowing it was God who called him and it is God alone whom he must please.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Each one of us is called to live as witnesses to God's great power,
love and salvation. Vocation does not change this fact. We will all
give account of how we have fulfilled this requirement-the privilege-
of bearing witness to Him in our generation.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
No matter what others may be doing or what may be accepted as the norm, hear the Lord Jesus saying "But for you, you follow Me. Set your hand to the plow and My grace will be there to keep you, if only you choose to stand against the wind and press on toward a higher call.
Integrity is choosing to do the right thing, no matter the cost, regardless of who sees or knows. Defined, the word integrity means "wholeness, the quality or state of being of sound moral principle, uprightness, honestly and sincerity." Integrity is consistency between your public life and private life, being what you claim to be and doing what you said you would do. Integrity refers to the consistency of character that matches words and actions, visions and choice, values and behaviors. It is a life lived with consistency.
It is serving from a sincere heart with honest motives.
Sincere defined is "being in reality what you appear to be; having character which corresponds with appearance, genuine, true, real."
~Against the Wind by K.P. Yohannan
Psalm 51:61 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
I read this to my boys today, what a convicting passage it is!
Why did God chose David to be king of Israel (1 Samuel 16)? One reason is that when nobody was watching him-not his father, his mother or his brothers-he was faithful with his work. When he was out in the wilderness watching over his father's sheep and a wild animal approached, he did not say "What can I do? I'm just a small boy and my stronger brother aren't here to rescue the sheep.I'll just climb a tree and watch the animal destroy part of the flock".No, David went after the wild animals and killed them, saving his father's sheep. Even though no one was looking over his shoulder to see what he did every minute of every day, he understood the importance of walking in integrity before his Lord. We must live with the same understanding and let it direct the way we spend our day and do our work.
My brothers and sisters, we are not our own. We have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). And not only were we bought with a high price, we have been called to be servants of God. Therefore, let us live accordingly honoring God by the decisions we make in the work He has entrusted to us. Let us be faithful stewards of our time and work, making the most of each day and the opportunity the Lord gives us.
"Hospitality is a reflection of God’s nature. God is a welcoming God. He pursues and extends relationship, meeting needs and providing safety. As we model a life of invitation, employing our resources to meet the needs of others, we provide the world with a picture of a much greater spiritual truth - God invites all to his safe embrace." ~Practicing Hospitality by Pat Ennis & Lisa Tatlock Read more about Hospitality here Practicing Hospitality Series
"I suppose they are a necessary part of the whole providential plan by which God molds and fashions and tempers the human soul, just as my petty but incessant household cares are. If I had nothing to do but love my husband and my children and perform for them, without obstacle or hindrance, the sweet ideal duties of wife and mother, how content I should be to live always in this world! But what would become of me if I were not called , in the pursuit of these duties and in contact with real life, to bear restless nights, ill health, unwelcome news, the faults of [others], contempt, ingratitude of friends, my own failings, lowness of spirits, the struggle in overcoming my corruption, and a score of kindred trials! Bishop Wilson charges us to bear all things "as unto God" and with "greatest privacy". How seldom I have met them save as lions in my way that I woudl avoid if I could, and how I have tormented my friends by tedious complains about them!"
~Stepping Heavenward *photo taken by me at the Seattle Science center
"People ask me how it happens that my children are all so promptly obedient and happy. As if it chanced that some parents have such children or chanced that some parents have not! I'm afraid it is only too true, as someone has remarked, that this is the age of obedient parents! What then will be the future of the children? How can they yield to God who have never been taught to yield to human authority? And how well fitted to run their own households will they be who have never learned to rule themselves?"
~Mrs E Prentiss is Stepping Heavenward in the 1800s
If this was true then, what about now? I think the attitude we have of children is downright SCARY!
I'm no expert, but I'd like to share some sites I have gleaned wisdom from
A new book to recommend. Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss AMAZING!!! (This is a copy I was given, but the library has it too!)
If you have real faith in Him you will not need to know the reason things happen to you.
It is not only okay, it is recommended to read small passages or even a verse a day rather than whole chapters. Study every word, ponder over it until you have got from it the truth it contains
A fixed inflexible will is of great assistance for a holy life.
You can will to choose for your associates those who are devout and holy
You can will to read books that stimulate you in your Christian walk, rather than those which merely amuse, it is better to settle down to a few favorite authors and read their words over and over until you have digested their thoughts and made them yours.
You can will to obey the will of God even when no comfortable glow of emotion accompanies your obedience.
I finally finished it, and while I wait for people to come take my beautiful entertainment center away (Peter wanted a new flat screen TV and sold 100 of his books to make it fit...needless to say there has been
TONS of rearranging and redecorating going on here)
So anyhow back to my book review! I LOVED this book. He was so honest about the culture, and how Christians fall short. He starts off mentioning how our culture has become anti-marriage and anti-child, as well as stating the verses that show that God wants otherwise for us. He quotes that 70-88% of Christians teens abandon their faith by the 2nd year of college. Meaning American Christian parents are doing SOMETHING wrong. He feels a lot of it is based on not teaching a Biblical world-view, and not being able to articulate our faith, let alone teach our children how to. He touched on how we are blinded by the culture's view of love, instead of seeing true Biblical love (which is a CHOICE, an act of the WILL, not just emotion or feelings that come and go).
He says that Moses saw the HOME as the principle delivery system for transmitting God's truth from generation to generation (Deut 6:7)
Our culture has convinced us that the teaching should be passed on to "professionals". (Professional daycare providers, teachers, Sunday school teachers, youth group leaders). This was never God's plan. His plan was for PARENTS to teach children in these areas. Our children must be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) and WE (the PARENTS) will be held accountable and responsible for these children which God has entrusted to US.
I admit I glossed over the very end about keeping children with you in church. I completely agree, but I have slacked. I used to keep them with me(except when I was teaching), and then I got pregnant and sent the boys to classes, and as much as I had not planned on sending Abigail she's been to the nursery 3 times now! I make the excuse that its just me and 3 of them, but it is laziness on my part. I'm not judging anyone who uses classes, but I do agree that it is more beneficial to worship as a family than to be separated by age to worship.
I've also been convicted to make a bigger effort to do a family devotion/worship every morning first thing. I often plan on doing it after the necessary chores are done, but those roll into more chores and it doesn't get done. Nothing fancy, just review our memory verse and maybe talk about a couple verses of scripture. Starting our day with the Lord just makes such a difference, even on top of my own quiet time with the Lord I have before getting up. Its gets the family on the right page together.
I want to leave you with a quote:
Our homes must be filled with the aroma of love. Those who visit us should notice immediately that they have left the world of self serving, egocentric narcissism and have entered a safe harbor where people value and esteem others above themselves. Outsiders should enter our home and never want to leave....Christians in our culture must love better, more deeply and longer than the pagans around us do.
By the way I got this from the library, so you local readers I encourage you to borrow it too!
Waiting for God's timing requires trust in His goodness. We develop patience as we trust that God denies us good things in the present because He has something better in the future. Waiting for God's timing requires strength. This strength comes from God alone. His strength and grace will sustain us through any circumstance.
-Josh Harris
Contentment is not the fullfilment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have. It is not a destination, it is a state of gratefulness before God.
Phillipians 4: 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Josh Harris writes awesome books!
I've already written about Stop Dating the Church, and I happened on that completely on accident while waiting for my turn with the library's copy of I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I'm still waiting but have since decided to order my own copy of it (and thos eof you who know me, and my INTENSE dislike of clutter must know this means it is awesome for me to BUY a copy!)
My husband and I agreed a couple years ago that courtship was the way we wanted to go with our children. I had been reading about it on Christian message boards but figured NO WAY would he ever agree and was prayerfully pondering what to do when he approached me! It had been a discussion for a couple weeks at his work and he thought it was a wise way to go! I was beyond excited to be on the same page with him about something so important to our children's future!
But then we kind of put iton the back burner since our children are still so young.
But I have come to realize that the idea of courtship is something that needs to be engrained into them their whole lives.
No courtship is NOT arranged marraiges. It is simply choosing to "date" with the intention of finding the person you are going to marry as opposed to dating to fill time. It is about saving not only your body but, also your heart for your spouse. Above all it is about finding the person God has created for you and doing things His way. The book I am currently reading Boy meets Girl, Say Hello To Courtship simplifies it as " treat each other with holiness and sincerity and to make an informed decision about God's plan for you about marriage".
I want my children to grow up praying for God's direction in finding their spouses, for the Godly way to appraoch marriage and preparing for it and since I did not grow up with this kind of mindset I am currently doing some homework about how to help them to.
I have a list of resources from a wise teen girl in our homeschool group who decided on her own to go the courtship route and did her research then presented it to her parents to ask permission to follow this course. What a parent's dream come true! I'd be happy to share it withanyone interested in learning more, and as I read down the list I'll likely be posting my opinions as well!
I picked up Stop Dating the Church by Josh Harris yesterday. I was actually looking for his books on courtship, but they have a longer wait (more in that in future blogs). I'm only a little ways in but so far it is so good!
My heart is grieved when I talk to people who have excuses on why they do not attend church. I can relate, I really can. I spent lots of time thinking I did not need a church (after being a member of a mega church for 7 years and never being Saved, I didn't get the whole point of church). But then I found a church and found Christ for real, and I truly feel bad for those who are missing out on a local church.
Not only am I encouraged every week, (many weeks feeling like the sermon was written JUST for me!) I have learned what it is like to be part of a church family. I first tasted the implications of this when we were told little Peter may have cancer. The love and prayer that surrounded us (even though I still didn't know many people in the church personally) amazed me! I truly believe to this day it was prayer that healed Peter's tongue and he couldn't have been surrounded by so much prayer if we had not joined a church. Again with Abigail, I was overwhelmed by the amount of people who were praying for her, and the people who stepped up to bring us meals as I was alone with 2 children on bedrest, to bring us flowers, to encourage me. To have church members bring me specific scriptures that they came across with us on their hearts made me cry with appreciation. God was loving us through these people!
So back on to the book! I'm only 2 chapters in, but I have been reminded how high the stakes are for every human life.What we see in this life wont last forever. At some point in the future EVERY human will be dead and face an accounting. Every person will spend eternity in either heaven or hell. That is why every person must hear the Good news and be saved!
Your life is much bigger than a good job, an understanding spouse, and non-delinquent kids. It is bigger than beautiful gardens and nice vacations. In reality you are part of something immense, something that began before you were born, and will continue after you die. God is rescuing fallen humanity, transporting them into his kingdom, and progressively shaping them into his likeness-and he wants you to be a part of it! -Paul David Tripp
Harris gives a new perspective on familiar verses. Jesus calls the Church his bride. Think about what that tells us of the nature of Christ's love for us?. God did not get his inspiration for loving the Church from marriage, he created marriage to illustrate His love for the Church!
Ephesians 5
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body,[d] of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”[e]32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
"Most young Christians know what they believe, and they think as long as they have that figured out, they don't need a church family or the things that go along with it. It's just a formality for Christians and isn't really necessary" But "Church matters to God more than we realize. He calls and expects us to be part of it"
Apr. 11, 2008 - Mrs Dunwoody’s Guide to Living Beautifully
*Realize each day is a gift from God, treat it as such *Focus on life's blessings, as this is continuously uplifting and affects who you are as a person *Develop a keen appreciation for the little luxuries in your life-the smell of coffee in the morning, songbirds outside your window, a loved one's smile.Take time to notice these blessings and savor them. Pay attention to the details in your life *Create a home you love to live in *Spend time outdoors, nature replenishes the soul *Do something kind for someone at least once a week, aim for every day, try to do it anonymously. The more you give the more is given back to you *Enjoy the company of others daily *Use fine china when you have your tea *Cultivate gratitude in all things and circumstances. Search for good in all *Speak only kind words *Laugh everyday *Give continual thanks and praise to your Creator and ask Him to guide your hear
Apr. 9, 2008 - Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed
I spent today trying to combat the dust that has been collecting in my house since my days of bed rest. It is SOOO nice to be back to my normal activities! We also headed to the library this afternoon. I picked up a WONDERFUL book (Mrs Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping) that I plan to share snippets of with you as my screaming baby allows.(she believes all sleeping should be done in Mommy's arms, and all other sleeping surfaces are horrid things)
"Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful"
This book has so much information, about housekeeping (from cooking and cleaning and gardening) to entertaining to life in general. Mrs Dunwoody was an extremely wise woman!
"Our family members will carry that atmosphere we create in our homes for the rest of their lives"
Strive for excellence not perfection
"Perfection does not exist. Perhaps it is one of the most important things you can learn.There is a great difference in striving for excellence and striving for perfection. The first is attainable, gratifying and healthy. The second is impossible, frustrating and neurotic (not to mention obnoxious).
Never lose sight of the big picture. Try to maintain perspective, and remember people (especially children) and always more important than things. Today is all we have to work with, do not borrow from tomorrow. Trust in God and do the next thing. "
A Little Great Advice:
"Regardless of how tired you are resist the urge to leave your dishes dirty in the kitchen overnight. Nothing is more depressing to a homekeeper than waking to a dirty kitchen. "
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention"
"We can never depend on things to make us happy. They only temporarily shelve our dissatisfaction. Eventually the nagging, God-shaped hole inside each of us returns, begging to be filled. Man has tried to fill it with fame, fortune, power, immoral conduct, and indulgent behavior. "
The boys and I are reading another Patricia St John book. These are great! The first we read on loan from a friend when Peter started asking questions about Islam and it was such a blessing, so we borrowed this one from the library. At first I was thinking "this wasn't what I had in mind" but it all comes together beautifully as the book goes on!
So the grandmother in the book has such wisdom and I wanted to share some of what she said:
The girl had asked what the verse in Revelation3:20 means Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
and the grandmother answered
"Jesus sees your life is full of wrong things and bad thoughts. He came down and died on the cross so that HE could be punished for all those wrong deeds and dark thoughts instead of you, and put His loving thoughts in you instead. Its like someone knocking at a dark dusty, dirty house and saying 'If you let Me in I'll clean away the darkness and dirt and make it beautiful and bright'. But remember Jesus NEVER pushes His way in, He waits at the door for you to invite Him in. That is what knocking means.... When you wake up in the morning do you try and chase away the shadows and waste time trying get rid of the darkness before you open the shutters?... No you open the shutters and let the light in and the darkness dissapears"
That is just what it's like with Jesus, how many of us try to "clean up our lives" before responding to Jesus knocking in futility? We can never clean ourselves up, only His blood can do that. It's something amazing I've experienced since letting Him in, but I just loved the way she phrased it here!
book! It covers everything for your personal spiritual life, marraige, children, social issues, how to be a Titus 2 woman... It's taken me awhile to get through but there was GREAT stuff worth pondering all the way to the very end!
ELISABETH ELLIOT-KEEP A QUIET HEART
Here is some of the stuff from last night about being a parent:
Teaching your child:
Teach your children to memorize (the scriptures they hide in their heart will help them through their entire life)
Ask Questions(to make children think)
Read aloud to your children until they leave the house
But a microscope or magnifying glass
Have a globe
Teach them abstract truth from the parables
WHY HOMESCHOOL:
1. Children have MORE time to read (aloud and silently), to learn responsibility through chores, to play (without adult direction), and imagine, to enjoy each other and learn obedience
2.Parents do not need to reteach values to children who have heard conflicting information for 7 hours each day. The parent has the child's full attention all day
3. Children love each other more. They do not look down on one another, idolize older kids or favor peers. These ar all things society teaches in the public school. CHildren at home do not get forced to "grow up" in the wrong ways
4. The learn to become servants of one another, the family is a microcosm of teh body of christ
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Currently reading : 
Currently watching : 
