Jun. 30, 2009

Children are a Burden...

Posted in Quiverfull

HERE

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Jun. 30, 2009

Video of Kristina!

Posted in Adoption

Here is our video of our new daughter, Kristina Joy, who will be home with us SOON! Her "foster mother" sent this to us this morning! LOVE IT!

Kristina from Sarah DeVries on Vimeo.


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Jun. 25, 2009

Free Nature Study Handbook! Great homeschool tool!

Nature study comes very naturally to our family! Our children LOVE to be outside playing and observing nature....bugs, animals, plants, flowers, etc.  But whether or not nature study comes naturally to your kids, this is a GREAT blog with a link to a free download of The Handbook of Nature Study (scroll down on the right). So many NEAT ideas! HERE it is....Enjoy!


Lisa Metzger
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Jun. 24, 2009

Have a Large Family? North Carolina wants proof before a state tax refund is issued!

Posted in Quiverfull
Has anyone else had issues with getting NC refunds due to their large family size? We encountered this with the State, trying to prove that we really had 8 children.
 
Here's an article....

Lisa Metzger

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Jun. 24, 2009

Wycliffe Bible Translators FREE Curriculum!

Wycliffe Bible Translators has a few different free mini courses that give info on countries, continents, people groups and how to pray for them. Download them for free here:
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Jun. 24, 2009

Communism vs. Capitalism - which path is our country taking now?

Posted in NOBAMA

This Cold War-era cartoon uses humor to tout the dangers of Communism and the benefits of capitalism. Sadly, this is the path we are taking now as Americans....much thanks to Obama and the Democrats.


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Jun. 19, 2009

Annalise Turns 17! Metzger Photos!

Posted in Metzger Photos
Annalise Turns 17!

Our sweet, Annalise, turned 17 on the 17th! She's such a beautifully precious and godly young woman! There are also some photos of the kids swimming! Enjoy!

- Lisa


 


 

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Jun. 16, 2009

Tips for Cleaning Up Clutter

Great post with Tips for Cleaning Up Clutter from At The Well!

Lisa Metzger

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Jun. 15, 2009

Taking Fertility Medicine/Treatments to Expand Your Quiver...is this okay?

Posted in Quiverfull
Q. What are your thoughts on taking fertility medicine to help a woman actually conceive? Is it Biblical to use medications or procedures to aid (or force) conception? Is IVF a sin?
 
A. Contrary to popular belief, a Biblical "quiverfull" person does not seek to have as many children as they can have. They have simply handed their wombs to God for His use. They are choosing to let God "build their house" and create as many souls as He pleases, when He pleases, without using human intervention one way or the other. Only God knows how many arrows He wants in our quiver, and only He should be allowed to decide when and if He creates life.
 
I believe that a couple is to leave ALL family planning to God. If He chooses to give you none by birth, then fine, but if He chooses to give you 22, that's fine, as well.


****One of the best verses in the Bible to point out that only GOD knows when our quiver is full is this: "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord keeps the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." Psalm 127:1


* The word “builds” in Hebrew is “Banah,” which actually means “to obtain children.”
* A form of "banah" is also used for the word "house," which is translated as "especially family."
* Then, the word "keep" is shamar" which is translated, "hedge about/protect/preserve."
* "In Vain" is "shav" = "or shav {shav}; in the sense of desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also adverbially, in vain)"
*Remember, This is also the same Psalm that talks of how happy a man is who has a quiver full of children! 


The issue of IVF is a difficult issue. Again, we are dealing with taking measures into our own hands when God has proved time and again in the Bible to be the “creator and taker of life.” There have been many precious children created through IVF. Some have even been adopted by other infertile couples through embryo adoption, instead of being discarded or donated for scientific experiments. This is a wonderful outcome, but is it Biblical to "assist God" in creating a life in that way; to create it and freeze it for “later use”; to create it and donate it to someone else to parent; to donate for scientific experimentation? Some of those answers are obvious in Scripture and some are not.
 
I believe that IVF is ethically and morally wrong, without a doubt, if the embryos are frozen. NOT because I am against the "creation" of a new child, but because there are children who are frozen right now – their lives put on hold - in the name of scientific advancements. Another factor to consider is the death of the embryos during the thawing process. The chance of death for the thawing embryos is quite high. So the primary issues I have with IVF is the freezing and thawing of the embryos (and therefore, sometimes killing) human life. That is the area that really bothers me.
 
As for me, if I had birthed no children of my own, had experienced long-term secondary infertility or experienced an indefinite number of miscarriages, I would never turn to IVF or any other fertility treatments, simply because I believe the above verse Psalm 127:1, to be true….the LORD builds the house and we labor in vain when we try to take over His job. Might something wonderful come of it? Yes! But I don’t feel that it’s my domain to take control over. So, I do not condone IVF or any other fertility medicine due to these beliefs. If someone were to initially use every embryo created through their IVF procedure and never freeze them, I can't point to any Scripture that blatantly says that there's anything inherently wrong with that. BUT that is rarely done.


I do believe that adoption is a wonderful option for couples dealing with any or all of the above conditions! I am an adoptive mom who went through a small time of infertility and then repeated (5) miscarriages. Our family was led to a specific ministry of adoption even after I had my progesterone levels stabilized (more here) and was able to conceive as God saw fit. I also know of many "quiverfull" parents who chose to be used of the Lord through adoption! We all feel much blessed through our adoptions, but the couples that were unable to conceive on their own and pursued adoption see now that God chose them to be infertile so that they could have the ministry they have. There are SO MANY children out there who need good, godly, Christian parents, and there are not enough people are willing to make those sacrifices. Remember that Pure Religion is defined in James 1:27 as taking care of widows and orphans. The original text actually points to providing them a home! If you are dealing with infertility for any reason, please pray and look into adopting a child that God may have chosen for you from the foundations of the earth!
 
I hope this answered the question sufficiently, as to why I believe we should give total control of our wombs to God, as Christian women. If I missed addressing something, please comment and I’ll attempt to address any further questions!
 

Lisa Metzger

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Jun. 10, 2009

What word in the Bible upsets most Christians?

Posted in Quiverfull

THE HATED WORD - What word in the Bible upsets most Christians? Read more by clicking HERE!

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Jun. 8, 2009

Exciting News from The Metzger Family - A New Blessing from Jesus!

Posted in Adoption

We are soooooo excited! Please read our special announcement by click HERE!

~ Mark, Lisa, Annalise, Kaitlyn, Ethan, Trey, Jake, Julia, Ellie & Judah ~


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Jun. 8, 2009

Thomas Jefferson's Forethought on the Present Condition of our Country!

Posted in NOBAMA
How Did Thomas Jefferson Know?
 
Look at these quotes and see how Thomas Jefferson knew where we would end up as a country!

 
When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe. Thomas Jefferson 

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson 

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. Thomas Jefferson
 
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. Thomas Jefferson 

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. Thomas Jefferson 

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. Thomas Jefferson 

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. Thomas Jefferson 
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Thomas Jefferson 

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson 

Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered..'

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Jun. 4, 2009

Let's Give Obama a Short History Lesson....

Posted in NOBAMA

Outreach or Overreach?

Much is being said about President Obama's speech today at Cairo University. Left-leaning pundits have touted the speech in a leading Arab nation as a bold outreach to "the Muslim World." It may be a bold outreach from a political perspective, but it was certainly a bold overreach from a factual and historical perspective.

Quoting from the Koran four times, the President said, "Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco...let there be no doubt, Islam is a part of America." Actually, Mr. President, it was Holland. On November 16, 1776, officials at Saint Eustatius in the Dutch West Indies fired "the first salute" to a warship bearing the American flag. The event was the subject of a best-selling history book by Barbara Tuchman, two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize. The President is certainly entitled to his own opinion of America. But, as Ronald Reagan said, he is not entitled to his own facts.

President Obama went on to cite John Adams' words when second president signed the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796. Adams, at the time, said we had "no enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility of Muslims." The only problem was that the Barbary Pirates, then operating out of Tripoli, continued to prey on American shipping. Although he didn't use "micro loans" or new "science and technology" funds, Adams attempted to buy them off and failed. By 1800, nearly one-fifth of the federal budget was consumed in trying to pay off predatory rulers in North Africa. When Thomas Jefferson succeeded Adams in 1801, he dispatched warships and U.S. Marines "to the shores of Tripoli" to fight for American rights. Jefferson was determined not to pay tribute to the Muslim rulers of North Africa and to stop their seizing U.S. merchant ships and selling American seamen into slavery. That effort succeeded.

And yes, Jefferson did own a copy of the Koran as President Obama stated in his speech today. But the reason he read it when he was serving as our ambassador in Paris was to see if it could really be true--as Arab diplomats were telling him--that the Koran gave them the right to attack and enslave Americans and all other "infidels." Jefferson concluded from his reading that America must fight--not pay tribute--to protect her citizens.


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Jun. 4, 2009

Am I Trusting God with my quiver if I take something to KEEP a pregnancy?

Posted in Quiverfull

Q. I was wondering what you believe and how you would approach the problem of women who take a drug to stay pregnant...Is it the same as taking pills to NOT GET pregnant?

A. Great question that isn't addressed often within quiverfull circles! I believe that if something is physically wrong with your body that rejects a pregnancy, it is okay to take medicine to sustain the life that God already placed within you. The same logic could be used with CPR...would you refuse to administer CPR because you might be "stepping on God's toes"? No, you would try to save that life that God had already created! If God chooses to take that life after you've administered CPR or after you took medicine or herbs to sustain a pregnancy, then that is His Will. You can then, rest assured, knowing that you did all that you could do for that life!

I have lost 5 babies during our 10 year marriage. It was a painful experience in many ways. After much petitioning to other healthcare professionals, I finally found a healthcare provider who would check my progesterone levels. She found that my levels were "on the low side of normal". She suggested that I take progesterone supplements for the first trimester, and since then I have had two healthy babies carry to term...no more miscarriages!! The problem was with my body not producing normal, God-created levels of a hormone. I don't think this would be interfering with God any more than it would be if I took an asprin for a headache or chemo for cancer. I was merely preparing my "nest" for a baby that God sent me!

I hope that this answers your question!

Lisa Metzger


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Jun. 4, 2009

Obama's Speech in Egypt - "As the Holy Quran tells us, Be conscious of God and speak always the truth."

Posted in NOBAMA

This is so scary...It's a long read, but WOW! I'm not surpirsed, but it's just so surreal to hear an American President saying these things!

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Jun. 3, 2009

Nebraska abortionist wants to carry on Tiller's mission - so sad!

Posted in ProLife

This is heartbreaking! I can't believe how blinded these abortionists are! I've had friends who had baby's at 21, 28 and 30 weeks and they ALL survived! I can't imagine killing babies of those ages (or any age, for that matter, as they are so perfectly formed so early on) and calling it a "service" to women! It's nothing less than murder!

Lisa

Read the article here

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May. 27, 2009

GREAT, INEXPENSIVE ONLINE class on the Battles for American Independence! $4.99

This CurrClick class, Battles of Independence, just started this week (other classes offered at later dates)! It's only $4.99 right now (usually $19.99). My kids just started the first lesson and I am IMPRESSED! There are a few instructional videos from the professor of the class, games from that era that you can print out, a book on the Battle of Bunker Hill and worksheets. The kids LOVE IT! I will definitely be taking other online classes from CurrClick!

Check it out:

Directions on how to view the program info or sign up:

  1. Click on banner below or click here: http://tiny.cc/HERE224
  2. Go to the "Quick Find" search box on the left and type in "Battles for Independence"
  3. The first one in the section "!A Live Class! Battles" is the Battles for Independence class!
  4. Click on "Click here for more..." to find out more about it and/or purchase the class

CurrClick
 
Lisa Metzger
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May. 22, 2009

FREE Unit Study on Billy Sunday--Heroes of the Faith Series

This is EXCELLENT and best of all, it's FREE from Currclick! Even if it wasn't free right now, I'd be all into this unit study. I can't wait to show it to the kids! ~ Lisa Metzger

Directions on how to get this FREE

  1. Click on banner below
  2. Go to the "Quick Find" search box and type in "Billy Sunday"
  3. Click on "Get it Free", download and save it to the hard drive

CurrClick
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May. 22, 2009

Metzger's Historic Brattonsville field trip Photos

Posted in Metzger Photos
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Historic Brattonsville
The kids LOVED this field trip, because they ALL love history! This was where the majority of Mel Gibson's "The Patriot" was filmed (Brattonsville, SC). The house we saw was "Charlotte's Home" in the movie, which was burned by the Red Coats and where the son his under the table. This was the kids' favorite field trip of the school year!

- Lisa


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May. 22, 2009

Metzger Early May Photos - Field Day and More!

Posted in Metzger Photos
Early May Photos

 


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*Metzger Family 2009 Newsletter* *Metzger Family Videos*


The Metzger Children, New Years 2009

Welcome! Mark, Lisa and Ellie 1-20-09

God's In Control!
God's Hands
Mark and Lisa (with Ellie yet to be born)




Thank you, Jesus
Thank you, Jesus
Thank you, Jesus
Thank you, Jesus!
Thank you, Jesus!
Thank you, Jesus!
Thank you, Jesus!
Thank you, Jesus!

Coffee
Endo


Thank you, Jesus!
My 8 Kiddos!
Thank you, Jesus!

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