Did you miss any popular post in 2007? Here is a list by category for a quick year in review. Don’t forget to sign up for the Weekly Book Giveaway and he 50% Off HOW Ebook Sale is ending soon!

Top Posts in 2007

3. We Can Rejoice in Weakness
9. God Has a Plan for Your Homeschool
10. Homeschool and Views of Knowledge
11. Dealing with Stress, Pride and Forgiveness
12. Light in a Dark Valley

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Top Posts in Humor Category

1. Fruit of the Spirit: Self Control
2. Guess What My 7 Year-Old Son Taped to the Wall?
3. 911 Math Help
4. Computer Age
5. You know you’re living in 2007 when…
6. Things Moms Say
7. New Word Definitions
8. God, Show Me A Sign
9. Phrases from a Man’s Thesaurus
10. Homeschool Daze

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Top Posts in the Encouragement Category

1. An Easy Way to Make Homeschool Decisions
2. Fruit: Self Control
3. God Has a Plan for Your Homeschool
4. The Secret to Producing Spiritual Fruit
5. Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
6. Hearing God
7. We Can Rejoice in Weakness
8. A Proverbs 31 Woman
9. Seven Encouraging Quotes
10. Expectations and Legalism?

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Top Posts in Object Lessons

1. Did You Lose it With Your Children AGAIN?
2. Spiritual Journey: Reaching the Promised Land
3. Spiritual Mountain Climbing
4. Celebrating the Biblical Holidays
5. Spiritual Lessons from a Deaf Dog
6. What is Your Focus? Your Foundation?
7. Bible Fall Holidays
8. Sowing and Reaping
9. A Wisdom Parable
10. Be the Branch

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Top Posts in Organization Category

1. Balancing the 3Rs and Bible
2. Web Surfing with Stumble Upon
3. Library Thing: Organize Your Books Online!
   
4. Get Organized: Scheduling, To Do Lists, and More
5. Organize Your Household Chores
6. DeClutter
7. Organizing and Clutter-Free Tips
8. Google Alerts
9. Del.icio.us Social Bookmarking: A Powerful Tool
10. Children Like to Organize
11. Using Web2.0 to Teach

If you enjoy a post please comment and add to delicious or Stumble it. Your help is appreciated. Thank you!

A four-year-old boy was killed by his adoptive mother. The boy refused to stay in bed at night so the mother wrapped him so tightly in blankets he suffocated. Other children in the family were badly beaten.

The liberal media has pointed out that the mother read the book To Train Up a Child by Michael and Debi Pearl. This story has led to an amazing backlash.

Several homeschool bloggers are demanding a boycott against The Old Schoolhouse and HomeschoolBlogger (hosted by TOS) because TOS accepted ads from the Pearls.

There exists a long-standing and ongoing friction between those who hold a Christian homeschool philosophy and those who are secular in their approach to homeschooling. Some in both camps strive for unity but it rarely works because of the vast difference in world views.

Those who cannot reasonably defend their views often resort to attacking their opposition in an effort to divert attention and redirect focus to something or someone else. You’ll see this often in politics (the liberal left does this all the time). Those who cannot win their argument create a persuasive diversion to keep their message alive.

The motivation for the boycott is an attack against a Christian magazine and blog host. The boycotters would have you think their efforts are sincere; that they are trying to rid the world of evil, but don’t be deceived.

The boycott is not an effort to ban the book. If the goal was to get rid of the Pearl’s book, the boycott would include libraries, Amazon, and other bookstores and vendors carrying the book.

The boycott is not an effort to find and stop the motivation behind the reason the abuser killed her child. If it was they would also look at other influences in the abuser’s life such as medication, mental illness, violent TV shows and friends, family, etc. They would investigate the woman’s home and boycott other authors as well as businesses that advertise or have advertised those authors. They would then call a boycott of all such influences. To blame one book as the reason for the abuse is ridiculous; the abuser obviously had several mental and spiritual problems.

I visited several blogs of those advocating a boycott and found that most are secular homeschoolers. A quick browse through their blog-a-sphere revealed anti-Christian tirades, pagan god teachings, witchcraft, profanity, tarot cards, new age beliefs, etc.

My post is not an endorsement of the Pearls’ book. It has been several years since I read this book and I don’t remember everything in it. However, I certainly think I would recall any discipline methods that could lead to death.

I don’t feel a need to encourage TOS to get rid of any advertisers. I know the staff at TOS and I know they make decisions based on prayer and the Holy Spirit’s leading.

The father of lies continually attacks Christian companies like TOS because they are bringing motivation and encouragement to Christians. Pray for TOS.

If you have a comment please post on my regular blog at http://heartofwisdom.com/blog

I moved to my blog to HeartofWisdom.com  a few months back but I am posting this here because  it is about homeschool Blogger.

Please visit my new blog at Heartofwisdom.com/blog

Most Popular Posts

• God Has a Plan for Your Homeschool
• Did You Loose it With Your Children AGAIN? (object lesson)
• Balancing the 3Rs and the Bible
• Creating Reminders for Our Children (object lesson)
• Scheduling by Faith (object lesson)
• Consider it Pure Joy (Robin’s Illness)
• Fruit of the Spirit: Self Control (Bible and humor)
• Guess What My 7 Year-Old Son Taped to the Wall? (humor)
• An Unplanned Delight-Directed Homeschool Day
• A Wisdom Parable (object lesson)
• Fruit if the Spirit: Gentleness
• Who Spends Time With Your Children?
  
• Loneliness, Solitude??
• Tribute to My Grandmother
• What’s Your Focus? Foundation?(object lesson)
• You Know You’re Living in 2007 When…
• Organize Your Household Chores Online
• Computer Age (cartoons)
• Celebrating the Biblical Holidays
• Do You Love the Law?
• Homeschool Daze (humor)
• Using Web2.0 to Teach (video)
• Things Moms Say (humor, video)
• Be the Branch (Bible study)
• The Forgotten People (video)
• Spiritual Sunday Blog Meme
• Bible Focused Education (audio sermon)

The Most Popular List changes daily. Look for updates on the sidebar of the new blog

I have to write about peace for this Friday’s fruit because that’s what I am feeling now. Beautiful peace. Shalom, shalom. I had two huge things going on one with my health and another with business. Things that would normally make me fret. But I have been praying and asked others to pray for me and I feel perfect peace just waiting on God to provide.

" Thou wilt keep him (her) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he (she) trusteth in thee. Trust in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord GOD is everlasting strength" Isaiah 26:3-4

The word shalom derives from the root shin-lamedh-mem (ש.ל.ם), which has cognates in many Semitic languages, and means completeness, fulfillment, wellbeing, harmony, a concept usually encapsulated by translation in the word well-being. (Wikipedia) This sheds new light on  “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”

God says those who wait on Him will be blessed. (Isaiah 30:18) Praying for His will and listening for an answer always the wisest action we can take. That’s how God’s Spirit leads us--gently. We don’t determine our course by human reasoning or by appearances in the world. There are things in the spiritual word we don’t know—God is taking care of of all of it.  Our  job is to follow God.  He is the one who instructs us in the way which we should go. (Psalm 32:8)

When we give it to God and wait to hear from Him we are keeping with His plan. When we follow  God’s timetable He blesses u by giving us the peace and strength to deal with  is that difficult circumstances (and sometimes difficult people) .

Peace comes when we understand God  knows everything and  all outcomes in all our situations.  We must give over our worries, moment by moment, to Him and then we experience His Peace.. Trust and   God will lead, peace will always come with our obeying His will. When peace comes, keep following His lead. He never fails.

This Mother's Day I'm writing a Sunday Seven Meme tribute to my Grandmother. My sweet grandmother went to heaven in February of this year. Hundreds attended her funeral with glowing testimonies of her Christian work, dedication, and loving spirit. My grandmother was the kindest, most loving, giving person I have ever known. Several people who came from all over the state said she never said a negative thing about anyone. Every nurse that cared for her made a point to tell me she never complained and always smiled no matter what pain or discomfort she was experiencing. There are no words in this earthly language for me to adequately express the love I have for her and felt from her.

1. My grandmother  was the youngest graduate of Salvation Army Officer's School in history at age 17.  She worked with the Salvation Army Home League for over fifty years.  She followed the motto of the Home League: ‘I will live a pure life in my house ...’ (Psalm 101:2b). She was buried in her Salvation Army uniform. The banner that draped the coffin said, "Promoted to Heaven."
2. Grandma is the reason I know Jesus. She told me Bible stories and took me to church. But mainly she showed me the unconditional love of Christ.  She helped me memorize Scripture (and the capitals of 49 states). My Grandmother was a prayer warrior. Throughout my life, in unexpected times, I've felt a special grace around me and I know it was from her prayers. I always knew I could depend on her over the years to lift up me, my children and grandchildren.
3. Grandma played the piano and loved to sing. She had throat problems and couldn't sing well but she made up for it in enthusiasm. She bounced as she played hymns.  Every song I can think of that I taught my children and they taught to their children -- from Jesus Loves Me,  Deep and Wide, The B-I-B-L-E, Jacob's Ladder, This Little Light of Mine, Jesus Loves the Little Children, This is My Father's World, .to Onward Christian Soldiers -- were taught to me by my grandmother.
4. The best memories of growing up were at Grandma's house in Florida. I lived with my grandparents in a two-room cabin (combination living room/dining room/kitchen/bedroom and a tiny bathroom) from ages two to five.  Poppy poured a concrete walkway from the cabin to the lake and wrote "Robin's Roost" in the wet cement. (It is still there today).  While they lived in the cabin they built a large home next door as they could afford it.  It took many years (they bought one door or truck load of bricks each pay day). When the 2000-square-foot house was complete it was completely paid for.
5. Later visits to my grandparent's house included lots of home cooking, bedtime stories, beautiful flower gardens and citrus trees, Cracker Jacks, M & Ms, and playing with the border collie (they always had a border collie -- five that I remember in my lifetime).  My absolute best memories are of the lake -- long exhausting days of swimming and/or boating and fishing. After an early, busy morning we all collapsed in lawn chairs for afternoon naps on the lovely screened porch that ran the length of the house. The breeze of the lake mingled with the smell of constant blooming flowers was like a sleeping pill.
6. In the early 70's my grandparents bought a home in North Carolina and lived there, but wintered in Florida. I married in 1972 and went to North Carolina to live near my grandparents. We attended church and Bible studies together. Grandma taught me to plant and grow vegetables. For several years I helped them plant, maintain and harvest a garden at their home.  Later, as my family grew, the family garden was moved to my home. I have wonderful memories of hours on the porch watching children play while snapping beans or shucking corn. Grandma taught me to can and freeze almost any vegetable.  She taught me to make jelly, jam or preserves from apples, plums, peaches, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. She taught me how to pickle cucumbers and watermelon rinds. She taught me to make delicious buttermilk biscuits.
7. The seeds my Grandmother planted in me – her love of Christ and God’s Word and her love for the Jews -- continue to grow today. Grandma introduced me to Corrie Ten Boom, Phillip Keller, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, various missionaries, and others when I was a teenager. I was horrified to find out the Holocaust happened in my mother's lifetime. These small seeds developed a passion in me for the history of the Jews.  I began promoting the books about the Christian's Hebrew heritage in the homeschool community twenty years ago. The fruit from these seeds she planted can be found in my life, my children's lives, my grandchildren's lives, the books I've written and my websites.

   
My Grandmother's Final Lesson to Me

When you get a call about a loved one in ill health in another state, it seems heartless to even have to have to think twice about being there for them.  But the reality is alternatives must to be considered. We received a call that Grandma had possibly had a stroke. She was unable to talk and was in and out of consciousness. We had the same thing happen in May last year (see My Grandmother's Lesson http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heartofwisdom/130963/) and we stayed by her side for a month. We just weren't sure we could afford another trip.  My husband and I prayed about it and waited on the Lord for an answer.

Three days later I woke with the feeling it was time to go to Florida.  My husband immediately agreed (when it is from God you and your spouse will have the same answer.) We left that day and arrived at 9:00 a.m. the next day.  The hospice nurse was sitting with Grandma who was lying very still and quiet.  I went to her bedside.  Her stunning blue eyes grew wide and she began to make guttural noises trying to talk to me. She knew who I was; I could tell she had been waiting for me. She tried to talk for over thirty minutes before I convinced her that I knew what she was trying to say and that I wouldn't leave her. She calmed down and drifted to sleep. The hospice nurse told me she hadn't made any sounds or recognized anyone for several days!

I spent the next day with her while she drifted in and out of sleep. My mother, aunt and I sat with her reading Scripture, singing her favorite hymns and sharing stories. Her eyes were open but it was unclear if she knew who we were. She went to be with the Lord around 5:00 p.m. I will never forget the precious moments we had together the previous morning where I know she was saying she had been waiting for me and she loved me. Years before she became ill she told me repeatedly to remember Ecc.  7:1 The day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth. I knew she was saying that to me again.

At the funeral when I looked at her body I knew I was looking at an empty shell. Her body remained but she was gone to be with Jesus. I realized how blessed I was to be with her in her final hours. I thanked God for leading us at just the right time. My grandmother's final lesson for me is nothing is too insignificant,  to take to the Lord in prayer and His timing is perfect. God is never late. He who created this universe from nothing, who sees the end from the beginning, who is, in Himself, all wisdom and knowledge, works all things out perfectly at the right time. It may not be "in our time," In His perfect time Yahweh will accomplish His divine purpose. "He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11 ). God leads us step by step, moment by moment if we will listen. Afterwards, when we look back in hindsight we discover how God led us  God uses important moments of our lives to lead us in His will through life. When you pray about  a difficult decision God will answer and you will know in your deepest being, in your heart of hearts, what God is calling you to do. Our job is to pray, listen, and obey.

You know the type situation I am talking about. You were up all night with a vomiting child, the phone rings at 7:00 a.m. it’s the realtor with a potential buyer that has to see the house at 10:00 a.m. You scramble out of bed, throw the pile of soiled sheeting, wash cloths, towels from last night’s projectile vomiting episode into the wash, and rouse hungry children while hubby is in the shower.  In the dining room you encounter a large puddle reminding of your dog’s weak bladder--lovely. Go to the kitchen for paper towels and a quick survey of the house tells you it is physically impossible to have this home show ready by 10:00 a.m. without a bulldozer.

You clean up dog urine, wash hands, pour bowls of cereal, skip your much needed coffee and give yourself a much needed pep talk. You can do this. You have to do this. Flashback to the previous night’s movie in which Spiderman’s uncle said, “With great power comes great responsibility!”

You courageously charge through the house, laundry basket in hand, snatching toys, newspapers, school books, magazines, etc. You ignore the children  arguing over the toy in the cereal box because you are on a mission. You remove enough clutter to see the carpet only to see it is covered with smashed orange Doritos. You reach for the vacuum only to discover the bag is full, not just slightly full but about-ready-to-explode full. And surprise, it was the last vacuum cleaner bag.

Your children’s verbal argument escalates into a physical battle of flying wet cheerios. You stop the war, demand everyone drop the weapons, I mean cheerios, and instruct them to pick up the plethora of Legos and G.I. Joes under the dining table-- skipping the urge to explain what plethora means – this is no time for vocabulary lessons.

You move outside to fight your own battle to empty the overstuffed vacuum cleaner bag in to overstuffed garbage can. Your pretty pink bathrobe acts like Velcro attracting pieces from the disgusting dust cloud of  dirt, dog hair, food items, and dust of revolting who-knows-what.

Back inside with a less full vacuum bag you (somewhat loudly) instruct the rowdy and still arguing children to get dressed and not to pull all the clothes out of the drawers. The Legos and G.I. Joes remain untouched under the table.  About this time, your sweet hubby appears freshly showered, dressed and ready for his day and yes, he is actually humming. . His smile quickly disappears as he hears your dark mumblings as you stuff cereal bowls into the dishwasher. He quips, “Why are you in such a foul mood? That’s it--the last proverbial straw; the camel’s back has just snapped. You are 100% in the flesh ready, willing, and able to dispense a savage tongue lashing to your one true love.  There is absolutely nothing, nada, zero, zip inside of you prompting you to walk in God’s Spirit of love and kindness.

Ok, you probably already guessed, this was not some imaginary housewife. This happened to me yesterday. My poor hubby got an earful and I woke up this morning on a guilt trip (not even a shiny clean house has helped my mood). I recently did a study on the branch abiding in the vine. How do I so quickly rip myself away from the vine? How is it I am so quick to jump into the flesh? Where was my self-control? Where was the love? Where was my witness? Where was my firm foundation? What kind of spiritual fruit was I showing?  What is the secret to walking and remaining in the Spirit? Where is the list of steps to follow?

This morning I poured all this out to my friend on the phone. She was in her car and didn’t have a lot of time for a lengthy response. But before we hung up she left me with something profound. She said, “The key is preparedness.”   So I began thinking, how can I be spiritually prepared for the next mishap or disaster? How do cities prepare for crises such as hurricanes, tornados or a tsunami?

Hurricane Preparedness

I am originally from Florida. Hurricane season is a fact of life in Florida and must be dealt with just as all of life’s problems must be dealt with. Preparing in advance is the key to avoiding catastrophe. Most who die in hurricanes could have been saved – if they prepared and followed the instructions and directions given to them.

Shelter from the Storm

The first thing on the hurricane preparation list is getting to a solid strong shelter (home or school); you need to be inside during the storm or you need to evacuate to a safe shelter.  First on the spiritual preparedness list is also a firm foundation –a relationship with God through Christ. Without this, disaster is certain. 

Hearing the Warning Signs

To prepare, you must recognize warning signs. A hurricane watch means conditions are possible. A hurricane warning means conditions are expected. Did I have any warning signs?  You have to have communication to hear the warnings; i.e. radio, phone, TV, Internet, friend. God gave us warning system to prepare people in the Bible. He gives us these stories to prepare ourselves.

God gives us the Holy Spirit to warn us of possible danger.  There is one thing that stops us from hearing the Holy Spirit—sin. Rejecting sin in our lives is a process of moment by moment saying no to the flesh and praying to God for strength to resist temptation. taking every thought captive, and not giving Satan a foothold.

Stocking Supplies

Bottled water and batteries are the main preparation supplies for hurricanes. Prayer and Bible study are the main preparation supplies to prepare for life’s problems (well, actually, for life). I became somewhat defensive at this point. I argued, “Wait a minute, I pray daily; I’m in the Word daily! Just how much do I need to die to self and walk in the Spirit?” Obviously the answer was more prayer and Bible study than I was doing —because I was not prepared. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Reaping flesh means I was sowing flesh. I need more prayer and Bible study.

As I began writing about this experience I realized the overstuffed vacuum cleaner bag in my story symbolized me! (Wow, writing to learn really works.) Was this one of my warning signs? While I was emptying the bag I was mad. Maybe if I wasn’t feeling sorry for myself I would have seen the lesson. Did a repentant heart this morning allow me to see a lesson from the Holy Spirit?  

My Warning Sign

I was just like the vacuum cleaner bag – full of yucky stuff ready to explode if one more tiny thing was added. It had not just been a stressful night but a stressful month. My husband had a heart attack, we had several family overnight guests, my business had several technical problems this week (email, shopping carts and web design disasters), sick children, etc.  It was one hectic month. Overall, I was already bursting at the seams from an imbalance between demands and resources. Don’t misunderstand, these are not excuses. But they are warning signs. I (and/or my dh) should have recognized the warning signs.

Bagged vacuum cleaners require that you change the bag when it becomes full. Some vacuum cleaner models have an indicator light that will let you know when the bag needs to be changed. Wouldn’t that be neat?  Imagine a large red indicator light on your forehead indicating your stress level. Hubby and the children would have a warning.  “Mom’s light is glowing again, stand back!”

Fixing the problem would be replacing the bag before it is full. How does that relate to a mom full of stress? If the dirt is stress, is the bag our brain? Our emotions? Our spirit? How do we empty self of stress? (by the way, stress can also be good—but that’s another article).

Preparing involves mostly prayer and Bible study to strengthen our relationship with God. We also need the relationship of people, fellowship—to strengthen us to be able to withstand storms. While reading a book on marketing, I  came across a surprising study. When women's brains were scanned during various experiments, their dopamine rose five times the normal levels when talking to other women. Dopamine is a powerful neurotransmitter that affects pleasure and motivation. Conversations with a friend can help dump a lot of accumulated dirt from our quickly filling bags.

People Need People

The Bible instructs us to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2); encourage one another (Heb. 10:25); minister to one another (1 Peter 4:10–11). Christ sent the disciples out two by two, knowing that “it is not good for a man to be alone” (cf. Gen 2:18). Lonely Christians are often defeated Christians. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 states that “two are better than one.” When Elijah thought he was the only one faithful to God, he began to backslide. Jonah ministered alone and developed a bitter spirit. When we share, we are getting rid of some of the build up. That is why there Bible often talks of brotherly love (Heb 13:1; Rom 12:10;1; Jn 4:20–21; 1 Pet 1:22).

Throughout history people have lived in close knit groups with extended families in the same homes. The last few generations of Americans have been much more independent. It’s my guess that this is this why homeschool support groups, blogs, message boards and egroups are so popular. People need people!

I am emptying my bag now telling you this story. I plan on a conversation tonight with my hubby (yes, I already apologized) about overstuffed vacuum cleaner bags. Together –with God--we will brainstorm a way to prepare for future storms.

Now I leave my list for you.

Spiritual Preparation List for Disaster (or life in general)

1. A shelter: You must have a firm foundation; a relationship with God through Christ.
2. Prayer: Ask for help from your loving Father who is waiting to help you.  Don’t wait for your bag to be full to start praying. Ask God before the crisis to give you the strength, energy, and kindness to deal with stressful situations. Confess sin; ask not to be led into temptation; enter His gates with praise and thanksgiving.
3. Bible: Start each day in God’s Word. You can’t build without the blueprint. Immerse yourself and your children with God’s stories. See how others were able to handle crises because they trusted Him—even when things looked bleak.
4. Walk in obedience to be able to hear the Holy Spirit. Resist sin; take every thought captive. Don’t give the devil a foothold.
5. Love one another: bear one another’s burdens. Be there for someone and ask them to be there for you.

The 2006 Excellence in Education Awards from The Old Schoolhouse magazine have been released. Here is how Heart of Wisdom  placed:

Best Resource Book:  2nd Place

Most Unique: 2nd Place

Bible Curriculum: 2nd Place

Character Building: 3rd Place

1. I am thankful  that my dear husband Ronnie is home from the hospital and growing stronger every day after his heart attack.
   
2. I am thankful there never was a moment when Ronnie's life was not, or is not, in God’s hands. I’m grateful that when we are weak God is strong.
3. I’m thankful for the answer to prayers for the healing power of Jesus Christ not only in healing but in providing a peaceful assurance that God was in charge.
4. I am thankful for my husband's health, my health, and our family's health. No one in our immediate family is in the hospital; we have no broken bones, and no illnesses. After daily trips to the hospital watching so many others suffering I can rejoice in the things I usually take for granted.
5. I am thankful we live close to a hospital, for compassionate paramedics, ambulance drivers. and for committed, gifted hospital nurses, dedicated doctors and skillful surgeons.
6. I am thankful for loving friends who quickly jumped in to help by caring for our children and animals; for friends near and far and those I only know online for being there to care, to listen, and most of all for praying during our family emergency.
7. I am thankful for family prayers, care, compassion, concern, visits, and phone calls.
8. I am thankful our eleven children are all healthy.
9. I am thankful our thirteen grandchildren are all healthy.
10. I am thankful our animals are all healthy.
11. I am thankful for health insurance and my husband’s diligence to always be sure we are ready for emergencies (from insurance to keeping my gas tank full for me and an emergency money stash in the car).
12. I am thankful for the nutrition information in the Bible and other books that explain what foods are healthful or harmful.
13. I am thankful for God's sovereignty, providential love, and the beautiful peace He gave us during the fragile moments in the hospital. There was a special calm and confidence that Christ can never be separated from us -- not even by death. That our time here on earth is only a speck on the timeline of eternity. I’m thankful for the speck but more thankful for the eternity.
    

"If we only endure our trials, then trials become our master, and we have a tendency to become hard and bitter. If we try to escape our trials, then we will probably miss the purposes God wants to achieve in our lives. But if we learn to enlist our trials, they will become our servants instead of our masters and work for us; and God will work all things together for our good and His glory. Rom. 8:28." (Wiersbe, W.)

(Keeping with the vine and branch theme from the previous post, I'm reposting this article on object lessons from HeartofWisdom.com.)

In Joshua 4, God commanded His children to put up a pile of twelve stones as a reminder. The stones were specifically piled up in order to prompt their children’s questions! When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? (Josh.4:6, 4:21). The parents’ response is to explain what He has done for them. The lesson is that God cares for His people and provides for us.

And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever. (Josh 4:20-5:1)

In John 15 Jesus is speaking to His disciples.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.    (John 15: 1-8). 

In this passage Jesus first points us to His father the Vinedresser (some versions say husbandman). All He was and did was from His Father. There is no fruit without the Vinedresser’s work. The vine is dependent on the Vinedresser.

At the very root of all Christian life lies the thought that God is to do all - that our work is to give and leave ourselves in His hands, in the confession of utter helplessness and dependence, in the assured confidence that He gives all we need. The great lack of the Christian life is that, even where we trust Christ, we leave God out of the count. Christ came to bring us to God. Christ lived the life of a man exactly as we have to live it. Christ the Vine points to God the Husbandman. As He trusted God, let us trust God, that everything we ought to be and have, as those who belong to the Vine, will be given us from above. (Andrew Murray, The Secret of God’s Love)

When we are saved we are graphed into the Living Vine, Jesus Christ. Without the Vine to bring nourishing sap to the branch there can be no fruit. Without the Vine we cannot produce character like Christ’s - full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The branch and the Vine become one life. The Bible tells us believers over and over the riches we have available to us through Christ, who is the storehouse where God has placed all the “treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:1–5).
 

Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Col 2:7

When we yield or surrender to Christ we abide in the Vine and no longer live for ourselves. Christ’s life flows through us and produces fruit. The Vinedresser is able to conform our thoughts and will to provide us with the strength and energy to develop Christ-like behaviors. Is this your goal to become Christ-like? Do you want to show love, forgiveness, kindness? Then stop trying to do it on your own. Be the branch!
 

 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.   (John 15:4-5)

 

When you submit to the Vine you have this wonderful promise “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." John 15:7. Whatever you desire—not the self-centered sin-natured desires of a branch without the Vine. When the Vine conditions and controls a believer’s mind, his prayers conform to the Vinedresser’s will.  By allowing His Word to abide in us—to become part of our thinking and our standard for life —we will desire His plan, His righteousness. Be the branch and your life will be pointed in the right direction.

 

Branches are weak and not meant to stand on their own.
 

The branches of the vine are many, some on one side of the house or wall, others on the other side; yet, meeting in the root, are all but one vine; thus all good Christians, though in place and opinion distant from each other, yet meet in Christ, the centre of their unity. Believers, like the branches of the vine, are weak, and insufficient to stand of themselves. (Matthew Henry)

Apart from the work of Christ through the Holy Spirit, we cannot live the Christian life.  Each of us is to yield to the Vine moment by moment, allowing Him to achieve through us the work that the Vinedresser wants accomplished in our life. (Ephesians 2:10). We maintain our communion with the Vine by praying(v. 7), obeying the Vinedresser’s commandments (v. 10), and keeping our lives clean through His Word (3–4).

 

What happens to a branch without the Vine? “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." (John 15:6).Without the Vine the branch dies. A life without the Vine experiences frustration, discontent, and guilt and eventually death—permanent separation from the living Vine. There are some in our churches with unfruitful branches. They are either too immature (need to abide in the Vine to grow to produce fruit) or they are not true believers. Those that depend on religion are doing what they believe is good in their own efforts, like Cain with the wrong motivation.

 

By default we walk in our flesh. It is our nature to be selfish. We focus on self instead of the Vinedresser.  But even then the Vinedresser gave us the ability to abide in the strength giving Vine. Our job is to yield as explained in Galatians 2:20 explains it, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” But how do I yield? How do I be the branch?

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Mat 6:33)

Seek God. “They who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing” (Psalm 34:10). What is a good thing? The Bible defines the “good thing” very differently as the sovereignty, justice, righteousness, and love of God! Goodness is the character and being of God. God has no selfishness. Our Vinedresser is always giving—our lives, mercy, grace, love—He gives us the Vine. 

 

Be the branch.  Seek God though prayer and Bible study. Nothing else in life will change your life the way the living Vine will. Only through the Vine’s nourishment can we dwell and to walk in love. Love will conquer our selfishness. Be the branch and the Vine will give you the indwelling power to be self-sacrificing, to over come sin and unbelief and produce good fruit.
 

For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorn bushes, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush (Luke 6:44).

Pruning

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:2)

A fruit tree’s growth and productivity depends on proper pruning.  Pruning is the removal of dead, diseased, short and weak or broken limbs. Fruit trees need pruning for two crucial purposes: to establish the essential structure and to give the plant the best exposure to sunlight. Properly pruned trees will yield high quality fruit much earlier and live significantly longer.

 

 

Without the training and pruning by the gardener fruit trees will not develop proper shape and form and will greatly reduce tree life. I was surprised to learn that proper pruning is the removal of as much as eighty to ninety percent of grape wood every year.

Cutting off and pruning are words that indicate pain  and uncomfortable moments to us, but pruning is constructive and the way to bring forth fruit. Fruit-bearing branches are pruned. Fruitless branches are cast out of the vine, gathered up and burned.

The Greek word prune means, literally, “cleans.” To clean of excess foliage is to prune, but the context also calls to mind cleansing from sin. (Stern)

 

The Word of God is the pruning instrument. We allow the Vinedresser to lovingly prune us of sin and self by staying in God's Word we will experience the light of Christ. The removal of self-will in suffering will prepare you to sympathize with others and help us become what we desire—like Jesus, the servant of all. It is then that we will produce the fruit that will conveys His amazing love to others. Be the branch. Surrender to the Vinedresser’s wisdom, allow Him to prune you and you will bring forth more fruit for the blessed Vinedresser.

 

When you grasp the fact that the pruning is part of the Vinedresser’s long term care for your life, you can, through the power of the Vine,  rejoice in the pruning. Read God’s Word daily to remind yourself the Vinedresser loves you, is caring for you, and needs to prune you so you can be conformed into the image of Christ. Don’t focus on the pruning—focus on the Vinedresser’s love.  Then you will know it is all for your best, your trust and love for Him will grow through this process.

 

Don’t misunderstand. Every negative thing that happens in our lives is not necessarily pruning.  Living in this fallen world, we will experience disasters as a result of sin that cause diseased and broken shoots. When we surrender the Vinedresser steps in to prune the damaged and diseased shoots from the branches. During an intense period of  pruning and growth you may feel you can’t stand it. This is why we remind ourselves our job is to be the branch—trust the Vine to provide the strength.

 

For many years of my life I did not abide in the Vine. By the time I surrendered to  the Vine much damage had occurred. I was withered, diseased, and in desperate need of healing. The Vinedresser lovingly took me, pruned away much of the damage and continues to heal me daily. It takes time and sometimes I get impatient.  But when I surrender, the healing occurs and scars diminish as I allow the Vine to provide me with strength.

 

Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” This is how we experience shalom, perfect peace that passes understanding, true contentment as Christ said in this passage in John 14, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you."  Be the branch-- reside in the Vine.  Glorify the Vinedresser and bear fruit in abundance--love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. Be the branch—yield, surrender--the yield is the joy, the glory of the Vinedresser.

 

 

Footnotes

Achtemeier, Paul J. ; Harper & Row, Publishers ; Society of Biblical Literature: Harper's Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. San Francisco : Harper & Row, 1985, S. 141

Henry, Matthew: Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible : Complete and Unabridged in One Volume. Peabody : Hendrickson, 1996, c1991, S. Jn 15:1

Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Jn 15:2). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

Martha believed in resurrection—the doctrine of resurrection—She knew Lazarus would arise on the last day. Her faith and hope was in doctrine NOT in Jesus. Jesus said to her “I am the resurrection.” (John 11:25). If doctrine becomes our focus (KJV only, Calvinism, etc) we are lead astray.

Emphasizing the external may bring an appearance of godliness but it actually denies its power. Any time our focus takes precedence over focusing on Christ we have lost our focus. When we depend on Him not a church, a man, or a doctrine then our faith begins to grow. ONLY in Him to we begin to love.

He is our spiritual foundation—a seed that sprouts too soon will have weak roots. To have a firm foundation—the bigger the building the stronger the foundation needs to be. A sky scraper needs more that a shallow footing—you have to dig deep enough to find bedrock then drive pilings into the bedrock and fasten them securely. To be rooted and grounded in love (my favorite verse)—In Christ means having Him as our foundation—a church, man, or doctrine is a foundation of sand and will eventually crumble.

• Legalism is focused on a system.
• Desiring to please God is focused on a relationship.
• Legalism is focused on what is required.
•  Desiring to please God is focused on love from within.
•  Legalism asks How can I meet the requirements?
• Desiring to please God asks, "What is the Lord telling me about His desires through His instruction?"
• Legalism is horrid, for if it were possible to earn a relationship with God, in and of ourselves, Christ's death was pointless.       
  
• Desiring to please God is obeying His commands to love Him with all out hearts, minds, and souls. Loving God can never be legalistic!
  

Great peace has they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165

Do we love His law?”  One cannot love what one does not know. A person cannot do or understand what he has never learned. We are commanded to learn Law (the Torah, Scriptures or Bible) day and night and to teach it to our children—we can attempt to do so by attending church and homeschooling (a good start). But we need to know the Word of God. Not skim it, not as something tacked on but as the focus of life. This requires repeated reading. You cannot learn what the Bible has to say by reading it through once. There must be repeated daily.

Our purpose should be to know God and encourage our children (and grandchildren) to LOVE the law--for God’s Word to be in us. We must seek Him through His Word—not on a surface level—but digging through Scripture seeking God’s way--Seeking the Truth. We need to turn off the television. Our generation is being robbed of great opportunities to learn the truth by the continual flood of television. Make it your New Year’s resolution to seek God daily FIRST and diligently.

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3–4).

The goal of learning God’s Word is never to be better than another—it is to know Him—I wrote “The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach” to explain what I have learned  after a lot of trail and error--the importance of seeking God first daily—never to rely on man’s teachings but lead on the Holy Spirit’s leading. Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding. Proverbs 9:10.

It’s not enough to attend church and avoid the appearance of evil. God, in this world, has appointed wisdom to the structure, method and goal of our learning. It is not enough to simply borrow a curriculum and sprinkle it with Christian words. Wisdom is far above any other goals. When we and  our children REALLY love the law we will not stumble —but first we need to know it—not just know of it—not just a introduction to it or an overview—know it—have it written on our hearts.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1–2).

Renew your mind with His Word—humbly not prideful—to know Him. When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom. Pro 11:2

My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:21–24—beautiful read it again! “Life for your soul.”

Great peace has they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119

Let’s turn off the televisions and turn to God’s Word minister to our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Someone very close to our family was recently delivered from a very legalistic church. Much of God’s Word speaks directly to false leadership and deception. We have watched God answer our prayers day by day through the progression of this entire family’s eyes opening to the see the real motives of this wicked pastor--they were deceived by his appearance of conservatism. He taught obiedience---to him not God. 

Why do so many well meaning Christian get caught in legalistic trappings or churches with false leaders???

I believe it is because we are desperate for order and rules. "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.”

We gravitate toward and esteem most highly, those who are the most conservative and moral. However, Jesus told some of the most upstanding citizens that publicans and harlots would enter the kingdom before they would. Those who consider themselves “godly” may be further from the Kingdom than the lowest sinner. God looks in our hearts—many sinners even the demon possessed humbled themselves before God—while some in church leadership were so self righteous and puffed up that they completely missed God.

Man looks at outward appearances God examines the condition of the heart.

God looks for loyalty: For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 2Chron 16:9a

God looks at our motives:  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21

God looks at our thoughts: And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Matthew 9:4

God looks at our response to His Word: But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

God looks at our worship. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. Matthew 15:8

How to tell-- look at the fruit:

• Do you see love or an attitude of superiority?
• Do you see joy or worry?
• Do you see peace or conflict?
• Do you see long suffering or demanding compliance?
• Do you see gentleness or contemptable attitudes?
• Do you see goodness or strict compliance to church mandated convictions?
• Do you see faith in God or dependency  on church?
• Do you see meekness or aggression?
• Do you see temperance or extremes?

We all need to spend time teaching our children to look for fruit!

I'm putting the final touches on the scrapbook kits for the new store.

Here are sample pages made in Scrapbook Max form the Adam to Abraham digital scrapbook kit. Watch for it soon at ScrapbooktoLearn.com

I'm home and improving hourly. My daughter Rebecca came to take care
of me and five of my grandchildren kept me company signing hymns to
me daily. I AM BLESSED!!!!

I had several complications from hospital errors. I basically do not remember three full days! I had to have blood transfusions, had horrible drug allergic reaction, a heart specialist was called in and now I'm battling pneumonia (because I was not given after
surgery breathing treatments).

Praise the Lord I had a wonderful day today. Thank you for your prayers. This is my first time on the computer. I can walk to the bathroom alone and eat now (no
bending or lifting for 6 weeks). I am very health conscious but now even more so. Every hospital stay I have had resulted in serious complications. I'm staying as far away from hospitals as possible.

Thank you again. Please continute praying.

Blessings to you all,
Robin

I won't be blogging for a while. I'm going to the hospital in the morning (Mon Nov 6) for abdominal surgery at 10:00 am.  I'd appreciate your prayers especially against infection and a speedy recovery (they are saying a 6 week recovery).

Thank you.
God Bless,
Robin

Last night I listened to the “The Way of Holiness” an audio sermon by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758).  This morning I got up at 5 and listened three more times. It is a very powerful sermon encouraging active spirituality and the pursuit of holiness by self-examination.  Holiness, to Edwards, "tis the highest beauty and amiableness, vastly above all other beauties."

I'll post a portion here but I enourage you to read the full sermon while listening to the free audio at the same time.

"And an highway shall be and a way, way, it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it." --  Isaiah 35:8

 

1. Holiness is a conformity of the heart and the life unto God. Whatever outward appearance men may make by their external actions, as if they were holy, yet if it proceeds not from a most inward hearty and sincere holiness within, it is nothing. Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart all that he did was not acceptable to God, who searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins of the children of men, and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth.
   
   

   And whatever holiness they may pretend to have in their hearts, whatever hypocritical pangs of affection they may have had, it is all to no purpose except it manifest itself in the holiness of their lives and conversations: Jas. 1: 26­27, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." And in the second chapter, eighteenth verse: "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." And in the nineteenth and twentieth verses, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" So that there must be a conformity of both heart and life to God, in order to true holiness.
   
   

   Holiness is the image of God, his likeness, in him that is holy. By being conformed unto God is not meant a conformity to him in his eternity, or infinity, or infinite power. These are God's inimitable and incommunicable attributes; but a conformity to his will, whereby he wills things that are just, right, and truly excellent and lovely; whereby he wills real perfection, and goodness; and perfectly abhors everything that is really evil, unjust, and unreasonable. And it is not only a willing as God wills, but also a doing as he cloth: in acting holily and justly and wisely and mercifully, like him. It must become natural thus to be, and thus to act; it must be the constant inclination and new nature of the soul, and then the man is holy, and not before.

    

2. It is a conformity to Jesus Christ. Christ Jesus is perfectly conformed unto God, for he is God. He is his express image. Now Christ is nearer to us in some respects than God the Father, for he is our Mediator and is more immediately conversant with us; John 1:18, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." Jesus Christ, he has been with us in the flesh and as one of us he appeared in the form of a servant, and we have seen his holiness brightly shining forth in all his actions. We have seen his holy life; we have a copy drawn, and an example set for us.
   
   

   Now holiness is a conformity unto this copy: he that copies after Jesus Christ, after that copy which he has set us and which is delivered to us by the evangelists, is holy. He that diligently observes the life of Christ in the New Testament need not be at a loss to know what holiness is. Christ commands us to follow his example: Matt. 11 l :29, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
   
   

   Have you ever read the four Gospels, and did you not observe in the life of Christ wonderful instances of humility, love to God, love to religion; wonderful instances of zeal for God's glory, steadfastness in resisting temptations, entire trust and reliance on God, strict adherence to all his commands; astonishing instances of condescension, humility, meekness, lowliness, love to men, love to his enemies, charity and patience? Why, this is holiness. When we imitate Christ in these things, then are we holy, and not till then.

    

3. Holiness is a conformity to God's laws and commands. When all God's laws without exception are written in our hearts, then are we holy. If you can go along with David in Psalm 119, where he speaks of his love and delight in God's law, in your own experience; when a man feels in some good measure what David declares concerning himself towards the law of God, then may God's law be said to be written in his heart. By God's law I mean all his precepts and commands, especially as they are delivered to us in the gospel, which is the fulfillment of the law of God. If you feel Christ's Sermon upon the Mount engraver on the fleshly tables of your hearts, you are truly sanctified.
   
   The new covenant is written in the hearts of those that are sanctified, of which the prophet Jeremiah speaks, 31:31,33, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah. This shall be my covenant, that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."
   

   
   The commands and precepts which God has given us are all pure, perfect, and holy. They are the holiness of God in writing, and, when the soul is conformed to them, they have holiness of God upon their hearts; 11 Cor. 3:3, "Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in the fleshly tables of the heart." When the soul is molded and fashioned according to the image of God, the example of Christ and the rules . gospel, then it is holy, and not else.

Inspired by the beautiful autumn here in VA.
Beautiful hym by Joseph H. Gilmore (music by William B. Bradbury)