Aug. 4, 2009 - What to do.... and when?

Jul. 20, 2009 - THE QUESTION that CHANGED MY LIFE - by David Ryser

     A number of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching at a school of ministry. My students were hungry for God, and I was constantly searching for ways to challenge them to fall more in love with Jesus and to become voices for revival in the Church. I came across a quote attributed most often to Rev. Sam Pascoe. It is a short version of the history of Christianity, and it goes like this:

     Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise. Some of the students were only 18 or 19 years old--barely out of diapers--and I wanted them to understand and appreciate the import of the last line, so I clarified it by adding, "An enterprise. That's a business." After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class, raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be. I thought the little vignette was self-explanatory, and that I had performed it brilliantly. Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha's raised hand, "Yes, Martha." She asked such a simple question, "A business? But isn't it supposed to be a body?" I could not envision where this line of questioning was going, and the only response I could think of was, "Yes." She continued, "But when a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?"

     The room went dead silent. For several seconds no one moved or spoke. We were stunned, afraid to make a sound because the presence of God had flooded into the room, and we knew we were on holy ground. All I could think in those sacred moments was, "Wow, I wish I'd thought of that." I didn't dare express that thought aloud. God had taken over the class.

     Martha's question changed my life. For six months, I thought about her question at least once every day. "When a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?" There is only one answer to her question. The answer is "Yes." The American Church, tragically, is heavily populated by people who do not love God. How can we love Him? We don't even know Him; and I mean really know Him.

     ... I stand by my statement that most American Christians do not know God--much less love Him. The root of this condition originates in how we came to God. Most of us came to Him because of what we were told He would do for us. We were promised that He would bless us in life and take us to heaven after death. We married Him for His money, and we don't care if He lives or dies as long as we can get His stuff. We have made the Kingdom of God into a business, merchandising His anointing. This should not be. We are commanded to love God, and are called to be the Bride of Christ—that's pretty intimate stuff. We are supposed to be His lovers. How can we love someone we don't even know? And even if we do know someone, is that a guarantee that we truly love them? Are we lovers or prostitutes?

     I was pondering Martha's question again one day, and considered the question, "What's the difference between a lover and a prostitute?" I realized that both do many of the same things, but a lover does what she does because she loves. A prostitute pretends to love, but only as long as you pay. Then I asked the question, "What would happen if God stopped paying me?"

     For the next several months, I allowed God to search me to uncover my motives for loving and serving Him. Was I really a true lover of God? What would happen if He stopped blessing me? What if He never did another thing for me? Would I still love Him? Please understand, I believe in the promises and blessings of God. The issue here is not whether God blesses His children; the issue is the condition of my heart. Why do I serve Him? Are His blessings in my life the gifts of a loving Father, or are they a wage that I have earned or a bribe/payment to love Him? Do I love God without any conditions? It took several months to work through these questions. Even now I wonder if my desire to love God is always matched by my attitude and behavior. I still catch myself being disappointed with God and angry that He has not met some perceived need in my life. I suspect this is something which is never fully resolved, but I want more than anything else to be a true lover of God.

     So what is it going to be? Which are we, lover or prostitute? There are no prostitutes in heaven, or in the Kingdom of God for that matter, but there are plenty of former prostitutes in both places. Take it from a recovering prostitute when I say there is no substitute or unconditional, intimate relationship with God. And I mean there is no palatable substitute available to us (take another look at Matthew 7:21-23 sometime). We must choose.

Jul. 19, 2009 - BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER

May. 23, 2009 - In Memory of Irena Sendler

In Memory of
Irena Sendlerowa
1910-2008

     There recently was a death of a 98 year old lady named Irena.

     During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist.

     She had an ulterior motive...

    She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews, (being German).

     Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of her tool box she carried, and she carried in the back of her truck a Burlap sack, (for larger kids). She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in, and out of the ghetto.

     The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog, and the barking covered the kids/infants noises. During her time and course of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.

     She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, and arms, and beat her severely.

     Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out, and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard.

     After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it, and reunited the family.

     Most of course had been gassed.

     Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes, or adopted. Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize....

     She LOST.

     Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.

     The life of Irena Sendler was one of great testimony, one of courage and love, one of respect for all people, regardless of race, religion and creed.

     Check it out: www.irenasendler.org

     This is true!! I looked it up on Snopes.com.

* This blog entry was inspired by Jesse Duplantis' wife's message about Stepping into Your Destiny.

May. 6, 2009 - A Mother's Day Poem just for you...

A Mother’s Prayer

Before a child is first conceived,
A cry goes up, "Lord, Let it be."
And from His throne room way up there,
God’s ear is tuned to a Mother’s prayer.

Then as the tiny seed takes shape,
She whispers, "God, please keep him safe."
And the angels all stop and stare,
To see God listen to a Mother’s prayer.

Through pain and blood on that special day,
"Lord, give him life," she’s heard to say.
And with a deep and gentle care,
God listens to a Mother’s prayer.

Then daily as this little child grows,
"Keep evil away!" the angels are told.
And by the swords and shields they bear,
God has heard that Mother’s prayer.

Then one day as the child is sleeping,
"Let him know Jesus." she mutters while weeping.
The angels are shouting and the trumpets blare,
As the Father above hears a Mother’s prayer.

As the world presses in on this teenage life,
She calls for his destiny through agony and strife.
Then God responds, to a faith so rare,
That compels Him to answer this Mother’s prayer.

Now all grown up and on His own,
She prays for him by letter or phone.
And God stands by with His right arm bare,
To listen and answer the Mother’s prayer.

Before a grandchild is conceived,
A cry goes up, "Lord, Let it be."
And from His throne room way up there,
God’s ear is tuned to a Grandmother’s prayer…

copyright -Wayne Dillard

May. 6, 2009 - Give Out NO Information on the Phone

     Hey, I just got this email that came across a Yahoo Group that I am a member of, and thought of its possible worth and wanted to share it with you as well. Let this be a reminder to be cautious when the other person on the other end of the phone (or even knocking at the door) is requesting any kind of personal  information. 

****************************

Dear Group Leaders,

     We want to bring your attention to a situation that occurred recently so you can be on your alert for any suspicious calls. Yesterday, the Home School Foundation (the charitable branch of HSLDA) received a call from an HSLDA member family who had received a suspicious call from a "Dr. Carey."

     Dr. Carey claimed to be a homeschooling mother of 12 gathering  information for research work on behalf of the Home School Foundation.

     She told the family, in this case, the leader of a local homeschool group, that their group had been nominated by members in their group for a compassion grant from HSF. To qualify for the grant, Dr. Carey explained she needed to ask some questions. These questions started with general queries about homeschooling and quickly led to questions concerning the family's disciplinary techniques. The family then called HSF and confirmed that there isn't a Dr. Carey on the payroll with either HSF or HSLDA.

     While the Home School Foundation does offer compassion grants to homeschooling families in need, neither HSLDA nor the Home School Foundation would ever call their members and question them on the discipline of their children.

     Also, if you have caller ID, all calls from HSLDA read: (540) 338-5600 while all HSF calls read: (540) 338-8688. This caller showed up as a restricted or blocked number. HSLDA does not block our number from your phone.

     If any families in your group receive any calls from someone claiming to be from HSLDA or HSF and the caller's number is either blocked or doesn't match either of the numbers above, please gather as much information as possible and let us know. And let's pray that this person will not be successful in deceiving any HSLDA members or other homeschooling families.

     Please contact Abigail Dunlap at DiscountGroups@ hslda.org <mailto:DiscountGroups@hslda.org>  if you have any further questions or need to report a suspicious call.

Regards,

Abigail Dunlap
Discount Group Program Administrator
Home School Legal Defense Association
(540) 338-5600

Apr. 26, 2009 - WriteShop -vs- IEW

     I have been looking into WriteShop this year instead of IEW. We have used IEW for the last three years. I love IEW, but I just feel we need something different. I have heard great reviews about WriteShop.

     As a personal fan of Andrew Pudewa, I give highest regards to any product that he has! I say this because I have used several of his products and have gotten great results! First, I sent my daughter to a writing camp for three days. It turned out they taught them using the IEW videos. At the end of the first day, my daughter (who by the way, HATED writing), sat down and wrote a three page paper. I was very impressed. She couldn't stop talking about the man on the video! I purchased the student curriculum and the teacher for me since I am weak in that area).  

     I had seen such great results with writing; I thought we would try spelling. After all, my daughter had shut down with spelling in public school systems and we have struggled ever since then. I did see an improvement in spelling as well!

     In the beginning, my daughter was a struggler… staring at a blank piece of paper and couldn’t come up with anything. Sentence starters didn’t even work with her. Picturesque didn’t work after IEW. But since she has completed Level “A” and “B” with IEW, I know she has gotten a strong foundation and a lot of practice working the key word outlining method using non-fiction and reading sources as her text. 

     Upon praying for our next school year and preparing myself, I just feel we need a change although I am NOT ready to sell my IEW curriculum!

     So I began searching. I notice that WriteShop is a different writing program that is spoken highly of in the Homeschool community. So. I have done some research on WriteShop.

     I cannot honestly give you a review of a product that I am searching myself. Therefore, I am including links of various forums that other homeschool moms are comparing IEW and WriteShop.

IEW vs WriteShop

Curriculum Review specifically for IEW and WriteShop

The Well-Trained Mind forum

     Upon searching for reviews, I have come across a few ladies who have WriteShop for sale. I am giving them a plug here simply because they responding to an email of interest that I sent to them.

Angie (growinginfaith@charter.net)
I have Write Shop 1. It does have some writing on the first few lessons.  

Debbie (dmcdono0@embarqmail.com)
Writeshop: Teachers Manual, Writeshop I, Writeshop II
Excellent to very good condition. $80.00ppd.
Shipping media mail-- insurance extra. I prefer PayPal or a money order.

Dominique (domisub@gaitedridge.com)
Write Shop $50- Student and Teacher’s manual- Student manual. There are about 15 pages in the Student book that have been written in. The writing is in ink and some in pencil and some in colored marker. Shipping and insurance would be extra.

     I am in no way connected with these ladies. I only found their “for sale” ads on the web and have responded back to me stating their items were still available.

     Good luck in your decision of the right writing program for your children!

Apr. 5, 2009 - Trip to Germany

     I just wanted to drop a note before I got to busy packing for my trip to Germany.

     The Lord opened the doors for me to go to Germany for a conference with A Place For His Glory.  Camp Gideon Flyer (pdf) Sorry, it is in German.

     I will be gone approximately two weeks! I am very excited and cannot wait to see what the Lord will do!

     I am posting this message a few days in advance because I am hoping I can post a few more things before I leave of the new resources that I have completed. If by chance I don't, you can always click on "My Documents" link and it will take you directly into my file box that has all my documents in it!

Thanks!

Mar. 25, 2009 - The Wrong Path

Feb. 15, 2009 - Something on the light side...

     I checked my email today and a friend had forwarded this email to me. I had to laugh! It's so ridiuclous, its funny.... but could it be?

*******************

A United States Marine was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist, and a member of the ACLU.
 
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, GOD if you are real then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes. The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.
 
Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, 'Here I am GOD, I'm still waiting.'
 
It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold. The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and stunned, and sat there looking on in silence.
 
The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, 'What in the world is the matter with you? 'Why did you do that?'
 
The Marine calmly replied, 'GOD was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So He sent me.'
 
The classroom erupted in cheers!

Jan. 7, 2009 - Who Am I?

In Christ, I am:

God's child, for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever.
(1 Peter 1:23).

Forgiven of all my sins and washed in the blood
(Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:14, Colossians 1:14, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 1:9)

A New Creature
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Temple of the Holy Spirit
(1 Corinthians 6:19)

Delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God's kingdom.
(Colossians 1:13)

Redeemed from the curse of the law
(1 Peter 1:18,19 Galatians 3:13)

A Saint
(Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Philippians 1:1)

Blessed
(Deuteronomy 28:1-14, Galatians 3:9)

The Head and not the tail
(Deuteronomy 20:13)

Holy and without blame before Him in love.
(1 Peter 1:1, Ephesians 1:4)

Victorious
(Revelation 21:7)

Set Free
(John 8:31-33)

Strong in the Lord.
(Ephesians 6:10)

Dead to sin
(Romans 6:2,11; 1 Peter 2:24)

More than a conqueror
(Romans 8:37)

Joint heir with Christ
(Romans 8:17)

Complete in Him.
(Colossians 2:10)

Crucified with Christ
(Galatians 2:20)

Alive with Christ
(Ephesians 2:5)

Reconciled to God
(2 Corinthians 5:18)

Free from Condemnation
(Romans 8:1)

Firmly rooted, built up, established in the faith and overflowing with gratitude.
(Colossians 2:7)

Born of God, and the evil one does not touch me.
(1 John 5:18)

The Righteousness of God
(2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24)

Chosen
(1 Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9)

The Apple of My Father's Eye
(Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8)

Healed by the stripes of Jesus.
(1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:6)

Being changed into His image
(2 Corinthians 3:18; Philiippians 1:6)

Raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places.
(Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6)

Beloved of God
(Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Established to the end
(Colossians 1:8)

One in Christ
(John 17:21-23)

*This was on a bookmark passed out at the Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service we attended.

Dec. 18, 2008 - Where is your FAITH focused on?

Dec. 13, 2008 - A Missionary Christmas

Dec. 11, 2008 - Lessons Of The Coke Bottle

Dec. 2, 2008 - Let us go to the other side

Mark 4:35-41(NASB)

On that day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side."

Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.

Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.

 And He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

 They became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

********

In the above Scriptures, God painted us a vivid picture. I like reading Scripture and picturing it in my mind. I read the Scripture then see it play out in my mind’s eye.

A picture of a fierce storm (hurricane-like winds) came upon the lake and the passengers were in danger. Can you imagine being on the boat with the gushing wind and the waves hitting the side of the boat, and the splashing of water onto the deck, filling the boat with water?

Now let’s look at what Jesus is doing. He is sleeping on a cushion… a nice comfy pillow! In the middle of this raging storm he is sleeping. Do not focus on the fear that the passengers were feeling because fear is from satan. Instead, let’s move our focus onto what Jesus does when he wakes up.

Jesus rebukes the storm! He said to the sea, “hush, be still.” He didn’t yell at it. He didn’t scream at it. Jesus simply said “Be still” and the sea obey him! The sea calmed down. The Scripture says perfectly calm. Imagine that.

Let’s us look at the first thing the disciples done when the storm hits. They rushed to Jesus, asking Him, “Do you not care?” This is one of the biggest lies we can believe in during the storm is that “God doesn’t care about me.” Satan wants you to believe this.

The disciples thought they were dying. They took what they knew from history, family traditions as fisherman, and past experience that a storm that size was going to kill them. When Jesus wakes up, He gets angry with them for having so much fear and fear is evil.

You know we can’t stop the storms from happening. The storms come our way to show you where your loyalty and your faith are. We can’t stop them however, we can steer them. Jesus tells the storm, ‘peace, be still’ and immediately the storm stops.  

You’ve heard the ole’ saying goes, ‘you must believe in something’? Did you realize that having fear is really having faith in satan! Think about it for a moment. You are believing in what satan might do to you instead of what God can do!  Fear is a lack of faith in God to protect and faith in satan to harm you.

Let us go to the other side, and though there may be storms, and though there may be danger, He is with you. If Christ says there’s another side, then we’re going to get there!

So when the next storm comes along, stand and say “Peace, Be still!” and continue to rest under His wings.

Nov. 30, 2008 - Romans 11:36

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” ~ Romans 11:36 (NASB)

Do all things for Him, to Him, and through Him.

            Combing my hair…

            Putting on my make up…

            Get dressed in the morning…

            Reading my Bible…

            Fixing a meal…

            Doing laundry…

            Scrubbing the floors…

            Washing the mud out of baseball pants…

            Even, rearranging my house!!!

I have been pondering on this verse for the last couple of days. Apart from Him, I can do NOTHING!

Yesterday, we pulled out our Christmas tree and fluffed the twigs to make it fuller looking; stacking the limbs in such a way to make an artificial tree look like the real thing. The tree is a pre-lit tree with white lights. Our ornaments are still packed. Tomorrow I am going to rearrange our garage to find our ornament box.

Having to find the right in our living room just for the tree was a task to do. Our living room is funny shaped, I believe anyways. I asked the Lord today about how I should arrange to make it look better, to have room for the tree, and to be able to fit our other furniture that came from storage. Our living room now is larger than what we had in Tennessee but because of awkward shape well let’s say it’s a task!

As I am talking with the Lord, downloads began. I began to see to where to place the furniture, a better way to rearrange. I saw where I should hang our pictures and stockings. I even saw where I should place our rugs.

God wants to be involved in all things. Won’t you invite Him to join you today?

Nov. 29, 2008 - Is there a hidden message in this sign?

I received an email of the most funniest church signs. Some of them were just plain errors,  while some were funny, and yet others were thought provoking. This one here really took me back some years of the lesson the Lord showed me and I wanted to share it with those who seek to read it.

Is there a hidden message in this sign?

No. Just some wise instruction for those who want to hear.

A few years back when I was still married, I was such a contentious wife! Oh, I was the worst of the worst... the biggest nag in town. I had to be broken before I would listen to those around me. In my brokenness, I turned to Him for help. He began to mold me and shape me... the potter and the clay. He showed me Scripture that brought quickening to my spirit, and yet sickness to the pit of my stomach. It was through His Word, His grace, His love for me that change began to happen.

The Apostle James was so correct when he wrote:

“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.” ~ James 3:8-10 (NASB)

How many times have you inserted your foot into your mouth or spoken things that you wish you shouldn't have said?  “The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, but the perverted tongue will be cut out.” Prov. 10:31. “There is one who speaks rashly like thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Prov. 12:18. “He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from trouble.” Prov. 21:23.

This statement is clear. What you say is VERY important! “For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.” Matt. 12:37. “Not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” Matt. 15:11. “…put them all aside; anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive speech….” Col. 3:8.

“With many words transgression is unavoidable.” Prov. 10:19.

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (Proverbs 18:13)

We must be good listeners! “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Matt. 13:16-17. You will need an “ear to hear,” which means listening and desiring to gain the complete wisdom that the Bible has to offer.

Are you quiet long enough to hear Him speaking? “'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20

“This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speakhears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty." and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James 1: 19-20 "And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who

Just think of the fruit we can bear~

Nov. 27, 2008 - Psalm 121:1-8 (NASB)

    1I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
         From where shall my help come?
    2My help comes from the LORD,
         Who made heaven and earth.
    3He will not allow your foot to slip;
         He who keeps you will not slumber.
    4Behold, He who keeps Israel
         Will neither slumber nor sleep.
    5The LORD is your keeper;
         The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
    6The sun will not smite you by day,
         Nor the moon by night.
    7The LORD will protect you from all evil;
         He will keep your soul.
    8The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in
         From this time forth and forever.
                                                              ~Psalm 121:1-8

His grace is sufficient to bring you through to victory! When you get into trouble, you must be willing to trust Him. Release your burdens to the point that your focus is upon Him, and not your problems. Look to Him for help by faith. He is your very present help in times of trouble.

Nov. 25, 2008 - Someone very special sent this to me!

Nov. 24, 2008 - The Lord turned my sorrow into Joy!