Heirlooms are valuables that are handed down generation to generation, and becoming more and more rare. What I instill in the lives of my family, my children, and all those whom my life touches, are heirlooms that I hope will be valuable to them, and in those who follow long after I leave this world behind for the shores of Glory. At the judgement seat of Christ my hearts desire is that once the smoke of my burnt wood, hay, and stubble clears, there will lay a heap of silver, gold and precious stones for me the lay at Jesus feet. What heirloom will your legacy leave? How will you and your life be remembered? http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Flashback to the ‘80’s April 11, 2009 Today was a good day of working for the LORD and a modernized attempt to get the gospel to the masses via the internet. Before I explain what we did, allow me to share the history behind what we were able to do today. June 23, 1986--at that time we lived in Astoria Queens, NY. At the time, we were so small, that we couldn't afford to rent a place for services. We met in our apartment once-a-week for Bible study, which we conducted like a regular church service. There was singing, prayers, fellowship, and sermons. To be public, and open to guests, we would meet as a group on the same street corner at the same time every Sunday. The address was printed on all our tracts. Obviously, only the serious enquirers showed-up. After waiting a reasonable amount of time, usually 15 - 30 min. we would walk back to our apartment for some light refreshments and church. Always on the lookout for interesting or different ways to get people's attention, Pastor Bob got the idea to start a phone ministry. Pastor Bob's idea was to record a short gospel message on an answering machine. This was a painstaking process. There were no hi-tech gizmos available to help us. Pastor Bob would write up his sermon. It had to be exactly 3 minutes or the cassette which played on a loop would record over the beginning of the message. We also had business cards printed up with the title of the message or a catchy short phrase or question that would peak the curiousity of those who found the cards, and phone number. When the message and cards were ready to go, we would make a "midnight raid". Literally. With rolls of scotch tape and stacks of cards, we would go to areas that were busy by day, and tape these cards to doors, storefront gates and windows, apartment building entrances, parking meters, etc. Any place we could tape them without causing damage to property, we put them up. By the time we arrived home after our raid, the phone was already ringing off the hook. Hundreds of calls came in after these raids. Though we don't know if anyone ever got saved as a result of this ministry, MANY people heard part or all of the Gospel. A total of 5 messages were done. Speeding up to the present day, we still have the original cassettes these messages were recorded on. They have been digitized, and today they have been put back into use. If you would like to listen to any, or all of them; please follow the individual links below. Share them with your friends, relatives, acquaitance. Feel free to link your website or blog to them too.Be sure your computer sound/volume is on. http://.AbsolutelyFREEGIFT.webs.com http://Are You Prepared.webs.com http://NeedGoodNews.webs.com http://PlanfortheFuture.webs.com http://harpingonHELL.webs.com http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/678469/ Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:49:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/678469/ Today my mind is wandering to the future. Many questions are whirling around in my head. Alot of them have come about as a result of the mission's conference last week. The need for workers in the fields is great. Each missionary, each field, made me ask, "Is that where one of my children will go?" In our flesh, in our physical world, at least in our family/home, we don't have much to give as far as money goes. Yes, our home is beautiful, glory to God, and it is a great gift of love from Him to us, but our home is more than just the painted walls, and furnishings. What we have to give is priceless. We have offered up our children for His use. Now I realize that their full surrender to God is a personal choice that they must make for themselves, but we as parents desire our children to be vessels fit for the Master's use. Our heart's desire is that God will take them and use them, and that not one of them would refuse Him. These thoughts have alot of emotions attatched to them. As a mom, in one way the last thing I want is for my children to go live in a distant land, and only visit with us every few years. I don't want to go to bed at night and wonder if my child is safe or being watched or taken to prison for preaching the glorious Gospel of Our LORD Jesus Christ. In my flesh, in the natural mother's heart, I don't want them to go very far from home, EVER. But with eternity in view, I want them to go for God without thought for dear old mom and dad. I want them to be consumed with Jesus. In fact, the last few months I have really begun to expect that in my golden years, if the LORD tarries that long, I will sit in my rocker, praying for my children, grandchildren, and maybe great-grandchildren, to stay by the stuff, to keep on for God, to fight the good fight, to finish the course, to reach for the prize of the high calling of God. My mind is set upon them all being far from me, and yet close to my heart. I am expecting them to be warriors and servants in distant lands, to go to the regions beyond and to say with all that in them is, "Here am I LORD send me" And if the LORD determines that they need not all go so far away to serve Him, then i will be extra blessed. I give up my children for the service of the KING of Glory-Jesus Christ. What more can I give? The other question that naturally follows, well several of them, are: when and where will they go? will they marry? who will they marry? when will this all come about? David is on the verge of marriage, Godwilling. What plans are in his future after that? We are so isolated, it is hard to keep my eyes of the practical issue of meeting prospective brides or grooms. Years ago I wrote to a precious sister about this matter. I told her that I believed that if necessary God would bring them to our front door-their car could break down, or asking for directions, or "accidentally" finding the wrong house. When I get a case of "how in the world will..." I remind myself of this...God's way are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. He can do anything, nothing is impossible with Him. All we know is we want God's choice. When a family friend was about to marry, I began to fret, and wonder how we would ever be able to give our daughters wedding gowns and pull-off even a small wedding. This was going through my mind on a Tuesday as we drove home from town. Tuesday was the day that the clothes house was open (over the years we have gotten many items from them free of charge) so we decided to stop on the way. We ran in and then out pretty fast for us. But oddly enough they had a wedding dress that particular day. Never before had I seen one there. As we drove up the hill for home, I went on and on about the wedding dress, chiding myself for not getting it. After we unloaded the van, Bob told me to take Charity back and look at it again. Off we went. The wedding gown was still there. We carefully removed it from the hanger, and one of the workers came over and held it close to Charity. I looked like it would be a perfect fit. Then more of them workers gathered nearby, formed a circle and prayed for her. They GAVE us the dress! As we were leaving they asked when she was getting married. I just had to laugh as I told them, she didn't even have a "boyfriend". They were amazed, and yet happy to give the dress to her. To Charity, it seems to be a promise that one day she will need that gown. To me, that was more a blessing to me than to Charity, because I'd be wondering about buying all the things you'd need for a wedding. It was God's way of telling me, in a dear, loving, gentle way, "Terry, see, you don't have to worry about anything. I've got it all under control" During the missions conference, they had special sessions for just the ladies with the main speakers wife, Mrs. Ireland. She spoke on the topic of "Prodigals". I wasn't able to talk to her but she really helped me by repeating my own words back to me, though we have never met. But during her lesson she said something very profound. "Control is an illusion" God is the one at the controls, He allows things to occur for our good, and learning. The greatest thing I can do as a wife and mother is to stop trying to control anything and reliquish control to my great Father, who doeth all things well. The future of our family will be full of changes, the unexpected-good and bad, but God is in control. And we know His way is perfect. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/676619/ Mon, 6 Apr 2009 19:18:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/676619/ This is just going to be brief because I am totally wiped out today. The late nights, up to 2am+ for over 2 weeks has caught up with me.  Today we figured out how to put sermons online. The first one is from today. It is called COME OUT. You can listen to it on our site www.boazbaptist.com/sermons  or www.sermon.net/boazbaptist  Remember that we are a small home-church, with a relaxed atmosphere. The purpose of putting this sermon out there is to help, to edify, to encourage. We apologize for the less than great quality. We are in the process of getting the proper equipment to record digitally. Thanks for your understanding and patience. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/676262/ Sun, 5 Apr 2009 20:51:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/676262/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/659702/ Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:36:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/659702/ <div style="width:640px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w267.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w267.photobucket.com/albums/ii306/bopperfamily/Redecor Master Bedroom/68bc9607.pbw" height="480" width="640"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii306/bopperfamily/Redecor%20Master%20Bedroom/?action=view&current=68bc9607.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div> http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/652111/ Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:56:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/652111/     This is my son and his "espoused" wife.  They have not set a date yet,. This was taken New Years Eve. Don't they look happy, and so cute. LOVE the huge space between them They are trying so hard to keep things pure and holy.  Would you believe she is 8 yr. older than he is??? She is very sweet and beautiful inwardly too. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/639741/ Sat, 3 Jan 2009 19:45:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/639741/ The link I am posting today, ok, 2 of them are sensitive topics for many people, and will possibly make some readers really upset. I am not posting them to create a stir, but simply to give information so that you, and your spouse can make informed decisions. Both are prevalent in Christian circles, and one especially targets homeschoolers, even producing their own curricula. The other has permeated Christian college campuses since the early 1980's. Recently it was brought to my attention because someone told my son he is a "sanguine" and I had to explain to him what it was. It is unfortunate that many times we fall into the latest fad of Christianity with out understanding the root of it. Neither do we consider the consequences. We are all guilty, including me, of wanting to be "with it". Bill Gothard Spirit Controlled Temperament http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/629577/ Mon, 8 Dec 2008 15:11:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/629577/ Am I the only one who's whole routine is thrown off when a holiday or appointment comes along???  Are my children the only ones who seem to forget what school is, much less want to do it after a mini-break--even if it is only half a day???? Today was much better than yesterday. Yes, we started late-nothing unusual there-but at least we finished in a reasonable time.  Which means Mom gets do something besides cooking and schooling today! Yeah!!!  My sewing has piled way up, and now there are the projects I MUST complete for gift-giving.  One year I am going to plan to make everyone the same things and do it assembly line fashion. That will save alot of extra little things that eat away at my time. For those of you who read the previous post Mote V. Beam, I can't tell you how much your prayers and comments have meant to me. The LORD has ministered to me greatly, and my husband too. The one thing about stuff like that is that the more it happens to you, the more you learn to let it go, or become a bitter old bag that no-one wants to be near. When you are in or put in, a position of being...ok...I'm gonna use the "J" word...cover your ears kiddos--JUDGED... and you are hurt, or angry, or... you have to make a choice.  You have to choose whether you will let it destroy you, spend time with the LORD about the matter seeking His judgment on the matter, and/or let it go. People are going to point fingers no matter righteously you live. Not one of us will ever entirely live up to one another's convictions, standards, etc.  All of us are hypocrites down deep inside, even if we chose to ignore that little fact. Our flesh and our human spirit are weak. If not for the Holy Spirit, we'd be sunk. I am not saying we should just let everyone believe what they want, as long as they believe in something. I am not saying there is no right and wrong, no black and white. I am saying that many issues of controversy, are shades grey. For example:  I think smoking is horrible. I hate it. Can't stand to be anywhere near it. makes me sick. And while I have heard it preached for all my life that smoking is a sin, there is not a scripture verse anywhere where God says, "Thou shalt not smoke".  It would fall into the category of self-control, or being under a power (nicotine) that control us; instead of being under the Holy Spirits control.  Another example is...dresses only for girls. Let me make it clear here that I am a dresses only advocate. BUT there's not a verse of scripture that tells women to wear dresses and men to wear the pants. But the principles are there. God condemns a man being effeminate--which we see is quite prevalent in todays society--, so it is implied that a woman being masculine-which is also prevalent- is not a good thing. We all make a point of saying God created Adam and EVE, not Adam and STEVE.  Therefore it is good and proper that women dress and act like women and men be manly and look/act manly.   Well, my pies are finished baking so I have to run.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/627097/ Tue, 2 Dec 2008 15:14:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/627097/   This past week we had yet another session of the brethren getting on his/her high horse because of something we say and/or do. Please dear ones, heed this warning. Be careful who you share your life with, who you are honest with about your personal and private home life. Don't be so quick to let your "secrets", or sins, or vices, or faults, or obsessions, or likes, or loves, or...  out in the open, UNLESS you fill in the blanks of the where, when, why, how much or how long, and what type/style of the "thing" in your life that most of the brethren hide or fail to disclose, for the reasons why I am writing this now. Yes, I am being vague, and I apologize for that. My husband is great, and he is especially passionate about reaching out to brothers and sisters, and trying to encourage them in life. He also seeks to challenge their thinking on doctrine. But last week he made the "mistake" of being honest with someone about something, and without them knowing the who, what, how much... etc the listener took it upon themselves to brow beat him over the phone.   Why is it that we have to preface everything we say about our life, especially with things that someone might believe is wrong, such as TV, movies, books/authors, sports, hobbies, computer/internet, music, ..... I have personally seen the looks...you know the type of look that a NON-TV person gives when a TV watching Christian lets it be known that they watch TV.    Because of our recent confrontation, I am sure that we need to explain the who, when, how often,... immediately following the disclosure.    Many people grew up in homes where TV was on every waking moment, and for some household members, was on all night too.  And that was when TV was not as bad as today.  But if you indulge in TV programs, you almost have to share your watch list, and explain that simply because you watch EMERGENCY doesn't mean your set is on 24/7; or that you are in agreement with everything seen, said, and done. OR the maybe the person watches only specific channels or programs or news or sports or limited time each day/week.   This is true for sports fans. Does a football fan have to hate the sport bcz there are advertizers who promote drinking?  Is it wrong to like basketball bcz players live immoral personal lives?   How about newpapers?  They are full of garbage...dear abby, gossip, horoscopes, one sided political statements.... are they any better than the TV  or sports?  Isn't sin a sin a sin a sin...if indeed the "thing" in dispute is a sin according to Scripture.  Mind you I am not saying sin isn't sin.    You might even recall my own gripes with romance novels, even Christian ones put unrealistic ideas into the minds of women-married and single. Then when ones husband, father, beau, isn't as "romantic" or regal as the hero from the novels, it hurts. Fiction is often hard to keep in it's proper place when it is so appealing to our female emotions and spirit...but I digress...   WHY do we have to prepare a statement to explain, not necessarily justify, our choice of entertainment--for lack of a better word?  WHAT makes brethren think it's right for them to call one on the carpet for this choice?    It has become quite tiresome to have to be on guard from the bretheren who are ready to lunge and plunge a knife into your chest when you engage in some activitiy or pastime from which they have chosen to abstain. The saddest part is that often is the case, that the brother or sister who decided to launch an assault on me/us on one matter, is/was, humanly speaking, engaging in much more gross activities, and appears to have rebuked me/us to take or keep the focus off themselves.  Kind of the mote and the beam scenario.   Mind you that what has often hurt the most about this happening, is that they go by their own experience and not the facts of the situation. (refer to the previous mentioned TV paragraph) On top of that, to be calling a "friend" to encourage them, to see how they are doing, and have them turn on you, so to speak, well, it HURTS!  It would be nice if the "friend" could put off their sermon until the next phone call.  I know the verses about rebukes, and reproachiing, correcting etc...  but there is a proper time, place and manner, and often is the case, these facts were not considered, to my knowledge.   The reason I am writing this is not to justify anyone or condemn any specific person. No. This is my plea to the bretheren at large, be sure you have all the facts before you start hurling stones and weighty words at someone who has come to you aid.  It is rather like a person drowning in the ocean, and the lifeguard swims out to them, risking his/her own life, and when they get to the victim, he/she starts telling them how ignorant and stupid it was for them to swim out risking their life for another  person.  Or a sick dying man killing the only dr. who is capable of performing the surgery he needs to live.    But sisters, we do this type of thing all the time. I am NOT saying we should condone sin, but at the same time we need to be careful to have all the facts, to have the right spirit, to be sure our own life and heart and mind, are perfectly in tune with Christ and God before we start to preach harshly at others.   I apologize for this being so.... jumbled.... it's been on my mind for a week now, and it is hard to say that we have to stand against sin, but we have to be sure the situation isn't a mote v. beam one.  If we strive for that, I think that there will be far less controversy personally between brethren and the Holy Ghost will have free course to convict of sin and bring true repentence.  .hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { font-size: 10pt; font-family:Verdana } http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/626701/ Mon, 1 Dec 2008 19:30:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/626701/ Monday, November 24, 2008 Please Pray!!! Please read this story here to find out the horrible things that are happening to these boys/girls homes that have been helping troubled kids for years. Your prayers are truly needed for all of those involved in this! Let's fight the forces of Satan by coming to the throne and finding grace to help in time of need! The Hephzibah House is another that has been attacked and they are already trying to pass legislation to shut down all homes in that state. These kids are so much better off in the environment and programs that these homes offer. They need to stay up and running! FEEL FREE TO POST THIS ON YOUR BLOG ALSO! WE NEED TO GET THE WORD OUT TO CHRISTIANS ACROSS AMERICA AND THE WORLD! Please comment if you are praying! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/624098/ Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:28:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/RubysLegacy/624098/