Journeying For Him

No Guilt Chocolately Goodness

2012-02-08T18:32:00.000-05:00

Prayer helps. Scripture helps. Keeping our eyes on God is MAJOR. Sometimes though, life calls for chocolate - because of stress, celebration or just because.

On that note...oh wow. This is good. I love it. Family loves it. Friends love it. It looks and rises like there is flour in it. No wheat flour, rice flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it....and at any given time, you are only 5 minutes away from chocolatey yumminess!

Mix in bowl:

1 Ripe banana - squashed/mashed
2T Almond butter
1 beaten egg

2 T cocoa powder (pure, no sugar)
1/4t instant coffee

When mixed, pour into greased muffin tin, or small mug. Depending on whether you make 2 muffins with this or one big one will change the time a bit. I make 2 muffins with this mix and microwave on high of 2 minutes. Enjoy chocolatey goodness with no guilt!

Diversity!!! (Making veggie noodles)

2012-02-06T11:35:00.003-05:00

These are not wheat noodles. They are not gluten free noodles using rice flour. They are made of ......... CUCUMBER. :) I have found the power and flexibility a julienne slicer brings! Watch out world! lol.

Seriously, did you know you can make veggie "noodles" with a $8 julienne slicer? This is soooo nummy. It is sesame noodles (made from cucumber). Did you know you can use the slicer to make noodles out of many veggies? - Squash (not just spaghetti squash), zucchini, cucumber, etc?

Here is the recipe I used for the noodles. Premade this for dinner tonight and trying NOT to eat anymore before then! Sooooo good.

Cold Sesame (Cucumber) Noodles

Make this into a complete meal by shredding cold, cooked chicken on top or serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp.

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 cucumbers
1 tablespoon tahini
1 tablespoon cashew butter (sugar-free)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon tamari
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon water

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
1 scallion, dark green part only, thinly sliced

Directions:
1. Heat a small saute pan over medium heat, then toast the sesame seeds until light brown, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Peel the cucumbers, then turn them into noodles with a julienne peeler. Place in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, mix the tahini, cashew butter, oil, coconut tamari, vinegar, water, red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger with a fork until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the cucumber noodles and toss gently with a rubber scraper until evenly coated. Mound on a plate and sprinkle with the sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Yum, yum, YUM!

This was modified off a recipe I found on another website...but I don't remember where. So whoever you are, where ever you are, "Thank you!!!" :-)

Dinner - Blessings

2012-02-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

It is so easy to take for granted our supermarkets and the ability to choose such a variety of wonderful foods. It hit me yesterday as I was grocery shopping and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. We have a pletora of colorful veggies tonight. Okay - I am REALLY going to have to get better with the camera. :)

Making grilled asparagus for dinner and it smells sooo good. It is beautiful. Picture does not do it justice, but I only had my cell phone camera on hand.

This is our beautiful slaw

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
As you sit down to dinner tonight, eat with, as my friend says, "an attitude of gratitude"! :)
What are you having for dinner tonight?

<3

Winner in Giveaway

2012-01-30T12:59:00.000-05:00

And the winner of the book "Grace God and Girlfriends" is.....Sharon!!

Sharon, please pm me with your mailing information and I'll send the book on it's way to you!

Who you are to the LORD!

2012-01-27T12:44:00.001-05:00

When you get tired and weary because of the length (KJ "greatness") of your road, remember this:

Whatam I to God?

If you belong to Jesus,

remember this about yourself:

Iam His special treasure

Exodus19:5

Iam set apart

Lev20:22-26

Ibelong to God

Lev20:26

Iam His child

Gal4:6

Iam His temple

2Cor 6:14-7:1

Iam His beloved

Rom9:25

Iam chosen

1Pet 2:9

Iam royal priesthood

1Pet 2:9

Iam God's own possession

1Pet 2:9

Nothingin the world can separate me from His love.

Ro8:38-29

~~~~~~~

Whenthe road gets weary, find renewed strength and never forget whoyou are!

Youwere tired out by the length of your road,
Yet you did not say,‘It is hopeless.’
You found renewed strength,
Therefore youdid not faint.

Isaiah57:10

~~~~~~~

Exodus19:5 Now therefore,if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shallbe a special treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth ismine:
Leviticus20:22-26 ...I amthe LORD your God, which have setyou apart from otherpeople. ...And ye shall be holyunto me: for I the LORD amholy, and have seperated you from otherpeople, that ye shouldbe mine.
Galatians4:6 And because yeare sons,God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying,Abba, Father.
2Corinthians 6:14-7:1 Beye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowshiphath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hathlight with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? orwhat part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreementhath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of theliving God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them;and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore comeout from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touchnot the unclean thing;and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and yeshall be my sons and daughters,saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearlybeloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the fleshand spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Romans9:25 As he saith alsoin Isaiah, I will call them my people, which were not my people; andher beloved, which was not beloved.

1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royalpriesthood, an holy nation, a special people; that ye should shewforth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into hismarvellous light:

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded,that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, norpowers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nordepth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from thelove of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The answer is in the food?

2012-01-25T12:51:00.004-05:00

Speaking of groceries and saving money, several of us are trying what is called "The Paleo Diet" ....I know, I don't like the name either.

We began looking into it after some information I got from a woman at one of the nursing homes who was a Celiac as well as at one time a med student. It sounds like it will really help my youngest. We will give it a 30 day test. He is a Celiac and has some issues that have not totally resolved. Spent the last week or two immersed in research. The "diet" is basically meat, fruit and veggies (nothing processed, no grain, no rice, no corn, no beans, no dairy) 80% of the time and 20% of the time you can eat "non-paleo". For those in our family that are Celiac, they will still not eat grains of course. Anyway, the 80% is supposed to get a person most of the benefits and is supposed to be very anti-inflammatory to the body. There is so much research out there!

In some ways, this looks like a more expensive way to shop, but as I made the grocery list from the meal menu, I realized, it is almost ALL fresh food and NOTHING processed. The 'nothing processed' takes away a large chunk of the bill. No canned baked beans, no chips, no snack bars etc. Going shopping soon, so we'll see!

I am on day two of the plan and already have so much more energy and much more clear headed.

I tend to be pretty skeptical of "eating plans", hate fads, and am pretty well researched in nutrition. BUT I am really hopeful here. The Paleo diet became popular around 2002 and has only grown. Most movements last a few years and burn out. This has done the opposite. The more people try, the more it grows. One thing that was interesting was reading the 300 customer reviews of "The Paleo Diet" by Robb Wolf on Amazon. Their review of the book was not as interesting as their experience on the diet. Wow.

Disclaimer: The book has fabulous information on diet and nutrition. You must disregard his comments on evolution and occasional language. SIGH.

Anyway, we are giving this the 30 day test and see if it helps. Will keep you updated!

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. - Psalm 34:8

Time with the Lord

2012-01-19T15:00:00.004-05:00

Don't forget your time with the Lord today :)

Isaiah 50:4 turned into to a prayer for us, girlfriends!

Lord GOD please give me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: Lord, awakeneth me morning by morning, wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. In Jesus name, Amen

Strange Sounds and Rumblings

2012-01-18T12:42:00.003-05:00

I've heard strange rumbling sounds almost with a harmonic back end several times. If you google it, you'll find out they are being heard all over the world. No one knows what it is. I'd almost think people were editing videos and making this stuff up - except I've heard it too, and some mainstream media has reported it. Here are a few videos where you can hear it.

This one was heard the day on an earthquake:

Compilation from Jan, 12 2012

They sound a bit like the SHOFAR!

Isa 18:3 All you people of the world, you who live on the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it, **and when a trumpet sounds, you will hear it.**

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Many people have said it sounds like the earth is groaning.

Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Have you heard these sounds too? Food for thought. Our Lord told us He was coming back soon. "People get ready, there's a train coming!" Now is the time to get right with God <3

Ezekiel 3:13 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the **noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing.**
Isaiah 13:4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle.

-Could we also be hearing the angels getting in battle positions?

Jeremiah 25:31 *A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; * for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.

The Sabbath and the Lord's Day

2012-01-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

This is a Bible study written by a sister in Christ ,Candy. You can find this article HERE on Candy's blog. If you have never been to her page, please, don't just read the article on my blog, but check out her page. She does study after study like this - food for the soul. Candy is a wonderful example of a sister that "studies to shew herself approved unto God - a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15).

She also has cleaning tips as well as e-books and entries with lots of godly suggestions how to keep our homes and schedules running smoothly. This topic of legalism vs. freedom, is so important. Please check out her studies that lead up to this subject too. She calls it "The black thread series". Please visit her page and subscribe so you can follow these fabulous studies. Without further ado, I present you with Candy's Bible Study.

-Beth

Legalism vs. Freedom in Christ

This article is part of the Black Thread Series. If you have not read the previous articles, please STOP, and read those first. It is very important that you read the articles in this series in order. To read previous articles in this series, click on the Black Thread link in the left side bar.

"What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded." -Romans 11:7

"But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ." -2 Corinthians 3:14

There are a few different meanings to "legalism," in regards to Christianity. There is the form, where some Christians use Jesus simply as their scapegoat, and they live their lives the same they did before they were saved, or they justify having freedom in Christ for living in an ungodly manner. They call those whose heart's desire it is to follow the Words of the Lord "Legalists." This is not the form of legalism this article is about.

The more Scriptural definition for legalism, in the Christian sense, has to do with Judaizers.

Judaizers - "to conform to the spirit, character, principles, or practices of Judaism." -from Dictionary.com.

But when I saw that they are not walking uprightly to the truth of the good news, I said to Peter before all, 'If thou, being a Jew, in the manner of the nations dost live, and not in the manner of the Jews, how the nations dost thou compel to Judaize? we by nature Jews, and not sinners of the nations, having known also that a man is not declared righteous by works of law, if not through the faith of Jesus Christ, also we in Christ Jesus did believe, that we might be declared righteous by the faith of Christ, and not by works of law, wherefore declared righteous by works of law shall be no flesh.' -Galatians 2:14-16 - Young's Literal Translation

While I find many faults with Young's Literal Translation of the Bible, I commend it for using the word "Judaize" above. The King James Version gets the meaning across more clearly, and instead of using the word "judaize," it defines it:

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. -Galatians 2:14-16 - King James Version

To Judaize is to be a legalist. Scriptural definition of Judaize - to compel 'to live as do the Jews.' The above Scripture tells us that for a time, Peter slid back, and began to Judaize. Even though he knew that he was no longer under the law, and no longer lived under the law, due to pressure from Judaizers (read the whole chapter for context) he started telling the Gentiles that they must live as do the Jews. Paul reprimanded Peter, and reminded him that Jews and Gentiles, both alike, are no longer justified by the law, but are justified instead by belief in Christ Jesus.

I used to to do this.

Remember, the previous article in this series discussed how just one reading through the Bible doesn't teach us all we need to know. A lifetime of Bible reading will nary scratch the surface. It took me until my fourth time reading through the Bible, to realize that I am dead to the Torah, and risen as a new creature unto Christ, born not under the law, but under grace:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. -2 Corinthians 5:17

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. -Romans 7:4

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. -Galatians 2:19

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. -John 1:17

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. -Romans 6:14

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. -Galatians 2:21

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. -Galatians 5:4

I used to be a Seventh Day Sabbath Keeper. I attended a Seventh Day Baptist church, and got access to a lot of literature and books on this issue, of which I devoured. Many of those books taught that Christians were supposed to keep Saturday Sabbath, but that the Roman Catholic church was combining paganism with Christianity, and therefore deceptively moved Sabbath to Sunday - the first day of the week, instead of Saturday.

I even read some books that argued that if one keeps Sunday instead of Saturday, then they have taken the mark of the beast, and we all know from Revelation, that anyone who takes the mark of the beast cannot go to heaven.

This is some pretty serious stuff, isn't it? Don't you agree that this is something that needs to be heavily studied? After all, if my going to church on Sundays will send me to hell, I certainly want to change that.

I continued to devour books and read my Bible. On my fourth time through, the Lord gave me the answer I was seeking. It all started with 2 Corinthians chapter 3, and went on from there, as the Lord showed me increasingly relevant Scriptures.

Before we hit the Scriptures, let's narrow down what people who are Torah Observant, Yah-sayers, and Sabbath keepers are. They are Christians who keep the Law. Are we agreed on this? After all, the Bible calls the Torah "The Law."

The Law is important, so surely the New Testament has something to say about Christians and their relationship to the law. It does:

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. -Romans 10:4

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. -Galatians 3:10-11

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. -Galatians 5:4

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. -Galatians 5:18

Are Christians to keep the Ten Commandments? I think both New Testament Christians and Torah Christians will agree that not all of the Torah is to be kept. What I mean is, do Torah Christians sacrifice lambs at a synagogue? Of course not. What makes them Christian, is that they claim Christ's sacrifice on the cross as their eternal sacrificial Lamb. Therefore, I think I can safely conclude that most Torah Christians and New Testament Christians agree that at least part of the Torah has been fulfilled in Christ, as Christ said in Matthew chapter five.

When I was studying this years ago, and attending a Seventh Day Baptist church, I personally concluded that the ceremonial and sacrificial laws were fulfilled in Christ, but that the moral laws and Ten Commandments still stand. And they do - just not how I thought they did at the time.

All moral laws in the Old Covenant are pretty much reiterated under the New Covenant, so none of those are up for question. We know that they are under both covenants and are eternal rules in all times and dispensations.

Therefore this article is going to hone in specifically on the Ten Commandments. Some may argue that the Ten Commandments are purely moral, therefore they apply, but that is not the case. What of the Sabbath Commandment? That seems to cross over into the ceremonial. Ones not keeping the Sabbath isn't going to affect other people's lives - generally - I know there are exceptions.

I believe the Ten Commandments are a basic summation of the Torah, minus the sacrifices and most ceremonial laws. So the question comes - Are Christians supposed to keep the Old Testament Ten Commandments?

I used to believe this (and still do) but I was confused on the Sabbath commandment. This was why I was a Seventh Day keeper for a long time, which also led to me referring to God and Christ only in their Hebrew names, which I no longer do every time anymore, either.

The New Testament is the New Covenant between God and His people. This New Covenant began after Christ resurrected from the dead. Technically then, the New Covenant didn't start until the end of the Gospels.

I earnestly was seeking for the answer on the Ten Commandments, and on my fourth time reading the Bible, God highlighted something that I never noticed before.

Before I show you that Scripture, let's define some terms. The only law that was written on stone and delivered by Moses, with Moses' face shining so bright that he had to veil it, was the Ten Commandments. Therefore, when we see, in the following Scripture quote, references to the law delivered by Moses that was written in stone, that is the Ten Commandments. Here is the Scripture the Lord gave me in my seeking:

"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it [he] shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." -2Corinthians 3:6-17

Did you see it?

"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

We are under the spirit of the law, and we are now under the New Testament.

"But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?"

The Ten Commandments were part of the ministration of death, and the glory of the Old Testament Law is not as glorious as the New Testament. The Law and Ten Commandments have been done away with.

"For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious."

The Law and Ten Commandments have been done away, but the New Covenant remains, and is more glorious than the Old.

"Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech"

In other words, there is no hidden meaning in 2 Corinthians 3. Plainness of speech is being used here. The Law has been done away with through Christ, and Christians are no longer under the letter of the Ten Commandments, but the spirit.

"And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:"

The only time Moses put a veil over his face, was after he spoke with God, and delivered the Ten Commandments to the Israelites. The law delivered then was the Ten Commandments. The above scripture says that the Ten Commandments and Law have been abolished. This is "great plainness of speech." It's telling us straight out.

"But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ."

Even now, just like then, people get stuck in the Old Testament, and think they are supposed to keep the Laws of the Old Covenant. If they don't read and understand the New Covenant/New Testament, then they are "blinded" by their reading of the Old Testament. The Old Covenant Laws and the Ten Commandments are "done away in Christ."

"But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it [he] shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

Those who think they need to keep the Law as well as be Christians have the veil upon their hearts, just like Moses had to wear a veil over his face to hide the glory of God. We no longer require a veil to separate us from God. We now have access to the Glory of God - the Holy of Holies:

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent -Matthew 27:50-51

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:19-22

Christians are not under the letter of the Ten Commandments, but the spirit of them. Each of the Ten Commandments are taught in the New Testament, and how we should follow them under the spirit. One of the places where we see the spirit of the law, is in Matthew chapter five.

What commandments is the Christian under? There are only two:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -Matthew 22:37-14

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. -1 John 2:3

What are "His commandments?" They are:

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. -1 John 3:23

By following these two commandments, (believe on the name of Christ, and love one another) the Christian is automatically keeping all of the Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath commandment, without having to keep the Seventh Day Sabbath, which was of the Law. Confused? Don't be. I'll explain in a few moments...

Let The Scriptures Speak for Themselves

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby -Ephesians 2:14-16

The Christian is in Christ, and no longer under the law:

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. -Romans 10:4

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. -Galatians 3:10-11

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. -Galatians 5:4

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. -Galatians 5:18

Under the Old Covenant, the believer was under the Mosaic law. What about the New Covenant in Christ?

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. -John 1:17

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. -Romans 7:4

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. -Romans 10:4

What about the Christian's relationship to the Ten Commandments and the Torah?

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent -Matthew 27:50-51

Under the Old Covenant, the people of God did not have direct access to God. They had to go through a priest, and the consecrated priest would then go behind the curain/veil that separated the people of God from the Lord. When Jesus died, the veil in the temple TORE in half. The way to God is now open to all who believe. We no longer have the veil of the Torah/Law/Old Covenant in our way. Jesus has become our High Priest. We no longer need to go through a priest. Christians now have direct access to God. Christians can now enter the Holy of Holies.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:19-22

What are the Commandments of Jesus that the Christian is under?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -Matthew 22:37-14

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. -1 John 2:3

And this is his commandment, 1) That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, 2) and love one another, as he gave us commandment. -1 John 3:23

What is the Christian's relationship to the Sabbath rest?

And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath. Luke 6:5

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. -Psalm 95:6-11

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus [This the the Greek form of Joshua, referring to Joshua in the Old Testament, not Jesus the Messiah] had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. -Hebrews 4:1-11

The above says "For we which have believed do enter into rest."

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. -Matthew 11:28-30

JESUS is our Sabbath rest. The Sabbath rest isn't a day, it's a person - Jesus Christ. He is the Lord of the Sabbath, and when we accept Him as our Lord, He becomes our Sabbath rest. Faith in Christ is keeping the Sabbath - every day.

Sunday is not the Sabbath, it is the Lord's Day, when Christians gather together:

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet -Revelation 1:10

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. -Mark 16:9

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. -John 20:19

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. -Acts 20:7

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. -1 Corinthians 16:1-3

The Christians in the beginning of Church history gathered together on Sunday - the first day of the week, as the above Scriptures show. This tells us that the Roman Catholic church had nothing to do with Christians gathering on Sundays. There was no Roman Catholic church in existence until around the time of Constantine.

The early Christian church, as read about in the book of Acts, worshipped and gathered together on Sundays. On Saturdays (the Jewish Sabbath day) the Christians went into the synagogues and preached Jesus to them. Saturdays were days for spreading the Gospel.

Properly Dividing the Scriptures

There are marked divisions in the Scriptures. I noticed this the first time I read the Bible. Later, I learned there is a term for those divisions. They are called "dispensations."

Are the dispensations biblical? Yes.

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him -Ephesians 1:10

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward -Ephesians 3:2

An understanding of the dispensations helps one properly divide the Scriptures:

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little -Isaiah 28:10

We are no longer under the dispensation of the law, but under the dispensation of faith:

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Galatians 3:22-25

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14

And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished -2 Corinthians 3:13

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby -Ephesians 2:14-16

Having a proper understanding of the dispensations helps us properly divide the Word of Truth:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. -2 Timothy 2:15

If you are born again, you are dead to the law:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. -2 Corinthians 5:17

The law shows us our sin, to show us we need a Saviour. The law leads us to Christ. Once we are born again in Christ, we no longer need the schoolmaster/law:

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. -Romans 7:7

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. -Galatians 3:24-25

When you are a new creature in Christ, you are dead to the law:

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. -Romans 7:1-6

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. -Romans 8:1-4

Born again Christians are not under the law, but they do fulfill it:

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. -Romans 8:4

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. -Romans 13:8

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. -Romans 13:10

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. -Galatians 5:14

Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -Matthew 22:35-40

The Mystery of Christ

What is the Mystery of Christ?

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory -Colossians 1:27

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. -1 Timothy 3:16

For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. -Romans 11:30-32

Believing Christians are grafted into the spiritual Israel "tree," via their belief in Christ.

For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. -Galatian 6:13-16

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. -Galatians 3:26-29

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. -Galatians 3:5-14

Christians are not under the Law/Torah

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. -Romans 6:14-15

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. -Romans 7:4

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. -Romans 8:2

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone -Romans 9:31-32

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. -Romans 10:4

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. -Romans 13:8

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. -Romans 13:10

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. -Galatians 2:16

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. -Galatians 2:19

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. -Galatians 2:21

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. -Galatians 3:2-7

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. -Galatians 3:10-11

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree -Galatians 3:13

And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. -Galatians 3:17-19

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus -1 Timothy 2:5

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. -Galatians 3:23-24

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. -Galatians 4:4-5

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. -Galatians 5:4

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. -Galatians 5:14

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. -Galatians 5:18

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace -Ephesians 2:15

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith -Philippians 3:9

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. -Hebrews 7:19

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. -Hebrews 7:22

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. -Hebrews 10:1

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross -Colossians 2:14

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. -Galatians 5:18

The Bible's Message to 'Torah Observant Christians:'

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. -Galatians 4:21-31

Bondwoman=law. Free woman=spirit. Christians are not under the law, but under the spirit, where there is liberty.

And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it [he] shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. -2 Corinthians 3:13-17

Notes

1) Judaizers are those who would compel Christians to keep the Torah

2) The Scriptures are abundantly clear the the law is "done away," "abolished," and "nailed to the cross."

3) The practice of being a "Torah Observant Christian" is a strand of the Black Thread. Its purpose is to keep keep the Christian in the Old Testament, which veils them from the Spirit of liberty, as described by Paul (and other writers) in the New Testament.

4) Scriptures are clear that Christians who keep the Torah have "fallen from grace." They have committed bigamy, by being married to Christ, while still attempting to be married to the Torah.

5) People like to gravitate to rituals and traditions. While many find their haven in the Mystery Babylon religions, others go the Torah Observant route. The Torah Observant route is as the Pharasees. The Mystery Babylon route also falls under the Pharasee heading, but goes further into perdition, as the woman who rides the beast of Revelation 17.

Saving Money -part 1 - Meals

2012-01-13T11:44:00.002-05:00

"And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship.." Luke 12:16a

Part of being a good steward of what we have is being a good steward with our money - what we give to the Lord, what we save and what we spend. This year I want to do better on my spending - specifically groceries. For our family, this is where a lot of it goes! Here are some things we are doing - and some ideas that might be helpful to you too.

One easy thing to do is add more meals with beans in them. Beans are inexpensive, filling and nutritious.

Try adding two bean nights to your week. You could have a :

Chili night

15 bean soup night

Taco soup night

Bean Burger night

Baked Bean soup night

Potatoes are another thing that can stretch the budget. Try a potato soup or potato casserole. Have a loaded baked potato and a salad.

Another thing I am personally doing is cutting back on my snack food. Prepared food adds up and is usually junk food anyway. IWhen I have a craving for something sweet and unheatlhy I pray instead. Let's let GOD fill that void - not empty calories (fueled by empty wallets!)

And don't forget to register for my free book give-away - GOD, GRACE AND GIRLFRIENDS by Mary Snyder! :)

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.- 1 Corinthians 10:31

GIVE AWAY! God, Grace and Girlfriends!

2012-01-04T07:49:00.000-05:00

In 2012, one of my goals is to save more. I plan on posting some money saving tips over the next few weeks. I'd like to help you save too - and relax while you are at it! I am giving away a fabulous new book, hot off the press by Mary Snyder called God, Grace and Girlfriends!

I will have a drawing for the winner Monday January 30th. To get your name in the drawing, click at the top of my page to follow this blog and leave a comment under this post telling me you did (or you already are)! Leave your name and if you win, I'll contact you to get your mailing address.

From Amazon: Mary Snyder’s story is not unique. Women everywhere, in all walks of life, are looking for girlfriends they can depend on. Friends who will stand by them, friends they can laugh with, and friends they can have an adventure with. True-blue, dyed-in-the-wool girlfriends.

Whether you’re in college or retired, a stay-at-home mom or an empty nester, a single career woman or a working mother, you likely can identify with this heart cry of women everywhere: Lord, send me girlfriends!

In God, Grace, and Girlfriends you’ll learn the importance of friendships, discover tips on building friendships, and explore dozens of possible trips, events, and adventures for you and your girlfriends to explore.

2012: Jesus, Goals and Resolutions

2012-01-01T08:54:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year! Watch for a Giveaway!

2011-12-31T17:04:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

Watch for a book giveaway soon. I heard they are on the way here!

Stay tuned, and have a wonderful New Year!!

Timing of the Rapture - video

2011-12-30T08:14:00.001-05:00

For those that find it easier to follow by audio rather the notes on a pretrib rapture, like posted yesterday, (or for those that would like both) ...Here is the corresponding video!

Timing of the Rapture

2011-12-29T19:48:00.000-05:00

I held a post tribulation view for years. No offense to pretrib defenders like Tim L. , Dave Hunt etc. , but their arguments were pretty, well "fluffy" to me and alone, many didn't hold up to other Scriptures. The view that Christ's coming is at the tribulation hold that the pretrib view is dangerous, because the bride will not be ready to suffer. But, there is a danger in the post trib view - that is, to obey Christ's command in Luke 21 to watch and pray always that you are worthy to escape and stand before the Son of man. Over time, I kept seeing the pretribulation rapture in Scripture. Here are some of the things that changed my mind to a pretrib view. If you are pretrib already, I pray this encourage you and if you are post trib, I pray this may bring you some hope.

OLD/NEW TESTAMENT PROOF #1 : Isaiah26:19-21

Thydead menshall live, togetherwith my dead bodyshall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dewis asthe dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead¹.Come, my people, enterthou into thy chambers²,{ROOMS OF JOHN 14:2-3}and shut thy doors about thee: hidethyself ³as it werefor a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.{ZEPH 2:3 HIDE IN DAY OF LORD'S ANGER}For,behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punishthe inhabitants of theearth for their iniquity⁴{DAYSOF VENGENCE LUKE 21:20,22}: theearth also shalldisclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain⁵.{MATTHEW 23:37, REVELATION 18:24:And in her was foundthe blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain uponthe earth. }

1: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descendfrom heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and withthe trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then wewhich are alive and remain shall be caught up together withthem in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we everbe with the Lord . 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in thetwinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

2: John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if itwere not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare aplace for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will comeagain, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there yemay be also.

3: Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, whichhave wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: itmay be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.

4: Luke 21:20,22 And when yeshall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that thedesolation thereof is nigh. For these be the days of vengeance,that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

5: Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou thatkillest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, howoften would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hengathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!Revelation 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets,and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD/NEW TESTAMENT PROOF#2 : Numbers 10:1-9

Numbers 10:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.

3 And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

4 And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.

5 When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward.

6 When ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys.

7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.

8 And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

9 And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.

TRUMPETS MADE FOR THE CALLING OF ASSEMBLY

TO ASSEMBLE AT TABERNACLE (2 Thes 2:2 "gathering unto him" - Root of Gathering is "synagogue")

GATHERING OF PRINCES (Princes are angels - see Daniel 10:13,21, 12:1 "Michael the great prince". Satan is a fallen angel and called the prince of the power of the air Eph 2:2) SO, ANGELS ARE GATHERED, OR, IN PLACE 1st.

SECOND TRUMP FOR CONGREGATION TO GATHER (1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.)

ORDINANCE FOREVER: DO NOT FORGET SIGNIFIGANCE

WHEN TRUMP IS BLOWN, YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED BEFORE LORD AND SAVED FROM ENEMIES

OLD/NEW TESTAMENT PROOF #3 (MISC:Psalm 57, Revelation 13:7, Romans 5:9, Isaiah 13:9)

Psalms57:1-3 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for mysoul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make myrefuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry untoGod most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. Heshall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of himthat would swallow me up. {COMPARE: Revelation 13:7 Andit was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcomethem:}

Romans5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall besaved from wrath through him. (COMPARE Isaiah 13:9 Behold,the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierceanger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinnersthereof out of it. )

OLD/NEW TESTAMENT PROOF #4: Psalm 50

Psalms 50:3-7 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

15-18 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. ...

21-23 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

GATHERING BEFORE JUDGMENT

DELIVERANCE

EVIL REPROVED AND JUDGED

DAY OF LORD (Eze 7:19, Zeph 1:18, 2 Pet 2:9)

REMINDER OF PROMISE OF SALVATION
(1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, )

10 REASONS THECHURCH WILL NOT GO THROUGH THE TRIBULATION

1.It is the time of Jacob's trouble, THY people... Jacob=Israel (Gen32:28, 1 King 18:31, Jeremiah 30:7, Dan 12:1-3)

2.Church began at Pentecost, Israel began with Jacob. (MT 16:18 says"Upon this rock I WILL (future) build my church and the gates ofhell shall not prevail against it") What happens in Tribulation?Antichrist "makes war with saints and given to overcome them"- Rev 13:7 Gates of hell prevails against saints during this time.

3.Israel is only cut off until fulness of Gentiles is complete (Rom11:25) Separate beginnings separate endings - unique promises toIsrael

4.Christ took our wrath.

5.Church is body of Christ. Why would Christ beat up on His own body? 1Cor 12:27

6.The church is the bride of Christ. Christ is the example of how ahusband should love a wife- the example is sacrifice, not abuse (Eph5:25)

7.Rev 20 and 21 we see the resurrection of tribulation saints that rule1000 years with Christ, then at end of millenium we see death andhell judged and sent to hell. This is the second death. No mention ofall believers that died before tribulation. We must have already beendealt with.

8.Tribulation is to give signs to Jews to believe in Messiah. How manytimes do we see "signs" assoc. with ministry to the Jews tobelieve?? ALL through Scripture! ( 1Cor 1:22, Joh 2:18, Ex 31:13,17;Nu 16:38; Jg 20:38; Eze 4:3; Eze 12:6; Lu 2:34)

9.Matt 24 warning addressed to Jews: pray your flight not be onSabbath - church does not care if we travel on Saturday..."tribesof earth shall mourn"

10.In a Post trib scenario: Who would populate millinium? All changed inrapture. All ungodly are destroyed in 2nd coming. Everyone willeither be glorified or dead. Who populates the kingdom? How do youget a world wide rebellion? How do only glorified bodies rebell atend of 1,00 years? There must be unbelievers in millennium

Unbelief and the spirit of antichrist

2011-12-28T15:21:00.003-05:00

FEATURED VIDEO. This is NOT me. A dear sister in the LORD gave this message. Even if you don't agree with all her points, don't let that hinder you from watching the whole message. It is very important and much needed.

The Only Begotten Son

2011-12-26T20:42:00.000-05:00

One of the (many) reasons John 3:16 needs to be translated "Only begotten" rather than some translations, "one and only" is "one and only" creates a contradiction in Scripture where one does not exist. "One and only" contradicts among other things, Gen 5:1 and Luke 3:38.

Luke writes God had TWO sons - Adam (CREATED Gen 2:7, 5:1) - Adam fell into sin -

and Christ (BEGOTTEN) of a virgin, sinless and PAID for our sins. Luke says of Christ's genealogy "....Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God." -Luke 3:38

Our Saviour is the only begotten son of God who was in the beginning.

John writes -"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God..And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:1,14)"

Substitutions and Idols

2011-12-21T16:32:00.002-05:00

The last few weeks have been mountain highs as well as some valleys. Today's valley is this: We have oil heat. Expensive. Our heater is on even though the thermostat is off, and now even wires unplugged. Hot house. Burning too much oil. I had to shut all out oil heat off with emergency switch. So now we have no heat or hot water. We were hoping it was just the thermostat. Now it looks like it may be wiring or something else. As I write, I am waiting on the specialist and asking myself some questions. I admit, this afternoon, my eyes have been on the problem and hope for deliverance from the problem. Miraculous or cheap...either will do.

Here is one of the truths I remind myself:
When we put our eyes on the problem, that means we have taken it off God.

I am stressed. My tendancy right now is to dive into a snickers or Hershey's nugget. I have an expression, "chocolate makes everything better" - the question I ask myself tonight is -

"When hard times come, how much am I substituting what chocolate can do for me instead of what God can do for me. I have a tendency to rest in the dopamene the chocolate triggers rather than resting in the arms of God?"

How about you? We are so privileged in the West. What are we unknowingly substituting for resting in the arms of God? Nothing compares with the LORD.

Comments now moderated

2011-12-21T13:19:00.002-05:00

Comments are now moderated thanks to a determined spammer from India who goes under many different names.

To this person: None of your ads and links will show up anymore. They will not be approved. Your past "comments" are removed. Please quit wasting your time and mine!!

To the rest of my readers, I apologize that your comments will not be displayed immediately, but will get to each one as soon as possible. Ya'll are a blessing.

The Real Deal

2011-12-20T14:05:00.002-05:00

"If a man have Christ in his heart, heaven before his eyes, and only as much temporal blessing as is just needful to carry him safely through life, then pain and sorrow have little to shoot at." - William Burns

Nothing Wasted

2011-12-19T13:00:00.001-05:00

So many are going through hard times. If you are a Christian, know nothing is wasted. Below is a 4 min. video about this and our relationship to this suffering based on Hebrews chapter 12. Take heart!

Poetry: Gertrude Sanborn

2011-12-12T17:23:00.005-05:00

I have a little book of poetry that I love called "Tears in my heart". It was written by a Christian woman in years gone by. She knew many sorrows of life and knew the comfort of her Saviour. Here are two of her poems

Local Church Bible Publishers

2011-12-12T08:10:00.000-05:00

I love Local Church Bible Publishers! They are a church ministry that prints only the Authorized KJB. For the price of a bonded study Bible in the bookstore (around $50), LCBP sells at cost their sewn, calfskin leather Bibles - similar to the "heirloom editions" from major companies that cost $200. Here is a short video showing a few of these and answering some questions I've been asked about them:

Suffering

2011-12-10T07:18:00.001-05:00

‎"And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:" Heb 12:5

The Greek word translated as "chastening/ instruction", is "paideia" where we get our word "pediatrics". This emphasises the child likeness of our interaction with God. As a young child most often does not fully understand why parents put the limitations they do on them..(ie - "you have to wait for me to cross the road, or, don't put your hand on the hot stove") or the discipline they receive (ie discipline for crossing a busy street without an adult) - so we don't often understand the *paidea* of the LORD. But as children someday understand the chastening of a good parent, we too will someday understand the chastening of a good God. When hardships come, we often can look inward and find the thing within us that the suffering is purifying. ♥

Preparation: Giving yourself a little TLC this winter

2011-12-09T14:34:00.001-05:00

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. -Proverbs 31:21

Winter brings us hot cocoa, family nights by the fireplace, beautiful snowy scenes, and usually....a winter virus or two. Being the mom, we don't get sick days, and often take care of family that is under the weather, while we are still sick ourselves. Here are some things we can do in advance to make it a bit easier on ourselves. Go ahead - stock up now and hug yourself later!

-Make sure your cold medicines are "in stock" - ibuprofen, cough medicine, kleenex, vitamans and herbs etc.

-Make a few double batches now when you make dinner and freeze them. When you are sick, just pull out the frozen dinners, pop them into the oven to reheat and "voila!" a nice homemade supper. No work on your part!

-Make yourself a pot of homemade chicken or vegetable soup now. Freeze it now, pull it out when needed. Reheat and and noodles

-Stock up on a few "foil" disposable baking dish pans. This way, when you do make a meal, you don't have to soak and clean the pan after you've stood up all that time and made supper. Just throw away pan. You can stock up on some paper plates too if you choose :)

Lastly, relax and enjoy the winter and all the beauty it brings!

Transform your Bible studies.

2011-11-25T15:08:00.001-05:00

How knowing how a little Greek word is translated can help!

2011-10-29T12:50:00.002-04:00

A 2 minute devotion to clear up a common misconception about the frui(T) of the Spirit
- Galatians 5:22

Picture Post

2011-10-27T09:25:00.000-04:00

Sunrise yesterday :)

Firsts and Lasts

2011-10-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

Starting with the last:

Last Sunday was the last day at our church here. Will miss the people terribly. One of those things though. Leaving a church is much like ripping a limb off, you know? Tomorrow we begin the search for a new place to call home. In some ways I can't even fathom.....

..... But moving on to firsts!

The first skirt I sewed. It comes a few inches below the knee. Yes, the skirt looks short, but I am short, so it works out. lol. I have brand new respect for elastic. Check out the beautiful waist band. Man that was tricky! I couldn't have done it without Julie (who as well as being a master seamstress has a way of making all things sewing look easy :)

You never know what you'll see!

2011-10-20T11:19:00.002-04:00

Guess what I saw in the parking lot of the nursing home today?? ...Two roosters! They let me get right up close to them.

Then came the hens...

Five Bible Study Tips

2011-10-16T18:56:00.002-04:00

I hope this 2 min. video will be useful to both new Bible believers as well as seasoned ones that might need a little "umph" in their Bible study

Picture Post

2011-10-15T17:09:00.002-04:00

Have not forgotten about posting....been waiting until I finish my first skirt so I can show ya'll. Hopefully Tuesday night and I'll post it Wednesday. :-) But in the meantime...I wanted to share the most beautiful picture my friend Laura took in her garden. She also has the most beautiful BLOG by the way. Stop by and check it out! :)

Foot of Your Throne

2011-09-23T18:14:00.003-04:00

For friends and family "back home" - (and anyone else that is interested :)

Here are the boys doing an original "Foot of Your Throne"
Video

2011-09-16T12:50:00.001-04:00

Happy post! For my skirt-loving friends: a giveaway at Marie Madeline skirt: Enter HERE! They have both girls and ladies apparel. I entered too, and am crossing my fingers :)

Falling away

2011-09-15T13:03:00.002-04:00

The picture is how I feel. Not much to say today. I got word that a sweet sister that professed Christ and did the Lord's work for more than 15 years fell away. Heartbroken.

2011-09-13T09:35:00.001-04:00

This is from a study I did on Mark 9:48-50 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

I try to sum up my study in about 5 min for you below. It answers: "What does the Scripture mean "Every one shall be salted with fire and every sacrifice seasoned with salt..have salt in yourselves..?" "What does this have to do with 1 Cor 3 and Lev. 2? What does it have to do with what we give the LORD?"

God bless ya'll!!!

2011-09-09T06:56:00.000-04:00

Local Church Bible Publisher: Bible Review

Where we get our Bibles....

2011-09-05T08:19:00.002-04:00

In the West we have so many choices where we buy our Bibles. Usually it is from a store carrying a major publisher like Zondervan (Haper Collins owns Zondervan. Harper Collins publishes the satanic bible) that may also publish items that a Christian does not condone.

Two trains of thought on this: the first is that the dollar votes, and a secular publishing company will continue to do so anyway, so at least when we buy a bible from them, it is a vote to continue publishing something with eternal value.

The second train of thought is that a Christian does not want to support such a company in any fashion, and some of the money we give them in buying our Bibles goes to run a company and publish items we don't want a part in. I've recently come across Local Church Bible Publishers. They are a church that, as a ministry, prints and sells quality King James Bibles at cost. For the cost of a cheaply made Bible in the bookstore, we can get a hand sewn, beautifully bound Bible that should last a lifetime. They carry several KJB's: the text only and reference Bibles are the pure Cambridge editions. They also print the 1917 Old Scofield.

We've bought some giant prints to hand out and recently ordered a text only for personal use. I'd much rather support them. A Christian getting the Book from people that BELIEVE the Book. I like it!

-in Christ,

Beth

Poems of Annie Johnson Flint

2011-09-03T11:23:00.002-04:00

I love the poetry of Annie Johnson Flint. She was a sister in Christ from the 1800's. This is my favorite poem of hers!

Follow
Thou
Me

Follow~not go ahead at thine own pleasure,
Nor turn aside at thine own wayward will,
Nor stray afar in search of other treasure,
But close at hand, where I can aid thee still;
Across the sea and through the desert places,
Onward and upward by the one sure way,
Till thou shalt sit with me in heavenly places
Amid the splendors of eternal day.

And~follow thou; for thee my call is sounded;
All that I suffered~was it not for thee?
For thee my soul was bruised, my body wounded,
I died, from sin and death to set thee free;
No other hand could write thine own life-story,
No other make thy choice of gain or loss,
No other win and wear thy crown of glory,
No other lift and bear thy destined cross.

Follow thou me~though stranger voices hail thee,
I am the way and there is none beside;
There is no other staff that shall not fail thee,
There is no other eye than mine to guide;
There is no other shepherd who can fold thee
By such still waters, in such pastures fair;
There is no other arm can safely hold thee
In doubt and danger, darkness and despair.

Trust me to lead thee home to God and heaven;
What others do or say is naught to thee;
No other light, no other truth, is given;
Follow~follow thou~follow me.

By Annie Johnson Flint

John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following... 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I discovered Annie from my sister Mary Van Nattan Stephens. She has worked so hard to display Annie's poetry in a beautiful manner! You can read more of her poetry on Mary's blog here

Teff Porridge with honey and dates

2011-09-02T13:37:00.001-04:00

A friend sent me a link to this wonderful looking recipe! Thought I'd share :)

Plain ol’ porridge can be so boring, but change up the grain and it’s a whole new ball game. Most commonly seen as the main ingredient in injera (fermented Ethiopian flatbread), teff is packed with iron and calcium. If you don’t have 3 days to make your own injera, enjoy teff in a quick porridge full of nuts and dried fruit or anything else you would throw in your morning oatmeal.
What to buy: Teff can be found at health food stores, gourmet grocery stores, or online.
Game plan: The porridge will start to firm up as it sits. If it gets too firm, just mix in some warm water or milk until the desired consistency is achieved.
This recipe was featured as part of our Whole Grain Recipes photo gallery.

INGREDIENTS

3 1/2 cups water
1 cup teff
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
1/3 cup hulled, unsalted, raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat water in a medium saucepan over high heat. When it boils, add teff and whisk to thoroughly incorporate. Reduce heat to low and cover.
Simmer, whisking occasionally, until almost all of the liquid has been absorbed and the teff is tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered.
Heat butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. When foaming subsides, add pumpkin seeds and cook until seeds begin to pop and butter just begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Immediately add seeds and butter to the cooked teff, add remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Homeschooling in High School

2011-08-29T19:18:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I have two homeschoolers in high school now! Their curriculum and goals are very, very different. If ya'll are interested, I'll be glad to share about both, but today want share about our first day with CollegePrep. This is part of our curriculum of Ben's sophomore year. I first heard about College plus from an online friend who's child used it and really liked it. She heard about it because this is something the Duggar's (19 and Counting) use in their homeschooling.

When I began researching CollegePlus this summer, I thought it looked really good....but also looked like it could be "hoaky". Actually, I only gave it a good look because of the testimony of two families I respect and I'm SO glad I did!

We have just begun our year and already I am impressed. The sessions open and close in prayer. They help the student pinpoint spiritual goals, personal goals, scholarship goals, writing applications,writing resumes and getting references, community service, critical thinking and end the year with taking 2 CLEP tests for college credit. They also teach us how to use these achievements with our state requirements to give the student dual credit.

This morning(Aug 29th), he had has first class/meeting online. The students could all see and hear each other as well as their mentor. I didn't know what to expect, but am really looking forward to this year. I think he is too.

The Day after Irene

2011-08-29T12:32:00.000-04:00

Wow. Praise the LORD!!! He was so good to us! We have answered prayer to report. It is the day after Irene. And-

Our leaky basement did not leak despite heavy rains. Dry as a bone
None of our trees fell - I don't even see a branch off.
We never lost power, though I think about a million on the East Coast did.
Our house looks like it did not get any damage
All of us are fine. Those of you that prayed for us, thank you so much for our prayers!

This is our answered prayer:from Psalms 57:1-2 "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me."

"Fall" updates

2011-08-18T11:19:00.000-04:00

Hi ladies!

I hope you had a blessed summer! My boys are getting ready to go back to school next week and we are in for some changes! My oldest is a sophomore and was accepted to a college prep program. I am anxious and excited for him at the same time (and for me!) lol. This will be a different role for me..sitting in on his teacher conferences weekly etc.

Also, my big news.....I got a sewing machine!!! I will be taking lessons starting in September so I can make my own modest clothes "on the cheap" with the SALE fabrics I like and in patterns that are pretty and practical. My new sewing machine is pictured here. :D Any advice from veteran seamstresses welcome! :)

Things that Quench The Spirit

2011-08-15T19:02:00.001-04:00

QUENCHING THE SPIRIT

Here are some things that strip the Christian from the power in their walk. These things quench the Spirit in our lives, but praise God, we can get back on track when we stray!

1. God withdraws His power from men when they go back on their separation to Him.

Sampson -Judge 16:19
Sampsons uncut hair was sign of separation, while he had it uncut, he had power
Sampson turned to world, infatuated with Delilah and allowed her to shear him of his sign of separation. When a man is no longer a man separated, wholly consecrated to the Lord, the Lord's power leaves Him
Regain: To regain power, you must let your hair grow again like Sampson, that is renew your consecration to God

2. Power is lost through the incoming of sin

Saul who wrought great victory of God (Samuel 11:6ff)
Saul disobeyed God in two distinct instances (1 Sam 13:13, 14; 1:3, 9-11,23) and Lord withdrew His favor and power
Regain: This also happened to David, but when sin was confessed and he repented, power of Spirit returned (Psa 32:1-5; 51:11-13)

3. Power is lost through self indulgence, not denying self.

Gal 5:17, 1 Cor 9:27, 2 Tim 2:8, Rom 13:14.
Regain: Romans 13:14 Must deny self and clothe ourselves with Christ

4. Power is lost through greed of money

Judas had a heart issue, but ultimately, he betrayed for money. This was Judas' fall
Money root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim 6:10)
Regain: Take Heed, beware of covetousness (Psa 119:36, Luke 12:15)

5. Power is lost through pride

Though a man might not have given to self indulgence or refusal to do what is commanded, if he has become puffed up, God will not use him (1 Peter 5:5)
If a man is filled up with pride, he can not be filled up with the Holy Spirit. Paul saw this danger (2 Cor 12:7) Moses also failed when he struck the rock (Num 20:10-12)
Regain: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD and He shall lift you up" (James 4:10)

6. Power is lost through neglect of prayer

Prayer charges with the energy of God
When we minister, power goes constantly goes out of us as it did Christ (Mark 5:30), if it is to be maintained, we must be constantly filled.
Regain: Spend time in prayer

7. Power is lost through the neglect of the word

Power comes through word (Psa 1:2,3; Josh 1:8)
Regain: spend time in the word of God! It is our daily bread. We must eat and not be spiritually weak and anorexic. (Matthew 4:4, 1 Peter 2:2)

"Foot of Your Throne"

2011-06-05T19:25:00.000-04:00

Today at church the men organized and led a lay service. My boys performed an original song called, "Foot of Your Throne". I wrote the words to it and they put it to music.

Shopping with the LORD

2011-04-24T15:10:00.000-04:00

I love going shopping with the LORD!

A few months back I blogged about a $36 dollar skirt I got for $1.97. Yesterday I was shopping and stopped by Cold Water Creek. If you are not familiar with them, they have lovely, quality clothes at prices I can NOT afford. "But God.." I love the "but God"'s in Scripture..like "we were dead in our sins, BUT GOD..." well, yesterday was a "but God" shopping day. I got a lovely tunic top at Cold Water Creek regularly $79.99 for $13.94. Thank you LORD! Oh, and coincidentally (or not), I think it will go beautifully with my $1.97 skirt.

Candy (My blessed home) is back!

2011-03-14T15:06:00.000-04:00

Great news for all those that were searching:

Candy is blogging again ladies!

She is back at: http://myblessedhome.blogspot.com

Prayers

2011-03-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan during this catastrophe.

In the moment

2011-02-17T15:17:00.000-05:00

I am often reminded of some of the most basic spiritual lessons in nature - or, in today's case - my puppy.

Jesus said, " Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." - Mat 6:34. Paul echoed this when he told the Philippians not to be anxious about anything.

I can't help but notice that when something in Houdi's (my pup) life goes wrong, as soon as that moment passes, he is over it. He is ever optimistic - expecting good things. How much can I learn from that!

I praise God for his love and mercy, and, recognizing the feebleness of these humans, gives object lessons as cute and wonderful as a puppy.

Found Candy (Keeping the Home)

2011-02-08T16:18:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure this is a link to Candy from Keeping the Home. We can all sub and support her! <3

Blessings in Disguise

2011-02-04T08:48:00.001-05:00

I went to the doctor and it turns out, we all had the flu. I'm now beginning to feel much better with the help of some antibiotics to heal up a secondary infection. The last week I have not had the strength to do anything but "survival chores" -ie meals and a load or two of laundry. Believe me, it was with God's strength I did those! But...in this quiet time I had much time to dive into Christian books and Scripture and spend more quiet time with the LORD , who works all things for our good and for His glory. This was so precious to me. He is good! Hallelujah!

Somewhere behind our grey clouds lies God's promised rainbow. Or, rephrased in Scriptural words: God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! (Rom 8:28)

Dresses? All the time?

2011-01-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

I know this will disappoint some of my sisters in the LORD, but I must be honest at all times. Well, after about 1/2 a year with dresses only, I admit to have caved in. Yes, I am now weaning pants sometimes. I certainly am more aware of wearing modest outfits, but it is not 'skirts only' anymore.

Why?

Might it have to do with freedom in the LORD? Moderation? Maybe because my husband works with beautiful women and I felt quite dumpy? Because in keeping up with our puppy I ripped jumpers and skirts accidentally and found it impractical? Because I never found a skirt I was comfortable exercising in?

I thought I was personally convicted, but I suppose if I was no matter what, I would not have changed. If I had been as convicted as I thought, all the above would just be excuses. Some of you, I know, will say they still are. I can say that I am aware of the outfits I wear and try to keep everything covered and wear loose fitting - not form fitting tops. Dresses and skirts look FAR more feminine -no contest. I wear my skirts and dresses a lot, but not every day anymore.

But there it is. One woman's journey. I'm not comfortable with it, and may not "land" here, but this is where I rest for now.

Promises from Psalm 23

2011-01-22T09:39:00.003-05:00

I got this from Pastor D.A. Waite and had to share it!

Psalm 23–Seventeen Precious Promises

    “The Lord is my Shepherd =
    That's Relationship!
    I shall not want =
    That's Supply!
    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures =
    That's Rest!
    He leadeth me beside the still waters =
    That's Refreshment!
    He restoreth my soul =
    That's Healing!
    He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness =
    That's Guidance!
    For His name sake =
    That's Purpose!
    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death =
    That's Testing!
    I will fear no evil =
    That's Protection!
    For Thou art with me =
    That's Faithfulness!
    Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me =
    That's Discipline!
    Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies =
    That's Hope!
    Thou annointest my head with oil =
    That's Consecration!
    My cup runneth over =
    That's Abundance!
    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life =
    That's Blessing!
    And I will dwell in the house of the Lord =
    That's Security!
    Forever” =
    That's Eternity!

Furry Blessings

2011-01-15T18:22:00.000-05:00

When I told people we were getting a new rescue puppy, without fail each said, "Oh it's the work of having another baby in the house!" Well, I had forgotten. Last puppy we had, I was much younger, and, apparently much more energetic. lol.

But we are all making strides and in love with our newest furry addition. I love to take his picture sleeping!

Thought on Oppression

2011-01-08T10:09:00.000-05:00

I was reading this morning a familiar verse, but struck me fresh:

1 Corinthians 7:21 Were you called being a slave? Don't let that bother you, but if you get an opportunity to become free, use it..

If we are oppressed, it is biblical to try to get out from under the oppression.

Psalms 119:134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

A call to focus

2011-01-03T16:16:00.000-05:00

A new year is something to celebrate. We made it through another one, and here we are. It's a new year. A new day. But each new day can bring distractions. These distractions can be good and noble in themselves - your love of cooking, the new shed you are building in the backyard, the animals you are going to rescue or foster. But what happens when these distractions uspurp our time in God's Word, or some of our time in prayer?

It is then these things become an idol. An idol is not just a statue of another quote "god" we worship - it is anything we put before God.

Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

When we put something before our God, when we let something get in the way of our relationship with God and we "put God on the backburner", we have made that thing a "god".

It is God that gives us each breath. He created us and gave us life. Each breath we take is on loan from Him. It is a gift from the LORD.

There is a beautiful verse in Isaiah 42:5 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

We have life by His breath - to my brothers and sisters in the spirit: let us walk therein and serve Him with our whole heart!

House Cleaning Schedule: Options

2010-12-29T19:20:00.001-05:00

I found this daily house cleaning schedule here. She has the daily, weekly and monthly schedule that work for her posted. She also has some good suggestions for a housekeeping notebook.

Personally, I put my schedule in my home management binder. :)

Here is what she does daily:

Put away dirty clothes in laundry baskets
 Wipe down bathroom sinks and tubs after each use
 Prepare meals
 Clean up kitchen after meals, including both dishes, pots and pans, and a quick
wipe of the counter and sweep of major crumbs on the floor
 Sort the mail
 Put things back in their proper place (also known as neatening or tidying)
 Empty trash bags in high traffic areas, such as the kitchen
 Make beds

What do you do daily to keep the house clean? Weekly and monthly suggestions to come!

Buckling down for the blizzard

2010-12-26T14:37:00.001-05:00

Hope ya'll had a wonderful Christmas!

We are preparing for the blizzard that is supposed to hit the NE. We're supposed to get about 2" of snow, high winds and blizzard conditions. They told us they expect lots of power outages. I hope we won't be one of them. But, in case we do, we have a propane heater ready.

Anyway, if you don't see an update in the next few days, that may be why. Just in case we're not in touch ..Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-20T12:01:00.001-05:00

I can't believe Christmas is almost upon us!

May you each have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Easy Chocolate Bark for the Holidays

2010-12-17T12:02:00.001-05:00

I made chocolate bark today with pretzels, cranberries and pecans. OH IT IS SOOOO GOOD!! And, easy!

Here is the recipe:

10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (I used EnjoyLife® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – 10 oz. – are gluten, dairy, nut and soy-free)
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1 cup chopped gluten-free pretzels (Glutino®)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup dried cranberries

Prepare a double boiler and melt the chocolate over medium-high heat until smooth. Meanwhile, coarsely chop the pretzels and pecans. Prepare a small 8×8 baking pan by lining with aluminum foil.

When the chocolate is completely melted, stir in the canola oil (this will help the chocolate to remain “snappy,” rather than becoming mushy when broken into bark). Stir the chopped pretzels and pecans into the chocolate and then spread out to an even thickness on the prepared pan. Top with cranberries

Refrigerate for 2 hours or until well-set, then break into bark to serve or pack for gifts.

Enjoy!

Cleaning Day

2010-12-16T19:42:00.001-05:00

Today was a busy one! I've been under the weather so the cleaning had piled up. I find it easier when behind, to break the cleaning down into bite sized chunks. That way I'm not overwhelmed on what to get started in (and finish) first!

This morning started with laundry - washed and put away by 9:30. Dusted the floors and assigned my oldest to vacuum. Then I started into the kitchen. Counters and sink first, because everything looks better when they are clean! Next the stove and the microwave.

Mopped the floors next, then cleaned the bathroom floors. After that, counters and sinks first, then toilets, tub and fixtures. I still have a few things left to catch up on, but I have my house back!

If you have a big cleaning job, try this very general principle: 1. floors, 2. counters, 3. details. I feel like I can "see" progress more quickly this way. It is very encouraging. :)

Oh - and I adore all surface Windex!

The rest of the day was ministry, kids, dinner, grocery shopping, and now about to relax with some time in the Word next to my hubby (whose feet are featured in the photo above ;).

Have a great day everyone!

For Dinner: Enchilada Bake

2010-12-13T12:44:00.011-05:00

YUM!

Make it as is, or you can even make this vegetarian by substituting crumbles for the beef and vegi cheese for the cheddar.

Ingredients
1 lb.browned Ground Beef (or vegetarian burger crumbles)
1 packet taco seasoning
2 15.5-oz. cans enchilada sauce
18 corn tortillas
2 15.5-oz. cans pinto beans, drained
2 green onions, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I use the vegi cheese)
1 4.5-oz. can diced green chilies
2 cups Fritos brand corn chips, finely crushed

Directions
• Preheat the oven to 375°F.

• In a small bowl, combine the burger and the taco seasoning and set aside.

• Spray a 9- x 13-inch pan with oil.

• Spread a generous amount of the enchilada saucein the pan and top with 6 corn tortillas, the pinto beans, the green onions, 1⁄3 of the shredded cheese, and 1⁄2 of the green chilies.

• Continue layering with additional enchilada sauce, 6 tortillas, the beef, 1⁄2 of the remaining cheese, and the remaining green chilies.

• Finish layering with additional enchilada sauce and the remaining tortillas. Top with the remaining enchilada sauce and the remaining cheese.

Cover in foil and bake for 30 minutes.

• Remove the foil, top with the corn chips, and bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, until browned

That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom

2010-12-09T14:37:00.001-05:00

One of the verses that has become a core parenting verse and homeschooling verse is Psalm 90:12. The month before my oldest was born, the ladies in my church gave me a baby shower. I asked them not to bring gifts, but to write out prayers, blessings, advice or favorite verses. The host put them in a notebook for me.

One wise and experienced homeschooling mom/mentor wrote me a beautiful entry about her homeschooling time beginning with her children in the early years and as they grew to be her then, teenagers. (That would make her oldest around 30 now!! Oh my! Where does time go?) Well, that brings me to the point. She ended her entry with this verse:

Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

May we each use the minutes, the hours and our teaching moments to the glory of the LORD. Amen

Picture Post: Coffee with the LORD

2010-12-08T08:20:00.002-05:00

My friend Darsi had this as her FB status, and I had to share it with you! She said,

"Hot coffee, Bible (Yah's love letter to us), hungry heart, lots of tears, prayer and love....perfect start to the day. ♥"

Freebies!!

2010-12-06T13:40:00.003-05:00

For those of you that have a Kindle, as a type this Amazon.com is giving away two e-books
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges and Can I know God's Will? By RC Sproul

Right now (1:30 EST Dec 6th, 2010) these are free, showing at $0.00, but please check the price before you put them in your cart. It could go up at any time.

These are promos but there are a plethora of free e-books available all the time, both from Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as sites like Project Gutenburg.

If you like to shop sales.....

2010-12-02T19:34:00.002-05:00

Have I ever told you how much I love jumpers? Especially in fall, winter and early spring. I adore jumpers.

They are warm and practical. So many can be dressed up or down. Worn with short sleeves part of the year and long sleeves or sweaters with fleece cuddl-duds part of the year.

Blair is having a sale on jumpers and I ordered two of them with Christmas gift money. (Nope, I'm not going to open these early! :)

One is a cord jumper for $19.99 and one is a denim jumper for $14.99. Amazon looks like they carry an identical jumper from Orvis priced at $34.99

Had to share it with you in case you were interested too.
God bless!!!

To Bring a smile to your face

2010-12-01T15:23:00.002-05:00

The holidays can be a hectic and stressful time. May I leave you with a few of my favorite quotes from my favorite bear....Pooh. May they bring you a smile. :)

“Poetry and Hums aren't things which you get, they're things which get you. And all you can do is go where they can find you.”

“If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”

“When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry; you're probably just a little eleven o'clockish.”

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?"”

The Crockpot!

2010-11-27T16:34:00.004-05:00

How I LOVE the crockpot!! It is good for far more than chicken with cream of mushroom soup poured over it. From the best chili to some absolute masterpieces, the crockpot will give us a fabulous meal at the end of the day, even when I am not able to be home or tend to the kitchen during the day. It is also great to use to save money. If you know you will be tempted to pick up fast food for dinner on a given day, put something on in the crockpot in the morning. The house will smell delicious all day, and dinner will be waiting.

One place that seems to have very good recipes free is

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/

If you try a recipe, let me know how you like it! :)

Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T19:22:00.004-05:00

As our family gets ready for a Thanksgiving feast, I recall the Thanksgiving of 1621.

The pilgrims survived for weeks on a ration of 5 kernels of dried corn. This is the story:

On November 11, 1620, the Mayflower dropped anchor in a natural harbor on the inside of the northern tip of Cape Cod. There it stayed. The location was not the Pilgrims’ first choice; they had planned to settle near the mouth of the Hudson.

The area where the ship made landfall had belonged to the Patuxets, a fierce tribe that took intense delight in murdering anyone who would dare invade their territory. A sickness, however, had wiped them out, leaving their land free for the taking. (Other Indians, fearing “bad spirits,” would have no part of it.) The Pilgrims didn’t even have to clear fields for planting. They were alread there for them.

The nearest neighbors were the Wampanoags, a civilized tribe ruled by Massasoit. The chief and his people accepted the Pilgrims and helped them. Squanto, a lone survivor of the Patuxets, made his home with this new inhabitants and taught them how to survive in this new and challenging land.

Although the bounty of the summer of 1621 brought a time of heartfelt gratitude (the first Thanskgiving), the Pilgrims’ obligation to repay the backers who had financed their voyage left them dangerously close to starvation. Food stores had all but disappeared.

At one point, a daily ration of food for a Pilgrim was 5 kernels of corn. With a simple faith that God would sustain them, no matter what, they pulled through. History records that not a single one of them died from starvation that winter. Not a one.

The harvest of 1623 brought a surplus of corn, so much that the Pilgrims were able to help out the Indians for a change. So joyous were they that they celebrated a second Day of Thanksgiving and again invited Massasoit to be their guest.

He came, bringing with him his wife, several other chiefs and 120 braves. All sat down to a feast of 12 venison, 6 goats, 50 hogs and pigs, numerous turkeys, vegtables, grapes, nuts, plums, puddings and pies. But, lest anyone forget, all were given their first course on an empty plate.

They were each given 5 kernels of corn in rememberance.....

I feel so blessed this week, as are you, if you too are preparing the Thanksgiving meal for your family. Let us proclaim the goodness of the LORD!

Psalms 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

John MacArthur calls Osteen down

2010-11-19T18:42:00.001-05:00

Encouragement

2010-11-15T11:28:00.003-05:00

It’s impossible…

All things are possible (Matthew 19:26)

I’m too tired…

I will give you rest (Exodus 31:15, Matthew 11:28-30)

Matthew 11:29 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.

Nobody really loves me…

I love you (Deuteronomy 7:6-9)

I can’t go on…

I am with you (Psalm 91:15)

Psalms 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

I can’t figure things out…

I will direct your steps (Psalms 119:133, Proverbs 3:5-6)

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I can’t do it…

Nothing I command you is too hard (Deuteronomy 30:14, Philippians 4:13)

I’m not able…

I am able (Daniel 3:17)

It’s not worth it…

It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

I can’t forgive myself…

I forgive you (1 John 1:9)

I can’t manage…

I will supply all your needs (Genesis 22:8, Matthew 6: 7-13)

I’m afraid…

Do not fear, I am with you (Proverbs 3:24, Jeremiah 1:8)

I’m worried and frustrated…

I care for you (Psalms 138:7)

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: .. and thy right hand shall save me.

I’m not smart enough…

I give wisdom (Proverbs 2:6, Proverbs 3:13)

I feel alone…

I will never leave you. I will guard you. (Genesis 28:15, Heb 13:5)

Genesis 28:15a Behold, I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go….

Hebrews 13:5b for God has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."

God is not a human who lies or a mortal who changes his mind. When he says something, he will do it; when he makes a promise, he will fulfill it.

- Numbers 23:19

Forcing Function!!!!/Holy is the LORD

2010-11-11T11:49:00.012-05:00

Most of you know, I've made the transition to modest dressing and have been making the transition to "dresses only". I say making the transition out of total honesty.

As I have blogged before, my wardrobe is slowly being built - so while I am at least 90 something percent, I am not yet 100%. I don't yet have a skirt or culottes to exercise in for example. Also as the weather changes, I am learning what I need to do or acquire, and getting those items as soon as we can.

So now for the update. I have to chuckle at God's ways sometimes.

I've had this mysterious painful and itchy rash all over my waist and torso for a month. Finally went to the doctor about it.

Long story short, it looks like I have developed a latex allergy. Latex is often found in waistbands and in SPANDEX.

Guess what? My shirts and sweaters that are immodest because they are too form fitting all...ALL...have SPANDEX. While they were "hidden" under my jumpers until they could be replaced, they were still being worn.

Though I don't really have the rash on my legs, I thought I'd check my jeans - which had not been worn recently, but had not been given away either. Guess what again - ALL but one contained SPANDEX.

(Unfortunatly, the spandex problem explains why I can't wear my tights. Have to find 100% cotton ones. I do, however, have cuddl-duds to wear under skirts in cold weather)

Anyway, I assume I was not quick enough for the LORD in my cleaning - or possibly He is protecting me from going back to my old way of dressing- but because of the spandex allergy, my wardrobe is now free from pants and any form fitting shirt - even to wear under a jumper.

I am reminded of these Scriptures:

No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. -Luke 9:62b

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation( ie behavior or conduct); Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. - 1 Peter 1:15-16

Wow.

Scheduling Laundry

2010-11-09T08:48:00.006-05:00

Many people know the benefits of scheduling laundry days. It literally keeps things from piling up!! Laundry is so easy to get out of hand. It just multiplies.

One thing that we do is have specific days to do different washes.

Monday and Thursday: I wash my and hubby's clothes

Tuesday: bath and kitchen towels

Wednesday: Kids wash and put away their own clothes

Friday: We try to take off, but if anything didn't get washed, now it does.

Saturday and Sunday are off.

Kitchen towels can be a problem: It's easy to throw them in with the bath towels. Also, you can throw your dishrag in with a load of dishes to wash/sanitize and then dry it.

How do you handle washing your kitchen towels and dish rags?

Windstorm

2010-11-08T17:32:00.003-05:00

We had a windstorm last night with speeds of 60 mph. ALL night. We have lots of downed trees and power lines around town, but God kept us safe. I posted a picture of the tree that came down in our neighbors yard. It was quite a night!

Keeping this one short today ladies. It has been more than a Monday "catch up on housework from the weekend" day. We've had housework, doctors appointments, two sick children, picking up prescriptions etc. BUT, .....I must give God some praise.... (I just love cooking with the LORD! :), somehow in all that, I pulled off chicken parmesan for dinner. Yum. I think that is one thing God has taught me, over and over. Truly nothing is impossible with Him. Even when our days are not as planned and we are running around, pray and then do what you need to do for your family. God blesses faithful hearts and arms! :)

Love ya'll

$5 Dinner: Ship Wreck Casserole

2010-11-05T19:34:00.006-04:00

I got this recipe from the $5 dinner website. It was a hit with all four of us! I really didn't know how it would turn out with the mix of ingredients, but decided to try it for all the rave reviews. The only substitution I made was pinto's for kidney's. The prices below are prices listed in the original recipe post. It cost me a bit more than $5 but definitely worth it to feed all of us!

Ship Wreck Casserole

Adapted from my Grammy’s 1940 Church Cookbook

Ingredients

2 small yellow onions, sliced ($.60)

4 medium baking potatoes, scrubbed and sliced ($.60)

1 6 oz can tomato paste ($.19)

1 8 oz can tomato sauce ($.39)

2 celery stalks, chopped ($.20)

1 tsp garlic salt

Few dashes pepper

2 cups cooked rice ($.40)

3/4 lb. ground beef, browned ($1.34)

1 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained ($.67)

About 1 cup shredded cheese ($.75) Use 2 cups to cover the entire dish

Directions

Place the sliced onions into a 9×13 baking dish. Top with potato slices.

In a mixing bowl, stir together the tomato sauce and the tomato paste plus 1 paste cans worth of water.

Pour half of the tomato sauce over the potatoes and onions.

Sprinkle the chopped celery over the top. Season with garlic salt and some pepper.

Spread the cooked rice over the top of the celery and seasonings.

Combine the browned ground beef and red kidney beans in a mixing bowl, then top with the remainder of the tomato sauce.

Spread the sauce over the entire dish with a pastry brush. Top with shredded cheese.

Cover tightly with foil.

Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes, or until potatoes are done.

Serve as is, or with side of corn or green beans.

Cost $4.05

More savings!

2010-11-03T14:05:00.003-04:00

Still working on the book I blogged on a few days ago: Family Feasts for $75 a week, and found another $30 a month to cut from our grocery bill! So far our estimated savings is about $76 a month. That is $912 a year. Still tweaking!

I am also planning on incorporating several $5 dinners a week. I have a family of 4 - 1 teenage son and one 12 yr old son. Both can out eat my husband and myself. But I really like the way some of these recipes look. Will try to blog successful recipes.

Here are two sites: Let me know what you think!

$5 dinners and Bean Basics $5 dinners

Saving money on our clothes

2010-11-02T08:45:00.005-04:00

When I wore mostly slacks, I had to have one winter wardobe and one summer wardobe as well as a few transitional pieces for fall and spring. The beautiful thing about wearing mostly dresses/skirts is how many of the outfits you can wear year round. My closet is becoming so much more streamlined!

Below is actually a sleeveless summer dress. It has a little matching short sleeve jacket that goes with it.

This is one of my 3 season pieces. It will do beautifully except for maybe July and August. We live in the New England area, so temps are already down in the upper 20's or 30's at night and highs in the 40's.

I wore it it summer, with the little jacket, then at the beginning of fall with a cord jacket and I am currently wearing it, with a sweater and fleece cuddl-duds. We are about to take my oldest coat shopping. It is 37 degrees as I type this. Here it is in all three seasons:

Summer

This was the dress in early fall

37 degrees out.

Same dress today with sweater and fleece cuddl-duds!

When you need to replace an item in your closet, try a 3 season cotton dress!

Living each day for our Saviour

2010-10-31T17:02:00.008-04:00

About once a year I try to post this video. "I pledge allegiance to the Lamb" is my heartbeat, and was actually my blog signature for a long time.

The video is a few min. older song from Ray Boltz. It is about being "sold out" to Jesus no matter the cost.

As a wife, mother and homemaker this is how I want to live my life - each day for the one who saved me. And, should it come, give my life for Jesus.

If you've never seen the video, I encourage you to spend the few minutes watching. The acting is hokey in the beginning, but it really is a strong and touching video if you watch it all the way until the end.

And now, my heartbeat. Love you sisters!

Grocery Savings!

2010-10-29T18:32:00.004-04:00

I TOTALLY recommend this book! This mom feeds a family of 12 on $75 a week and breaks both ideas and recipes down into affordable "do-able" steps. Got it less than a week ago. Have not tried even 1/2 of her suggestions and this weeks grocery bill was at least $40 less than it usually runs. I bought a copy from Amazon for a little over $12. Some of my friends have found copies at their local library too.

Family in the LORD

2010-10-28T17:33:00.004-04:00

Will blog more about savings soon, but had to share this blessing with you this evening!

I was at the nursing home today and activities added a new lady was on my "too see" list. She is there just this month as she heals from surgery. Her name is Connie. Through our chat, I found out that she is a wonderful Christian lady that has served the LORD and walked with Him her whole life. She not only served God but loved Him with her entire being -and it showed. There was such a kinship. We are all family in Christ, but meeting her was really was like meeting family. We even had the same Bible - Holman KJV Giant Print! I plan on going back tomorrow for an "unofficial" visit. May end up joining her twice a month for Bible study at her church. Wow. I went to encourage her and she was such an encouragement to me! God is sooooo good!

On a busy day

2010-10-27T21:15:00.006-04:00

Today was one of those non-stop days going from 6:30 am to , well...we just got back from Church and the grocery and I'm just sitting down. It is 9:15pm as I type. You know those days too I'm sure!

Much of the day was running around. Days like this, we can still get all our housework done and a good dinner on the table. It just takes a little preparation!

I started the laundry right after breakfast and the load was done by early morning. Also before errands was our morning chores. Homeschool was done in focused segments. Soup, rice and sides were prepared the day before so all I had to do was "heat and eat" tonight and we had a delicious dinner.

Oh, speaking of dinner, remind me to share a FABULOUS money saving grocery resource with you next entry! (nope, not coupons :)

What kind of things do you do to ease your "super busy days"?

Leaves (Unanswered Prayers p.2)

2010-10-25T08:56:00.004-04:00

Some unanswered prayers are simply because we live in a world stained by sin - a world God will someday restore and wipe all the tears away.

As I look at the leaves turning color at the end of the fall season, I am struck by our little maple tree’s brilliant leaves. The stem is green, the middle of the leaf is a deep red with black spots and the outside rims are a brilliant orange.

Our lives also reflect God’s handiwork as these leaves. We can see traces of the “green“, young vibrant person, just beginning to live. We see the seasoned deep red with it’s black spots - its battle scars from life. And the outer orange. Brilliantly bright now, but about to turn brown.

Brilliant and at is most beautiful now, in a few weeks, the whole leaf will turn brown and die.

Sometimes we too, feel like we are a dried leaf with not much life left. We are weighted down by unanswered prayers, spiritual, physical or emotional battles. But when we feel like we are not here for a purpose anymore and we are “dried up”, remember, Christ told us that His strength was made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). We may think we see brown, but others may be seeing God’s beautiful handiwork and brilliant colors. Never give up!

If we let Christ have His work in our lives, the closer we get to the end of the race, the more brilliantly we will display the colors of God..

Getting ready for our husbands

2010-10-22T14:10:00.005-04:00

It is about 2pm and I'm emerging from two days of "feeling off". BUT, it is Friday. My hubby has worked for us to eat all week and I just finished from fixing myself up for his homecoming.

When I finish this post, I'll begin to tidy the house. I usually tidy in time, but don't always "get prettied up" in time. You know how the afternoons can get away from us - kids, dinner, cleaning... Can you relate too?

SO, I've decided to begin the afternoon by getting fixed up before the afternoon gets away. They deserve this sisters. Most of our husbands look at pretty faces all day at work. Don't they deserve to come home to their wife looking her best for them?

Practical Thoughts:

1. Romans 13:14a "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, ...."
- No matter what we do, or put on, we will be prettier if every day we clothe ourselves with Christ.

2. Set your fix/tidy time early enough that you can get everything done, but late enough you won't be all mussed before he gets home

3. Attitude is the prettiest clothing. Anything looks better with a smile, and, as women we set the whole atmosphere for our homes.

4. Adorning the lips with kind words is more beautiful than lipstick! Now, I love my lipstick (it is about the only makeup I wear! ) But, let him unwind before we unburden ourselves. When something is lacking, or needs to be attended to, let us speak kind words with our lips - this is even more beautiful than lipstick. It speaks to his eyes and his heart. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Prov 31:26)

Beautiful!!

2010-10-21T18:17:00.005-04:00

Already posted today, but HAD to share this beautiful rainbow we saw from outside our front door!!!

Unanswered Prayers p1.

2010-10-21T09:18:00.004-04:00

I've been asked why God answers some prayers and seems to be silent on others. This is a good question. My response will be in two parts:

Here are the promises :)

The LORD does hear our prayer:
Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

David expected God to hear and answer prayer
Psalms 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. -

Sometimes it feels like the prayers hit the ceiling
Psalms 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. - Though he expected God to answer prayer, sometimes it felt like his prayers didn't get anywhere, they returned to his chest.

We are told, God will answer in His faithfulness
Psalms 143:1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. -

He will regard the prayer of the destitute
Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. -

All things work for our good if we are His and nothing can separate us fro His love
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

------
There are some conditions to prayers being heard. Below are some conditional verses that sometimes churches quote the promise and not the "conditions".

They'll quote "ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." but not the rest of the verse. The verse goes:

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

They will quote : ask in faith and you will receive, but the rest of the verse is:

James 1:5-7 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

so this particular verse is talking about asking for godly wisdom.
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We know from Scripture that God answers prayer, so what are some reasons our prayers may not be answered:

1. John 15:7 - we are not Christ's
2. John 15:7 - we are not praying according to God's will, or His Word -the Scripture
3. Ezra 8:23 - sometimes prayer and fasting go hand in hand. "So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us." Fasting is spiritual discipline. Fasting does not have to be the giving up of all food if we have a medical condition. We can also give up a certain food for a longer period of time. More of a fast then even food these days might be media. This day and age one can go on a media fast for God. Fasting TV and radio for a short time and using that time to pray instead.

Hard questions to come - in part II

Tuesday: Picture Post!

2010-10-19T12:45:00.003-04:00

God's creation takes my breath away. This was the moon the other night!

Our Chore Chart

2010-10-16T14:25:00.003-04:00

One great help to me is our chore chart. I have two "schedules" on the refrigerator that I printed out on beautiful paper. I use whimsical magnets to hold it on. One chart is our daily chore chart and one is a general weekly schedule. You should be able to click or double click on the pictures to get a zoomed in view, and then, at least with firefox, you can zoom in on that.

The chart above is our general chore chart. It is a table I did in Word. Days of the week are across the top and our names down the side. It lists what each of our tasks are that day, as well as the minimum number of days the boys are to shower. I also reserve the tub two nights a week for a soak!

The chart below is our basic schedule minus any dates or appointments we need to add from our calendar. Between the two of these, I always know my basic schedule at a glance!

If you have a chore chart, do let me know if you blog about it!

Girls kicked off cheerleading teams for not shaking booty

2010-10-15T19:30:00.003-04:00

I just saw a video on msnbc.com about an 11 year old cheerleader for the Bluejays that got kicked off her team because she thought the "booty shake cheer" was inappropriate and did not want to do it. While searching for that link again to show you, I found this one.

Apparently a similar thing happened in a different part of the country and a different team to a six year old (pictured here).

The six year old cheerleader - six years old, -was supposed to chant: "Our backs ache, our skirts are too tight, we shake our booties from left to right...." :(

I am saddened tonight for the state of our country and our school system. I am also SO GLAD for the blessing of homeschool!

Time saving tips

2010-10-14T15:49:00.010-04:00

Wouldn't it be fun to share some time-saving homemaking tips? These are a few of mine

-Always line the small waste baskets. Makes them a breeze to change and clean

-If you wipe the tub out daily with a baby wipe, You may find you only need to scour 1x-2x a week. That's what I've started doing and our tub is sparkling white

(BTW: the same baby wipe you used on the tub can be used to wipe down the rim of the toilet when you are done. If you buy flushable wipes - all the better ;)

-I find that if I can stay on top of my chores each day, in about 30 min every morning I can keep the house almost "spotless". That also saves me time on the days that I am to deep clean a room or appliance.

-If you have a favorite meal that is "freezable", when you make it, make a double portion and freeze the other so you'll have a delicious 'fast food' meal on a day that you don't feel like cooking, or, on a sick day.

-My home management binder and chore list helps keep me on track

These are some of the little things that keeps our house running smoothly, looking beautiful and allows me as much quality time with the kids as possible. We have them for such a short window.

What are some things that help you around the house?

Housekeeping and delegating

2010-10-13T14:23:00.004-04:00

When the boys were little, all the housekeeping had to be done by me. Now that they are older, all the housekeeping is my responsibility, but I've trained them in some housekeeping life skills that they practice on a weekly basis.

Here are just a few examples:
When they were very small, one of the first thing they learned was to put away their toys and how to tidy their room.

Starting when they were around nine years old, I began showing them how to do the laundry. Little by little they did more on their own with supervision. I watched them load the machine, pour the detergent, put it on the correct settings and turn it on. As time went on, they could do this unsupervised. Same with folding their own clothes. At first they watched me, then we did it together, then on their own. My oldest vacuums for me and my youngest dusts. They are great helpers!

Not only does it cut my time on chores down, but it trains them to keep their own house when they grow up. Remind me to tell you about our chore chart! (It's not the one pictured above, but isn't that cute??)

Leaf Bookmarks

2010-10-12T20:08:00.005-04:00

I adore the fall! The weather is beautiful and the leaves are so striking with their red and orange and yellows. God is such an amazing artist! Many times in the fall, I make a bookmark with the leaves to use and remember the beautiful season through the cold winter months.

You just take laminating paper or packing tape and enclose the leaves in them. Try to get all the air bubbles out. Then I cut around the outline of the leaves. Voila!

A great way to remember God's painting all year. :)

Nursing Home Chronicles

2010-10-10T16:46:00.005-04:00

Some of you know, I have a nursing home ministry which is such a blessing to me.

Many of the women I see at the nursing home suffer from advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s. Not all of them identify themselves as a Christian anymore because of this. For some, that memory is gone. They may come to services because they like being around the people, or, they may be brought by a staff member because the woman’s loved ones filled out paperwork upon admission that listed their religion as “Christian”.

Many don’t remember their past. They have forgotten their likes and dislikes, their passions - the very things that used to drive them. Although many of them lived their entire lives devoted to Christ - teaching Sunday School, Bible studies, serving in soup kitchens or served in other ways for years and years, - many of them also no longer remember the gospel.

Their testimony has not left them though. I can almost always pick out the Christians in the room. Their sweet smile. The glow on their faces, the light behind their eyes. If they still had their previous mental capacity and could see themselves, they might think they lost any form of lifestyle testimony or ability to serve. This is not true though. They light up the room. God is still glorified in these dear people.

I am supposed to be there to “bring them the Lord”; to strengthen and encourage them, but their very presence encourages me.

I am there to teach and exhort, but in so many ways, I sit at their feet.

The James Challenge

2010-10-09T18:33:00.006-04:00

I am taking "The James Challenge" this month! Every day for the remainder of the month I am planning to read through (or listen through) the entire book of James. James is only 5 chapters by the way. ;)

Historically Christians exhorted each other to read through a book at least 10 times in a row to get an elementary understanding of it. Far from today's 5 minute devotionals isn't it?

James exhorts us to put feet to our faith and walk the walk. Will you join me in the James challenge?

God bless ya'll!

2nd Bible Rebound

2010-10-07T08:02:00.006-04:00

You can read about my personal bible getting a second shot at life via rebinding here. To keep that in good shape, I decided to use a different Bible to carry around for ministry. Because of the amount of use my Bibles get, I knew it would never last with the glued binding. I got my newly rebound ministry bible back yesterday and today will be it's first day "on the job"

People ask me who I use. I use Ace bindery exclusively. There is a picture link down the page a bit in the sidebar. Our Bibles are so special, we have to be careful to whom we entrust with them. I've found Ace to be reasonably priced and conscience. My first Bible has worn very well. You can click on the photos of the Bible for a larger view. Notice in the pictures - you can get more than one ribbon. Love this! You can choose up to five. I get three. One for OT, one for NT and one for Psalms/Proverbs. I also get extra blank pages sewn in at the front and back of my Bible for notes. :o)

God works in mysterious ways

2010-10-06T08:52:00.004-04:00

I'm shaking as I write this, but, I should start at the beginning.

This morning is a cool, rainy, overcast morning. The kind of morning where it is hard to really wake up. I was going about my chores in a foggy headed way wishing I could really just sit down and have another cup of tea. My spirit spoke to me and said, "There is no room for laziness in the kingdom."

I remembered the verse: Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

So I mopped the floors as unto Christ, as if He would visit...well, I'll be honest...the closest I could get in my half awake state. I prayed for the energy to do my tasks properly and thought about how I would blog the LORD's faithfulness.

A few minutes later it sounded like a jackhammer was going to town on the foundation of our house. It was so loud and the floors were sort of shaking. It took me a minute to figure out where it was coming from......the basement. One of my children had not loaded the washing machine evenly and it was walking across the basement floor and banging against a metal water pipe. The water pipe held (praise God!). I digress...I zoomed down the basement steps in the dark and turned the washing machine off. Then with that "mommy adrenaline" strength, this 5'1 mama moved the whole washing machine with a full load and full of water out from underneath the water pipe. Re-arranged the clothes. Turned the machine on. Stood there while the load finished. It is in the drier now, and I am back upstairs with my cup of tea that I have not yet drunk..the one that was supposed to wake me up.

The Lord DOES answer prayer, and His sense of humor is amazing. Lesson learned God. (I hope! ;)

Teen and pre-teen coping skills

2010-10-04T08:49:00.006-04:00

My oldest child is left brain, very precise in everything. Always has been.
My youngest is very right brain, and he has to consider the things he partakes in "fun" for him to really engage in it.

Apparently these rose colored glasses is how he gets through his chores. I over heard this very frustrating conversation between my two boys this morning:

Oldest to Youngest: "Do you have anything on your chore list today?"
Youngest: "No"
Oldest: :"You don't?? ...What is ON your shore list today?"
Youngest: "Nothing"
Oldest: "That doesn't sound right..." (goes and checks list)
Oldest: "Yes you do!"
Youngest: (matter of factly) "I don't consider them chores"

I'm sure this would have been a good cartoon somewhere...Peanuts..Family Circus..can't quite place it.

Out of Jeans and into Skirts...the deprogramming

2010-10-02T14:03:00.013-04:00

What do I mean "the deprogramming?" This year I made my journey to trying to wear skirts and dresses only.

Once I started wearing mainly skirts, I started noticing things that I never even picked up on before. Funny, "coming out" of jeans was like "coming out" of tv like we did about 15 years ago. When I DID watch, the immodesty I had not noticed before offended me - it was like I was being "deprogrammed" from the world. Well, that was years ago. Yet, I find the same sort of progressive "deprogramming" after coming away from wearing jeans.

After wearing mostly modest skirts and dresses for a few weeks, I started to notice things I never had before. First, I began to notice the immodesty in our ladies attire. The cleavage, the tight shirts the way pants outlined parts of women. Oh my! How could I not even notice the majority of women dressed like this??

This kind of clothing would have been looked down upon and called "slutty" even when I was growing up in the 80's. How far we've fallen! How fast it happened. And, how fast I became so accustom to seeing it, I no longer noticed. Though I was in the Word all through this time, this manner of dress no longer offended me because it didn't even "register". God forgive me.

Now, down this road a bit more, I am really noticing how MANY women really do look like men (but with a figure on top) dressed in their pants and tucked in shirts and short hair. I don't mean to offend anyone - not everyone in pants, belts, shirts and short hair look like men, but there are many who do. Before I only noticed the "extreme" ones....now I notice this is everywhere. Ladies, we are so programmed to society we don't even realize how UNflattering this is!

I am still learning on this path. I'm sure I have many mistakes ahead, and I sure have made my share, but what I do know is that I love being a girl and looking like it!

Compare Below: Dress from WillowRidge / Pants Suit on model advertised on web

From the pen of a teenager

2010-09-30T17:24:00.006-04:00

Out of the pen of a teenager,...well, wordprocessor of a teenager......Today my 13 year old had an assignment from his literature book. Wanted to share part of it here! Out of the mouths of babes...okay, well sometimes "teens".... ;)

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Book Assignment: Write a poetic essay about how you love your country

America now and never

As I walk forward over the land
I wonder at the amazingness of God’s hand
For he created a beautiful country
Where all men are free.
I wonder how He bountifully
Provided a democracy for the world to see
And yet, we fall astray,
For we seem not to pray
But instead we watch TV.
But God is here, so never fear,
He’ll guide us in the right way
Media makes our view unclear,
And our life of luxury destroys hope for a simple new day
And often we say
Life has to go our way
Or else we think that life isn’t worth living
We pay more attention to the latest fashion than to God
We secretly try to fraud
Or keep ourselves running
Away from God we run,
Yet our nation has barely begun
We must move to what we were
More honest, we must be.
And yet, we are here.
Under God’s hand
He loves everyone
Individually.

-Ben, 13

My Teriyaki Sauce..

2010-09-28T15:25:00.003-04:00

I'm making Teriyaki tonight. Teriyaki Chicken and Tofu, with Basmati rice and vegis. I can't wait.

Made the sauce up earlier today. If you have never made homemade Teriyaki sauce - it's sooo easy and soooo much better than bottled! Here is my recipe. Take. Add. Subtract. Play. Yum :o)

* 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce (we use wheat free soy sauce, but regular can be used too)
* 1 cup water
* ~ 1T fresh grated ginger (or about 1/4t powdered)
* 3 T brown sugar
* 2T sugar or 2 packets sweet and low
* 1 minced garlic clove
* 2 T cornstarch
* 1/4 cup cold water

Combine 1 cup water, tamari, brown sugar, garlic and ginger in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until dissolved

Dissolve cornstarch in 1/4 cup of cold water and add to sauce.

Stir constantly to allow the sauce to thicken.

Object Lessons!!!

2010-09-25T20:18:00.003-04:00

Is it any "coincidence" that the DAY after I post about earthly attachments and loving my home but belonging to a heavenly country, my oldest took a shower without the curtain tucked in and now my kitchen ceiling is dripping water all over the floor from the light fixture...... I ask you - coincidence or heavenly testing? Yep, we both already know the answer to that one. ;)