Surviving the holidays

Every year I get a reminder article from the Fibromyalgia Network on how to survive the Holiday season.  They give some suggestions that I think are good for every woman, not just women with Fibro.

 

First, they recommend that you don't overextend yourself.  There are lots of places to go and people to see during this season.  But, taking time with your kids and your husband are important.  Memories are made when we spend quality time together.  Family traditions are made when we spend this quality time together.  One tradition our family had was to play Risk while eating different kinds of finger sandwiches and Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve.  The game would go on for hours, but everyone had a good time.

 

Another recommendation is to take time for yourself.  When things get wild, we should take a moment, or even a bit longer, and go off by our selves and just unwind.  I know how it is when there is a holiday party and after awhile the noise gets overwhelming.  It is OK to take a little break.  Sometimes when I get overwhelmed and I'm not at my home, I just go in another room and sit alone for a bit. If I am home, I usually go in my bedroom and close the door and just pray or relax for a few minutes.  I feel refreshed and ready to go again after a short break from the action.

 

One other recommendation is to keep it simple.  They recommend not to stress over the house being spotless when you are expecting a visit.  I think its always good to try and make the area where you will be spending time free of clutter and maybe sweep or mop the floor if it needs it.  Remember that people are coming to see you, not your spick-'n span house.  As far as having friends for dinner, keep it simple.  You don't need turkey and all the trimmings (unless it is Thanksgiving??).  Check your recipes and see if there is anything you could make ahead and then just pop in the oven.  Is there anything  you could microwave?  Pot lucks are always a good idea too. 

 

I think it is most important to remember what we are celebrating at Christmas time.  It is Jesus our Savior.  Its not about spending a lot of money on toys or expensive gifts.  Christmas has become so commercialized over the years.  Everywhere you go there are displays of items that entice you to buy them.  TV commercials are flooding our minds with "big sales". 

 

I think the best Christmas gift we can give anyone is something from the heart.  Maybe something homemade, or a gift of time, or just spending time with people.  I think we need to just keep Jesus on our mind and use any opportunity to tell someone about Jesus and His work on the cross.

 

Like the saying goes:   Jesus is the reason for the season.

Thankful for...

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope all of you ladies did as well. For a while earlier this week it looked like we might not be able to come back for Thanksgiving due to some car trouble we were having, but we were able to get it fixed. We so enjoyed spending time with family and hearing what everyone is thankful for. I am thankful for many things. I am thankful for the fact that when God looks at me in His holiness; He sees me in Christ! He sees me in the righteousness of Jesus and loves and forgives me! I am so thankful for the things that God is teaching us and how He continually works in our hearts to make us more like Jesus. I am so thankful that Jesus has freed me from slavery to sin and that I can now obey Him with joy instead of out of a sense of obligation or a feeling that I must earn His grace. I am so glad that He generously and freely gives us all good things because of Jesus. I could go on and on, but one thing that I want to focus on is a ministry of our new church Immanuel Baptist Church in Louisville, KY which I am thankful for.

Immanuel Baptist Church is so focused on bringing the gospel to the surrounding neighborhood that it is in. It is located in the inner city (in a ghetto), so they have alot of contact with homeless people as well as people who live in drug houses or who are prostitutes. In order to minister to the neighborhood, they had a Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday the 22nd of Novemeber where all of the small groups brought the traditional food and then served it up joyfully along with some "down to earth" interaction, singing of some more familiar hymns and a 20 minute gospel presentation to 200 men, women and children from the Shelby Park neighborhood.

The neat thing is that these people weren't strangers to the church either. Every Friday they come to the church and are fed lunch, hear a gospel presentation, sing (or just listen)some hymns from old hymnals and they are given free clothes from the clothes closet and food for their home from the food pantry. If Immanuel Baptist Church closed down tomorrow the people of Shelby Park would notice. There would be many people who would be lonely and hungry and thirsty and naked. There would be people who would be lost in their sin and not ever hearing anyone telling them that Jesus Christ came to save sinners. And there are so many other ways that the people would feel the loss.

This year I am so thankful that our family has this great opportunity to actively learn how to minister the love of Jesus and forgiveness of sins to people in such desperate situations and circumstances.

Still, My Soul, Be Still

Still, my soul, be still
And do not fear,
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

God, you are my God
And I will trust in you and not be shaken
Lord of peace, renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in you alone

Still, my soul, be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold on to His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows

Still, my soul, be still
Do not forsake
The truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming

"Still, my soul, be still" has become an oft repeated phrase in my life. I say it to myself over and over, many times a day. There is some traffic on the highway and I start to freak out? Still, my soul, be still. God is in control. Someone says something that makes me angry? Still, my soul, be still. Do not overreact or react in undue anger. Love others more than yourself. I'm driving home in the dark (after driving to work in the dark) and depression starts to weigh in on my mind? Still, my soul, be still. You have much to be thankful for!
The examples could go on and on and be much more specific or even more general. The other day I was in a taxi in downtown Chicago and seriously thought that perhaps I would not live. Still, my soul, be still. You are ready to go home. God is in control. And I calmed down...

This song is beautiful and it covers it all: change, sorrow, temptation, uncertainty. And it concludes with an awesome reminder: do not forget what you have learned. Do not walk away from what you know to be true. Instead, cling to what you know. Persevere. Trust in the Lord.

"God, you are my God. And I will trust in you and not be shaken."

Amen

Witty Wednesday

Good Morning, Ladies! Happy Wednesday :) Karen asked me to post the following story for her, as she will not be by a computer today.


Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving day, I have kind of a Witty Thanksgiving post for you:

I have a funny story about Thanksgiving 1983. Dan and I were already married, and my parents and sister came down to Alabama for Thanksgiving. Somehow, one of us kept saying we should "show our appreciation" for things since it was Thanksgiving time. It snowballed and got to be a joke amongst us. Everytime we did or ate anything that entire weekend, we had to "show our appreciation" for it.

There was this great ice cream parlor there called Swenson's. They had very good ice cream (Kopp's custard is the best) and it was something special to go there. So, we all went to Swenson's. I was very pregnant with Daniel at the time. My Dad couldn't decide what flavor he wanted so he asked me if I wanted to split this humongus ice cream sundae. I forget the name of it but, it contained a scoop of every flavor they had (about 30 I think) as well as hot fudge, carmel, strawberries, just everything that can possibly be put on an ice cream sundae. It was served in what resembled a small, silver punch bowl. When the waitress brought it to the table, my Dad and I wondered how we were ever going to finish all of that ice cream. So, we decided to dig in and see what happened. We kept telling each other to "show our appreciation" for all of that ice cream. Our whole group was laughing so hard and loud, people kept looking at us. My Dad and I ended up getting really full. We didn't finish all of it but it wasn't for a lack of trying. We also laughed about when we were going to get up from the table and everyone would see my over inflated belly and think I had way to much ice cream.

Ever since that time, Thanksgiving is always a time to "show our appreciation" and sometimes we "show our appreciation" even when it's not Thanksgiving.

I thought it would be nice if everyone shared something that they are especially thankful for this year. I'll start us off with what I am thankful for:

I am most thankful for Jesus's death on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin so I can have a relationship with Him and live with Him forever. I am also thankful that I can walk and that the Lord healed my leg.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!



We'd love to hear some of your favorite Thanksgiving stories! Please feel free to share in the comments section.

I Will Bless the Lord at all Times

I am going to resume my series on what makes a home attractive next week. Today I would like to share a Psalm that has been my life-breath this week as there have been many household complications. My grandpa (who lives with us) is in the hospital, gram is sick and, well, the house (literally) is just falling apart....lol! The ceiling in the kitchen is sagging and cracking, the downstairs bathroom continues to give us problems off and on, my oven is broken, and the gas fireplace that is the only source of heat in the living room isn't working either. My God is near and good and He provides, so we shall praise Him and figure out what in the world to do.

I have many other things to cook with even if my husband can't fix the oven right away. There are these cool things called space heaters that will soon be in my living room. And the rest, take time effort and money, so they will be fixed at some point, some day, perhaps in the very near future (we have a plan of attack). I have a second bathroom that works great! My husband has part-time work in a troubled economy and we have been well taken care of. My Father in Heaven has been abundantly kind to us. Last night I went to bed early so I could hold it together and He has allowed me to remember and savor His goodness. If I think about it; nothing is really that bad. This is just another opportunity to see our Lord at work.

Update: I actually wrote this a few days ago. Since then, our gracious Father has shown us much of His kindness and provision. My husband was able to fix the oven and fireplace all by himself; which is a tremendous blessing since we are having a lot of family here for Thanksgiving.
My grandpa is still in the hospital; he has been transferred from St. Cats to Kenosha Hospital. Please continue to pray for comfort from our Heavenly Father. We would love to see gramps be able to be home with us for Thanksgiving!


Psalm 34

1 I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
²My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
³O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
⁴I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
⁵They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
⁶This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
⁷The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.
⁸O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
⁹O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
¹⁰The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
¹¹Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
¹²Who is the man who desires life
And loves length of days that he may see good?
¹³Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.
¹⁴Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
¹⁵The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry.
¹⁶The face of the LORD is against evildoers,
To cut off the memory of them from the earth.
¹⁷The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
¹⁸The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
¹⁹Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
²⁰He keeps all his bones,
Not one of them is broken.
²¹Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
²²The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Blessings

 

I would like to tell you about how God has been working in mine and Dan's lives lately.  He has showered us with blessings and we are very thankful.   First, about a week and a half ago, Dan took his car in to have the oil changed.  The mechanic changed the oil but, he found that there was another problem that needed to be repaired.  This repair was very important and he said it needed to be done before cold weather set in.  It was also going to be an expensive job.  The estimate was $900.00!!!  Now, Dan and I just do not have an extra $900.00 laying around, so we would need to dip into our meager savings for the money.  We prayed about our situation and asked God to provide the money we needed.  We decided to go ahead and have the repairs done right away because, as we all know, Wisconsin weather changes very quickly.  The mechanic said he needed at least two days for the job so we dropped the car off and Dan used the truck to get to work those days.   We went two days later to pick up the car, dreading the total of the final bill.  When Dan went in to pay for the repairs, the mechanic told him that the problem turned out to be not as serious as he originally thought and that it would only cost about $150.00 rather than $900.00!!!  We were so happy and thankful to the Lord that He took care of us financially!!!!   Like I mentioned before, money is kind of tight for us right now.  We have two family birthdays this month and we were wondering how we could afford gifts for them.  So, we prayed for the Lord to help us.  Then we started thinking about how we were going to handle the situation.  These people are very special to us, so we definitely wanted to celebrate their birthdays with a special gift.  Then Dan brought in the mail and there was an envelope from my employer (I'm still technically an employee even though I am on disability).  I thought it was just some kind of form letter, but I opened it anyway.  Boy, was I glad I did!!!!  Inside were two gift cards valued at $25.00 each!!  Some years my company gives Holiday gifts to their employees, but it had been several years since we got a gift.  This was totally unexpected.  All I could do was praise and thank the Lord for blessing us with the money we needed for the birthday gifts!!!   I will always remember these two incidents and how God provided for our needs.  The Bible tells us to come to Him with our cares and needs and that He will help us.  We are to trust in the Lord to provide for our needs.  So, the next time you have a need, go to God in prayer and trust that He will help you.  Then be sure to keep your eyes open for His response.  He will amaze you!!

Talking, not Listening

Hello Ladies! Nichole is in Chicago for some job training, so she asked me to post this for her today. I am looking forward to reading more of her posts on "talking" to herself about the truths of God, as this is the beginning of a series of posts for her.


C.J. Mahaney's book, A Cross Centered Life is an amazing book. If you have not read it, you should. Now. Today. The book changed my life.

At one point in this book, Mahaney makes a point about talking to yourself - not listening to yourself. At first glace, this phrase sounds silly, ridiculous even. Talking to yourself? Don't you get put in a padded room for stuff like that?

How often do your thoughts take you places you never thought you'd go? How often do you have outright arguments with people in your head, thinking things you would never say to their face? How often do you dwell on sins that have been done to you? How often do you despair in your mind, even when a smile is fixed to your face? Sisters, this is the time to talk to yourself!

We have been well taught. We know the Word. We know the promises of God. We know what it means to be the adopted child of the Lord. We know of our freedoms in Christ. We know of our salvation. But we forget. Sin and life comes upon us and we forget. And we think. We think so much that we would never say - and sisters, we sin so easily in our thoughts!

We can easily identify the times we are most vulnerable in our thoughts, the times when we are most prone to sin. Perhaps it is while you wash dishes or when you exercise. Perhaps it is while you are in the shower or folding laundry. Perhaps it is while you try to fall asleep. We all need to identify these times in our lives and then fight! Fight against this sin in your life. I think I can speak with confidence when I say that each and every one of us struggles in this way; a woman's mind never shuts down!

Fight this sin by talking to yourself. When you feel yourself start to gossip in your head, preach to yourself of the unconditional love that God gives you as His child. When you begin to despair, talk to yourself of the promises of God. When you are sad, repeat the gospel over and over.

One of my favorite ways to 'talk' to myself is through music. I have a guaranteed two hours every day in the car all alone and I need to occupy my mind! I love to listen to music that speaks of the wonders of my salvation, of the greatness of my God, of all that I have in Him. These are all things I know; never once have I listened to a song and thought, 'Oh, I never knew that!' But sometimes (oftentimes) I need to be reminded. And my sinful heart is never going to just think of these amazing truths by itself.

All of this is to say: I have a new favorite cd! Awaken the Dawn by Keith and Kristyn Getty is amazing, you should go out and buy it! Seriously! The words are impossibly beautiful and her voice is so pretty. Every song sings out in unadulterated joy in the Lord.

You are going to see several posts from me over the next few weeks with lyrics from this cd and some reflections of the good talks I've had with myself because of them. In the mean time, I'd love to hear some of the ways that you have of 'talking' to yourself rather than 'listening.'

Witty Wednesday

Hi everyone!! Happy Wednesday!! Today is the last day for Student Bloopers. I hope you have enjoyed reading about all of the wacky things kids write.

We are looking for ideas for more Witty Wednesday posts. If you have any ideas, please let any one of us know. Thanks!

The nineteenth century was a time of many great inventions and thoughts. The invention of the steamboat caused a network of rivers to spring up. Cyrus McCormick invented the McCormick raper, which did the work of a hundred men. Samuel Morse invented a code of telepathy. Louis Pasteur discovered a cure for rabbis. Charles Darwin was a naturalist who wrote the "Organ of the Species." And Karl Marx became one of the Marx brothers.

The first World War, caused by the assignation of the Arch-Duck by a surf, ushered in a new error in the anals of human history.

And thaaaats all folks!!

Is Your Home an Attractive Place To Be? pt.4

I have been considering what makes a home attractive. Last week I asked what you would consider the "aroma" of your home. Kendal pointed out this verse: Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

She made some insightful points; which I would encourage you to look at.

I want my home to be gospel-centered and have been reflecting on the disciplines, or traditions that we have done and are looking to do in order to cultivate in our home, a heart for God.

I said that I would share with you some of the things in our home that help us cultivate that heart. I want to remind you that these are matters of the heart, but the heart takes actions and disciplines or traditions though they can be done apart from heart-change and love, do help in cultivating heart-focus.

I think of thankfulness as one of those disciplines. I believe thankfulness is a result of what God has done for us. So a gospel-centered home would be known as a thankful home.

Eph. 2 should send our hearts soaring with praise and thankfulness.

¹And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

²in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

³Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath,even as the rest.

⁴But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

⁵even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

⁶and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

⁷so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

⁹not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

¹⁰For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

But my heart can grow cold if the gospel of Jesus Christ is not continually on my mind. Therefore, my family sets to work on cultivating a thankful heart.

One way we do this is by making sure we think about, read about, and tell each other the gospel. We remind each other and ourselves of the benefits of belonging to Jesus.

When we pray as a family at bedtime or during worship; my husband asks each child what he or she would like to thank God for. Now, for times sake we limit them to thanking God for 3 things. It is such a blessing as you hear words of praise coming from their young mouths and I have often felt the sting of conviction for an ungrateful/unthankful heart as I hear how thankful my kids are for things I take for granted. We take thankfulness so seriously in our home because we know that our own hearts are prone to discontentment and a sense of entitlement. And, frankly, unthankful, entitled, discontent people are hard to be around! A home that is not filled with thankfulness is NOT attractive!

An unthankful heart can turn a home sour quickly. The "aroma" of the home can get pretty stinky when whining, complaining and selfish desires reign. And that is exactly what you get when you do not believe you have much to be grateful and thankful for.

A few years ago my mom-in-law bought us a "Blessing Jar", it is just a jar that we can use to write down how God has blessed us and keep those things in it to look at later. At first we used it a lot and I have found much benefit in going back and looking at what God was doing in our lives several years ago and my heart soars with thanksgiving for His faithfulness!

This jar still sits on a shelf in my home, but we haven't used it in a long time. I am determined to use it this year and at the end of every week take out the little pieces of paper and reflect on God's faithfulness to us that week. I believe it will be a good tool to help cultivate a content, grateful and thankful heart .

I leave you with some Psalms to think about. The Psalms have been extremely beneficially to me as I meditate on exactly what I should be thankful for!


Psalm 138:1-5: I will give You thanks with all my heart;
I will sing praises to You before the gods.
I will bow down toward Your holy temple
And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.
On the day I called, You answered me;
You made me bold with strength in my soul.
All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O LORD,
When they have heard the words of Your mouth.
And they will sing of the ways of the LORD,
For great is the glory of the LORD.

Psalm 136:1-4: Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;


^{Psalm 100: 4-5} Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise
Give thanks to Him,bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.

May my home be filled with the sweet aroma and beauty of a thankful heart. A thankful home is a place people want to be!

Nothing is too difficult for God

 

While reading through Jeremiah, I came across a very interesting story   In Chapter 36, Jeremiah was instructed by God to write on a scroll all of the things He had spoken concerning Israel, Judah and all of the nations from the day God first spoke to him up until that particular day. So, Jeremiah dictated to a man named Baruch, all of God's words and he then recorded them onto the scroll.  Baruch then was told by Jeremiah to read the message on the scroll to the people in the Temple.   So, he read it and some of the people that heard what was said got upset and went to the King.  The message was, after all, concerning God's coming judgment and their upcoming captivity in Babylon; not good news.  The King told them to bring Baruch to him along with the scroll.  When Baruch was brought before the King, he asked him to read it and that made him unhappy. The King was not afraid of God so he decided to burn the scroll.  He then sent some men to seize Baruch and Jeremiah.    Here is the interesting part.  Verse 26 says: And the King commanded Jerahmeel the King's son, Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel to sieze Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet, but the Lord hid them.  Isn't it interesting that God Himself caused the men looking for Baruch and Jeremiah not to find them?  I wonder how God accomplished that?  Did He make them invisible?  Did He blind those men's eyes in a way that even though Baruch and Jeremiah were right in front of them they were unable to see them?   When I think of this story, I am reminded that nothing is to difficult for God.  He is soverignly in control of everything and can cause anything He wants to happen to happen.  Sometimes when I have problems they seem so big, so difficult or will cause me to have to go through a lot of "red tape" and I feel like it is hopeless.  But then I remember to ask the Lord for help and lean on Him and He helps me through every time.  Sometimes He just allows things to sort themselves out, sometimes He will give me wisdom to solve the problem, but there have also been times in my life where it was evident that God handled the problem for me.    I am so thankful that God loves me and takes care of me.  He wants us to bring our troubles to Him.  I have learned that keeping problems to myself so that I can handle them just makes me upset.  When I bring them to the Lord, I can leave them at His feet and know that He will help.  It causes peace in my heart rather than fear or anger.  I urge you to bring all of your problems before the throne of God and ask Him for help.  He is faithful and will get you through.

Aldrich Update

So here's an update on our lives. The biggest event that we are anticipating right now is the purchase of our new house here in Louisville. We are currently living in an apartment which is such a blessing from God and I remind myself whenever I start to feel ungrateful that it is better than a hut in some 3rd world country. In fact a few weeks ago Ryan and I were watching some HGTV (my favorite channel) and there was a gentleman moving from America with his son to the Czech Republic (why? we decided it was to escape a custody battle as there was no wife included in the mix)... and 2 out of 3 of the homes he toured had no running water or indoor plumbing, heating, etc. (If you don't count the hose that they ran into the tub so you could take a bath- and I don't count that). Which again made my apartment seem like a palace that any Czech royalty would probably give 15 rubels to get their hands on! (Seriously we are very blessed!)

So with the advent of being home owners once again, we are looking forward to the fix up. I have been drooling over Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding Magazine's and am pretty well convinced that I would like to build our kitchen cabinets. (Ryan can do the electricity and the other boring stuff!) Ryan is pretty sure that I suggested buying him a planer for his anniversary as a cover for my desire to have one. (Not true... probably) We are discussing things like custom french doors and bathroom design and how much electrical wire we'll need and how much new windows will cost. It is all very exciting! Really it comes down to what a pleasure it is to have dominion over your own domain! It is hard living in a place where you can't fix any of the problems when you would really like to and you know some future tenant would be blessed by your "interference". It is great applying your time and energy to beautify your surroundings and express the craftsmanship and creativity that God gave you! We really can't wait to jump in and get started with this new adventure God has for us!

So please do keep us in your prayers. We are looking forward to starting, but we want to do all things well, for God's glory and in His timing! May God bless our endeavors beyond all we could ever ask or hope!

Additional update: We are closing on the house today at 2pm! Praise God!

Blogs I Like - Part 3

Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

This is a good blog that I enjoy reading sporadically. It really focuses on the single issue of biblical manhood and womanhood which is an interesting topic that I think is important to discuss. Their posts do run pretty long and there have been several times where I wasn't really interested in the post and stopped reading. However, this is one of the hot topics in Christianity today and I appreciate the opportunity to be challenged on where I stand and be given the opportunity to prepare to defend my position.

VOM Persecution Blog

This blog is put out by the Voice of the Martyrs, which is one of my favorite organizations. Topics all circle around the persecuted church and include prayer updates and opportunities to sign petitions. It is so important for us to remember that this little bubble called "America" that we live in is not reality for the majority of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. So many people face imprisonment, torture, and death every day just for believing in Jesus. We should be ministering to these brethren through prayer and this blog offers the opportunity to pray very specifically rather than the blanket "and please be with our persecuted brethren and keep them safe."

True Women

I found this blog long after we named our own blog 'True Women.' At first, I'm not going to lie, I was a little upset that they had our same name and I wasn't planning on reading it. But I really enjoy their writing! They have several women write the blog and they come from all different stages of life. They do a different topic each month. Last month was really focusing on wifehood and motherhood. This month is devoted to becoming a Titus 2 woman. Their posts are God-centered and practical. I highly recommend it!

Witty Wednesday

Hi everyone! Its Wednesday, so that means more Student Bloopers!!! There are some very funny ones for today. Enjoy!


Bach was the most famous composer in the world and so was Handel. Handel was half German. half Italian. and half English. He was very large. Bach died from 1750 to the present. Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf he wrote loud music. He took long walks in the forest even when everyone was calling for him. Beethoven expired in 1827 and later died for this.


France was a very serious state. The French Revolution was accomplished before it happened. The Marseillaise was the theme song of the French Revolution, and it catapulted into Napoleon. During the Napoleonic Wars, the crowned heads of Europe were trembling in their shoes. Then the Spanish gorillas came down from the hills and nipped at Napoleon's flanks. Napoleon became ill with bladder problems and was very tense and unrestrained. He wanted an heir to inherit his power, but since Josephine was a baroness, she couldn't bear children.

Is Your Home an Attractive Place To Be? pt 3

A family that prays together, stays together. Isn't that how the staying goes? Ha ha! I once heard, "the family who kicks together, sticks together." That was from a family who took karate classes together.

As families, our lives center around something. Think about it. Football, baseball, (Brewers only of course:), video games, board games, reading, etc........ We have things we share. Whatever it is, they are usually things that matter to us. Our kids learn to value it and our homes become, in a sense, defined by it. They can be good things or bad things. We can have families that are miserable. You know the type. Perhaps you are one, or have had to be a part of one. Some families share the motto "misery loves company." Their lives center around complaining and self-centeredness. We could say, "the family who complains together, breeds disdain together." I've seen it, and it is anything but an attractive home. The parents and the kids have a persecution complex (a phrase, I've heard Rick use), where they see most people as the enemy. Someone is always out to get them and harm them. People are seen as beneath them in some way and the whole family becomes a bunch of whiners, complainers and nay sayers! This is a bit of a rant I guess! Because I have seen it happen, and I want to guard myself and my family against it.

As I consider whether my home is attractive or not, I need to examine what defines my home. What is something that we share as a family? Does it center on the Brewers? Academic achievement? CYC? Little League? Ballet? Complaining? Video games? Television shows? Movie Nights? ... These said "activities" (except for complaining, which is for some an activity!) all have their place - there is nothing wrong with them in and of themselves. In fact, doing activities together generally does strengthen relationships. We see it in friendships. The more you do together and share together, usually the stronger the relationship. So feel free to do things like them as a family. But I want to examine what defines us. The general "aroma" of the home. Because I believe what our lives are centered on can make a home beautiful or ugly. If our lives are centered on Brewers games and the Brewers lose, we cease to function well as a household. When the season ends, we will have little in common and little to hold us together.

We like to watch Brewers games as a family. My kids know the players names and positions. They can even imitate batting stances! We try to go to one game during the season. We have a lot of fun talking about the games and planning times to watch them. Jackson will call his PapPap every time Prince Fielder hits a homer. This is an activity we share with each other. So what defines a "baseball" family like us, before, during, and after the season?

I hope I can say the Gospel! The question I want to ask myself, is does all my family activity together reflect that Jesus is the center of our lives? I believe that this is a heart issue, but the heart produces activity. So what are the family traditions or disciplines that keep us gospel oriented?

I hope to share these with you next week. I invite you to share the aroma of your home with me. What defines your family? What "activities" (baseball, video games, reading,board games, etc.) do you do together? What traditions or disciplines do you do as a family to keep yourselves centered on Jesus Christ?

Moms are important

 

I'm reading through Titus right now and I have been meditating on the second chapter for the past two days.    In the chapter, God tells us how to conduct ourselves so that we can be witnesses for the Gospel.  I have been challenged to take a look at my life and really think about how others perceive me.  Do I show that I have different values than non-believers?  Do I handle situations that come up in a way that shows others that I am trusting in the Lord, instead of wringing my hands and getting upset and angry or agitated?   I was also challenged by verses 3-5, where God tells older women how to act.  God says I am to be reverent in my behavior, not a malicious gossip or enslaved by to much wine.  I am to teach what is good so that I can be an encouragement to young women.  I need to show them by example to love their husbands and kids and to be pure, workers at home, kind and subject to their husbands so that the word of God will not be dishonored.   I can relate to younger women who may be stay-at-home moms but hear the "world" telling them to get a job and "succeed" in what they want to do rather than just stay home with the kids.  The "world" does not appreciate the great work a mother does when she is home with her kids and is diligent to bring them up in a godly manner.  Children are a big responsibility and God is pleased when a mom takes that responsibility seriously.  I believe that our world is worse off because some moms have bought into the lie and sought their own satisfaction, leaving their children to be raised by strangers with non-christian values.   I firmly believe that children would rather have the care and affection of their parents than things.  I hear of many kids who are given expensive toys but are very unhappy because their parents are always working instead of spending time with them.  I realize that in this economy, being a stay-at-home mom may not be an option.  But I think that there is a difference that a child can understand between working as a need and working just because the parent doesn't want to be home with their kids.    I agree with the past posts about making an inviting, happy home for our kids.  It is so important for kids to know that home is a good place where they are loved and accepted.  Home should be home....a "foreshadowing" of our home in Heaven.  Won't it be great when we are finally home with Jesus??  I am looking forward to that day!!!

Titus 2 Month

Hello Ladies! I'm doing something completely unprecedented - I'm posting twice in one day!

I have a couple of reasons for this, one minor and one major. The minor reason is just to point out the list of articles we link to almost directly under the pictures of the main contributors to this blog. This list is updated pretty much every day and I highly recommend that you take a few minutes to check them out. The topics range from spiritual growth to important US or Global news to funny stories to beautiful photographs to time and money saving household tips. Lots of good stuff. :)

The main reason is to point you to the other (and I think original) True Women Blog. This is a great blog that I subscribe to and read almost every post. I skipped a lot in October because the theme was mothering or something and it didn't really apply to me. But this month the topic is becoming a Titus 2 woman and this is the reason for my unprecedented second post.

The True Women blog is very well done. The writing is concise and they have many different writers. I have always enjoyed the benefit of hearing from a range of women of all different times of life and levels of maturity through this blog. Here is the link to the first post of the month. I very highly recommend that you check in every day to see what is new. I know I will!

Tactics Book Review

Tactics Book Review, written by Kim Henry

Gregory Koukl's book was one of the best books regarding witnessing that I have ever read. It was great to glean from his many years of experience in talking with people on the radio as well as from conversations with people that the Lord has brought into his life. There are many conversations with many different types of people in the book as well as many questions to ask our friends and family. For example, a conversation with a witch was particularly helpful to me in that I find talking with a witch intimidating.

His idea of questioning people is brilliant. Rather than us telling people the gospel, which many times falls on deaf ears, he suggests asking questions. This way we can determine whether or not they are ready to hear. If they aren't ready we can continue to show them the love of Christ and pray for them. While asking the Lord to prepare their hearts and to show us when to try again. Asking questions also allows them to think about their positions/religions in a way that they may never have before. He points out that many people believe certain things simply because the person that they heard these ideas from presented a good argument. They have never given their opinions any thought they have merely accepted them.

He explains that the questions must be bathed in love and not for the sake of winning an argument. As we know, many Christians have been antagonistic and represented Christianity poorly. The goal is to help people to think and open the doors for further conversations.

My prayer is that every Christian will read this book and that those of you that are able to come to the book discussion will join us. I would like to discuss ways to begin to put Gregory Koukl's method into practice as well as hand out a card with questions that we can begin to memorize.

Witty Wednesday

Hi everyone!! Here are some more Student Bloopers. I hope you have been enjoying them and get a giggle for the day.


Abraham Lincoln became America's greatest Precedent. Lincoln's mother died in infancy, and he was born in a log cabin which he built with his own hands. When Lincoln was President, he wore only a tall silk hat. He said, "In onion there is strength." Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while traveling from Washington to Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. He also freed the slaves by signing the Emasculation Proclamation, and the Fourteenth Amendment gave the ex-Negros citizenship. But the Clue Clux Clan would torcher and lynch the ex-Negros and other innocent victims. It clamed it represented law and odor. On the night of April 14, 1865, Lincoln went to the theater and got shot in his seat by one of the actors in a moving picture show. The believed assinator was John Wilkes Booth, a supposingly insane actor. This ruined Booth's career.


Meanwhile in Europe, the enlightenment was a reasonable time. Voltare invented electricity and also wrote a book called "Candy". Gravity was invented by Isaac Walton.. It is chiefly noticeable in the Autumn, when the apples are falling off the trees.

Is Your Home an Attractive Place To Be? pt. 2

Last week I asked if your Home was an attractive place to be. I am thankful for the feedback that I got and want to continue to give opportunities for some of you to share you insights and stories.

"The most powerful way to keep your child from being attracted by the offers of camaraderie with the wicked is to make home an attractive place to be. Young people do not run from places where they are loved and know unconditional acceptance. They do not run away from homes where there are solid relationships. They do not run from homes in which the family is planning activities and doing exciting things." -Tedd Tripp (Shepherding a Child's Heart)

I'll share one opportunity that I take with my own children in order to strengthen our relationship and cultivate love and trust.

I have little ones and any mother knows that sickness is unavoidable. It happens, no matter how much Lysol you spray (believe me I've been spraying) or how much hand sanitizer or soap you use, inevitably someone gets a cold or the flu, or some other virus, at least at my house it does! :-) So I try to make the most of it. Believe me, when I am also sick, which happens quite frequently, it is hard to make the most of it. But I see it as an opportunity to be an example of service and compassion and even try to involve the children who may not be sick at the moment.

The kids offer to get glasses of water for each other and the older ones will read stories to the younger holding them in their lap. This is because I do this. Of course, I read stories all the time, but when the kids are sick we read all sorts of stories, because we focus on being together. They get to pick movies and color while laying on the couch, and, my favorite part, I just hold them and rock them. Usually during the day we are doing school and chores and just taking care of business. There isn't a lot of time to give each child a lot of individual attention. But when sickness is going through the household, other things are put on hold so I can devote time to cleaning up pukey messes, runny noses, and hold children. We spend time praying for each other, and Calvin continually asks to be blessed, even though that is generally something we do at bedtime.

I remember when I was a kid, my mom would get us 7 Up every single time we had the flu. We never got it any other time. (Lol funny thing is,now I cannot drink 7 Up - it makes me throw up!) We got to watch tv and would get new coloring books and crayons. These memories really have endeared me to my mother. And, as unspiritual as it all may sound, I think it had a profound effect on me and who I am. So, now I am trying to create a peaceful, loving atmosphere when my kids are the most uncomfortable and need comfort and I hope to see some good fruit from that.

Anyone willing to share any of their stories?

Does anybody have any suggestions?

How do you make your home an attractive place to be?

Trust

 

I got a book this past week that lists God's Bible promises by topic.  I am finding it uplifting to read God's promises and hear that He loves us and wants what is best for us at all times.   Under the topic of Trust there are some really great promises.  I especially like the one listed in Psalm 46:1-2:  " God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea"   This past week, I have been again fearful of what appears to be going on in our world.  But, this is the wrong response to everything being in chaos (seemingly).  God is still sovereign and on His throne!  I am not to fear even when things seem out of control (the earth be moved and the mountains thrown into the sea). I am to look only to the Lord and know that this is all part of His plan and He will bring me to Heaven with Him forever.   Instead of being fearful, I think I should instead be excited that my deliverance is near!!  I should be excited that God is working and someday every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord!!!   Praise the Lord!!  Come Lord Jesus!!!