Our God

Our God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw0_drFzl9Y

I love the violin in this song, and the words are a comfort during times of frustration with ideologies and other oppositions to the Truth of God's word.

I was recently thinking about the amazing power of God and a sermon we just received at church really hit the nail on the head--God's power is available to each of us in the same way as any great saint we've ever read about. His potential in our lives is fully there, it is only us that limits it. Our lack of faith, our blaming others for the difficulties in our lives, our selfishness, our being most concerned with our happiness than serving Him...these things hinder His mighty hand in our lives. The reality is this: we all have come in to this world born as sinners, we've sinned on purpose and accidentally (for all have sinned and come short of God's standard). Some of us have terrible hardship put upon us in our childhood, others have love and goodness---it doesn't matter in the life of a Christian. Many who have hardship want lay blame, they want to PROVE how bad they've had it, but underlying is often a pride that says, "I'm special"...sometimes they subtly want to punish those they feel are responsible by having a wrecked life. The thing is, if we're allowed to start out with wrong thoughts in relation to wrongdoing in our lives, it will lead to mental problems. It will lead to real issues that can't be easily corrected. Just like with children labeled "ADD"...it's quite widely known that diagnosis is the result of environmental issues, but once a child is past age 5 or thereabouts, the trouble is hardwired in, so now there is a REAL problem. I can't help but believe that many adults with continual problems could have turned out different if they'd received different feedback when their troubles began. In many ways we are the product of our environments....BUT....

For the CHRISTIAN, no hardships ultimately matter, it is Christ and Him crucified that we are to be consumed with. I'm not saying pain isn't real, victimization isn't real or the fallout from our sufferings aren't real. It is all real, but we must see it through the proper lens. Satan is against people coming to Christ; he is against us fully embracing our calling. He uses different techniques to get us down, and our own family line has build in sin to get us down. It's no mystery sexual abuse, depression, alcoholism, slothfulness, anger, adultery etc. run in family lines. It doesn't point to mere biology, it points to learned and inherited responses and behaviors, it points to what we personally must submit to God so He can change us.

I'm convinced that if I'd had a different husband, I'd be a mess now, surely diagnosed with all manner of ailments-- but my husband refused to let me believe I was any sort of victim or 'special'. That was God's mercy and grace in my life.

We live in a fallen world and so much of the trouble people have in their life is the result of believing they have unique circumstances that require all manner of intervention. God is on the throne wanting to be Lord in all areas of our lives, and that might mean we're called to suffer for righteousness. It might mean we are lonely at times, it might mean we're forsaken of men.

Don't believe the lie that because your family is a certain way you are going to be that way. Sin is inherited, just like the color of our skin or eyes, but it isn't a sentence for repetition. It is what we personally are going to have to battle.

The assignment for all of us who are in Christ is the same--Go and Tell. Whatever circumstances you are in, Christian, be consumed with the reality that Christ intervened for YOU and paid the price for YOUR sin. You must believe you sin and He is the only way to the Father. When we set our minds on this truth, we cannot help but forget the past as we're instructed, and press on. What did Paul tell us in Phil 3--

7But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
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We should forget our past successes and failures, past sufferings, and press on toward the goal. To do less keeps us in the earthly, selfish realm of living an ineffectual life. There are many, many humanistic voices that encourage us to be happy, and keep looking out for number 1, but we need voices to tell us to live out Col 3:1-3. "Set our minds on things above and not on things of the earth."

We need more people to refuse to buy into what the world says about so much that is accepted as inborn and be victorious in Christ. He wants to be glorified in our lives.

Christmas Miracle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgG3QvHMMYc&feature=youtu.be

I don't know this sweet momma though I love her. We were praying hard for her along with many others, and the Lord answered in a mighty way. His power is shown in her story. She has a long way to go, please keep praying for all of them.

Who Are You Trying to Please?

This time of year it can become difficult to live your faith amidst friends or family, or maybe both. Some "Christians" want to have Christ in Christmas, but only a little...I mean, don't go TOO far with all that religious stuff. It's a terrific time of year to come together with people of all religions and celebrate...(celebrate what I don't know). Santa? Gift giving and receiving? Friendship?

What about other beliefs that have a lot to do with Christmas, but not in an obvious way, like with Creation? "In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth..." Gen 1:1...the beginning was not when God first thought of Christ, Jesus always was, and Creation was the start of God's plan of redemption. Focusing on Creation is a great way to celebrate Christmas (but don't expect a lot of other people to back you on that).

It can be uncomfortable to sense our loved ones are not on the same page as we are, but you know, if we aren't sinning and are striving to glorify our Father who is in Heaven, who really cares what others think? God always provides someone to encourage and support us.

Our Christmas card this year has Isaiah 53:5 on it...not a typical Christmas verse, but we wanted to really draw attention to the fact that Jesus' birth is not worth celebrating or acknowledging if not for His death. He is God incarnate, and the only reason He was born, was to die. If we want to keep Him in the manger and have a bunch of feel-good pseudo Christ-centered traditions, chances are we're comfortable with the disconnect between His birth and death (can't we just focus on the good for once?!--insert sarcasm), but is that what we, His followers, are called to?

Tonight be reminded, friends, that sometimes it is only God or your spouse that is in agreement with you. This time of year be burdened for the lost and dying, those going to Hell. Christmas is the beginning of what God planned for mankind long ago so we could be reconciled to God the Father.

Hair and Nails

This is not a profound post, but it is something that has mattered to me. Until this past August, I bit my nails mercilessly. I'd tried all the things that people try to no major avail. Sure for a few weeks here or there I'd succeed in not biting, but nothing lasted and soon enough that terrible cycle of failure and frustration would return. Eventually my kids realized this albatross and prayed for me. That helped, too, for a while. But now i have enjoyed success with becoming a daily coffee drinker. Yes, just one cup a day of actual brewed (not Keurig) coffee and apparently, I'm getting those missing minerals a plenty. And I love my nails!!! It is a free hobby to just sit and gaze at them, not gnarled and misshapen. Thank you, God!

Moving on to another surface issue--hair thickness. I've always had thin hair. I credited it to my lack of good nutrition growing up since my kids have great, thick hair and they eat well :). For a month I've been using the Nioxin hair system and I'm telling you, this customer is one of the 9/10 who has perceived a thickening effect! I can even see some new hairs coming in right at my forehead (maybe I'll get a widow's peak!) so know this isn't just my imagination. You do have to do all 3 steps for success I think, but it is worth it if your hair is thin or thinning. They even have stage 2 for 'noticeably thinning' hair and products for chemically treated hair! I think that can only help my nails, too :).

Enjoy this last week before Christmas break!

Baking

I've been back to making bread for about a month now. I'm finding it needs to be done twice per week, with at least one batch of rolls. For years if I made rolls, I did the technique where you roll the dough like a snake then tie it in a knot, but I was never thrilled with that type for some reason. Now I just roll up balls of dough and press them down.

 
The bread pictured here is the typical size loaf I'm doing. I've recently moved from mixing in the Zorijushi to just using my Kitchen Aid stand mixer. It is nice to have a little more say in what is going on.

Currently the favorite recipe is from Mark Bittman--his sandwich loaf, using fresh ground hard red wheat, hard white and about 1/2 cup of oat groats ground. The new thing I'm loving is using milk in recipes; when I was allergic that wasn't an option, so I got in the habit 10 yrs ago of not using milk. It, along with egg(s), adds SUCH a lovely, flexible crumb--no need for rice bran extract, extra gluten or xanthan gum.


Cupcakes--nothing special, just a boxed mix and icing, but the kids all loved the piping and sprinkles, so I thought I'd share. They all thought I'd purchased them; sweet how some fun papers and a star tip and sprinkles can brighten up a dessert! One jar of icing will exactly cover 24 cupcakes if you are careful.



Merry Christmas!

Why Testimonies Aren't Necessary

I was listening to an excellent sermon by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones today while cleaning the garage out (after school). It has given me much to think about. (I actually listened to 2 sermons but they've blended together a bit). Namely, the point was 'what is the church' and 'what does it really mean to be a Christian'? The sermons were so different from what you hear today in much of the mainstream. Christianity isn't about adding some 'fix' to our lives or doing any sort of 'add on'. It is living utterly to the devotion of God, whatever that ends up meaning for us. We don't make all our choices, devoid of God, and then tack Him on to what we've already decided. No, that is not the life of a true follower of God. Another point that has given me tons to ponder is that our personal testimony is not really helpful or relevant. Not that our experiences aren't real or things God uses in our lives, but salvation has nothing to do with them. If we base our 'sharing Christ' with what He has done for us, we move something completely holy in to the realm of psychology. Eve the cults can talk about how Jesus has made their life better. But what also of this--we share how He helped us through our cancer, or a death, or financial hardship...we say how those things turned us to Christ. But what does that do for a person who 'has it all'? Their life isn't lacking, they are perfectly content in the world's eyes.

We need to stay true to the truth--which is that of us fall short of God's standard, and what is unique and real about Jesus Christ is that He not only died for our sins, but he rose from the dead. And no matter what is going on in our lives, we are sinners in need of reconciliation with a Savior. Living for God may not change your circumstances, or if it does, it may change them for the worse, but that doesn't make it untrue that Christ is the One to seek and save.

I know I've been guilty of trying to turn people on to Jesus because of the peace He brought in to my life, and that has been true, He brought a peace I'd never known. There is a still that comes from knowing we are right with God. But that is not the point or reason to be saved-- to be reconciled to God through His one and only begotten Son.

We need to tell people the whole truth--they are sinners, bound for an eternal separation from God in Hell, but there is One who bore the penalty for that sin and rose again showing He conquered death. This change of heart is called regeneration, when we turn to the only Savior or men, the man Jesus Christ. And it won't happen by putting on a Jesus jacket. It must be from the inside of our being.

Resources in Planning for School

When looking at schooling goals, I find it helpful to have a list of resources to help me configure our goals and plans. As kids are leaving elementary school, it is good to look ahead to all you want them to learn by 12th grade and work with those goals in mind. Even during the elementary years, what is the big picture and what skills do you want your student to have (ie solid math facts memorized, writing proficiency at a certain level, reading skill level...)

I'm looking at middle and  high school primarily, so here is where I'll possibly look to get ideas for subjects we want, curricula and work load that is appropriate. You can see schedules and materials.

Adam Andrews teaches literature classes that can have a writing element

Veritas Press Scholars Academy

Providence Classical Christian School

Potters School

Governor's School

Local co-ops and umbrella schools provide many options. In my area there are 3 that I look at. When considering opportunities for  making friends and social encounters, you can also factor in sports, church, dance and volunteer work you may do as a family. The social time doesn't have to be academic, but it is something to consider as the kids age since there are skills learned which can help with college. It all depends on when you want them learning the various skills needed for life. We're equipping future adults.

Who Are the Poor in Spirit?

My other comments on this post can be read on Mike's site. Excellent post. These 'lite' churches are preaching a different gospel, one that is falsely giving people the view they are secure in Christ. Jesus isn't a self-help clinic worker, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and we must know how lost we are in our sin before we can come to Him in saving faith. Great post by Mike Ratliff.

Parental Attitude and Position

There is a notable difference in parenting from the 'top down' versus coming alongside as a helper to our children. This is one of those things many of us can feel as moms, but we can't put our finger on it. We see a mom gently talking to her children and instructing them in a nurturing way, then we see the mom who is yelling and verbally crushing her children, bossing them mercilessly. There is a difference, right? We might say the first mom is cajoling or not serious about discipline, but then we see obedient children and mutual respect, so we back pedal on that critique. The stern mother is one to complain about her children and their utter lack of obedience, and we want to think she really loves them and that is where the hard line standard comes in to play, yet we never see the gentle soft side.

We all probably feel that we vacillate at times between these extremes, but as kids leave the toddler and very young years, we need to use discretion and wisdom with our approach. It is humbling and quite difficult to view ourselves as nurturing helpers, people there to disciple, love, advise, correct...put an arm around and punish with love when needed but also put an arm around and encourage, encourage, encourage. Too many of us can get caught up in outward malleability while not really touching our kids' hearts. As with many aspects of the infant years, we have to die to ourselves, serve our husbands as our top time and energy priority, and then serve our children second in those areas--serving, in love, not as a tyrant.

If we don't love them, build them up, encourage, correct and guide, who will? How do we want to be talked to? How do we want to be talked about? Put yourself in your child's shoes and make adjustments where needed. Hug your kids and tell them you love them.

Lemon Water for pH Balancing

http://www.ehow.com/how_8309588_drink-water-balance-ph-levels.html

Is this true? Who knows...one source will say, yes, and the other, no. But if it isn't harmful and you think it could help you drink more, why not?

Wishing you wellness in the coming school yr

He said, "Daddy! Daddy? Daddy?" And nothing but a face of confusion.

I admire Savannah's continually standing for the truth regarding homosexuality. She is a brave young woman and inspires me to keep being bold.

Humiliation

I hope I never make anyone feel this way.

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Thesaurus Legend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms

Noun	1.	humiliation - state of disgrace or loss of self-respect disgrace, ignominy, shame - a state of dishonor; "one mistake brought shame to all his family"; "suffered the ignominy of being sent to prison" abasement, abjection, degradation - a low or downcast state; "each confession brought her into an attitude of abasement"- H.L.Menchken
	2.	humiliation - strong feelings of embarrassment chagrin, mortification embarrassment - the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public
	3.	humiliation - an instance in which you are caused to lose your prestige or self-respect; "he had to undergo one humiliation after another" mortification case, instance, example - an occurrence of something; "it was a case of bad judgment"; "another instance occurred yesterday"; "but there is always the famous example of the Smiths"
	4.	humiliation - depriving one of self-esteem abasement degradation, debasement - changing to a lower state (a less respected state) comedown - decline to a lower status or level

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

Healthy Caramelized Banana-Pumpkin Oatmeal

I wanted to make something low sugar, low gluten, with pumpkin, so did a quick search this morning. With only one student to school today, I've got tons of time on my hands!

I chose a recipe from Annie's Eats and modified it. Her link is at the bottom which uses more traditional ingredients.

This is delicious and could easily work for company, though the banana is a taste that seems more suited to adults. My husband and I devoured this, the kids ate it but weren't in love...not sure how that is, probably the texture of the bananas (heavenly!). The amount of banana doesn't look like it will be enough, but it is. The pumpkin, well, that is a different story. I don't really taste the pumpkin, so think you could add a full cup, reducing another liquid by same amount to accommodate. It does add a subtle, rich undertone in the recipe as written below. If you don't like banana, try apples, peaches or pears. YUM!

Healthy Baked Caramelized Banana-Pumpkin Oatmeal-this can easily be adapted to be completely dairy free, just substitute olive oil or margarine for the butter. If use olive oil, reduce hot water for steel-cut oats by a scant 1/4th cup.

Yield: 10-12 1 cup servings. Pictured below are 4 ramekins with about 1 cup each. The casserole dish shows how much is left after taking this quantity out. (note the place mat made by my daughter!)

Ingredients

1 cup steel-cut oats
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided--does not have to be soft
4 cups very hot water
2 medium bananas, sliced into discs

3 cups old-fashioned oats
¼ cup sorghum, can do scant and fill rest with maple syrup or add 1 tsp maple extract if desire maple flavor
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup stevia (any cup for cup blend), plus 1 tbsp. stevia blend for bananas                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1/4 cup sucanat, plus 1 tbsp. sucanat (for bananas)

2¼ tsp. ground cinnamon, divided

¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
Dash each ground cloves and cardamom
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup vanilla rice milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

**If desired, sprinkle 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar and a little maple syrup on top before baking.

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350˚ F.  Place the steel-cut oats in a large bowl with 4 tablespoons of the butter.  Pour the hot water over the oats and cover the bowl.  Let stand for 20 minutes.


• Meanwhile, make the caramelized bananas.  Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the bananas, 1 tablespoon Stevia blend, 1 tablespoon sucanat, and ¼ teaspoon of the cinnamon to the pan.  Toss gently and cook briefly, about 2 minutes.  Remove from the heat and let cool.


• After the steel-cut oats have finished soaking, stir in the old fashioned oats,  ½ cup sucanat , sorghum, salt, remaining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves.  In a small bowl whisk together the pumpkin, rice milk and vanilla.  Stir the pumpkin mixture into the oat mixture.


• Spread the bananas over the bottom of a lightly greased 2 quart baking dish.  Pour the oatmeal mixture on top of the bananas.  Bake for 40-45 minutes.  Let cool in pan with oven door ajar before serving.

Note:

• If you want this crispier and thinner, you can likely use a 9 x 11 baking dish as for a regular baked oatmeal, only you won't have banana to cover the entire bottom. Would be a good size if you only want banana on half. Reduce baking time to 30-35 min and remove when knife comes out nearly clean. It might have to go up to 40 mins.


• For more fiber, add 1/4 cup ground flax seed prior to baking.

When Confirmation Comes

God really does amaze me, in my finite little mind. As I debated so heavily on what to do with school this year (of course still homeschooling), He made it beyond clear that I'm exactly where I should be, doing just what we are doing. I won't go in to the details here, but be encouraged that God may have a plan for you where you are for reasons you cannot imagine. Just as our struggles are sometimes for someone else, so are our 'assignments' with activities. Today I felt like an athlete that had been training for a long, long time, and who thought perhaps the moment to run was never going to happen...and then suddenly, someone walked up to said athlete and handed them the slip to enter a really famous race----POW!, an incredible rush of energy and total fulfillment happened. God doesn't have to hand us opportunities to do what we're longing to do, but out of His unreal love, sometimes He does...and it feels so good to serve Him. It feels so wonderful to be used by Him and to have Him bring Scripture to our mind just when we need it. He's an amazing God.

Rewind

I wonder what my life would look like if there were a rewind button. To think that is not living according to Colossians 3:1-4 and a whole host of other Scriptures, but for a minute I'm still gonna sit here and think about how I'd like a rewind option.

Philippians 3

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Goal of Life

3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

² Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the ^[a]false circumcision; ³ for we are the true ^[b]circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, ⁴ although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: ⁵ circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

⁷ But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ More than that, I count all things to be loss ^[c]in view of the surpassing value of ^[d]knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, ^[e]for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, ⁹ and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, ¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and ^[f]the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; ^11 [g]in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

¹² Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on ^[h]so that I may lay hold of that ^[i]for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as are ^[j]perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; ¹⁶ however, let us keep ^[k]living by that same standard to which we have attained.

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Colossians 3

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Put On the New Self

3 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ^2 [a]Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. ³ For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

⁵ Therefore ^[b]consider the members of your earthly body as dead to ^[c]immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which ^[d]amounts to idolatry. ⁶ For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come ^[e]upon the sons of disobedience, ⁷ and in them you also once walked, when you were living ^[f]in them. ⁸ But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. ^9 [g]Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old ^[h]self with its evil practices, ¹⁰ and have put on the new self who is being ^[i]renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— ¹¹ a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, ^[j]barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

¹² So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and ^[k]patience; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. ¹⁴ Beyond all these things put on love, which is ^[l]the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ ^[m]rule in your hearts, to which ^[n]indeed you were called in one body; and ^[o]be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of ^[p]Christ richly dwell within you, ^[q]with all wisdom teaching and admonishing ^[r]one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing ^[s]with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Reading What Our Kids Read

Since last week I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 books in the Anne of Green Gables series. Last night was the crowing glory thus far, Anne of the Island. I was a little surprised at the romance in the Anne books, considering one of my daughters was only 8 when she read them. In hindsight, it would have been good to read them back then. In current time, it has given me a nice opportunity to discuss what our views of courtship are and what is realistic. The Anne books are delightful fodder for a young mind, but for girls who have a predisposition to be too wrapped up on boys, I don't know that I'd suggest this series. Thankfully, the daughter of mine that's read these is not boy-crazy at all; she's rather like Anne in that regard. It would be very difficult to read everything my children read, but this has served as a worthwhile reminder to me to at least make the effort.

11/13/13

Kids Must Be Taught...

I've probably written about this, but  my opinion is that we parents need to teach our children to be thankful for what they have in the MOMENT. For example, if you are driving in to Kings Dominion, and your child (doesn't matter the age) says how they can't wait for ice cream later/skiing in the winter/the beach next week etc. etc.--NIP THAT in the bud and redirect them to be excited for what is happening right then. This type of thinking can plague people of any age and it starts young.   In writing this it really seems like everyone would see this issue and want to correct it, but I'm sadly able to say that the issue goes unchecked and parent's fail to see the real heart issue and instead just explain how later they'll get so and so blah blah blah. Please parents--do not fail to instruct and train in every instance of "if only" thinking. These patterns lead to discontent in the adult years if not properly rooted out during one's childhood. Second-guessing your own decisions in front of your children is a sure-fire way to cause them to then second-guess life. Adults and kids have the same sins, they just look different. Consider praying for wisdom about how your sins are being manifest in your kids.

If you as a parent have failed in this area, act fast! Let the family know there is a new standard in your household and everyone is going to be grateful for what they have, when they have it. The amount of wealth a person has makes no difference--the very poor can be discontent and so can the rich.

Here is a sample training scenario--when you give out ice cream next time, tell the kids they need to be grateful for what has been given and simply say thank you, no questions or comments other than that. If someone says, "Can I have more?" or "What about sprinkles?" or in any way looks disappointed or sighs, whatever--take the whole thing away and tell them next time to be grateful for what they have been given. Do it nicely; you aren't trying to torture them, it is a loving parent that does the hard things now in order to help their children bear fruit later. This might sound harsh, but I can bet you the kids will learn the lesson fast, and it is worth it. I'm amazed at how many kids today have a 'never enough' mentality, and it is often because the parents have the same attitude, it is just hidden from most people. There was a time I was a 'never enough' person, and trust me, God can deliver! I never felt satisfied and would feel sorry for myself as a young person always thinking there was something better to be had. As an adult, it is such a blessing to not be plagued by that problem and it breaks my heart how many kids are left to their own devices with this issue.

Ask God for wisdom, He will give it.

~Ann

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Phil 3:13-14 (Paul had victories and defeats, he said to forget what lies behind...don't rest in past glories or failures, keep pressing forward!)

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Phil 4:8 (particularly good for the child that acts like everything is a chore, even if it's something they have wanted...)

Getting to Bed As to Arriving

You know, I'm not sure why we don't teach our children that just as we ought not arrive exactly when an event starts (for example, a job...college class...wedding...), we ought not push turning out the light until the last possible second. If bedtime is 8:30 pm, and that has been defined as "in the bed laying down with the light out", then starting to get ready for bed at 8:25 pm is not going to be enough time. Why don't we teach our kids to plan, be prepared, and not make excuses when it comes to bedtime? The skills will serve them well in other areas of life. These little details may seem insignificant, but we humans push the limits if they aren't enforced, and kids learn what standards are acceptable by our behavior. We can exercise grace from time to time, but we either have a standard or we don't; it shan't go back and forth on a parent's whim. If Dad is serious about bedtime, as a rule Mom better be as well-- whether he's home or not. Kids see mixed messages and act accordingly. I've seen this in many areas with children--they reflect their leadership and the standards put forth, whether it be purposeful standards or the omission of them.

Rob Bell Talks god, Religion and Doubt with Oprah Winfrey

We started learning more about Rob Bell when we Googled a statement a former pastor of ours made about Jesus having more faith in us than we have in ourselves. That statement sounded quite "off" so we wanted to check it out. Back then, only one person was credited with that kind of psycho-spin: Rob Bell...looking then in to his theology enlightened us quite a bit, sadly, to where this former pastor was getting his ideas.

People sitting in pews need to pay attention to the authors their leadership promotes, especially in this day of 'reinventing Christianity'. But too many sit back barely listening in these sort of churches because the messages are so thin, the hungry true believers just go through the motions, or they teach and serve so they feel useful to the Lord, still starving and quite unfulfilled.

No church is perfect, we're a body of human believers, but leadership subtly changing direction often goes unnoticed, like heating up a frog slowly in a pot of water. It is our responsibility to know what we're being taught, where the money goes, what our children are taught in their classes (purposefully and by worldview of the teacher), and what the leadership actually believes. Let it be a warning if you find prideful reluctance to answer your sincere, in love, questions.

"Be sober of spirit, be on the alert, your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5: 8

The Morning After

So we take time to grieve for Ken Cuccinelli and his family, and for E.W. Jackson and his. I only got to hear a little of E.W.'s speech, but what I heard was true and powerful. The fight continues, and it is a fight against evil (my words). Abortion, gay marriage--things God abhors, and those who support it must be approached with love but firmness that sin is sin, and God's judgment will come as a result of these abominations. Other issues matter of course, but nothing compares to these issues. We all know the country will eventually crumble under the oppressive weight, but there was a flicker of hope in the preservation of Virginia. Yet still, I rejoice, because God tells us "joy cometh in the morning" and "Great is THY faithfulness". God is not moved by elections; His purposes are secure. The hope of Christians hasn't wavered, for politics has never saved a soul for eternity. I turn to Jeremiah 29 on a day like today. Plant gardens, have children, work, and live normally; at some point our God will deliver us from what is and what is to come.

Progression and Priorities-email me for password, friends

Laundry is often a topic I turn to whenever I get the hankering to write about home life. It is a task that has been used to enlighten, stretch, challenge, frustrate, annoy and grow me. I'm sure it's blessed me because of all those things, too. (Some of those adjectives are redundant, but they just beckoned to be put to type.)

When my children were infants, hands down, I was doing all the laundry.

Toddlers helped sort socks (great matching exercise)

3-4 yr olds helped fold washcloths

5 yr olds helped fold hand towels

6 yr olds folded little shirts and shorts...

This progression moved forward until around 7 yrs old, everyone could wash a load and switch it to the dryer. Folding depended on the size of the item. My goal became to have everyone do their own laundry. I'd handle the household laundry (towels, sheets etc.) and the adult clothing--for the most part. This seemed like a great idea until it dawned on me that the kids have so much school work at their ages, there is not time for them to sufficiently do all their laundry. And thus, an EPIPHANY occurred in my life with the laundry; and what had been going great came to a screeching halt.

While this summer I did NO laundry, but enjoyed equipping my future adult offspring in that important area of home management, here in November, just a few short months hence, it is clear that there must be a change. My kids' full-time job is learning and studying--so again it is my time to do all the laundry, save a little help from them here and there on weekends. Emphasis on 'little'.  It is such an interesting paradigm shift to realize that while my kids are able to manage household laundry, they simply can't do that AND give all the time they must give to their ever-increasing academic pursuits, and these are the years where they should have unhindered focus and energy for that. When they are moms my girls will have to manage it 'all' but that is not their job now.

It is funny how things change for a mom through the years. When my kids were young, playing was their work, as well as learning the basic tasks of contributing to keeping the home orderly, keeping a daily schedule of personal cleanliness, and obeying me the first time with a good attitude. Those are tough years but the task at hand is simple and clearly defined. Any parent knows things aren't as simple as children age with emotions and spiritual development.  It is interesting that in some ways, their practical needs go back again to what they were when young--more sleep, really needing healthy meals on time, help in keeping things clean around them (ie their clothes), reminders to do important daily tasks (some kids, not all, but teens can start to get forgetful and spacey---they have a lot to keep track of). I'm seeing that the work of the early years really pays off later on in areas of how I want the days to run, manners, personal responsibility and obedience. It's not that the kids don't need reminders from time to time on expectations, but basically, they know the drill and at this point, everyone works better when everyone is doing what they ought to do.

It's easier for me to resume everyone's laundry this year than previous years because my house is finally in order.  My brain is not pulled in a bunch of directions answering tons of questions each day (this is why I love a schedule!) --my physical tasks are to create a good working environment for everyone in this house and teach the areas I'm directly responsible for. I've realized through the laundry situation that while I'm not directly having them do as much physical work as they can or have done, they are still going to see how to manage a household, just a different angle of it. Now rather than the 'how to', for the girls it will be what they'll need to do when they are at this stage in life (if they follow in my footsteps). My son is currently still in the 'plenty of chores, plenty of schoolwork stage of life!"

Stranger to home school Mom: "So, what do you do for a living?"

HS Mom: "Well I focus daily on the spiritual well-being of my children, striving to have a well organized home for them to thrive in, I prepare meals and do the majority of the dishes, I make sure I'm studying the Word so I'm a good example to the kids since we all know they end up like we parents, and for most of the actual day between 8 and 4 I actively teach them things like math, spelling, reading, writing, penmanship...on weekends we shop for clothes in a thrifty fashion, I sell what I can to bring in money...I exercise and stretch because you know getting old and sitting all day does a number on the lower back...I encourage my husband and try to have fun with him inexpensively and consistently...I organize get togethers for my kids because social time doesn't happen unless we are purposeful...I try to have some one on one time with my kids daily, we have pets and while the kids do take care of them, I've got to help them remember or step in when they don't have time...I keep myself clean on top of all of this..."

Don't ever think you aren't doing anything important as a home educating mother--whether you do it all yourself, have your kids taking mostly classes in a co-op, mostly classes online or something else. Home schooling doesn't mean you directly teach everything, it means you've taken the responsibility to ensure your kids get the best education they can with a good deal of the work taking place in the home, typically. We each have to find the balance of how to teach our kids all the things we think matter within that framework, and we each have different standards and expectations. The key is doing it how your husband wants you to do it, and in that, you will THRIVE and have fun along the way.

The washer is done...

Earnestly seeking wisdom with my time and energy,

~J Dub, aka Laundry Woman (fyi: I don't like the smell of dirty clothes in piles, so my goal is to have very little dirty at any one-time now that I'm back in the saddle!)

Differences Between Catholic Theology and the Gospel-Updated

Something important to note is that what is stated in this article as being taught by Catholics is not found in the Bible. The books in the Catholic Bible, which did not meet the criteria for the canon that is accepted by all other Christian religions, are not considered sound by anyone other than Catholics.  The 66 books the rest of Christendom follows, which make up the Old and New Testament, have passed numerous tests showing they are the inspired word of God. What evangelicals teach, as explained in this article, is backed up by Scripture. This is a key difference between religions and Biblical Christianity. It is very risky to place our faith in a religion of man.  If we trust a group of men to speak for God and make decisions that will impact our eternal security, we are still responsible for our choice. Sincerity does not save us.

I'd encourage anyone reading this to consider what the book of Romans shows us about how to be reconciled to God. There is great peace and joy available in the life of someone rightly reconciled to God, but we simply cannot be right with God in a forgiven state if we fail to understand how sinful depraved we are. Our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, and we all have the capacity to commit heinous sin. It is only by God's forgiveness and grace we can do right and grow to become like Christ. The process of sanctification is the result of being saved by the blood of Christ, once and for all. It is a life that continually puts to death sin and chooses to do what pleases God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. People not born again do not have the Holy Spirit and thus they are slaves to sin--they cannot make choices that please the Lord. 

5 Differences Between Catholic Theology and the Gospel

by Jesse Johnson [1]

October 30, 2013

With Reformation Day this week, it is a good time to remind ourselves of what exactly the differences are between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestants. Certainly on just about every single area of theology there are differences, but here are what I think are the five most glaring and significant issues that separate the Catholic Church from the gospel of grace:

1) Justification (added by J Dub--see Romans 5:1)

Evangelicals teach that sinners are justified on the basis of faith alone, and that ones’ faith is placed in the finished substitutionary work of Jesus on the cross, confirmed by his glorious resurrection, and that this is a gift based entirely on his grace. Finally, that justification is complete and total at the moment of our conversion, and that believers never grow more justified.

In contrast the Catholic church teaches that justification is a process that includes works (with those works “infusing” one’s faith), and that those works are the cause of the justification process. Beyond that, the Catholic Church teaches:

“If anyone says, that by faith alone the impious is justified; let him be anathema” (Council of Trent #9)

Or:

“If anyone says that the justice [or justification] received is not preserved and also not increased before God through good works but that those works are merely the fruits and signs of justification obtained, but not the cause of the increase, let him be anathema” (Council of Trent, 24).

2. The Pope as head of the church (added by J Dub, see 1 Tim 2:5, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10)

For evangelicals, the church is made up of all of those who have been justified by God through faith. Local churches are led by elders, and each church is generally autonomous. Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and there is no authority over any local church on earth apart from Scripture.  Elders and pastors are fallible in how they lead the church.

In the Roman Catholic teaching, the church is composed of laity and is led by those who have received the sacrament of Holy Orders (deacons, priests and bishops). The head of the church is the Pope, who when speaking authoritatively on matters relating to the church, is protected from the possibility of error [2] concerning doctrine and morals of the church. Also, for anyone to be saved, they must be under the Pope’s authority:

“We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff” (Unam Sanctam, 1302).

3. Mass vs. communion (added by J Dub, see 1 Cor 11--Jesus was standing there showing the symbolism of communion. Christ died to sin once and for all Rmn 6:10, we do not re-crucify Him or engage in cannibalism). 

For evangelicals, communion is commemorative, and acts as a remembrance of the substitutionary atoning work of Jesus. The bread is symbolic of the body, and wine symbolic of the blood. There is nothing mystical or meritorious about it, but it is a means of grace and of provoking growth in godliness.

The Catholic Church teaches transubstantiation, that the bread and wine are transformed literally into the body and blood of Jesus. Thus in the mass, the priest calls Jesus down from heaven, and in the breaking of the bread Jesus is re-sacrificed. The mass is meritorious, as one of the seven sacraments, and it is a “true and proper sacrifice.” Here again is the council of Trent:

If any one saith that in the Mass a true and proper sacrifice is not offered to God; or, that to be offered is nothing else but that Christ is given us to eat; let him be anathema.”

As a side note, many of the Protestants and puritans made martyrs by the RCC went to their deaths over this issue. They considered participation in the Mass to be idolatry, and refused, and often were put to death for their refusal.

4. Mary (added by J Dub, this lists verses that reference Mary, the mother of Jesus. Read them for yourself and see that the Catholic church has gone wildly outside of Scripture with what they teach.)

For evangelicals, Mary was Jesus’ mother, a sinner, and one who was saved from her sins by her faith in Jesus. We recognize a period of her life where she did not believe in Jesus (see, for example, Mark 3:30-33 [3]), but that  by the time of Jesus’ death she had placed her faith in him as her Messiah. She had other children after Jesus, and died a physical death. She is to be admired as a woman of faith.

In the Catholic Church, Mary is an object of devotion—and in much of the world, she is an object of outright worship. It is normative to pray to her (consider, for example, the Hail Mary), and it is taught that she was sinless. In fact, the Immaculate Conception is the Catholic doctrine that Mary was conceived without a sin nature, thus she was not a recipient of Jesus’ redemption, but instead was a participant in that redemption. She was a perpetual virgin, and did not die a physical death, but was rather assumed into heaven, where she reigns now as the Queen of heaven and is herself Ineffabilis Deus (“ineffable God,” or “inexplicably divine”)

5. Purgatory (added by J Dub: 2 Cor 5:8, John 13:9-11, Romans 6:10-11, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10)

Evangelicals believe that there is no such place as purgatory, but that hell is real and heaven is obtainable only as a gift from God, through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, and this is all of grace. For those who place their faith in Jesus, when they die they are immediately ushered into glory, where they will be in the presence of the Lord.

In Catholic theology, purgatory is where Catholics go when they die. Only those who are in a state of grace may go there, and once you have suffered for your non-mortal sins, you are made ready to see heaven. Thus purgatory is not eternal—but it is like hell in another way: purgatory involves both flames and suffering, and serves to make atonement for sins that you did not confess before you die. In many ways, Purgatory is the glue that holds the system together. Because it is a system where eternal judgment is based on works, and because sins are frequent and it is impossible to know and confess all of ones’ sins, purgatory is an essential piece of Catholic theology.

I give this list here simply because it always surprises me to find those that say “Catholics and Christians believe the same thing on the important issues, it is just in details where they differ.” Well, I suppose it matters what the “important issues are” but these five certainly touch on areas that are essential to the gospel.

---

Source URL: http://www.worldviewweekend.com/news/article/5-differences-between-catholic-theology-and-gospel

Things to Avoid

James 4:1-10

4 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? ² You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. ³ You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. ⁴You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? ⁶ But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” ⁷ Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

-------------------------------------

Readers, please say a prayer when you see this for some most beloved family of mine that need prayer. Thank you.

Must Read Books!

*I have been thinking of posting about The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo and instead have opted to re post this in it's entirety. Just a quick thought, if you or your children don't handle anger biblically, I heartily recommend the aforementioned book and the study guide that goes with it. If you parent in anger, spank in anger and find yourself going from zero to ten when your kids disobey, you need this study. Children disciplined in anger, even if it's consistent, will not display the sweet spirit of obedience most of us are seeking. I've led a study on this book and everyone found it beneficial. This was originally posted Oct 27, 2010. Irony!

Years ago when I had our first family blog, before the era of not needing to know HTML, I would post book reviews. It was a thrill because I had time and loved to read. Here I am nearly a decade beyond that point in time, and some of the titles I'd recommend haven't changed. I won't be listing an in depth review though, as time is much shorter these days!

On raising children-Shepherding A Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp (the title says it all--it's our hearts that God is concerned with and in this culture of focusing on externals, the heart is so often lost..the busy pace of life can leave their little hearts lonely and hurting while Mom and Dad pass them from daycare to the bus to strangers at school for 8 hrs a day, then to sports and dance etc etc. This book cuts to the chase on how to lovingly raise our children for the Lord.)

On being a Biblical wife-Created to Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl and The Power of A Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. While you may not agree with everything Pearl says, she really does a good job showing the attitude of a wife desiring to follow the Lord's outline according to His word. Hard situations are dealt with in the book-real life situations are investigated. Omartian's book is a favorite of mine because my life wouldn't be what it is without serious prayer that is answered by God Almighty. If you are struggling in your marriage, get this book and the study guide. I've seen ladies lives transformed by going through The Power of A Praying Wife. (my only disagreement with it is that she alludes to losing our salvation which is unscriptural, see Eph 1:13-14, Heb 13:5, John 10:27-30).

To understand the Bible better, get Warren Wiersbe's Bible Exposition Commentary. A great way to study scripture with your older children would be to read the Word of God and then read the commentary for further understanding, praying for the Holy Spirit to lead and direct since He is our teacher.

For those unequally yoked (Christian married to a non-Christian) I highly recommend Surviving A Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage by Lee Strobel. Talk about encouraging and sound advice on how to love your spouse as God directs! Here it is--wonderful book for believers in different spots also.

Do you ever think of home education or just how to spruce up your child's education that is outside of your house? My all time favorite book on education right now is The Core by Leigh Bortins. Leigh gives the history of education and how standards have plummeted, but also gives clear help and hope for those who do not want to see their children become a product of today's low standards in public schools.

Understanding Reiki

Reiki is something Christians should be wary of. Our goal is to bring glory to God, not muddy the waters of our testimony with questionable occult practices. Why do Christians insist on getting as close to the occult as possible? I think we take our freedom in Christ to a place it should never go. The ends do not always justify the means. Shouldn't we always take inventory of what we engage in?

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/reiki.htm

Success and Birth Order, sort of

Just gleaned this but want to post it because some truth lies in this article. It is so easy to treat a youngest different from an oldest! As a youngest, the rebellious part seems rather accurate. Good motivation to not pay attention to psychology per se, but appreciate some valid human tendencies...moms of youngest boys, this is very good to pay attention to and crack down on more chores and timeliness...watching attitudes and first time obedience. I never begged or cajoled my children to do what was right--they were taught to do it because I said so and their job was to obey, period. Had to really watch this with my youngest as I started off slow with him! Also, speed drills with math are super helpful with this as well as keeping the bedroom tidy and 'owning' certain household responsibilities. What Every Child Should Learn Along the Way (small book) is a great tool for the latter, as well as other aspects of parenting.

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/want-youngest-child-achieve-treat-him-oldest-185400966.html#!l8xBv

Sleeping In

If there were an Olympic medal for resetting the alarm based on speed, accuracy and completely changing the time, I (hate to brag) but....you're looking at the winner. Just sayin'. It is rare I try to dazzle even me with the ability to awaken a minute before school starts and yet still appear dressed with hair pulled back, but my friends, today the need was felt to squeak out every last second. Sometimes it is far too fun to talk to the husband till the wee hours, after talking to a friend till the wee hours. God is good to bless us with times like these, even though we could dismiss anything thwarting our 'norm' as from the devil. I don't think it was, and the refreshment after yesterday's day was welcome on all counts.

Off to math...and then sausage and eggs, a little out of order ;).

Thorough Halloween Posts for Christians to Consider

Some thoughts about Halloween that are worth a Christian thinking about, at least for the time it takes to read these :).

Halloween is Optional

Redeeming October 31st 

Caramelized Carrot Ribeye Soup

*I never took a picture of this soup and I gave the rest away! Bummer! It looked great though (ha ha)! Picture kale amidst white barley in a reddish broth, yellow corn kernels poking around :).

I'll snap a photo of this soup tomorrow, but before I forget, wanted to get the details down as best I can recall. Making up a soup as I go is a favorite pastime and sometimes it lands a super tasty one worth trying again.

Heat large stock pot while frozen homemade chicken stock thaws a bit (gallon sized freezer bag). Add some oil to the hot-pot and sauté a large garlic clove (smashed and chopped) with 2 large carrots until the carrots are getting dark on one side and searing (caramelizing). Meanwhile, in a very hot cast iron skillet, put your seasoned rib eye (Lawry's rubbed in or whatever you like. I did a few seasonings) in to seer with a large chopped/smashed garlic clove. Add a medium diced onion and about 2 or 3 cups of chopped kale once the steak is about 1/2 cooked. Just tuck the onion around it and cover the whole skillet with the kale. It will get mixed in as you turn the meat--try to get everything nice and juicy and mixed.

Add a large can of tomato puree to the stock pot along with the chicken stock. Heat till nearly boiling. Throw in a good bit of parsley, some pepper, some basil and a little salt, not even 1 T....at most 1 T.

Meanwhile, cube (into dice sized pieces) 2 white potatoes leaving the skin on. Maybe I should say 'dice' but I always think of dicing as smaller than what I did for the soup. Add the potatoes to the stock pot, sprinkle in a decent amount of barley, maybe 1/4 cup.

The ribeye should be long finished cooking, so dice it up pretty small removing all the fat. Put the fat into cheesecloth, tie it tight, and put it in the stock pot. That's right, we need some flavor! Just let this stay with the soup for about 20 minutes. Before you cut up the meat, add the onions, kale and pan drippings to the soup.

OK, so now you have in a large stock pot:

1 medium onion that has been seasoned and softened with a ribeye in cast iron

2 white potatoes with skin on

2 very large garlic cloves, 1 browned in oil and 1 in steak drippings (or 4 or 5 small cloves)

2 carrots, seared until sticky and brown on one side at least (in oil with the one garlic clove)

2 cups or so of chopped kale which has already been cooked down with the steak

large can tomato puree

barley

pepper (white and black), basil, parsley, salt

fat in cheese cloth

Bring this to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes, Remove the cheesecloth with the fat inside, you are finished with that. Now add a bag of frozen corn--I think mine was 16 oz. but it really looked nice and I love hitting a sweet corn niblet in soup!

Add in the diced steak and about 1 1/2 cups cooked rice. Simmer with a lid, stirring occasionally, for about 30 mins or so...maybe more, till it comes together and looks fantastic. The smell will change as it's finishing, from separate ingredients to a yummy awesomeness. We all really enjoyed this soup and I hope if you try it, you will, too!

As Iron Sharpens Iron

How is it that we get in to a position with someone of 'ironing sharpening iron' as Proverbs 27:17 says? If we seek out only friends who are not Christian or who are new Christians, will we have the opportunity to sharpen them? Sure, but will they sharpen us? Maybe, but most likely the sharpening will occur as recounting Biblical truths we already know rather than us being approached with new, challenging information. For this reason it is important to not only seek out relationships where we're comfortable, but also find some where we will be challenged to grow in Christ.

I'll be the first to admit I love comfortable, close friendships. We all want bosom buddies that see the world as we see it, and are living amidst this sinful culture the same as we are. It's a true breath of fresh air to find someone who interprets the Bible the way we do, but the question to ask ourselves is: are we growing  more like Christ as a result of the friendship, or are we at least able to influence the other person toward Christ? If neither of these is happening, maybe it's something to pray about.

We only have so much time for friendships, especially as home schooling moms, so let's choose wisely--prayerfully!

Proverbs 27:17

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁷ Iron sharpens iron,

So one man sharpens another.

Teens and Sleepovers

I think as  a mother of growing girls we need to be vigilant to help them apply Scripture to the struggles they face. Moving from a child to an adult takes a lot of time, and with that time come real problems, pain, confusion and uncertainty--for the 'transitioner' (ie teen) and the parent. I'm reading a terrific book called Age of Opportunity (by Tedd Tripp's brother and I can't recall his name and am pressed for time so am not looking it up) that my beloved friend sent me a few months ago. This friend has a rare gift of mailing me books as a surprise, and I LOVE it!! The book is a MUST read for a parent of a teen--don't delay, you'll wish you'd tapped in to the wisdom sooner rather than later. My friend is a few years ahead of me on the parenting path and I really appreciate her insight.

Applying Phil 4:8 to one's thoughts, especially teen girls', is critical--the parts about thinking on what is TRUE and REAL are particularly poignant. I won't share my children's issues on this blog, but here are some examples of where we as moms need to direct our kid's thinking--future events like marriage, infatuations with boys, obsessing over college or future work or one's body. It is not healthy for a young lady to feel empty or dissatisfied with her life, thinking a boy or being a size smaller will solve her problems. It is Christ alone that fills us, or should fill us, and we adults need to be on the alert for these cues to help our kids think rightly (according to Scripture).

This brings me to the topic of sleepovers as kids age. I've never been a huge sleepover fan--no surprise to any regular reader here I'm sure. There are a very limited number of years we'll even allow them and as girls enter the teen years, it is time to start putting on the brakes. Why is this? Well, any woman who has stayed up late in the wee hours with a bunch of other women should really understand this. The conversation downward spirals, people are tired and the emotional equilibrium tends to be 'off'. It is easy to say what shouldn't be said, easy to feel more upset about certain things in life than we ought. Is it really going to be helpful for teens, who are dealing with tons of changing emotions, to have closed conversations with each other under these circumstances? I don't think so. Our child could put undue burdens on another, or another could introduce struggles our child hasn't actually dealt with. As my kids age, I'm more convinced than ever about this.

Another verse that I highly recommend for sharing with our aging kids is 2 Cor 10:5. It's one I learned many years ago and was used of God to help me cast off bad habits in my thinking. We can open the door to wrong thinking and before we know it, there is a stronghold--something we think on excessively and which takes up space that should go to prayer, serving the Lord, learning, or a productive hobby.

"We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking EVERY thought captive, to the obedience of Christ."

Mom, please teach your daughter's to take every thought captive so that it adheres to Phil 4:8. What is true is what is happening now. What is real is not what is wished for or imagined. What is right is what is pleasing to one's parents and the Lord (for children). Pure  things are pure in God's sight...honest, just....we know what these mean. Don't let opportunities pass to reach your kid's heart!

God's Provision

The Lord is faithful, a very present help in trouble. He provides the answers we need at just the right time. Do not fear when He has called you to a difficult ministry. Remember Jesus Christ and what He has done for you. Where would you be if someone did not tell you the truth, in love? We are all sinners, we all fall short of the glory of God, but praise be to God for His indescribable gift of mercy toward us. We can be forgiven and birthed in to God's family, with the assurance we will spend eternity in Heaven. It isn't baptism, or serving at church, or tithing or any other good work that saves us, it is acknowledging we are a sinner in need of Christ's forgiveness. We can come to God because of Jesus, and Jesus alone saves us from the penalty of our sin.

Halloween? Harvest Party? Reformation Day? October 31st in View....

I'm a fan of celebrating Reformation Day on Oct 31. To me alternatives that look similar to the real deal just add credibility to the 'real deal'. If I'm ever accused of anything, let it be that I stayed far from sin or the appearance of it, not that I figured out how to get as close to it as possible, nearly scorching my hem in the fire and escaping with only a faint smell of smoke. (if that is my overall testimony at the end of my life, to God alone be the glory). In general I do not like activities that can swing one way or the other, meaning they appeal to the world to 'get them in' yet they have a Christian twist on them. It is a philosophy of ministry I'm not comfortable with as it's highly subjective. I'm sure seeds can be planted amongst unbelievers, but what about children of believers and their understanding of the situation? If we've been in a church with a Harvest celebration or some other Halloween alternative, I only hear the churched kids talking about Halloween, from every family participating.

Through the years of parenting we've done various things on October 31st, a day I'd just as soon wipe off the calendar; but going door to door dressed up and asking for candy has never been among them. (We also leave anything mythical out of our Christmas celebrating and Easter celebrating, isn't Christ enough?)

We aren't PCA or Lutheran, but I think every Christian should be thankful for what Martin Luther did. He was used of God to shed light on the truth that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, and that Scripture alone is our authority. (Sola Scriptura ("scripture alone"), Sola Gratia (“grace alone”), Sola Fide (“faith alone”) are the 3 main solas commonly associated with the Reformation). In an age when the current Pope is granting time off of purgatory for following him on Twitter, how can we not be freshly moved toward thankfulness for Martin Luther?

The question that has crystallized in my mind recently in regard to false religions is this: 

Why would anyone entrust a man or group of men to tell them what will give them eternal life in Heaven? 

Since we are each accountable to God, shouldn't we investigate what the Word says on this matter?

It is a REALLY big gamble to stick with something just because it's been 'in the family' for generations. What ever happened to personal accountability?  Anyone who holds Roman Catholicism up to the light of Scripture will see it is much like other false religions--some truth mixed with a lot of error, and that makes the whole cake bad (just like if you add a little poison to a cake batter...no amount of good ingredients undoes the bad).

Anyway, I digress.

This post below is not a blanket endorsement of CBN or it's affiliates, and I don't personally have reformation roots since my understanding is that Baptists are technically an offshoot of Anabaptists, not Protestants, but Luther still helped us all.

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HALLOWEEN

Reformation   Day - Redeeming October 31

By  Brad Winsted Guest Columnist

CBN.com – PCANews  - What will your church be doing this Reformation Day, October 31st? For  so many Halloween presents a dilemma, what do you do with a holiday with roots  in the occult? It would be something like walking home late at night, past a grave  yard, you notice that there is a celebration going with people dressed in death-glorifying  or satanic costumes, beckoning you to come in and join them.

You rush home  with a sense that something is VERY wrong. You are not surprised to learn that  Halloween is now the most celebrated holiday of the year in our government schools  (since Christmas and Easter are BIG no-no’s). You will see the signs of  the event on schoolhouse windows and you can expect large celebrations of this  occultic day.

Even a cursory look at the origins of Halloween will reveal satanic  rituals played out in trick and treating, jack-o-lanterns, witches, ghosts, the  dead and on and on. If you've ever taken time to research any of these Halloween  practices you'll see the satanic background from the Celtic tribes of Scotland  and Ireland.

So, should we retreat into the basements and attics of our homes,  turn out the lights and hope that our ghoulishly dressed neighborhood children  will pass us by? Our children would probably get the idea that the reasons for  retreating are not sufficient to deny them activities every child loves -- dressing  up and eating candy!

Well, how about a Reformation Day party at your church?  I know that many churches have a "Harvest Day Celebration" or other such event  where kids get dressed up as Bible characters and the fellowship hall is full  of games to keep the kids off the streets. But I'm suggesting going a step further.  Let's make it a day where we can learn more about our Reformation roots.

October  31 celebrates the day that the Reformation in Europe began with Martin Luther  posting his 95 theses on the Wittenburg church door, leading to a firestorm response  in Germany. Why not use this occasion for a celebration of our Reformed heritage.  And yes, this can be fun for the kids too!

Why not have a celebration at church  where all get dressed up as characters from the Reformation (I've dressed up as  John Calvin, Martin Luther, a peasant, and even John Tetzel (the salesman of those  infamous indulgences)? When I couldn't get a 16th century idea then I dressed  as a Bible character. You can transform the fellowship hall into Wittenburg, Germany  or Geneva. Here is an opportunity to go over the great "solas" of the Reformation:  by Scripture alone, by grace alone, by Christ alone, by faith alone, and to God  be the glory alone. Have people explain them. Show a video of one of the reformers.  Draw murals of Reformation events.

Here are some other things our church has  done over the years: Medieval line dancing (a lot like Scottish line dancing),  Medieval relay races (put the indulgences in the bottle), bobbing for apples,  German cover dish dinner, acting out your character (don't tell anyone who you  are, but act it out -- the ideas are limited only by time and background).

Children's  Ministry International  has developed a small booklet, Heroes of  the Reformation, that contains many of these ideas in it, along with lessons  on the lives of Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox and other reformers. Also,  you can order videos on the lives of the reformers from Gateway  Films .

Let's make October 31 a day of great remembrance (and educational  opportunity) of our Reformed heritage.

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Brad Winsted is Director of Children's Ministry International (1-888-345-4264).