Loving One's Wife

I find it hard to believe a man is a Christian if he refuses to work to provide for his family. This is not loving his wife as he's commanded to in Scripture (as Christ loves the church), and it is a violation of 1 Tim 5:8 for a man to not provide for his own. It is a weak man who makes excuses and simply WILL NOT WORK. A man who makes excuses is no man at all. He may be able to fear monger his wife and family in to sympathizing with him, but everyone else sees through his facade.

It is this sort of man who is perpetually a victim. He is only satisfied in a church where the members go out of their way to serve him; he isn't in church to worship and be used of God. He is a taker. This sort of man is often given to anger, outbursts that control those around him and ultimately, imprison them. He is a coward, using fear to control those who would willingly give their love and devotion if only he would serve them as Christ has said he ought.

A so-called able-bodied Christian man, who is content or would be content to have his wife provide for the family, is effeminate in his logic and thinking. A true man of God wants to provide and protect. He ought not be content being nurtured as a child is by his parents.

It is an immature man who puts his needs before the rest of the family or twists the truth or reality so his sinful actions are justified. It is a shameful man who verbally beats his wife and children in to submission. It is a wicked man who purposefully keeps his family in turmoil, surrounded by uncertainty.

No, this is not the picture of a godly man I've just painted. It is, rather, the image of a man who is controlled by his own sinful emotions. He's in a prison of his own making-one that lacks peace and contentment because he refuses to heed wise counsel, to include the clear words of God as written in Scripture. He is a man who already has all the answers...


A wife is told to submit to her husband, which of course, even if he is a tyrant, she is supposed to, trusting God to deliver her and her children...but I find it despicable any real man would find satisfaction in a relationship like that with his wife and children. No real man, especially a legitimate man of God, would find it sufficient to have a wife submit to him as he abuses his position. He is a real fool if he thinks people outside his house don't see his true colors. Any one given the gift of discernment can see a manipulative, controlling person for what they really are upon first meeting them.

 It is because I am married to a true Christian man, who models godly servant-leadership, that I know these things to be true. But if that weren't the case, I'd know it solely from Scripture.

1 Tim 5:8  But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Ephesians 5:25 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (note: weaker vessel should make you think of a precious vase or tea-cup, not something inferior!)

James 1:19-20 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:   (Read More...)

Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Ephesians 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:26-27 - Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:   (Read More...)

Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

Colossians 3:23-25 - And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;   (Read More...)

2 Timothy 2:24 - And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

 Proverbs 26:3 - A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

Revelation 21:8 - But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Matthew 7:21-23 - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.   (Read More...)

1 John 5:19 - [And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

1 John 4:1 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Colossians 3:21 - Fathers, provoke not your children [to anger], lest they be discouraged.

Ephesians 6:4 - And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Parent Dares Challenge Common Core, Hauled Away in Handcuffs

Common Core is poison. We all need to stand up against it--go to school board meetings and let your voice be heard!

Spelling

I have finally found a spelling program I like, and I don't think it's because of the program itself entirely. Here's been my journey to spelling satisfaction.

1. use Phonics Road to Spelling and Reading Level 1 and 2, learn jingles and phonetic sounds well (could do with first child, for example)

2. use Spelling Power so familiar with word lists and testing for level, may or may not use methods for getting words learned (could use with 2nd child)

3. use All About Spelling (what I'm using now) (use with 3rd child)

*For added help, use Phonetic Zoo and realize why you don't like it for kids who aren't naturally good spellers.

Ta-Da! A great approach that really makes sense!

Free to Serve

There is such relief that comes after leaving a seeker-friendly church. When the message at church is continually, "Serve, serve, serve!" and it's wrapped in a "Step out of your comfort zone" package, it becomes draining and it puts pressure on a person. When there isn't sufficient teaching and discipling, it sucks the life out of even the sturdiest believer. We need to serve because we love God, and we learn to love God more the more we interact with His word, His uncompromising truth. It is not possible for many to find their true place in the body of Christ when the loud voices of the leadership just keep saying, "Go, Go, Go" with the fervor of a football coach. What about those who are brand-new believers, or those struggling in some significant area of their life? Are they really suited to get out there and witness to others? There needs to be a place in the church for introverts and there needs to be the freedom to listen and wait on the Lord for direction. Serving isn't a race or an approval contest with the church leadership, and church should be more about those in the fold than those not in the fold. It is meant to be a place to come together to worship the Lord God Almighty, then we go out and spread the gospel.

Coffee, Nails, and Sleep

If you have always had soft nails, start drinking a cup of real coffee each morning. I can't believe the change. It's also been a factor with going to bed earlier each night. I can't recommend it enough! Not Keurig coffee, the real brewed caffeine enriched kind. Even half a cup will help!

Revitalizing Mary Kay

I've been a Mary Kay Consultant for over 15 years; I think it's been close to 18! I'm really excited to jump-start my business after 3 years of merely maintaining it. If you are interested in a terrific skin care regime or cosmetics with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, let me know!

Homework Time

How much time should a home schooled middle or high school student spend on home work? Well, one thing is for sure, kids this age shouldn't be able to finish everything they are doing in 4 or 5 hours! Here is just one survey giving some information on how much time students at a particular school spent on homework. Productivity is greater with home schooled students because time needn't be wasted on changing classes or a pace too slow for them. Even so, if those attending brick and mortar schools are 'there' for 6 or 7 hours per day and have 1-3 hrs of homework per night (if in grades 6-12), it doesn't seem unreasonable if a home schooled student is giving 40 solid hours to his or her studies.

Morning hours are the most productive hours according to numerous articles (try Googling "are morning hours more productive than later hours" for more than the article I've linked to), so unless the school day starts early, it is likely the effectiveness isn't being maximized for a student's work schedule. Just like sleep prior to midnight allows for more non-REM cycles (which can be more restful due to less dreams), the hours of our day aren't created equal when it comes to productivity.

I have never enjoyed rising early and I am nearly 40 years old, but about a month ago I began rising early each morning. It is quite possible to change habits if we really want to. I'm here to say that anyone can be taught to get up and at 'em! I don't know many depressed or continually ineffective people who do rise early. If you are in a constant cycle of feeling defeated or not satisfied, try this one simple change. Go to bed earlier and get up earlier! :)

 

 

Wunderlich Children Restored

I have no doubt that Germany responded to the massive wave of pressure from the United States in how it handled the Wunderlich case today. The problem is, Germany has shown it's true, close-minded, fearful of free thought true colors in how it dealt with the removal of the children in the first place. Obviously I don't agree with any policy that forbids home education; I think it is one of the best ways to ensure democracy and higher thinking. Choosing who your kids socialize with is tantamount in good parenting, as well as being able to tailor what your kids are taught and when. Passing on family values should be praised in free societies. No, Germany has disappointed many of us in recent weeks, but thankfully this judge saw fit to return the kids to their family.

Parental Rights Call to Action!!!

September 17, 2013

 

Call Congress to Action!

 

Please help us call on Congress this week and next to sign on to HJRes. 50, the Parental Rights Amendment.

With conflict in Syria and questions about the new health care law, you may already have a good reason to call Congress on other issues of importance to you. Just this morning Congress cancelled a one-week recess that had been scheduled for next week in order to give themselves time to work on the continuing resolution to fund the government for the next year.

So call them about these other issues – but while you’re at it, urge them to cosponsor the Parental Rights Amendment. (ParentalRights.org has no official position on these other matters.)

Think about it: At a time when every decision requires days or weeks of dealing and debate, this is something they can take care of quickly and easily. Becoming a cosponsor on the Parental Rights Amendment, HJRes50, will only take them a few minutes. Sending a quick message to Rep. Mark Meadows’ office is all they need to do to get on board.

And think what it will say about the importance of parental rights if we can cut through the din of Syria and government funding by sheer call volume on the subject!

Because of your diligent grassroots efforts during August recess each year, September is always a great time of adding cosponsors to the Amendment. But with all the other concerns this year, that hasn’t happened yet. That is another great reason for us to call them now.

This is a limited-time call blitz – today through next Friday only. We are asking you to take a moment now to call your Congressman, then plan to call once more in the next week and a half. Just two phone calls – or a call and an email – urging your representative to take 2 minutes to get something done: become a cosponsor of HJRes. 50, the Parental Rights Amendment.

To find your lawmaker’s contact information, click on your state (or its 2-letter abbreviation for non-flash/mobile users) at ParentalRights.org/States.

Here are a few points you might want to remember when you call:

 

• The legal standard for protecting parental rights has been left up in the air since the Supreme Court’s Troxel decision in 2000, which notably failed to apply “strict scrutiny” protection.


• With no clear direction from the Supreme Court, lower federal and state courts are confused on the level of protection parental rights should receive. As a result, parental rights are becoming protected only on a case-by-case basis.


• The Supreme Court determined in Reid v. Covert (1957) that ratified treaties can override the Tenth Amendment’s reservation of rights to the States if the right in question – in this case, parental rights – is not expressly preserved in the text of the Constitution.


• Two international treaties threaten the presumption that fit parents act in the best interests of their children, including one – the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – that has been taken up by the Senate as recently as last year. The PRA would protect existing parental rights from threats by treaties like this one.


• According to a Zogby poll on parental rights, 93% of all Americans support the traditional view that fit parents have the right to make decisions for their children without government interference. That includes 97% of Republican voters and 92% of Democratic voters. This is the very standard the Parental Rights Amendment seeks to preserve.
  
  

Thank you for taking the time to call. Together, we can see support for the Amendment grow even in this one-week Congress!

Sincerely,

Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research

Nearly Comatose State of Prayer "Warriors"

It is easy to misinterpret the comatose, almost drugged state of those heavily involved in the prayer movement for profound Christianity. "They seem so peaceful", one might say. There is some problematic doctrine and strangeness with some of these 24/7 prayer ministries. We need to be careful to not confuse that strange, meditative state that Buddhists have as deep spirituality. It's often demonic in nature, not necessarily Christian even if the name of Jesus is attached to it.

Germany Violates Basic Human Rights

Not Gardening

My year of not gardening...we just ate our best homegrown cantaloupe and we've had more tomatoes than the last 7 years.

Beliefs

The majority of people live what they believe is acceptable.

However, true satisfaction comes from living according to what you believe is right.

My Dog

We have had a great dog for 14 years, nearing 15 rapidly. I found him at a shelter in Ohio when he was roughly 10 months old. He couldn't walk on a leash, was filthy, and had terrible worms. Within 4 months he had passed obedience training with flying colors, was beautiful, healthy and continued with his very submissive, gentle way. Back when we took in Jake, I was young. We didn't have children, some grandparents were still living, and my mother in law was in good health. There were so many years ahead of me and there were my yet-to-be-born children to look forward to.

Now here we are, with Jakey needing many pills each AM and PM to keep his body going. We've started 3 new medications today, hoping to get his pulse under control and manage his extreme arthritis pain. He takes 8 pills a day...

How do you know when it's time to say goodbye to a faithful friend? How do you process the guilt of not walking him as much as he wanted when young children came to occupy so much time? How do you look at the weakening body and determine what he wants?

I've been told the last thing you can do 'for' your pet is put him down at the right time. I'm finding it to be a daunting task I want God to make for us.

Health Benefits of Coffee

How many times have we been told that coffee, like eggs, is bad for us? Good news here:

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-02/why-coffee-good-you-here-are-7-reasons

Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese

There may be recipes abounding that produce good tasting GF mac and cheese. Tonight I ventured in to the realm of homemade for this creamy delight, doing one batch of sauce that worked for 16 oz of regular macaroni noodles and a guestimate of 8-10 oz of GF pasta. Sadly, the GF pasta has been in a qt sized canning jar for a long time so I don't know what kind it was...but it cooked up great in 9 mins and I rinsed it with cool water for a perfect result. Normally I'm not a fan of GF products, but this turned out really well.
Start by sauteing some diced red onion in a little oil, preferably in a cast iron skillet, until translucent or even a little brown. Just use as much as you'd like...I'd say 1/2 an onion at least.
Sauce:
Melt about 4-5 TBSP of butter in a saucepan
Stir in 1/3 c. potato starch and tapioca starch (I just did some of each to total 1/3 c)
Whisk until totally smooth over medium/low heat
Add 1 c. chicken broth (mine was homemade juices from a chicken so thicker than regular broth and I just estimated the amount but am sure it was close to 1 c.). This will thicken very quickly, have your milk ready to pour in.
Add 2 c. whole milk and keep stirring. If too thick, add another 4 oz of milk slowly. Keep this mixture over medium heat (just make sure it's not sticking to the bottom of the pan, might need to lower temp).
Cut 1 and a half blocks of cheddar cheese (12 oz) in to cubes that will melt easily. Dump in to sauce and stir until melted. Keep heat up enough so that this is pretty fast. (we like sharp cheddar, these are 8 0z blocks--you could do 1 lb or 1 1/2 lbs of cheddar)
Add 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese.
Stir sauteed onions and all pan drippings in to the sauce.
Add fresh ground pepper, a little squirt of prepared mustard (kind in the fridge), garlic powder. Stir well. If needs more cheese, add in some slices of whatever you have. I added in mozzarella, provolone and pre shredded cheddar, probably to total another 1/2 cup of cheese. I'd say in all you want to shoot for 1.5 lbs of cheese but taste as you go. If it's flat, add a little salt.
This made a ton of sauce and everyone loved it, quite a surprise since we've been 'off' homemade mac and cheese for a long time.

Week 3 of Early Rising

There is a real feeling of satisfaction with getting up early in the morning. It's hard to fathom that I'm in my 3rd week of this since we just returned from vacation, but alas, it's true! One morning on vacation I was up at 5:30 am, WILLINGLY!!! Combine this with some exercise and a shower, the day really starts off well. If you've been feeling defeated in life, give this a try.
It's free and effective!

Prayer German Homeschool Family Raided by Police, Kids Seized

Please take time to call the German embassy, and pray. ~Ann