Being Quiet During Church

I'm enjoying Dr. Martyn-Lloyd Jones' biography from Banner of Truth Publishing, and a topic that has come up is the importance of congregants being quiet during a sermon. Throughout history there have been pastors who enjoy people shouting out words of affirmation, they hail it as being spiritually compelled or just based on personality, and since we're all different we can express ourselves differently.

I think the question needs to be, are all actions equal? Most of us would argue not all cultures are equal, so how about this practice of yelling out in church? Is it just as good as the person who quietly takes in the words of the pastor? Is it better? Is it worse?

Here are some thoughts to consider:

• If it is personality to call out, what is it saying about the personality? On the other hand, if it is a welling up of the Spirit of God, then it can't be controlled and therefore would not be personality driven. This would be sporadic at most I would suggest, and not from the same person. Emotionally driven outbursts would be something that can be controlled, i.e. personality driven; do we think it is ok to be driven by emotions during a sermon? What if someone's emotions lead them to wail loudly or dance in the aisle?  Is it therefore a good personality trait to do what we feel when we're inclined during a sermon?

• Does everyone benefit from an interruption to what the pastor is saying? Is there not a chance the yelling out breaks a moment of conviction in the mind of someone else or a moment of learning?  If it can, then can we truly say it is just a different but equal way of worshiping? (is an emotionally driven response actual worship, is there a place for it?)

• What about the pastor's motivation to enjoy or seek out affirmation from his hearers? Can a pastor seek God's approval and man's simultaneously? Should there not be sermons that rub the congregation wrong? Where then would be the proper place for seeking positive shouting out?  

• Is there pressure to a 'caller out' to do so often because he feels when he is quiet he is then seen as not approving? I'm not intending to say it is easy to speak to a non-responsive crowd. Anyone who has done that knows it is terribly difficult, but a pastor has a special calling, entertainment and the praise of men are not a part of that. To be whimsical at times to impart a biblical truth, sure, but too much jocularity or purposefully using verbal intonation to stir up the crowd seems opposite of the sacredness of handling the Word of Truth. "Can I get an, 'Amen?'". What about waiting to see changed lives or for private thanks?

• What about those who are thinkers and quiet in personality? Introverts are more the thinkers of our world than extroverts, and there is a place for both, but we must all realize most pastors today are extroverts. It is a wise pastor who understands this reality and protects the introverts in his flock. An introvert is not one that feels moved to call out, which also follows the truth they can be completely thrown off by others yelling out. Is consideration not to be a place in worship? We are not all the same, and I dare say an extrovert exercising self-control and thus denying his urge to yell out is not going to be harmed in the way an introvert, subjected to calling out during every sermon, will be. It may take work for an extrovert to refrain from yelling out when it has become his habit, but we all grow when we deny our fleshly urges.

• The main point that I'd like people to think about is this: who did God call to preach? So what is it those who yell out are actually doing? They are saying, "YES, listen to that point, I agree with it!" This begs the question to the one calling out, "Who are you?" Is the caller-out God's chosen man to teach and preach? Honestly, does God give congregants any position of authority in the worship service? I go to church hear God's  man, and my feeling is that he does not need anyone's help in making his point. He listened to God and studied, and is delivering what God laid on his heart to bring to us. It is the same as a parent correcting a child when another child chimes in. Does/should any mother need that or want that help?

• Pride is an unfortunate trait we all struggle with. Could it be that a congregant calling out is seeking his own attention or that a pastor is seeking praise wrongly? I'm hesitant to criticize a man of God, but I think the question is worth considering.

To God be the Glory~

The Busy Month of December

I wish I could figure out how to reduce the busyness of December. There are mid-terms, regular classes, church functions, ministries, gifts to buy, gifts to make and deliver, regular dental or doctor appointments, car inspections, children's activities, visits to make or prepare for, decorating to do, cards to buy and mail, and of course still there is laundry, cleaning, sleeping, and food preparation for every day living. Each year gets busier and busier. As kids age, life gets busier and busier. I had no idea this is how the pace would get. 

If I think of reducing what I do, it won't feel like Christmas though. It is a strange paradox. 

In the midst of it all, my friend is dealing with cancer and another health problem that is giving her terrible pain. This puts life in perspective.

No matter how busy we are, isn't it true that when someone who has poured in to us, or our kids, needs help, we find time? 

Something I've learned this past year is that since time is so precious, spending it carefully makes good sense when it comes to the emotional and physical effort. Friendship takes work. I'm not on Facebook because its easy, surfacey relationships make me feel worse, not better. I don't want to be friends with someone who only has time for me if I'm on their virtual platform, nor do I want to know all the difficulties going on with every person I've ever met. I don't have the emotional time or energy to pray for THAT many people. And I surely don't want to get callous to the needs of other people, which I know happens with information overload. I also get too worked up knowing more details about people because of the way online living works, things I wouldn't know if our interactions were simply in person. 

What I love and want to spend time on are people who invest in me the same way I invest in them. I've seen that some people really make the effort and take the time to be friends, while others come and go for no reason at all. The problem with inconsistency is that troubles come and go, too, and those who are regularly there through them end up being close friends.  Consistency builds lasting, strong relationships.

Hard News

This past weekend was spent waiting to hear back on a biopsy report for one of my closest friends. Today she called and the news was not what any of us wanted.

Breast cancer.

One in six women her age get it. ONE in SIX.

Immediately the mind starts racing with all the details of others who have struggled with this...stay positive, be encouraging, even if it is cured it will likely come back, life is never going to be the same...

I've lost a parent to cancer as well as more distant family members and an acquaintance not that much older than me. I've had a parent survive cancer. An old friend's mother had it and we tried to do what we could to be supportive. It looks different for everyone, but one thing is the same, it is tiring. It is emotionally and physically draining. It is a marathon, not a sprint.

When you have a close loved one with cancer, it isn't just their journey. It is yours, too.

This time it isn't just me sharing in the pain, it is also my oldest daughter. Her closest friend outside her sister is my friend's daughter.

Please pray for my friend and for us to be able to be a help.

Pre Tribulation Rapture

Dear Beloved in Messiah, Satan loves to rob believers of their "blessed hope." "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Titus 2:13 The believer's hope is the return of the Lord. He is coming for His bride, born again believers, prior to the 70th week of Daniel (chapter 9:24-27), what is commonly called the Tribulation Period. Believers in the pre-trib rapture, such as J.A.M. personnel, embrace this position because of what the Bible has to say on this subject. There has been another attack on the pre-trib rapture in he form of a DVD.  In a response to the claims of this video the following was penned:      "A new DVD documentary has just been released by Good Fight Ministries entitled,  'Left Behind or Led Astray?  Examining the Origins of the Secret Pre-Tribulation Rapture.' Good Fight  Ministries is run by post-tribulationist Joe Schimmel, the senior pastor  at Blessed Hope Chapel in Simi Valley, California. Schimmel’s documentary is endorsed by evangelist  Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron, star of the original 'Left Behind' movies. The following write-up appears on the back cover:  'Take a fascinating journey with us as we examine the shocking origins of the secret, pre-tribulation rapture doctrine. Featuring expert  commentary from David M. Bennett, Dr. Mark Patterson, Jacob Prasch, Joel Richardson, and Dave MacPherson.'       "The truth of the matter is that the 4½  hour film seriously distorts the historical evidence and is full of false accusations, unsubstantiated myths, and lies." Dave Hocking, founder and director of Hope for Today ministry, comments: "The anger and  hostility evidenced in the writings and messages of these men is not only revealing, but exposing them. The truth of I Thessalonians 4:13-­‐18, along with I Thessalonians 5:1-­‐9 is overwhelming in its support of pre-tribulationalism. It is time to stop the bitterness and to learn the grace and love of our Lord in speaking of Biblical truth. Our viewpoints do NOT authenticate Biblical truth – It is the BIBLE, the whole BIBLE, and nothing but the BIBLE – it is God’s infallible and inspired word!" Satan is using men like Schimmel to try to steal the joy of the pre-trib rapture from the believer. Don't let it happen!!! For an excellent rebuttal of the claims (lies and distortions) in this video please read the rebuttal by clicking the link. The content of the rebuttal will also help solidify your understanding that the belief in the pre-trib rapture is based on Scripture alone, and not any man's teachings. Unfortunately, the enemies of the pre-trib rapture all too often use discredited and erroneous historical arguments against the pre-trib rapture. This is a sad commentary on the credibility and ethics of men like Schimmel. http://www.jewishawareness.org/wp-content/uploads/Left-Behind-or-Led-Astray-full-rebuttal.pdf In His grace, Mark Robinson   J.A.M. Website J.A.M. Email J.A.M. YouTube

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Happy Thanksgiving 2015

I was thankful to get to host Thanksgiving for some of my side of the family and some of my husband's. There were 11 of us total, and it was a lovely meal. I made enough for more than twice the number of people we had, and sent folks home with lots of pie. Seven pies for 11 people is far more than necessary! Lesson learned. 

Sadly, since I was busy cooking, I didn't get good pictures from today of the pies all together! There were 3 on the tiered holder, 2 on pedestals, and 2 on the table. My daughter made many of them and all of the crusts, so I wanted to capture her work. Ah well, such is life when you are living it and not photo'ing it!

 

When It Is Time to Mentally Walk Away

This is one of those posts that may not get read, or if it is started, won't get finished, but it is OK. Sometimes we just need to write. 

Sometimes there are people in our lives who expect great things, but will not give great things. They are takers. 

Takers, by definition, think of their needs first and what they want comes before others. I'm trying not to be a taker; givers are better to be around. 

Givers are helpful. Givers love without counting the cost. Givers, give. 

What if what you try to do to build a bridge with someone isn't appreciated? 

Sometimes it is time to stop. The closeness you hoped for isn't going to happen that way, so just stop. 

Sometimes what we want, we can't have, because relationships run both ways. 

When others view a relationship with us as one where we're expected to do more, eventually the reality of just how loved we are sinks in. It is hard to face, but face it we must. 

Our family and friends do not always love us as much as we thought. 

They might love us when it is convenient for them. 

They might take an interest only if it is in the way they think is acceptable... 

It is hard when you encounter people who think they should be more important than everyone else, irrespective of the effort they put in to the relationship. People can mistakenly think position is enough to warrant true closeness, but the sad reality is this-

Position alone can corrupt. Position is built on pride. Position takes and sometimes forgets to give. Position fails to understand while demanding. Because of these things, warmth and genuine closeness fade. 


May 2016 be full of relationships that are balanced and wrought with giving~


 

Christian Ladies in Waiting

I'm about to wrap up participating in a Bible study about Biblical womanhood, and it has been very good. Something that is on my heart, however, is regarding the strength a Christian wife needs to possess. We can lose sight of this aspect when focusing on softness and submission--qualities that have to exist in a biblical marriage.

To make my point, how about an illustration? As a caregiver of children, do you feel more honored if a child who cannot choose to disobey obeys you, or if a child who could readily go their own way obeys you? If you haven't cared for children, think of a pet. Which fills you with more pride? The rather simple creature you can easily lead about, or the one with intelligence that has been trained and will do what you want?

Translate that, loosely albeit, to marriage.

When a wife submits to her husband, perhaps the end result is all some will care about--submitting, but there are plenty of godly men who prefer a woman who could go her own way but chooses instead to trust his leadership and abilities when necessary.

My husband is a man with a brilliant mind. In cleaning out our garage and sitting with him as he's gone through old files and projects he's spearheaded, I've been reminded afresh of this aspect of him. I've oft wondered why he chose me above all other women given the caliber of his intellect, and one quality I know he admires is my ability to do whatever needs doing without him if need be. Now, we could both recount times where things went awry because I failed to get his wise counsel, but the things of life that just need 'doing', I can do without him. It needs to be this way; how could he possibly work to provide for our family and do the thinking for both of us?

A godly single man knows the weight of responsibility that will be immediately thrust upon his shoulders upon saying, "I do." In God's eyes, he is now no longer responsible just for himself, but for this beautiful woman standing by his side.

Ladies, what kind of capability would you want if you were in his shoes? Would you want the child who cannot do and make any decisions on their own, or would you want someone who would come alongside you as a partner, very capable, yet willing to submit when the need arose?

There is a strength that adult women must possess--throughout the ages this has been reality. In days of old the godly submissive wife needed to be able to handle killing chickens for dinner, hauling water, teaching children around a small table sometimes for days alone while her husband hunted. In modern times, it will look very different, yet a man still needs to be able to trust his wife can do much of the daily things of life without him.

Yes it is an honor for a man to be called upon when he is needed, but to the degree a capable woman needs, not a child.

Verizon's Censorship

Verizon's Censorship

Interesting to think about this new level of control. People are already so warped in their thinking because of the media doing so much of the inputting; now we've got Verizon censoring. And what perspective are they coming from, I wonder?

Christians need to be getting their thoughts and opinions from God's word more and more. We are to be separate; light has no fellowship with darkness. It is hard when this means guarding how close we are to certain people, but it is necessary, especially if children are involved, to be discerning. We become like those we are around, and we all have to be careful who is influencing us.

Happy Reformation Day!

Another wonderful day to celebrate Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg. The love he had of the truth in God's word, though not entire in his understanding, has blessed those of us who believe for generations.

I'm so grateful for Luther's boldness and dedication to salvation being by grace through faith, and caring that people should have the Scriptures in a language they understand.

Martin Luther

“I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth.” Martin Luther

Easier to Deal With

I've been thinking lately of how much easier it is to deal with people who understand genuine forgiveness and grace. We all mess up; I certainly do, often. To be with people who are mindful of that and who don't expect too much is refreshing and easier than the alternative. 

The reality of this sort of environment lasting is limited, however. I try to explain this to my children who are being raised in a rather kind and gracious world. When your social life is church primarily and your friend's families are Christians, a lot of the ugliness of the culture is avoided. When kids are young and growing, this is good. There will come a time when the harshness of life is before them. 

I want to hold out on that harshness hitting home as long as possible. Of course, whenever we deal with people we experience difficulties, but there is something so much nicer about working with people who don't hold grudges and who truly know how to forgive and move on.  

Favorite Song

Here in 2015 this is my favorite song.  

My Savior Loves 

Sodom

Our youth pastor is preaching a sermon from Genesis and it is not only timely, but encouraging. After being with family who are not saved and getting discouraged on some fronts, as usual, it was really a boost to hear the reminder that Lot offered his children up to sin as a result of dwelling amongst sinners. We can start out as righteous but pitch our tent 'toward' sin, then we end up moving directly in to the sinful land, and the downward spiral is serious. 

Sometimes we must move out from the land in which we were raised in order to raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I know in my family I'm seen as 'not normal' and they praise everyone else who is 'normal'. Let it be said of those in Christ that we are indeed not fitting in to the world's ideas of how to live and act. We should try to influence as God leads, but we must be sure our ideals and convictions won't be tainted by the ungodly. 

Blessed be the Lord who meets our needs according to His riches and glory. It is He who gives comfort to the alone or hurting, and rest to the weary. 

Take heart, Christian, if you are alone in your family as a follower of Christ. He sees your needs and will meet them. God loves you and will bless your faithfulness. 

In closing keep in mind that this was said in Scripture...
They went out 'from us' because they were not 'of us'.

Sarah

We are so thankful to God that Sarah went potty last night while we were at church. She is not out of the woods yet, but is improving.

The trees are being cut down at back...what a change. The sunlight is pouring in more and we see that the pine we cut down was really the best looking one.

Life, Rabbits...Turmoil

It is a hard time right now. We have a sick rabbit who needs a lot of special care. The next 24 hrs are really critical; if she doesn't go to the bathroom, she is likely to die.


As often happens, it is just a time of lots of stuff. The washer was broken but praise God, my husband got it fixed in the midst of his working.

We're having major tree removal starting tomorrow and I'm watching a baby girl also. School must go on, rabbit force-feedings every 3 hrs and medicine...and waiting.

There is more, but I won't post it. But if you read this, please pray for me tomorrow to have wisdom and to be used of God to bring help to those in need.

Paring Down the Clothes

Paring down the clothing...how often have I thought about it and started, but just never made it happen? I have clothes from DECADES ago that I still wear and like. 

Now that I have two other women living in my house, and they can wear a lot of my clothes, the items just shift from my closet to theirs. Praise the Lord for stretching resources further. He will supply my needs and my kids'! I was blessed to find so many slips in my drawer tonight. 

So I've made a list of what we're going to try in my girls' room for a month:

5  casual outfits
3-4 dressy outfits (probably 3 casual dressy, 1 fancier)
3 pajamas 
max 7 undies
max 7 socks
tennis shoes
boots
3 pr dress/other shoes
slips you need
panty hose
1 robe for winter
1 robe for summer
3 jacket/sweatshirts

It isn't minimalist but it will get us thinking in the right direction--outfits vs. a lot of mix and match. Surely there will be some overlap, but looks can be changed with a scarf, necklace or sweater. Too much vanity and prosperity leads to TOO MANY clothes and choices. 

Here is something you might enjoy watching from Crystal, the Money Saving Mom. A true minimalist who is beautifully working the mix and match. I'm dazzled.

Minimalist Wardrobe Vlog

Babies

Babies--they are so great. Sadly I can no longer have babies. It is a door the Lord closed and it was brutal to have to face it. Technically I'm middle aged, so it isn't the sort of crushing news you can imagine, yet I still started crying last year when the doctor told me that to fix my problem, that would be the outcome. 

Sometimes we have to make decisions we never imagined we'd be making. 

Isn't life like that? 

We make plans, but God directs our steps if we are faithful to Him and following. 


Tomorrow I'm watching a baby all day because the Dad has cancer and has appointments. It will be a hard day for the Dad. He didn't plan this to be a part of his life just a few short years after marrying. When he and his wife began the process of fostering to adopt, it never occurred to them she may be raising their young son alone. Yet, the day they got a call that the papers were all going through just fine, he got a call about his biopsy earlier that week. 

We make plans, but God directs our steps if we are faithful to Him and following. 

Sometimes we have to make decisions we never imagined we'd be making. 

Isn't life like that? 

Two people fall in what they think is love. Plans start to be made and expectations start to build. Dreams are dreamed and hopes rise. Then the Lord closes a door and it is brutal to have to face it. 

Isn't life like that?

We make plans, but God directs our steps if we are faithful to Him and following. 

Sometimes we have to make decisions we never imagined we'd be making. 

 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. ESV Proverbs 3:5-7

Where God is, there is always hope for the born again believer. If we are obedient to the Word, we'll find blessings beyond anything we could ask for or imagine. Life will not be free from problems, but God is faithful and He does not leave nor forsake His children. He is a God of details and He has a design for our lives to bring Him glory that go so far beyond our day to day. It isn't about us; it is about God. The more we remember that, the better off we, His children, will be.

Celiac Disease

We got some news today about good friends of ours. 

Their daughter has Celiac Disease. 

It looked like this was coming given the numbers before the endoscopy, but you know, getting the confirmation is different. 

In this world of so many 'going off gluten' without a doctor's orders, it is frustrating when someone has a serious condition and isn't merely choosing to restrict their diet. 

Anyway, having food limitations here due to allergies, it is hard to know what is coming for my friend. The stages of grieving and anger pass, and you're energized and excited to tackle this new challenge. In time though, the anguish over just how much 'regular' food prep items have gluten will set in, and I hate that for her. It isn't something I'll talk about because there is a reason we go through things as we do...but I'm just thinking of the ease of Lipton soup mix and creamed soups. Of course, these days there is so much more to choose from, but still, it is like any processed food: expensive and not necessarily as healthy as doing it yourself. 

God is good and faithful, and He will walk them through. Thankfully they are believers. Still, I hate to see folks go through a tough time. 

Blood Moons 9/28/15

An earlier post I shared regarding The Harbinger runs along a similar vein, but this link goes to a pointed article full of sound thinking from pastor and teacher, John MacArthur.

It is worth considering.

This link originally went to a post which isn't there anymore, but this short video by Nathan Busenitz is! 

http://www.tms.edu/preachersandpreaching/blood-moons-and-biblical-discernment/ (not there)

Is Continual Failure, Succeeding?

In homeschooling, as in other areas of life, we seldom meet our goals. We wish we'd read to the kids more, took more field trips, and focused on home economics. They taught themselves more of something that we'd planned to do the leading on. Did we fall short in some areas, ie 'fail' to improve or meet our goals? Sure. But were the kids educated adequately in the key subject areas, staying on grade level? If the answer is Yes to those questions, we haven't failed in homeschooling, but we also didn't meet all of our goals.

That said, there are homeschoolers who are really not getting the basic job of educating accomplished, year after year. These are kind people; people we may be friends with and even admire in a category or two; however, if excuses are accepted and mediocrity or failure is acceptable in the homeschool community, who is truly getting the short end of the stick?

We mothers have already graduated college or high school. Our life plan is set out for us, but our children are just getting started. Is our pride or fear keeping us from making changes that are best for THEM?

So many moms enjoy learning 'alongside' their child, but the brain of a 40 year old is not as quick as that of a younger person. While learning alongside is fun and fulfilling, let us make sure it is not holding our student back from fulfilling their potential in learning. These are THEIR years to shine, and we need to be realistic about what is working and what isn't.

I'm a big homeschooling advocate, but in the last 10 years I've seen more than one home that is failing in their goal to home educate their children. Character is very important--of course, I get that and agree, but if your 11th grade student is not learning disabled and is doing 9th grade work still, you have failed to advance your child and should consider turning over the reigns to online, DVD or a school. Ignorance is not acceptable if we're proud to be homeschoolers.

John MacArthur on Yoga

John MacArthur on Yoga

Christians need to be careful

Reviews of The Harbinger

For those who want to be biblically sound, here are a few links to read regarding The Harbinger. We can get all we need about God's judgment from the Bible. We are already under His judgment. The key is to personally repent of our sins and spread the gospel message because everyone is going to die at some point.

Lighthouse Trails Research

Worldview Weekend on The Harbinger

The Berean Call

Apprising Ministries

He Takes Away Pain

After certain events, I am sad and have a deep sense of dissatisfaction, loneliness, pain, or all of the above. Over the course of the last 9 months, the Lord has enabled me to change my expectations, and this time I felt great. There is a freedom in not having to be close to everyone equally.  It makes perfect sense that we would not all be as close to some people as we are to others. We can love people, but as far as being friends, we are not always in a place like that. 

It is truly only God who could have gotten me to this place. He's given me all I need and has called me to this life I'm living. I've got supportive people all around, the key is remembering to be thankful for them and leave the rest to God.

Thailand

We used to have the most amazing babysitter. We even trusted her to watch the kids overnight. She is in the area still, but is busy finishing her master's, working and planning her upcoming WEDDING, which we can't WAIT to attend. Liz spent a good bit of time in Thailand teaching English and evangelizing the lost. Somehow during her time there, my life was busier and I barely, if ever, read her amazing blog.

My daughter is writing a paper on Thailand, so Liz sent her pictures and a link to her blog, so I was enjoying reading it. It is VERY encouraging, and part of that is because Liz is a godly, pure woman who loves the Lord. We couldn't have asked for a better person to influence our kids and I only wish we had more time with her through the years. She was instrumental to my surprise family 40th birthday party even...from a great baker, to a party planner, her skills are remarkable.

Here is her blog:
http://lizinbangkok.blogspot.com/

I hope my girls are a lot like Liz when they are in their mid twenties.

After reading Liz's blog tonight, my prayer is for God to help me see opportunities to witness to the lost more and to make the most of those opportunities.

Less is More

Whenever I am around a house that is not organized or just full to the brim, it really motivates me to clean out at my house. It is the best encouragement available. Today I cleaned out my shed and produced 5 black trash bags, a computer box and a computer paper box of garbage. Everything has been sprayed for bugs, organized by categories (fencing/wood; lawn/beach/ladders; gardening/chickens; moving blankets/wooden planters/chemicals) and swept.

I wonder if our lives as Christians are like that, but on a more positive front. If we live for the Lord and our lives magnify His grace and truth, will it motivate others to seek Him or live the same way?

Jailed Clerk

I was reading an article about Ms. Davis, the jailed county clerk in KY who was jailed because she refused to issue a marriage license to gay couples. Here is the statement:

A lawyer for the couples, William Sharp, said Thursday’s ruling demonstrated that “religious liberty is not a sword with which government, through its employees, may impose particular religious beliefs on others.” per a NY Times article

What is laughable is that Sharp can say this, but not see the Supreme Court has acted like a government sword imposing its beliefs on the nation, which do not align with a great deal of Americans. The pot calling the kettle black is what this statement is all about. Who started this imposing and are we no longer free to believe? This method of jailing to gain compliance when we're dealing with a moral opposition sure sniffs of tyranny. What if conservatives had the power and we jailed transvestites to encourage them to comply with the majority? See the trouble here? It is ok to hate Christians and force them to be like everyone else....

Is Yoga OK for Christians?--Mark Driscoll

I may have posted this at some point but figure I'll just post it again. If you are a Christian involved in yoga, please watch this YouTube. I do not endorse Mark Driscoll in general, but on this topic, he is on the money. As my husband says, yoga is not synonymous with stretching. There are plenty of good stretching books and videos available. (just go to Amazon and look for stretching videos to purchase) Postures in yoga can have spiritual significance, so if stretching is what is wanted and desired, realize that if it's called yoga, it involves more than that. Those who are Hindi know that yoga is a form of worship and the object of that worship is not the King of Kings.

I hope this helps you as you seek to walk the narrow path. In this era of postmodernism, we have to be vigilant to stay on the side of truth.

The Life We're Each Called To

I don't know about you, but sometimes I can get in to thinking I am not doing enough for the Lord. I'll marvel at those He's called to a life of continual sacrifice or 'full time service', even though we're all called to full time service if we're Christians. Still, some people are called on continually by others and have to give, give, give. 

Recently when thinking about this and after talking to my husband, whose heard it countless times along with my best girl friend, the Lord impressed something upon my mind. Maybe it will apply to you and help you, too.

It is a calling to be in a family of unsaved people as the only believer. The loneliness and heartache of loving many who are lost and disinterested in the truth is a pain only those of us living it can understand. It would be amazing to have parents or in-laws who are truly following Christ, but for some of us, we're alone. Perhaps you are the only believer in your whole family, meaning your spouse is not a follower of Christ. This, too, is a special calling not put upon us all. Some of us have been brought out of a childhood of ashes while others had a pretty smooth trip. God allows different things in this life for us to overcome. 

Instead of feeling guilty about a wonderful marriage and peaceful home, perhaps we ought to give thanks to God and realize He HAS called us to hard work. Maybe what we see as super hard that others are dealing with is not that way for them. Maybe our own hardships are what others want no part of. 

Whatever we do in word or deed, it should all be done for God's glory. 

Hardest Part of Homeschooling

Homeschooling is wrought with aspects that bring forth a myriad of emotions. Crying, for mom and child, may happen on any given day depending on the year. Yelling, sadly, may happen along the same line. Frustration, elation, depression, confusion, disappointment, fear, trepidation, anxiety....the list is long and encompasses the full spectrum of human feelings. 

Given all of this, and even the reality that one of my children cried DAILY during math for YEARS, the part of homeschooling that is the most difficult for me is looking at old materials that I loved or had high hopes for, but simply didn't get to, didn't take the time to go through WITH my student, or loved and have now moved on from. 

Regret is the toughest thing for me. It doesn't seem to matter if my students are completely ready to move on to the next grade level, or if they've tested beautifully, or what anyone thinks of their intellect or maturity. The problem lies with me, their mom, who is seldom satisfied with my own performance in this life when I slow down and take a close look.

The anguish that fills me when I look at an old Bible study book we thought would be good but just never really turned out to be...was it because I never sat down and engaged my student but rather handed it over to be done independently? I remember that year and time. It was a busy time, like so many, and I just wanted to find something fresh and new that a friend was also using...we thought the kids could find some common ground to talk about. 

Old writing programs are so easy to set aside when their time has come and gone, but OH!, the hours of working so hard to put pen to paper and all the lessons learned. How we enjoyed hearing those stories which sometimes began books they worked on for weeks or months in their spare time. 

How do you say goodbye to the hardest, best years of your life? This is my continual pain. I think of what I would tell a friend sharing all of this heartache with me--the things I've not written but which lurk inside my head. 

I would say, "You've done the best you could do. I know you--I see your sacrifice and effort. Sure it wasn't perfect, yes things were left undone, but you've kept your family number 1 and have sought the Lord. You love your kids and you demonstrate that as much as you can. Throw out those reminders of your failures or short-comings--put the past behind you and get organized and excited for a new year. These days are fleeting. Those easy  and fun elementary years are quickly becoming a chapter for the annals, but don't waste this time looking back. Press on, dig in, be more engaged than ever and start a new page in your homeschooling journey. The kids aren't grown yet, no matter how much they look like you when you thought you were grown. They need you in different ways, but they still need you. Engage, listen, and never forget you are the parent and as much as you enjoy being with them, their job is to leave and have their own life. Nurture your close, actual friends who put in to you as you do them. Date your husband continually to keep perspective. God will keep giving you purpose and a life. Stop worrying about what is gone and what is going, and don't miss right now. You can do this homeschooling thing, again. Try to make it your best year yet."

God help us all who are preparing, planning, organizing and trying to be equipped for a year of pouring in to our kids so they can be the most effective Christians they can be.

The Reality of Homeschooling in Middle and High School

Homeschooling is hard work. It takes consistency, commitment, diligence and steadfastness to do it and do it well. As kids progress out of beginning math skills, math needs to be done 5 days/week. This means that taking one day a week off to do other things entirely is going to require summer school or weekend school. There is no way around this in my opinion and experience. Every parent I know that does a program which leaves just 4 days/week for academic work has a student/s who is not on track to graduate on time.

This means they are behind their public school counterparts in some respects. This means they have not been spending their time doing what is required for competency at the high school graduation level. Think about that.

We have to face the facts when it comes to the largest rocks to fit in to our daily/weekly/monthly/yearly jars of academic choices. There are things our students NEED to know--for daily living and for success in college and/or the work force. All work is not created equally and we have to cull what is nice or fun sometimes so that the real work that needs to be accomplished, IS accomplished.

I'm sad to say that few people I personally know and are homeschooling are really getting the job done. I see students years behind in math, or working on math from several years ago while trying to tackle this year's math. Parents put Bible ahead of core subject areas and shun planning as being less holy or spiritual. This is disastrous. Christians should be at the forefront of order and competency, and knowing the Bible, while critical, is really not even a category that should be a part of school. It is something that stands alone entirely.

I worry for young homeschooling families being influenced by these sweet, yet failing, homeschool mothers whose husbands have failed to lead their home effectively. We cannot expect homeschooling to be looked upon favorably if we support high schoolers who can't even get through Algebra 1 by 11th grade.

In sum, please keep in mind that school must morph as students get further in elementary school. No math curriculum for upper elementary and beyond can be fully done Sept-May at just 4 days/week if you are taking 3 weeks of holiday breaks during that time period. Perhaps you are happy to have your kids do school all summer, and perhaps you are OK with that, too, but realize the decision you are making and stick to the commitment required.

Chance Encounters

I was thirty minutes from home today at our auto repair shop, and a man who looked a little familiar walked in. He must have thought the same thing about me looking familiar, because he eventually asked me if my kids went to a certain school. More questioning and finally I thought, "He probably went to our former church." My husband and I both taught in the Wednesday night program for years, and surely our paths could have crossed there. Sure enough, that was it. I got his name, asked about his wife, and was sad to hear they had divorced. We had the same type of vehicle, so I remember talking to her about problems they were having with their van because we, too, had difficulties 'off the lot'. What I did not mention was my remembrance of him being very flirtatious back then and giving my co-teacher a flower one year. It came back to me that at some other point in the past, I'd learned they divorced.

I don't know why, but all I saw today was a broken man who was not nearly as he used to be. There was no flirtation whatsoever, just a man who doesn't see his kids enough and who lost it all. He served our country in one of the most respected branches of the military, and now he is working hard to start a company that would help others find employment. I think times are a little tough for him.

The Lord enabled me to remind this man how important his role as a father is to his children; that no man will influence them as he is. I also got to talk about the need for the gospel to be front and center in church...(that happened numerous times today with someone who also left our former church (this man left as well) and then someone else who still attends.)

The thing is, it can be so easy for a part-time parent to think they've lost their influencing power, but kids need their Dad, and children can be very forgiving--thinking of typical divorce situations. Even if the parent sinned and caused the trouble everyone saw, kids need and love their parents.

Seeing this man and how he has changed over the last 8 years reminded me that our actions will catch up with us. It can be easy to feel overly confident, exceedingly attractive or desirable, proud and full of life, but we have to remember God is watching and a day of reckoning will come. Don't trade your family and marriage for the thrill of a fresh encounter--be it a glance or a long stare of 'interest'. Game-playing can spiral out of control quickly, and marital fidelity is nothing to take lightly or tamper with. None of us are above temptation, and at times we may need to literally flee.

I felt this man needed so much more encouragement, and I pray God puts a man in his life, or a very old woman, to do that. He needs the wholeness and healing of Christ--which maybe he has and today was just a low day, but I don't think so.

Forgiveness

I spent the evening with the man who helped break up my parent's marriage. We've known each other for several decades. It is a complex situation.

What I've seen in this life is the terrible reaping that occurs when God's forgiveness is not accepted. Many understand 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' At least the older generation does. In our pride we refuse to accept God's forgiveness, or often it is just not understood that Jesus Christ paid the price for all of our sins. We must come to Him in faith, however, and put on the new man: a person forgiven and set free, who longs to live a life pleasing to God. 'If we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.' That is a powerful truth. It says nothing of baptism, religious ceremonies or how we treat others. It is coming to God with nothing to offer and knowing it is only Him who can fix the mess of our state. His Sovereignty, His grace, His love. We love Him because He first loved us. As humans the Bible says 'there is none righteous, there is none that do good (meaning according to God's standards of a pure heart), there is none that seek after God.' He draws us to Himself and we must respond.

We're reconciled because of what Christ did on the cross at Calvary. The evidence of that reconciliation is good works done through the life of a believer. It is not the other way around, but sadly too many people don't believe that. The result of flipping the order is that sin continues to eat away at us.  Good works done with the goal that we'll earn God's favor leave us still needy. They assuage our feelings of unworthiness superficially.

I can forgive the sins of the past. How many of us have not been sinned against or have not sinned against others? We think sinful thoughts and sin against God. We are born in sin, and then we choose to sin. Nothing we do can please God but simply accepting the way He has laid out for us to be reconciled to Him. Our own ideas or the ideas of some religion are not going to cut it, no matter how sincere. 

God left us His word so that we could KNOW how to please Him. Will you take the time to find out?

www.gty.org 

There is One God

I was talking with a man I'd never met before today during a lengthy family event. The conversation stemmed from butter, to gardening, to politics, religion and education. It moved to everything in between. He was never at a loss for words. At one point he pulled out a membership card to an organization that he's been a part of for more than 42 years, proudly telling me how many orphans they have helped. 

No doubt, the work is important. 

As we talked about the lack of God in our culture, I worked to mention the importance of realizing God is not an idea that we have and we can't make Him out to be what we want, but we must go to the Bible to know God.

Sensing I was not of his religion, he quoted Hebrews to me about the importance of how we treat others for we may entertain angels unaware. 

In that statement, because I know a good bit about his religion, I was faced afresh with the difficulty of penetrating the minds of those who think they are right with God, but who actually aren't according to what God says in His word. 

What does God say about our good works? Are they good? 

God says our good works are as filthy rags. Our works, done to make ourselves feel better or done to make others be impressed with us, are FILTHY RAGS. I've heard it said this is referring to menstrual rags...

We cannot please God with our own skills. We cannot outsmart God. We can come up with reasons based on circumstances in our lives that we say point to God's blessing our choices, but perhaps the point is to see the awesomeness of God and turn to Him. We can volunteer and do our best to fit in with fellow Christians and serve, but if our heart has not been made pure by Jesus Christ, our efforts are focused on self and not the King of Kings. 

God, help us--help me be pure in heart so that my service is out of love for You and others--not to earn any favor, because I can't, but to be a witness of Your love in my life so that others will want to know You, too.

Those who are well do not need a physician, it is those who are sick who do. If you are trusting in anything other than Christ for salvation, according to Scripture, you are in need of a physician.  

*Quite sadly, this person I was speaking to suddenly died in 2020. 

Carrot Harvest

This has been our best year yet for harvesting carrots. God is good to bless in this way. 

Galatians 6:7-10New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁷ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. ⁸ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. ¹⁰ So then, ^[a]while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

C. H. Spurgeon Quote

From July 4th Morning by Morning

"No man indulges and error in judgment, without sooner or later tolerating an error in practice." C.H. Spurgeon, pg186

June 27, 2015

Welcome to A Common Life. I began here at Blogger many years ago, then took a hiatus to Wordpress.


Here are a few photos from a recent field trip we took with my Dad and step-mother to the Chatham House in Fredericksburg, VA.