Authentic Study

Study,  with the goal of proving what one wants to find or already thinks, is not pure. It is not scholarly or genuine.

Wading into waters feared, disagreed with, or misunderstand--with a mind willing to find the truth,  is where authenticity dwells. 

Very few can do this. If you find someone who can, you have found a blessing.

Some of us love dogmatism. We want to die on mountains. The so-called separation we must endure is a cross we willingly bear. 

Realize love is hard. Biblical love is hard. Do not expect the lost to do anything but sin. Go to them and be a light and an example. Strong believers should be able to do this more than new believers. The strong should not hide behind their legalism so as to avoid doing the hard thing of loving. 

Reading the Scriptures, and not being afraid of what is there,  takes faith, humility and strength. Too often we fear finding the true God. We want to reason in our human understanding and explain away what God Himself has revealed. When we do this, we short change our own ability to really find Him...and sometimes we get defensive and angry because of our misunderstanding. 

Effective Use of One's Energy

Person A believes in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the infallibility of Scripture, loves God, sees Him as loving and just, and has their view of the mechanics of how one comes to be saved, but it is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. 

Person B believes in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the infallibility of Scripture, loves God, sees Him as loving as just, and has their view of the mechanics of how one comes to be saved, and it is also by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, but they differ some from Person A.

For some reason, Person B can't stand the way Person A sees the mechanics, and thus accuses them of creating an unloving God. Person A, however, believes God IS loving. It is Person B, viewing and understanding Person A's beliefs, who comes to the conclusion God must be unloving to think as Person A does---but stay with me, only Person B thinks God is unloving in this scenario. Person B--according to their own view, sees God as loving, and so does Person A. Both are genuine born-again Christians. 

In light of this, why does Person B waste time attacking Person A? Person A is not attacking Person B. Person A could accuse Person B of believing in a small God-but they don't give that air time. Why does Person B care that Person A's views makes they themselves see God as unloving? Clearly Person A has reconciled their own view to land with a loving and just God.

Why would you apply someone else's 'truth' to your own views or put conclusions or words in someone else's mouth? Is it possible to not really understand how someone else is seeing and understanding the Scriptures? Is it not better to give the benefit of the doubt to fellow Christians?

I've got my views and I trust in them. It is inane to me to focus on what other people believe and waste time reacting to it. The more you react to something (ie a bully), the more credence you give something typically...isn't that what we've always thought?

Is this manner of acting/reacting of God or the enemy? 

Who is being divisive and tearing down the body of Christ? Our enemy is not on the inside of orthodox beliefs people, but on the outside. It is a wicked world, and yes, it is true that focusing on it is uncomfortable and difficult. Interacting with this culture is miserable, but it does not warrant micromanaging and tearing down the body of Christ. Make no mistake, we are ALL part of the body of Christ who believe that it is by grace through faith and not of works that people are able to spend eternity as forgiven people in God's presence. Only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ are we saved, and the issue I'm referring to is dealing with sincere people who hold to the truth I've just stated.

Do I know all the ins and outs of those outside orthodox Christian beliefs (Mormons, Catholics, JWs, etc.)? No, that would take away from the valuable time I've got to do what God has called me to do. It is discouraging, tiring and makes me angry when believers attack other believers. It has no place in the church as far as I'm concerned, and it is dangerous to attack godly men who love the Lord and are doing the work He's called them to faithfully. 

Whenever I see one group continually calling out and criticizing another, I don't look disparagingly on the group being attacked, I look disparagingly on the attackers. What are they afraid of? Why can't they just do the work they have been called to?

God said what He said, and it is too bad if it doesn't fit into some cut and dry mold. He is good, loving, faithful, sovereign, just, and I trust Him to work out, rightly, all the things. I'm not going to pretend He didn't say such and such because in my human reasoning, it wouldn't make sense. He said it, I believe it. 

Man's wisdom falls short where God's excels. Let God be true, and every man a liar.

Exchanging Children

It was recently time to take our middle child back to college, and that process meant passing through the town that claimed our oldest for the last three years. The oldest is now back in the nest while an advanced degree is sought. It is the first time our oldest and youngest are the only kids home together. Fresh starts...they are still coming for us as our home educating years wind down.

Year one of our oldest being away was tough. We adjusted and grew, and fell in love with the church and life there at school, in many ways. The novel virus interrupted year one, and two was also altered some. Year two was mostly noted as it left us with only our youngest here at home. 

Our middle child was ready for university life as much as we were able to prepare for...but God had plans we didn't expect. Serious computer issues, perpetuating overkill on the virus kicked in on the campus-contrary to what we were expecting which resulted in the need for a vehicle at school, a sprained ankle, and loads of stress. It was very taxing to the point that two weeks after that initial drop off, we were on the road to deliver a car. It was the third time in three weeks that Mr. ACL did the long drive. The end of that year was a victorious time! We had our first college graduate and our second freshman year completed!!

This year with number 1 and number 3 home is the only time we'll get this mix. We've got a senior in high school and a working professional. Next year, Lord willing, we will just have our oldest home while the younger two crank out college. Newness abounding!

Why am I bothering to write about this? Well, sometimes life seems the same or monotonous, but if we really look we will see subtle variations. As we do our work as unto the Lord, for His glory, let's approach each new day with anticipation of newness and opportunity. It helps to keep us moving forward with purpose. As our kids come and go, one day they will just go....and the house will settle into a quieter norm. This is good and natural, but I want to make the most of these shrink/swell years because I love my kids.

Essential Oils 101?

Often in the current culture of self-proclaimed experts, there is too much of a good thing, and the results can be quite unpleasant, sometimes dangerous. Herbal remedies and essential oils can readily lend themselves to this reality.

If you have rashes, chronic sinus issues, a sore throat, a scratchy voice...talk to an allergist about testing and/or see a dermatologist, and be sure to share your use and routine with oils and skin care. If you take essential oils or herbs, get a physical from time to time and have blood work done to ensure your numbers are all in safe zones. It is easy to overdo supplementation, and doctors study interactions and side effects in important ways that lay bloggers or hobbyists do not necessarily know. The use of these 'natural' items is common, so it isn't a great unknown among many actual physicians. Peripheral dermatitis could be the root of the mouth or nasal area rash/bumps you have. Or you may have folliculitis, rosacea, or a staph infection...it isn't typical to have very red patches of skin that look inflamed, and a persistent scratchy voice isn't normal either for most non-smokers. Self-diagnosing can miss curable problems, and can lead to small issues snowballing because they weren't dealt with in a timely manner. Even with a diffuser, it is easy to incorrectly use essential oils and overdose. If you keep them going for more than 30 min and the door and window of your room are shut, this could be a problem. Read on

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-essential-oil

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/skin-conditions-look-like-acne.html

https://achs.edu/blog/2017/08/15/aromatherapy-essential-oil-dangers-and-safety/

https://www.cnet.com/health/are-essential-oils-actually-safe/

States Where Life is Protected

It is still surreal that Roe v. Wade has been overturned. For so many years, most of my life really, this was a desire and often a prayer. In my 10th grade Biology class I argued for why abortion was wrong for a debate topic. 

Now here we are with states being able to have their own laws!! Let us not be complacent; it is still something to thank God for! May He bless the states that are banning abortion and prosper them spiritually and fiscally.

Here is a current map showing the status: 

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/us/abortion-laws-roe-v-wade.html

One day I want to live in a state that does not allow the murder of babies. I want my taxes going to a state that has taken a stand for life, and that's where I want to be a blessing to a community. Let the states that kill the innocent sleep in the bed they are making.

a birthday crepe 

Updated COVID Guidelines, from Trustworthy CDC (insert eye roll)

In a shocking turn of events, 2.5 yrs into the 'pandemic' where the recovery rate is still extremely high, the CDC has realized people can use their own risk assessment judgment on how to conduct themselves regarding the novel virus.  Does this mean people may stop telling others they might get a cold after being around them and that they no longer should socially distance or quarantine?

The word 'fatigue' was even mentioned in the article, and not in regard to symptoms, to the useless regulations that have destroyed lives, economies, damaged relationships and revealed how untrustworthy the US media and medical advisors are. Of course, the liberal news source didn't come out and say it quite like this writer did. I'm cutting through the masked refuse.

The main thing COVID has shown is how idiotic the world is, at large and individually. 

Nothing has changed for this writer with the aforementioned news, except hope that one day 'home test' will revert to thoughts of home education and nothing else.

Wisdom in Relationships (Dating)

I've got a good friend whose son grew up alongside one of my daughters. At some point, I was lamenting to her mother that he's her only child left unmarried....and he is dating someone! To my friend, I had mentioned it would be nice to all get together, which wouldn't be easy since her son no longer lives in the area...he's in college and is a man taking charge of his life.

Wisely my friend simply said that she does not get involved with her kids dating lives. That really resonated with me since I've known this lady well for quite some time, and I know she's lived through some things. I've also been on the receiving end of people forming relationships with us solely because one of the children in the family had designs on one of my children. I didn't think my suggestion would be nearly as brazen, offensive or off-putting, but it is still on the same side of the coin.

My good friend has my respect. I took her advice to heart, and decided to steer clear of set ups in any form for my children. 

Prayer,  no games, and I'll continue to befriend people I like as friends for me--no strings attached.