Grace From God

Monday...Learning-Living-Loving

2012-01-23T11:36:00.000-08:00

I need motivation! We are almost 6 months into the school year and I am wore out! There are days I want to just call it quits and put the boys back in school. Today as I was going through Blake's Bible lesson (Character Traits-Diligence), this is his verse:

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Some days I get lost in the monotony . Then I remember that I am doing what God called me to do! The Bible tells us that whatever we do to do it with all of our might. A great reminder...and I needed it!

Austen is doing better in math! I love the fact that his teacher will not hesitate to STOP and pray for wisdom when we hit bumps in the road with Austen. She really seems to care about the small details too! God is so good, neat that he paired us with her on our journey through highschool. I struggle here too because we don't have a support network or group to do activities with. She encourages me to keep at it!

Blake is learning multiplication, geometry, fractions, and division this year. I have really slowed down to make sure he masters multiplication. I want him to enjoy it. Next year I will be doing teaching textbooks for sure. I absolutely LOVE the curriculum. I spent 6 years doing Saxon with Austen and it was very painstaking! He is now having to learn to LIKE math, because before Teaching Textbooks he hated it!

We are in a new Bible study on Wednesdays at church! It is a series on Life's Healing Choices. As I go through the 8 week study I will try and put my notes in my blog. Pastor is also in a series on Sundays called The New You. It really goes hand in hand with Wednesdays Bible study.

It was great news last week to hear God had answered our prayers about Grandma and her cancer! We serve a healing God!

Blessings,

The Battle...Week 1

2012-01-21T14:28:00.000-08:00

Romans 7: 15-21

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Matthew 5:3-10

Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

How we play God..

We try to control our image by wearing masks, playing games, and hiding the truth about ourselves.

We try to control other people by manipulating each other through guilt or shame or praise or even through silence.

We try to control our problems by saying things like " I can handle it; it's not really a problem. I don't need any help. I can quit any time"

We try to control our pain by avoiding it, denying it, escaping it, medicating it, drowning it, or postponing it.

Consequences of Playing God

1) FEAR

2) FRUSTRATION

3) FATIGUE

4) FAILURE

Three Important facts of life

1) I am powerless to change my past

2) I am powerless to control other people

3) I am powerless to cope with my hurts, hang-ups, and habits

good intentions are not enough, willpower is not enough, we need another source of power... WE NEED GOD!

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

A Fresh Start...2012

2012-01-02T20:33:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to the new year, in hopes I will grow more and give back what I have been blessed with. This past year was quite a transition moving over 2000 miles away to Texas. It came with many emotions and anticipation. The boys seem to be adjusting really well. Wayne is content working and enjoying this Texas weather. I can't believe he made it through one of the hottest summers here. I went through summer feeling pretty good, with a few migraines but my pain level was very low! The exiting news is that the Lord has helped me get off all my meds for fibromyalgia. Of course, I have high pain days where I am down but I have way more good days then the bad days. I am learning how to change my outlook on pain and try and roll with it instead of fighting it. I have had one trip to the doctor since we moved for a sinus infection. That is such a blessing!

God is good, all the time..

more later

Growing..A search through Ephesians

2011-11-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 4:17-24

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness But ye have not so learned If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts And be renewed in the spirit of your mind And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

In this message so many things came to my mind. I do remember a time where I walked as the Gentiles and did what the world does. After I got saved I began to put on the NEW man....As I grew I was convicted about certain areas in my life that didn't match up to Gods Word. The struggle with sin was very difficult but I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me and convicting me to change old habits. The only way I was really going to learn how to walk uprightly was to read my Bible. I could trust that it was Gods Word and not mans. It was not about conforming to what the church believed or pleasing my fellow brothers and sister in Christ. I remember early on learning some very important life changing things from the Word of God.

The first thing God worked on was my marriage, then my parenting. It started with changing ME. There were such hard lessons in the first 3 years of my Salvation. But as I grew in the Lord and I walked in the light, there was that peace that is UNFORGETTABLE.

In this portion of scripture Paul is talking to the church, he was telling them that these things are going on amongst this church. There were those who were struggling with immorality. They had been making money off of it! So many in churches today think they can live behind the curtain of the "Christian".

But they are not fooling God. Paul gives us these examples in Scripture telling us to walk in the light. Gentiles walked in the vanity of their mind. We do not have to go back to old sin, we are a called out people, not to walk as the World does.

I just struggle and wonder why sometimes if we call ourselves Christians...why do we do some of the same things the world does? There were things in my life as a new Christian that I immediately put away.

To name a few...drinking, cussing, smoking. As I grew there were other areas God helped me get out of my life. I still struggle with sin as everyone does. I guess as long as I am growing, changing, transforming then God is pleased. We will always fight the flesh but the question is are we letting sin control us or are we dealing with it and asking for Gods help to get it out of our lives.

Do you think after years of Salvation and knowing the truth, we should be still known blatantly sinning?

Special Times, with Special People

2011-11-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Blake & Alexis

Family ;) Aunt Kimmy & Cousins

Zoro

Cousins ;)

Grandpa Dale

Best Friends forever....Lanphears

Grandma Lillie

More to come ;)

Grace! 'tis a charming sound

2011-11-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Grace 'tis charming sound

Grace! 'tis a charming sound, Harmonious to the ear; Heav'n with the echo shall resound, And all the earth shall hear.

All sufficient grace! Never powerless! It is Christ who lives in me, In His exhaustlessness.

'Twas grace that wrote my name In life's eternal book;

'Twas grace that gave me to the Lamb, Who all my sorrows took.

Grace taught my wandering feet To tread the pilgrim road;

And new supplies each hour I meet While pressing on to God.

Grace taught my heart to pray,

And made my eyes o'erflow;

'Tis grace which kept me to this day, And will not let me go.

Grace all the work shall crown Through everlasting days;

It lays in love the topmost stone, And well deserves the praise.

Oh, let that grace inspire My heart with strength divine;

May all my powers to Thee aspire, And all my days be Thine.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/312#ixzz1cToesx7E

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

2011-10-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

In my life this week…

School, church, grocery shopping, and answered prayer

In our homeschool this week…

It has been a difficult week in Math.

We are spending about 6 hours a day on homeschool this year.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Quote for us this week..

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson

I am inspired by…

The strength of a friend who's son is going through a battle with cancer at the age of 14

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

The boys are planning on riding this weekend if it does not rain. I will be catching up on laundry and grades.

My favorite thing this week was…

Wednesday night's church services

What’s working/not working for us…

We are working on how our attitudes effects our behavior

Questions/thoughts I have…

I am really looking forward to this next week!

Things I’m working on…

Forgiveness, and Love

Because LOVE never fails, and forgiveness changes lives!

I’m reading…

Who Switched Off My Brain?

Dr. Caroline Leaf

I’m cooking…

Roast for supper

I’m grateful for…

A caring church and a group of teens that are seeking the Lord in their life.

I’m praying for…

Bryce Campbell & Family

He is battling Lymphoma at the age of 14

http://www.magfam6.blogspot.com

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Bits & Pieces

2011-10-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

I am just so exited about how God is working in our lives here in Texas.

I have been able to reflect over the past 6 months and really see God's hand.

No...It has not been easy but it has been so worth it! Growing is always a hard thing.

We had lived in Washington our whole life. We just had never thought we would leave that far away from home. As we prayed for the Lords will, we began to see him open up the doors. I never imagined how hard it would be to leave my family.

We have been here in Texas now for 6 months. Wayne is settled in his job. We have made some new friends. The church we are going to feels like home. I had planned on making a trip back home in November, but we are going to have to wait until March of next year when things settle here. It will be nice that all of us can go back together.

School is going well this year. Blake is in 3rd and Austen is in 10th grade. It seems like time is just going so fast. Austen will be 16 next month!

Well that is all ...short and sweet.

I do miss my family and I am so looking forward to our trip in March.

Peace...

Quote

Going forward when the going gets tough is not a test of how tough you are but how strong your faith is.

Saturated In The Light

2011-08-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Title “Saturated in the Light”

Illustration on marinating meat

We need to seek and follow the light.

True worship is in Spirit and Truth

Worship is an everyday thing…it is a life style

The way of saturation

A. Worshipping John 4:21-24

B. Abiding John 15:4-5

C. Fellowship 1 John 2:8-10

D. Serving John 13:12-17

The Effects:

A. Right Living

B. Joy

C. Peace

Personal Reflection:

To be saturated in the light I need all the ingredients.

I need to be

1) In My Bible

2) In Prayer

3) In Church

4) In Fellowship

5) Serving

These 5 ingredients will bring:

1. Right Conviction

Reflections...

2011-08-17T12:29:00.001-07:00

Spiritual Circumcision: “Cutting away everything from life, but the will of God.” - John MacArthur

I can't even find the words but I will try

Learning:

Lord Help me

To Love instead of judge

To Yell STOP when my brain is saying to freak out

To accept people the way they are w/o wanting them to change

To live in the moment and not worry about the next hour

To trust God knows the future

To be OK with failing (ummm this is hard to even type)

To listen instead of talk

To be thankful for the day God gave me despite the circumstances.

Thoughts

Why is it that as Christians we feel the need to condemn rather then to LOVE.

Jesus loved us ...knowing we are sinners...he accepted us knowing we are sinners.

I think of the Samaritan women who came to get water.

This women had no idea what she would encounter that day. She had 5 different husbands the Bible tells us. She had searched for love and acceptance and found it not. On that day when Jesus approached her, I can imagine her thought was that she would be cast more judgment for the way she had lived. She could not understand why Jesus would ask her for a drink. She knew that Jews did not speak or associate with Samaritans. In their conversation the Samaritan women asked if Jesus was a prophet, He knew she had been with 5 husbands. Jesus loved her, he knew her sin and knew all of her shortcomings, yet he chose that day to be at that specific place with her.

Everyone wants to be accepted, everyone wants to be loved.

I want to help reach the lost and share the good news of Salvation! Look people are not going to respond when we condemn and judge them. They will only respond out of love. How do we love them? Well we love them where they are at. Jesus called us to love.

In many of my relationships including marriage I have been guilty of judging and condemning before loving FIRST. I feel so foolish for not seeing this sooner in my life. But I am thankful God is showing me now some reaping of showing LOVE. It works. After all, I fear judgement and I want acceptance. I know the one who KNOWS me, accepted me and died for me...even with every sin I will ever commit!

2011-08-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the Lord in a season of darkness should not be a time of inactivity. We should do what we can do. And doing is often God’s appointed remedy for despair.

John Piper

I really like this quote and it sure fits for this season in my life. I feel like nothing is stable these days.

Life seems on hold. We moved here to Texas 5 months ago. I had prayed for months over the decision . My husband was convinced that this was what we were suppose to do. Well, 5 months later we are moving back to Washington. I ask why? Why would God just bring us here for 5 months? We have built new relationship and new starts here in Texas. i love the warmer weather. I seem to do so much better with my Fibromyalgia here.

But I know I need to follow my husband and be supportive of his leading.

It will be interesting to see where God is leading. I am willing as God wills to go. I just pray for his perfect will. If we are in Gods will then the peace will follow.

Grandma and Grandpa will be here to visit for a week and then we will be making the long 4 day trip back home.

Great Quote!

2011-07-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

"Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not
only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do.
Expect unexpected things, 'above all that we ask or think.' Each
time, before you Intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His
glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the
prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege
in Christ, and expect great things!" - Andrew Murray

Verse.....Thought ....Quote

2011-07-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Verse For Today......

1 Chronicles 28:20

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

Thought For The Day.......

Unlike God, people will disappoint you. They will let you down. They don't know how you feel sometimes or what's going through your head. They don't always know the right thing to say, or when to say the right thing. But if you have God, that's okay. Let people be people, there are things God can do that they can't. Humans aren't perfect, not even Christians. That's why God is so awesome. Because He is!

Written by Yuliya Kononova, age 17

Quote for the day....

The average person in the world today, without faith and without God and without hope, is engaged in a desperate personal search throughout his lifetime. He does not really know where he has been. He does not really know what he is doing here and now. He does not know where he is going. The sad commentary is that he is doing it all on borrowed time and borrowed money and borrowed strength; and he already knows that in the end he will surely die! Man, made more like God than any other creature, has become less like God than any other creature. Created to reflect the glory of God, he has retreated sullenly into his cave; reflecting only his own sinfulness. Certainly it is a tragedy above all tragedies in this world that man, made with a soul to worship and praise and sing to God's glory, now sulks silently in his cave.

A.W. Tozer

Weekend Ramblings...

2011-07-23T15:40:00.001-07:00

Summer seems to be going quick! Austen has been in drivers education almost 2 weeks. He should be able to get his permit next week! I finally have some quiet time to blog a bit. The boys went with Wayne riding. It has been very warm here, but I sure enjoy sitting under the patio cover out back with the misters running. I got a surprise this am from a neighbor...a dozen roses...so pretty! It is good to live in a neighborhood where you feel safe and people are friendly.

We are looking forward to having family visit the next couple months. My SIL, MIL, niece and nephew are coming in August. Then my grandparents are coming September 5th for a week! The kids are so exited.

Last week I learned so much in the class. We talked about parenting and how our children really need us to encourage them. The gal who runs the class is super sweet and loves the Lord...I have been gleaning so much from her talks. My walk has been a bit shaky lately . I think just getting settled in a new church and not having the Christian friendships and accountability has weighed on me. The verse that keeps ringing in my ears is "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly" (Prov 18:24). The neat thing that has happened here is that we have really come together as a family! The time together has been so good!

There have been some relationships here I have really questioned, it is so hard to know how other people feel and at times I drive myself crazy worrying about it. People back home knew me and here it is starting all over. Fear can cause so much frustration and other emotions. Aww well learning and growing!

Smells like my brownies are almost done. I will be wrapping them up and we will send out a few dishes tomorrow to the neighbors.

Blessings,

Spiritual Emotions

2011-07-20T08:18:00.001-07:00

Spiritual emotions result in Christian practice because their object is the loveliness of spiritual things, not our self-interest. People have a defective Christianity because they are seeking their own interests in it, not God’s. So they accept Christianity only to the extent that they think it serves their interests. By contrast, a person who accepts it for its own excellent and lovely nature, accepts everything which has that nature.

Jonathan Edwards

Daybook

2011-07-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... SUN glorious sunshine
I am thinking... summer and some things we are planning to do while school is out.

From the learning rooms... The boys did one math sheet today

I am thankful for... Agnes Baptist Church...the great services and the closeness these people have amazes me!

From the kitchen... BBQ burgers tonight

I am wearing... shorts, flip-flops, and T-shirt

I am reading... Psalm 139 & Book "The Ministry Of Motherhood"

I am hoping......A fun, peaceful evening with my family.

I am creating... New Bible Verse Tags

I am hearing... Austen telling me about a movie he wants to see

Around the house... cleaned kitchen & both bathrooms today

One of my favorite things... sitting on my back porch hearing the birds

A few plans for the rest of the week... Tomorrow we are going to a lake with our neighbors, the kids are really exited.

All the way my Savior leads me...

2011-07-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

All the way my Savior leads me;

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who through life has been my Guide?

Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well,

For I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,

Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for every trial,

Feeds me with the living bread.

Though my weary steps may falter,

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! a spring of joy I see,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me;

Oh, the fullness of His grace!

Perfect rest to me is promised

In my Father's blest embrace.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,

Wings its flight to realms of day,

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way,

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/701#ixzz1Rd31LOb4

Are You Planted By The Water.....

2011-07-07T09:31:00.001-07:00

~PLANTED BY THE WATER~

Are you planted by the water

In this world of sin and strife?

Have you surrendered to the Savior,

The one who gives everlasting life?

As we travel through this world

There are many dangers along the way,

We have no reason to fear or falter,

If we know the Lord, who hears us, as we pray.

Though the trial be great or small

We have one who always cares,

Jesus will be there, when you call,

Your every burden, our Savor will bear.

When we are planted by the water of life

Jesus will keep us safe in Him,

One day, if we follow on with the Lord,

With joy, we'll leave this old world of sin.

In all eternity, we shall be with our Lord

on heaven's golden shores.

Keep the faith and trust fully in Him,

We'll behold the Master's face, forevermore.

This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits intact, for non-profit ministering purposes.

Blake's 8th Birthday Party Begins Early

2011-06-30T20:35:00.001-07:00

The boys making a slide in the back yard.

River Valley MX with friends (Texas)

2011-06-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Austen & Layne

Layne

Blake on his new KLX 110 L

One thing the boys love about Texas is all the motocross tracks. The neighbor kids (Cameron & Layne) came to the track with us.

Sunday Reflections 6-12

2011-06-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning

Scriptures

Eph 5:15-18

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

God has a plan for each of us. We were created for a purpose in Him. We need to be wise, and seek out what the will of God is for our lives. Personally I ask God daily because I don't really know long term what his will is. However what really spoke to me is that God has a specific plan. He will use what we have been through, and even our mistakes if we allow him too. There were many trials in my life that I almost did not think I could bare! When I was in the mist of them the tunnel seemed so dark. I would have times where I would feel so alone and ashamed that these things were happening.

Is 64:8-9

But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.

God will bring us to points in our lives to realize that without Him we can do nothing! He will break us, only to bring us out better then we started. In order for God to use us for his specific will, He must teach us. Much like a potter who has a lump of clay and molds that ugly lump of clay into a beautiful masterpiece.

( Our ways are Not His ways)Is 55:9

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

It is so difficult being humbled through those things. Life has many lessons and in those lessons we can not escape . Knowing that God is making and molding us for His perfect will gives me a peace that I will continue to fall, but as long as I seek God and try to obey His commandments He will guide and direct my life. He has the path already made out.....now it is up to me to live it. When I make mistakes God will allow a way for me to escape (if I seek His will not my own). He can even use those mistakes, even though it was NOT the perfect will of God, he can use them to help others.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Texas Storm Season and Info

2011-05-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

Definition: Tornado -- 1. A violently rotating column of air, in contact with the ground, either pendant from a cumuliform cloud or underneath a cumuliform cloud, and often (but not always) visible as a funnel cloud.

Compared with other States, Texas ranks number 1 for frequency of Tornadoes, 1 for number of deaths, 1 for injuries and 1 for cost of damages. Based on data from 1950 - 1995. Between 1950 and 1995 the state had 7,554 injuries involving tornadoes. This ranks the state number 1 among the States for injury.

Tornados are rated by severity and wind speed using the Fujita scale of F0-F5:

F-1: (73 - 112mph) - Moderate Damage - Roof surfaces are peeled off, windows are broken, some tree trunks are snapped, unanchored manufactured homes are over-turned, attached garages may be destroyed. This house experienced partial roof removal, only on the windward (near) side; therefore, this damage site was rated F1.

The primary tornado season in Texas is from March through June, but tornados can occur in any month of the year.Tornados often form in the southwest part of thunderstorms - next to the part of the storm where heavy rain or hail is falling.

Opening windows will NOT equalize pressure and prevent an explosion of the house if hit by a tornado.

Tornados are not the only weather killers in Texas: Lightning, tornados and high winds take an average of 15 lives each year in Texas alone. 51 people died as a direct result of tornados in the US in 2003.

The latest 4 large killer tornados in Texas:

May 27, 1997: A twister hits Jarrell in Central Texas, killing 30. Two other deaths from other storms are confirmed in nearby Travis County.
May 22, 1987: A tornado hits the small West Texas town of Saragosa during a kindergarten graduation ceremony, flattening the community center and church, killing 30 people and injuring more than 100.
April 10, 1979: Forty-two people are killed and more than 1,700 injured by a tornado in Wichita Falls. More than 3,000 homes are destroyed and 20,000 people left homeless.
May 11, 1953: A tornado hits Waco, killing 114 people and injuring 597. An estimated 150 homes and 185 other buildings are destroyed.

The word tornado comes from two Spanish words: tronado meaning thunderstorm and tornar meaning to turn.

On the average, a tornado's path is 4 miles long and 400 yards wide but can be as long as 100 miles long and a mile wide

The average tornado travels at a speed of 25-40 miles per hour, but tornadoes have been known to reach speeds up to 70 mph. Winds inside a tornado can swirl at close to 300 mph. They stay on the ground for an average of 4-5 minutes, but they can touch down several times.

Most tornados:

move from southwest to northeast
rotate in a counterclockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere
occur between 3 and 7 P.M.
are reported to occur most often in the United States

http://tornadostormshelters.com/Facts.htm

Homeschool Happenings ~ Texas History

2011-05-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

We are finishing up the year with some History lessons on Texas

Our View ...Stormy Skies

2011-05-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

Home Happenings 5-22-11

2011-05-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon!

Everything is unpacked and we are settled in our new home. It still doesn't feel like home, but I know with time it will. Finding a church home has been a bit challenging. We have been plugging along with school and will hopefully finish by the end of June. Austen had the privilege of going to work with dad on Saturday...he really enjoyed it! I think it is so important to teach our kids a good work ethic when they are young. We personally make it a part of homeschool so that our kids learn skills of being out in the community.

We have faced some trying times in this season of our life...but have felt the peace of God. Moving away from a place we lived all of our lives was one of the hardest things I have done!

Wayne is the best provider and is working hard in his new job here in Texas. The biggest blessing is for him to work alongside of a godly man who loves the Lord!! The Bragg family has been such a encouragement to us! Austen is exited about getting his permit and learning to drive, (not so sure I am... lol). Blake has made some new friends in the neighborhood and is adjusting very well here.

Ok..I know ya' ll have been wondering about this Texas weather... and how we are adjusting to it. Well, it has been fairly mild thus far but this is storm season and we are under a Tornado watch this evening. The night we got here, we had a hail storm...that was interesting!! I think it was fine until I had to drive to the into Dallas in it! I was so scared! I will say though the heat beats the rain back home. Ya, the heat is hot and at times uncomfortable but sunshine is so much better then a dreary day back home.

Well, I suppose...I need to go finish the cake I am making to take to the Braggs for dinner.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Home In Texas

2011-05-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

We made it safely to Texas. It was quite the journey but the Lord blessed our trip! We have been here for 2 weeks now. There is plenty to get done, and not a whole lot of time to be on the computer. I hope to share some things soon ;)

Blessings,

Brandie

Short and SWEET!

2011-03-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy with home life. As some of you may know,

we will be making our BIG move to Texas next month.

While I am very exited about our new adventure...I am also struggling

to leave those I love. We have never been away from our family, so this will

be difficult for us. I know God has great things planned for us in Texas.

Wayne will be working alongside of a man that LOVES the Lord!

In the next several weeks we will be preparing and tying up lose ends here.

I know Wayne is leaving a wonderful position at Rostchy Inc. He is forever grateful

for the company and how good they have been to us as a family.

Love To You All

Until Later....

Time Together & Memories Made

2010-12-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

Loved being with Family
Blake,Grandma, Shelby, and Brandon

Being Silly

Shelby brushing uncle Waynes hair with her new barbie brush

Blake & Shelby

Brandon

PRIME RIB dinner...YUM!

At the Dinner Table

Aunt Kim, Brandon, Blake, Austen, Mom, and Wayne

It really was a special Christmas with my in-laws! They are such a blessing to me. Bryan makes his annual traditional Prime Rib. The kids spend time together playing and opening gifts. For me, it was a special time with my MIL. She always makes the Holidays special, and takes into thought every gift she gives. I especially LOVE the traditional Jammies we all get.

Thank You Mom for a SPECIAL Christmas...we LOVE you!!!

Austen- Monkey Jammas

Blake- Truck N Car Jammas

Wayne- The Grinch Jammas

Me- Penguin Jammas (so cuddly and warm)

I got a vanity mirror, and new set of pots n pans!! It is what I needed and I was delighted to get things I need and can use ;)

Night

2010-12-15T23:49:00.000-08:00

I have been thanking God for things in my life that I do take for granite. The Lord is good.

May we not lose the true meaning of this time of year, and may we remember those who are less fortunate. Share the good news, share the HOPE we have in Christ.

Blessings to all ;)
night
Brandie

Hmmm..It is way to late to Blog!

2010-12-14T23:59:00.001-08:00

Today I have been in a fog. Hubby came home tonight,

Hmm why are you down? And of course...I said

"I don't know"...lol

Do you ever feel like the conversation in your head just won't leave you alone?

Akkk! All these thoughts, then the prayer request that make my heart heavy.

Hearing that my grandma spoke to my mom brought on different emotions.

I just felt like I was in such a battle. I have not really been able to focus

on any one task today. I have muddles through school with the boys. Austen is still struggling in math, so we started doing it together. It was around noon and I was already tired and wanted

to nap. So I slept until 5 :O......ran like mad to get dinner done.

Now it is 12:10 and I am finally tired enough to go to bed!

Tmorrow is a new day..... Lord be my guide!
~Bran

Motocross...Fun Day With My Boys

2010-12-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

Clark County Fair Grounds

Motorcross Season 2010

Personal Lessons

It was a blast watching the boys ride today!

They had the whole track to themselves. Joey Lancaster

gave them personal lessons. Wayne even was able to come for the last hour

of the lesson. We are looking forward to a few more practices this month.

Teaching Our Children The True Meaning Of Christmas

2010-12-07T07:09:00.001-08:00

The stores are full of shoppers, hoping to find that perfect gift, and houses are decorated with

Christmas Deco. You can feel it in the air, and hear the excitement in your children's voices.

My kids love this time of year. My concern is do our children truly

know the meaning of Christmas? For them is it giving OR receiving?

Here are some ideas to help teach our

children that the TRUE JOY comes from giving.

1. Visit a Homeless Shelter & Bring a gift

2. Make Christmas Cards and take them to a retirement home.

3. Get a group together and go sing at a old folks home

4. Get a Giving paper from a local mall for a needy child and have your children pick out the gift to give.

5. Help a local food bank gather food .

I Can........

2010-12-07T05:59:00.001-08:00

20 Cans of Wisdom

1 Why should I say I can't when the Bible says I can do all

things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians

4:13)?

2 Why should I lack when I know that God shall supply all my

needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus

(Philippians 4:19)?

3 Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a

spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2

Timothy 1:7)?

4 Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling, knowing that

God has allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)?

5 Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the

strength of my life and that I will display strength and take

action because I know God (Psalm 27:1; Daniel 11:32)?

6 Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when He that

is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John

4:4)?

7 Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God

always leads me in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)?

8 Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from

God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for

it (1 Corinthians 1:30; James 1:5)?

9 Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God's

lovingkindness, compassion and faithfulness, and have hope

(Lamentations 3:21-23)?

10Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on

Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?

11 Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty

where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Corinthians 3:17)?

12 Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not

condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)?

13 Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always

and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20;

Hebrews 13:5)?

14 Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad

luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the

curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Galatians

3:13, 14)?

15 Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to

be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?

16 Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my

behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2

Corinthians 5:21)?

17 Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody

can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)?

18 Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and

He gives me knowledge through his indwelling Spirit (1

Corinthians 14:33; 2:12)?

19 Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all

things through Christ (Romans 8:37)?

20 Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can

take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and

its tribulations (John 16:33)?

Dr. Neil Anderson, Freedom in Christ Ministries

Character Trait~Loving

2010-10-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Loving:

To be devoted to, kindly care for, admiring of; Genuine love includes the qualities

of self-sacrificing and commitment to one another.

Verses:

Colossians 3:14

Galations 5:22-23

1 John 4:7-11

John 3:16-17

John 13:34-35

John 21:13-17

10-26-10

Today's Character Trait~ Merciful

2010-10-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Mercifiul:

Graciously forbearing and forgiving; kindly withholding punishment due to

an offender; compassionate

Verses:

Luke 6:35-36

Luke 15:11-24

Matthew 5:7

1 Peter 3:8-9

Titus 3:4-6

10-25-10

Character Trait~ Peaceable

2010-10-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Peaceable:

Able to make relationships happy and harmonious; bringing unity; not causing strife or ill

feelings; quiet and restful.

Opposite:

quarrelsome, or hostile

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the childrfen of God.

Other Verses:

Genesis 26:17-25, James 3:17-18, Romans 12:18

Today we talked about getting along with one another. When we argue and fight with one another we are causing disention. The other verse that we talked about that I often quote at home is "A soft answer turneth away wrath but grevious words stir up anger" (Proverbs 15:1)

We had a great time in the Bible today!

Beautiful Sunset Pics

2010-10-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

Teaching Biblical Character~ Diligence

2010-10-14T18:40:00.001-07:00

Blake drew a person mowing a lawn.

Character Trait Verse

Eccl 9:10a

Definition :

Careful; putting forth earnest and honest effort; not lazy or slothful; constant in effort

to accomplish what is undertaken.

Verses:

Ruth 1:22-2:23; Proverbs 4:23; 10:4-5; 1 Kings 11:28; 2 Thes 3:10-13; Eccl 9:10

Biblical Character Trait Of The Day

2010-10-13T10:02:00.001-07:00

Definition of Obedience:

Following directions or commands; doing what one is suppose to

do or not doing what is not allowed; submission to authority.

Verses: Col 3:20; John 14:15,23; Acts 5:26-32; 1 sam 15:12-25;Dan 3:8-18

Our Memory & Writing Verse Today:

Colossians 3:20

Children obey your parents in all things; for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Homeschool Happenings

2010-10-09T00:16:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that it is almost mid October!

The kids both have settled in to a routine for school.

Blake is a wiz at math and Austen is enjoying reading.

It has been nice to have some dry days as Austen has been able

to play basketball. Tonight we went to a football game in La Center

to watch my niece cheer at half time...Very Cute!

Well I am going to call it a night..

Hope you all have a blessed weekend

Proverbs 1:5a

A wise man will hear and increase learning

Happy Friday!

2010-10-08T10:59:00.001-07:00

Yae! Weekend is here! I always look forward to having

our family all together on the weekend. The fall weather is beautiful,

not much rain yet, just the brisk cool mornings. This week has

been a bit of a challenge with Blake having this cold, but he still

has been plugging away at his school work. The plan for the weekend

is to work on things around the house. Deep cleaning and wrapping up

some projects we have been working on. The pole has arrived for the

Owl Box, just need to dig the hole and pour the concrete. The

kids are exited to get it up! There are many people on

my heart today for prayer. Life is not always easy but

Let us remember...The Lord is faithful!!

Wishing You All A Blessed Friday

In Christ,

Brandie

Owl Pellet / Craft Homeschool Pics

2010-10-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

Ages 6-under did owl craft

Agest 7-up disected pellets

This was the lil ones craft ;)

Owl Pellets/ Craft and Cookies for Homeschool Friday

2010-09-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Owl Cookies

Craft

Owl Pellet Kit

Owls, Owls, Hoot...Hoot

2010-09-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

These 2 are the cutest owlets! They will flege soon. I have taken several screen shots

on Live owl box San Marcos California.

It has been so fun watching these lil ones grow up.

I recieved our owl pellets in the mail yesterday,

and Blake did his craft example last night

Barn Owls...Homeschool Project

2010-09-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Austen made a Owl Box for his science project, and then Friday we will have a science lab and we will dissect owl pellets.

The baby owlets..Carrie and Ashley

screen shot from today

Owl Box Live Cam

We have been having fun studying Barn Owls for Science this year! I was doing a search this summer and found a live owl cam in San Marcos, California. Austen did a wood project and made a owl box. It turned out GREAT!

Check out the Live cam below

http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/live_owl_nest_box_cam.HTML

Back To School 2010-2011

2010-09-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that it is that time already! Summer went so fast. We had some great family time this summer, camping , motorcycle riding, and the Great Wolf Lodge trip.
It sure didn't seem like the weather got warm until the end, but I am thankful we had some days w/out rain ;)

Austen is in High School now and Blake is

in 2nd grade. We had some fun coming up with our school name this summer...

and it's official.....as you see above it is RIVERVIEW ACADEMY ;)

Driving school this year for Austen...eeek he turns 15 in November.

Well, it is off to bed. I am looking forward to getting back to blogging

more this fall. Hope to be able to visit some blogs as well.

I do more now on facbook then blogging, catch me there as well at

Branmadetags

Blessings,

Brandie

Beautiful Days ;)

2010-06-25T16:10:00.001-07:00

I am so exited to have this beautiful weather! We needed some sun and the Lord has brought it to us! Yae! Summer has began for the Richards Family, we have lots of projects planned. Austen is getting calls right and left to work for people. Little man Blake turns 7 a week from today! I picked up a new Bible study book called 'Precept Upon Precept' , and I am looking forward to digging into Gods Word with this study. It has been hard to plan things in advance such as the group Bible studies, because I just never know how I am going to feel.

I have been enjoying my Paint Shop Program creating new scripture tags. Last night Wayne spent quite a bit of time digging the holes to find the septic tank lids....and Hunter (our pup) was out helping too..lol. I got some funny pics of them. This weekend is the homeschool conference in Portland....I planned on attending, but I am just not feeling up to it. Next school year I am planning on making some adjustments in our homeschool schedule, and curriculum. Austen is going to be in high school and Blake in second grade. I am going to do some research on the different learning styles so I can make some changes.

Looking forward to a nice warm weekend with my family.

Blessings,

Brandie

Where Do You Find Contentment?

2010-06-10T07:33:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for contentment in all the wrong places?

Often times we get stuck as Christians, we look at our life and think, but Lord this is not the way I envisioned my life to be? What does success mean to you? This is something I have really been pondering lately...NOW I don't mean success in the eyes of the 'World' but success that God will be pleased with. Our desires should be to please the Lord. But many times I will look at my circumstances or what I don't have and not be satisfied. How about you? May the Lord help us stay focused on godly contentment...that bring true peace and happiness!

Let's Look at What God has to say here:

1 Timothy 6:9-11

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Let's look at the word contentment....

1) a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed
2) sufficiency of the necessities of life
3) a mind contented with its lot, contentment

1 Tim 6:6

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

The key here is godliness WITH contentment

"God may allow His servant to succeed when He has disciplined him to a point where he does not need to succeed to be happy. The man who is elated by success and is cast down by failure is still a carnal man. At best his fruit will have a worm in it."- A. W. Tozer

Christian Families

2010-06-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Christian family was the bulwark of godliness in the days of the Puritans; but in these evil times hundreds of families of so-called Christians have no family worship, no restraint upon growing sons, and no wholesome instruction or discipline. See how the families of many professors are as dressy, as godless as the children of the non-religious! How can we hope to see the Kingdom of our Lord advance when His own disciples do not teach His gospel to their own sons and daughters?

~C.H Spurgeon

Is Your Home A Refuge?

2010-06-05T21:17:00.001-07:00

An ideal Christian home ought to be a place where love rules. It ought to be beautiful, bright, joyous, full of tenderness and affection, a place in which all are growing happier and holier each day. There should never be any discord, any wrangling, any angry words or bitter feelings. The home-life should be a harmonious song without one marring note, day after day. The home, no matter how humble it is, how plain, how small – should be the dearest spot on the earth to each member of the family. It should be made so happy a place, and so full of life, that no matter where one may wander in after years, in any of the ends of the earth – his home should still hold its invisible cords of influence about him, and should ever draw resistless upon his heart. It ought to be the one spot in all the earth, to which he would turn first, when in trouble or in danger. It should be his refuge, in every trial and grief.

J.R. MillerHomemaking, 1882.

The Family~

2010-06-05T20:59:00.001-07:00

The family was God’s first earthly institution. Before there was a government, and long before God instituted the church, He ordained marriage and the family as the basic building block of society. The destruction of the family we are witnessing today is, I believe, a harbinger of the ultimate collapse of our entire society. The more the family is threatened, the more society itself is in danger of extinction. We’re living in the last days, and nothing shows that more graphically than the deterioration of the family.

John MacArthur
Successful Christian Parenting, 1998, p. 217.

Winding Down..........2009/10 School Year

2010-05-29T11:06:00.001-07:00

Winding Down...Reflecting

We are almost finished with our 2009-10 homeschool year. Yae!

As many of you know there have been some rough times this past school year,

but we persevered!! The Lord has taught us so much. This world we live is is totally against what we stand for and believe,

(Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker? Job 4:17)

but we know that we don't serve the world we serve a mighty God. He has given us a PERFECT instruction manual to go by!

The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes.

Many times I have doughted my homeschool capabilities, but then when I look at Gods Word...I am assured that I have made the right descision. When I see my children be kind to others, help the elderly, teach the younger, work hard, and be respectful to their elders...I look up and thank God! It is not by us as parents, but the mercy and grace of God!

We strive to teach our children the truth (The truth will set us free!)

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

Blessings,

Brandie

Thoughts For Today.... On Sin

2010-05-26T14:47:00.001-07:00

A Wise And Happy Heart

Being willing to humbly and honestly acknowledge sin and turn from it makes us happy.

A Deceived Heart

Not being willing to acknowledge sin and turn from it.

Psalm 51:7-12

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me to hear joy and gladness; [that] the bones [which] thou hast broken may rejoice.
Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus...

2010-05-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

No one ever cared for me like Jesus!

There's no other Friend so kind & true!

No one else could take that sin & sadness from me,

Oh, how much He cares for me!

Storms In Life.....

2010-05-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

Some through the waters,

some through the flood,

Some through the fire,

but all through the Blood.

Some through great sorrows,

but God gives a song,

In the night season & all the day long!

Funny Funnies ;)

2010-05-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons,5 year old Little Johnny,

and 3 year old Little Ryan.
The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.

Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.

If Jesus were sitting here,

He would say 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'

Little Johnny turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A godly wife......

2010-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

A wife is someone cherished in a very special way,

Who puts the joy in living with her sweetness day by day.

A wife is someone close enough to really understand,

To inspire & to encourage & to lend a helping hand.

A wife is one who makes a home a happy place for all.

Who shows her special thoughtfulness in ways both big & small.

A wife is someone wonderful who always has smile,

Who keeps her husband happy & makes his life worthwhile.

Homeschool Poem

2010-05-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

Whatever you write on the heart of a child,

no water can wash it away.

The marks in the sands are erased by the tide;

inscriptions will crumble with clay.

The words in a book will decay with the years

and even engraving in stone disappears

But God’s Word inscribed on a little child’s heart

for time and eternity shall not depart.

(Author Unknown)

Excuses~

2010-05-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

Excuses, excuses, you hear them everyday. Now, the devil he'll supply them, if from church you stay away. When people come to know the Lord, the devil always loses, So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses!

In the summer, it's too hot, and in the winter, it's too cold. And in the springtime, when the weather's just right, You find some place else to go. Well, it's up to the mountain Or down to the beach or to visit some old friend, Or just to stay home and kinda relax and hope some of the kinfolks drop in.
Well, the church bench is too hard, and that choir sings way too loud. And, boy, you know how nervous you can get when your settin' in a great big crowd. The doctor told you you'd better watch them crowds, they'll set you back, But you go to that ballgame, cause you say it helps you to relax.

Well, you have a headache Sunday morning and a backache Sunday night. Well, one of the children has a cold, pneumonia, do you suppose? Why the whole family had to stay home, just to blow that poor kids nose!

The preacher, he's too young, maybe he's too old. His sermons, they're not fired enough, or maybe their too bold. His voice is much too quiet, sometimes he gets too loud, He needs to have more dignity or else he's way too proud.

His sermons, they're too long. Maybe, they're too short. He ought to preach the Word with dignity, instead of stomp and snort. Why, one of the members told me the other day, "He didn't even shake my hand."

~joyfulministry.com

Thankful Thursday~

2010-03-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

What a week.........

I am so thankful my aches and pains have subsided,

it has been a day virtually pain free! Lot's of trials this week,

but God has been faithful! There are so many out there who are going through

tough times, whether it be with health, financially or family issues. My heart breaks when I see

the ones I love in pain. The neat thing is to see how God works through the tough times, and

how God puts those special people in our lives to help ease the pain.

Thank You Lord for your goodness, mercy, friendships, and Love!

Because He Lives , I Can Face Tomorrow!

2010-03-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy he gives

;But greater still the calm assurance:

This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Because He lives,

I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives,

all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,

I'll fight life's final war with pain;

And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

Totally Discouraged~ Daily Focus

2010-03-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed"

(Deuteronomy 31:8).

Homeschooling can bring out the worst and best in you. As I sat on the kitchen floor crying, I knew that today was one of the worst. I had put the children to bed early and my husband was working late. I was hoping a good cry would relieve my stress from the week of teaching, responsibilities, and housework. My inabilities to be supermom seemed immensely larger than the homeschooling blessings, and I felt like I was constantly disappointing someone — my husband, my children, my extended family, or myself.

Failure waved its ugly banner over me, and I was tempted to cut my losses and give up entirely. God seemed far away, and I felt alone.

Just when my pity party peaked, I felt a pair of little hands touching my face. Looking up, I saw my youngest daughter looking at me with deep blue eyes and concern on her face. "Mommy," she said. "Don't cry. I love you." In that moment, I sensed the Lord encouraging me through my little daughter's love. Homeschooling was for her and my other children. God would strengthen me to teach them.

Is today one of your bad homeschooling days? Have the failures seemed greater than the successes? Don't lose sight of the reason for homeschooling. God has called you to teach your children, and He has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b).

Lord, help me to remember You are everything I need. Show me again how to claim Your strength to homeschool and sense Your encouragement every day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

~ AOP

Wow! I needed this today, I am so ready for summer, burned out, tired, and weary! Thank you Lord for there is always Hope and Strength in YOU!

Living with Chronic Pain~ Fibromyalgia

2010-03-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

This gal Dominie, sends out news letters on fibro. It has been such a blessing. When you suffer with pain it can be very lonely, and isolating, because many do not understand.

Fibromyalgia is real. I was diagnosed in 1982 and have maintained an informational and supportive website at http://www.fms-help.com since 1996. I also write a free weekly newsletter covering many topics related to FMS. I am “managed” but not “cured” (www.fms-help.com/what.htm). I have heard from thousands of people with fibromyalgia from all over the world. They have identical symptoms, but differ in lifestyle, culture, gender, climate, diet, age, race, nationality, occupation, education, etc. I believe that fibromyalgia may be something viral adversely affecting the brain and nervous system. A list of occupations of my readers is at http://www.fms-help.com/occupations.htm. You will see that fibromyalgia is an “equal opportunity” illness. For those who are “skeptics,” may I caution you to temper your statements, as your turn may be next.— Dominie Bush

Back To The Blessed Old Bible

2010-03-02T13:58:00.001-08:00

Back To The Blessed Old Bible

Back to the blessèd old Bible,

Back to the city of God

Back to the oneness of Heaven,

Back where the faithful have trod.

Back from the land of confusion,

Free from the bondage of creeds

Back to the light of the morning,

Jesus our Captain leads.

Back to the blessèd old Bible

Back to the light of its word:

Be on our banners forever,

“Holiness unto the Lord.”

Back to the blessèd old Bible

Saints of Jehovah,

rejoice;

Jesus is calling His people

Back to the land of their choice.

Often our fathers had sought it

While they in Babel abode,

Now we have found the fair city,

Church of the living God

Back to the blessèd old Bible,

Leaving confusion and strife;

Fleeing from Babel to Zion,

Back to the joy of our life.

Over the mountain we wandered,

Looking in vain for the right,

Now in the evening we’ve found it,

Truth of the Gospel light.

Back to the blessèd old Bible,

Back at the Master’s call,

Back to the words of our Savior,

Loving, obeying them all.

Never in sects to be scattered,

Never again to do wrong:

Unity, holiness, Heaven,

Ever shall be our song.

Monday...back on track

2010-03-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

Great Quotes...with wisdom

Success in marriage is much more than finding the right person; it is a matter of being the right person.

Some women work so hard to make good husbands that they never quite manage to make good wives.

From: Apples Of Gold

Teaching godly character traits # 8

2010-02-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

SELF-CONTROL

SELF-INDULGENCE

Instant obediance to the initial prompting of God's Spirit

Gal 5:24-25

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Wednesday Funnies ;)

2010-02-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

Acting Up In Church

One Sunday in a Midwest City, a young child was "acting up" during the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle.
Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out.
Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"

Teaching godly character traits #7 Alertness

2010-02-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

ALERTNESS

UNAWARENESS

Being aware of that which is taken place around me so that I can have the right response.

Mark 14:38

Teaching godly character traits # 6

2010-02-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

Forgiveness

Rejection

Verse: Ephesians 4:32

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me.

Teaching godly character traits # 5

2010-02-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

Boldness Vs Fearfulness

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God.

Acts 4:29

Teaching godly Character traits #4

2010-02-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

Definition Virtue

A virtuous course of thought ; virtue, moral goodness

any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity.

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God's word.

There is nothing better as a mom to see our children walking in the truth!

Teaching godly character traits # 3

2010-02-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

SINCERITY

HYPOCRISY

Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit
unto unfeigned love of the brethren , see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

If we walk in the flesh we will not be able to fulfill this....Remember "obeying the TRUTH through the SPIRIT"

Thankfully if we are 'saved' then we have the Spirit, the Bible calls us to 'walk in the Spirit, and we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh'

Teaching godly character traits #2

2010-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

OBEDIENCE

WILLFULNESS

Freedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authority.

2 Corinthians 10:5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obediance of Christ.

Friday's Weekly Wrap Up

2010-02-05T06:21:00.001-08:00

Wheeeeewww.......

What a week......I am so glad it's Friday. It has been one of those weeks that just seemed to never end....you know 'when it rains it pours'! Felt like we were under a cloud all week. School went on the back burner for the beginning of the week. Sunday night at about 8:30pm we took our beloved Chance to be put down.....(never say it's just a dog!) One of the hardest things I have ever had to do...and the vet missed Chances vein and the medicine didn't work...they had to poke him a few times.....agonizing wait, and ugh and I can still see him looking at me helplessly ;(

Monday was a bit better, cause grandma came home after being gone a month in Montana. We were able to get up and go meet them for breakfast.

Tuesday I told the boys we were going to have to get out of the house for the day, so we spent the day in town with our good friends.

Wednesday.....back to homeschooling. ...Routine...Hard day.

Thursday...ICK just bad day. Major fibro flare, slept alot.

Friday.........Yet to be told......I hope and pray I can get out of this funk I am in and we can have a good weekend together as a family. Today is another 'BIG' day in the PROCESS. I am hoping for a decent outcome. God can take care of it!

Tomorrow we are planning to take the kids riding at the track in Longview, they are very exited!

Have A Blessed Friday,

Brandie

Teaching godly character traits # 1

2010-02-05T05:50:00.000-08:00

TRUTHFULNESS

DECEPTION

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

Please Pray for Bryce

2010-01-30T20:52:00.001-08:00

Update:

Bryce is in the hospital with a fever and chills.

Do we need to understand why?

2010-01-28T22:52:00.000-08:00

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

We are a people who live by sight....are we not?

Lord Help me not to go off of what I see in my vision but Lord to Walk In Faith. The way is dark but you have given us a lamp to see each step in front of us. Help me to live for today and trust that tomorrow you will guide each step as Iwalk by faith. I don't need to understand 'why' today is tough, I only need to trust you are in complete control and will guide my ways.

We will miss you Chance!!

2010-01-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

The Way Up ....

2010-01-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

"Wheeew, a busy day ahead again today. Our poor pup is getting old. He has not been in the greatest health but we have been cherishing each and every moment left that we have with him! Last night my husband felt more masses (tumors) on his stomach and his lymph nodes are bulging. We have to take him in. My fear is that we may have to put him down. So sad. The boys have been asking for quite some time to take him to the park and take pictures with him...It is a beautiful day, so that is what we will do before his vet appointment.

We had a great devotion this morning about how we are to deny ourselves and our desires and surrender them to God. 'The way up is down'

We read Mat 23:12, Luke 6:38, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Mat 5:44, Mat 20:27, James 4:7, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Mat 6:6, and Mark 10:31

These were great verses and so opposite of what our flesh desires. If we hold these things true on a daily basis it sure would make a huge difference in our joy!
Gods way are to bring about humility and a reliance on God rather then ourselves.

These are all great verses , and I encourage you to look each of them up but the one that really struck me was
Mat 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

It our nature is to lash back and get angry when we do not get our way, but God tells the way to please him is to love our enemies, pray for them, bless them, and do good unto them.
Hard thing to do, but the Lord tells us to Walk in the Spirit, and we shall not reap the lust of the flesh. Lord Help Us...."

Trials in your life?

2010-01-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Today has been a very rough day in the 'process'! But I feel the grace of God and the prayers of many, sustain me. God is my comfort, and my shield .....I will not fear what man can do unto me.

Life's disappointments come in many forms....but having a BIBLICAL perspective on them can see us through the storm. God tells us in Colossians 3:2 to set our affection on things above, not things on the earth.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction , which is but for a moment, worketh for us far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look NOT at things which are seen, but things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

You see my friend we can not see as God sees.....We only see as you might say...a dash board view rather then the helicopter view.. God sees what is ahead, he wants us to trust Him and remember these times are for a season, and what light are they to eternity?

"O' Soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There's light for a look at the Savior and life more abundant and free! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace"

God is still good despite of our circumstances, He is in control...His desire is for us to cling to Him. We must remember to have the right perspective, for with out it we have no hope.

Blessings,

Brandie

2010-01-21T19:46:00.000-08:00

1 Th 5:24

Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it.

Heb 10:23

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering ; for he is faithful that promised;

Train Up A Child....Your Duty!

2010-01-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

As a parent you have authority because God calls you to be an authority in your child's life. You have the authority to act on behalf of God. As a father or mother, you do not exercise rule over your jurisdiction, but over God's. You act at his command. You discharge a duty that he has given. You may not try to shape the lives of your children as pleases you, but as pleases him.

Lets read how God directed Abraham.

Gen 18:19

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

As you see here Abraham is on God's errand. He is performing a task on God's agenda. God has called him to these things. He is not freelancing. Abraham does not write his own job description. God defines the task and Abraham acts in God's behalf.

Many times we as parents buy into the world's philosophy of parenting. You are not to be your child's best friend. You are to be a parent in the authority of God. Your job is to train them up as God commanded us to do so.

Personally, I have had to scrap most 'parenting' advice because it was contrary to the Bible! If you were raised in a ungodly home, you must clean out the lies and replace them with the truth, and the truth is found in the Bible.

A godly marriage......How?

2010-01-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

Loving Relationships Grow from Sacrifice

The world implies by all it teaches that happiness is in getting, not giving. The world's philosophy exhorts us to meet our marriage partners needs so they in turn will be agreeable to meeting our own. The world's way is to give in order to get. In contrast, a godly wisdom exhorts us to meet our marriage partners needs sacrificially, out of love and forget ourselves altogether.

When people give to get, they begin to believe they are entitled to a partner's attention. And when their supposed needs are not met, they become embittered and resentful and begin to assume withdrawing acts of love is a justifiable response. This only begins a snowball reactions of resentment and retaliation that drives a relationship into the icy water of alienation.

Does Jesus love us because we deserve to be loved? No...... Jesus loves us because He is loving, not because we deserve His love or merit it in any way.

* Delight to meet each others needs
* Don't let selfishness creep in.
* Self Sacrifice is the strength and foundation of true love.

~Next week....Selfless Love Cannot Be Destroyed

A Day In The Life.............

2010-01-12T14:44:00.001-08:00

The Weather Is...........Overcast, with light rain

Feeling.............Fine ;D started back up on my Cell Food for Fibro (pain scale 3)

Kids Are......... Done with school today and getting ready to finish they're daily chores,and it is quiet time.

Daily Tasks.......... Kitchen, Clean out Blake's closet

Prayer Request.......... Waynes Grandpa Is In ICU....possible open heart surgery, My Uncle Orvie, Radiation treatment for cancer in his voice box.

Memory Verse........... Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

I am exited about..........Getting out of the house tonight (going to the YMCA with my family)

Homeschool News.......We have to crack down on lessons so we can finish our year by the beginning of June. Austen will be starting Science Unit soon.

What I learned today (or am pondering)........... life is but a vapour, where is my focus? Where should my focus be?

People and things that brighten my day........ Treatment will be in LV, Austen helping me today with the house.

Goals/Ideas for a better tomorrow...........Better attitudes!!! Get out of the house for awhile.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Prov 17:22

What I did to brighten someone else's day............plan on calling a friend today to check on her.

Heart Attitude

2009-11-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

According to the Bible, our speech is an accurate barometer of our heart attitude!

Our speech exposes our true character as much as it does our individual personality. It reveals who we are, what we think, what we really desire, and what we believe. We are known by such things as the kind of jokes we tell, what we like to talk about, what we say when we are angry, what we complain about, or what topics inspire our most animated conversations. God warns us " By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Mat 12:37)
What a marvel that our own words are able to conemn us as hypocrites or justify (validate) us as true followers of Christ.

Read Luke 6:45

What is your speech like?

May we take heed to the scriptures and ask the Lord to identify an area we are failing at so that we can be more effective for Christ.

Forgiving Others Brings Joy

2009-11-01T19:54:00.001-08:00

Practicing Biblical forgiveness is foundational to a peaceful marriage, home, and church life. The act of openly asking for forgiveness and graciously forgiving has the following effect.

*Keeps us humble and unselfish

*Promotes intimacy among family members

*Provides the right atmosphere for developing tolerance and understanding between family members.

*Promotes a loving, safe haven for growth and acceptance.

*Provides divine healing which is available in no other context

Mat 6:14-15

Who is the leader in your home?

2009-10-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Respecting a husband's need and responsibility to lead is a way to demonstrate love and obedience to God (Eph 5:22, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:7)

A woman's refusal to submit to her husband's leadership stems from her desire to please

herself rather than to please the Lord. Only as a woman commits herself to living to please the Lord will she be able to submit to a imperfect leadership of her husband and encourage him to become all he can be in Christ. Both love and submission are based on the love of God for us. Women need to understand that God rewards a woman who honors her husband's right to lead, whether her husband deserves the honor or not.

My Thoughts

This has not been an easy area in my life, but I am learning to be as I grow in the Lord. I think the neatest thing is when we see our husbands lead. A lot of the time I know I hindered my walk with the Lord by not submitting to my husband. The truth be told.......he feared my disapproval and thus held back from leading our home. Let me ask you friend......are you critical when your husband says "No" on an issue or something you want? Do you pout or get upset because he disagrees with you? Do you ask his opinion, or do you just go ahead and do what you feel is right? The lesson I am learning is that when I go against my husbands wishes, or try to manipulate a situation....ummm I reap the consequences of doing so. However when I encourage my husband to lead by submitting to the God given authority, the blessing are endless! I have never been disappointed when I have let my husband lead.....NEVER! God is so gracious and loving. He has the perfect plan, the one that brings true happiness.....we must just believe it and OBEY it!!!

When Dreams Become Demands

2009-10-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

Demands are anything we believe we must have in order to be happy and fulfilled. To say we prefer a good husband or wife is healthy. God prefers that too. However, we don't have to have an ideal spouse to be happy and we don't have to have an ideal spouse to enjoy a happy marriage. Couples who enjoy a lifetime marriage of joyful companionship do so in spite of
faults and failures. They are people who choose to overlook faults rather then find them.

The BIBLE tells us...........

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love (prov 17:9)

Hatred stirreth up strife; but love covereth all sins (prov 10:12)

Dear sister, may we realize how precious our marriage is and stop bickering and tearing our husbands apart. Do we realize what we have?

Today:

List 5 things you love about your husband, and then write him a note today telling him what you love about him.

Selfishness~ Marriage

2009-10-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

Marriage

Problems arise when the eyeball does not wish to function as part of the body but wants to operate independent of the body. A married woman who is bent on pursuing her own interests and autonomy apart from her husbands either does not understand or willfully refuses to cooperate with God's design for her life.

Question

How are you specifically helping your husband achieve his goals?

Today's Challenge

List 5 ways you believe you can be a help to your husband.

Monday, Moday....

2009-10-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well, today is the beginning of a new week!
Kids are very much into a routine for school. The only thing is we have been getting up later then I would like. The fibromyalgia has been rearing it's ugly head, but,....if I get my rest I do pretty well most of the day PTL!!
This week we are reading scripture about JOY and how we obtain JOY in our life. Love the verses we looked at today:

Nehemiah 8:10b
Psalm 16:11
John 15:11
John 13:17
Proverbs 15:13
Proverbs 16:20
Phil 4:4
James 1:1-3
1 Pet 3:14
We receive JOY by OBEDIENCE to God right? I encourage you to look up these great verses and share with your children this week! It was a blessing to read God's Word today together :)

I had to say goodbye to a wonderful e-mail group this week, I just have to much on my plate with the homeschool year starting. Blake is doing so well, and is reading chapter books. I really like using the 'Rod and Staff' curriculum because it is VERY Bible based :)

Austen is coming along on his school work, he really enjoys History! We have a field trip coming up at the end of this month, so both kids are really looking forward to that. Austen has been attending a writing class on Friday's with Mrs. Thompson. His writing is getting better :)

Revival Week 2009

2009-09-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Longview Bible Baptist Church

Monday Evening
Main Text
2 Corinthians 7:8-12

"The difference between godly and worldly sorrow"

Being sorry.....Is it worldly?

~Worldly sorrow focuses on what it's going to cost you
~Worldly sorrow is selfish
~Known as Jail House Repentance
~Worldly sorrow is self centered....(wants out of consequences of sin)
Biblical Example: King Saul 1 Sam 15:30

Being sorry......Is it godly sorrow?

~Godly sorrow turns from the sin
~ Godly sorrow changes direction
~ Godly sorrow changes actions
~ Godly sorrow has fruits of repentance
~ Godly sorrow accepts consequences and the person realizes he has coming what he deserves.
~ Godly sorrow has a broken and contrite spirit.

Biblical Example: King David
King David was called a man after God's own heart and yet he sinned as we do. The difference though is King David's RESPONSE to his sin.

Verses given: Mat 5:5, Ps 34:14, Ps 51:17, Is 57:15, Is 66:2

Great message, spoke to my heart! I am ever so thankful that God showed us through this last trial and that we did the right thing with the sin that was involved, God blesses when you REPENT and do the right thing, getting right with others involved and confessing your sin before God, changing your direction, having accountability, accepting consequences....ect.
Can't wait for tonight's message

Homeschooling Price

2009-09-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

(****This devotion spoke to my heart today, how true it is, may the Lord speak to us and help us stay focused, not on the worldy aspects, and our own selfishness, BUT on our calling as a homeschhol mom)

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me”
(Galatians 2:20a).

I’m feeling selfish today. I look at the schoolwork waiting to be corrected and this week’s lesson plans still waiting to be finished, and I want to escape somewhere. My life seems like it’s not my own, and I resent the fact that I can’t do what I want, when I want. Homeschooling requires me to be so disciplined, and I’m starting to feel trapped. I want to take a break from housework, diapers, schedules, and endless questions, but I’m the one in charge. I feel like a huge burden is on my back.

Does the above scenario describe you today? Do you wish you could experience the wonderful benefits of homeschooling and escape the responsibilities? Sorry, but it doesn’t work that way. If you want your children to achieve academic, as well as spiritual success, you have to give yourself 100% and commit to homeschooling. Like the man who calculated the cost in building a tower or the king who assessed his army before he went to war (Luke 14:27-33), following the Lord’s call to homeschool your children requires giving your all. Yes, God knows when you need to rest and will show you how to catch your breath, but He also asks His disciples to carry their cross. So who will you follow today, yourself or the Lord? “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23b).

Lord, forgive my attitude and help me refocus on the call You gave to homeschool. Teach me again that Your will and Your way is better than any life I can conceive. I love You and thank You for my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

AOP, homeschool devotions
You can help save a homeschool! Learn how today by visiting aophomeschooling.com!

Making My Home Sing....Meme

2009-09-07T05:13:00.001-07:00

Well....finally I think I will join in to this meme, I really enjoy being able to share and also learning from others as well :)

This will be our first week of school after summer break, the kids are both anxious about the new year, wondering what it will bring. I have to be quite honest, I am really nervous about it, because I will be teaching Blake along with Austen all week. Austen tends to like things very quiet and orderly, where as Blake is at the age where he needs to move around and have activity while he is learning. This can make it tough, and Austen gets a bit irritated, so I try and separate them as much as I can.

I think though in order to make my home sing, we must begin each day in prayer, with positive attitudes! You know what ladies, we SET THE TONE in our homes.
Proverbs 31:26
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness

If we are dragging out of bed, unorganized and frazzled, not giving our cares to the Lord and asking his help to get us through, we can make a big mess.
Proverbs 27:15
A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

May we remember to wake up in the morning and start our day in prayer and ask God to lead and guide us to teach our children.
Psalms 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak. Mat 26:41

What Is Your Calling?

2009-09-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Lets Look at these portions of scripture and see what our role is as a women
It amazes me just how far we have came today AWAY from the God given calling we have!
May we look at God's Word here with a willingness to DO what he calls us to do.
Before I became a Christian I had no clue what I was suppose to be as a wife. I had it all wrong. But I am thankful there was a godly woman in my church would took the time to teach me, thus fulfilling Titus 2. This study has been a great reminder......I pray it will be for you also!

1.Behavior as becometh holiness~ befitting men, places, actions or sacred things to God
2.Not false accusers~prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely; A calumniator, false accuser, slanderer,
3.Not given to much wine~
4.Teachers of good things~teaching that which is good, a teacher of goodness
5.Teaching young women to be
a. To Be Sober~
1) restore one to his senses

2) to moderate, control, curb, disciple

3) to hold one to his duty

4) to admonish, to exhort earnestly

b. To love their husbands~loving her husband
c. To love their children~loving one's offspring or children
d. To be discreet~
1) of a sound mind, sane, in one's senses
2) curbing one's desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate
e. To be chaste~
1) exciting reverence, venerable, sacred
2) pure
a) pure from carnality, chaste, modest
b) pure from every fault, immaculate
c) clean
f. To be keepers at home~
1) caring for the house, working at home
a) the (watch or) keeper of the house
b) keeping at home and taking care of household affairs
c) a domestic
g. To be good~
1) of good constitution or nature
2) useful, salutary
3) good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy
4) excellent, distinguished
5) upright, honourable
h. To be obediant to their own husbands~
1) to arrange under, to subordinate
2) to subject, put in subjection
3) to subject one's self, obey
4) to submit to one's control
5) to yield to one's admonition or advice
6) to obey, be subject

Be Careful.....

2009-08-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

The Christian life is very much like climbing a hill of ice. You cannot slide up, nay,
you have to cut every step with an ice axe; only with incessant labour in cutting and
chipping can you make any progress; you need a guide to help you, and you are not
safe unless you are fastened to the guide, for you may slip into a crevasse. Nobody
ever slides up, but if great care be not taken they will slide down, slide back, or in
other words backslide. This is very easily done. If you want to know how to backslide,
the answer is leave off going forward and you will slide backward, cease going
upward and you will go downward of necessity, for stand still you never can.

Spurgeon

Daily Focus Devotional

2009-08-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

In the Limelight

Did you imagine your role as a homeschooling mother to be quiet and obscure? Did you
picture yourself being behind the scenes and working as a support person only? Nothing could be further from the truth! Every time someone asks, "Where do your children go to school?" you are immediately thrust into the spotlight and find yourself facing an endless barrage of questions.

Many great women of the Bible also faced the same challenge. They had to stand up or speak up for the cause God had placed in their lives. Abigail was led by God to save her family by going ahead of her husband's foolishness and providing a meal for King David and his men. Ruth braved danger in gleaning the wheat from Boaz's field in order to save Naomi and herself. Rahab believed in the God of Israel and put out a scarlet rope to save her family from Joshua and his army. Deborah the prophetess went to battle because Barak didn't have faith to fight without her.

Take courage and know that the God of the universe is with you. Just as He went before Israel as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, He will go before you and give you the words to say when you are confronted. Matthew 10:19b-20 says, "Take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you and be not ashamed of the wonderful opportunity God has given you to homeschool your children.

Lord, make me courageous today and not afraid. Give me the words to say to represent You to a lost and dying world. Lead me today so I can guide the children You have given me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Judgement

2009-08-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

Romans 14:13

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.

Life Changing Moments.......

2009-08-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

It is not a question of God allowing or not allowing things to happen. It is part of living. Some things we do to ourselves, other things we do to each other. Our Father knows about every bird which falls to the ground, but He does not always prevent it from falling. What are we to learn from this? That our response to what happens is more important than what happens. Here is a mystery: one man’s experience drives him to curse God, while another man’s identical experience drives him to bless God. Your response to what happens is more important than what happens. –Chip Brogden

God is allowing a HUGE life changing trial in my life, but as we take steps by faith I can see God's hand. There has never been a time I have felt closer to my God then NOW! Ever so thankful for his GRACE!!!

Blog Hop 09'

2009-07-24T18:18:00.001-07:00

Hello There,
I saw The Blog Hop and thought wow, I have to be a part of that....do I have much spare time.....No......Oh I mean...YES, always time to fit in a quick post right? I am a challenged blogger, that is right. If you visit me you will find that, I am not the best at it( I know NO Grammar can you tell? )....but The Lord works through us right? Here at my blog you will
hopefully feel relaxed and want to sit back and read a bit about how the Lord is working in my life!

'His Grace Is Sufficient For Thee'

I am a child of God, saved in 1998 :) I am married to my perfect husband, well not perfect but who am I to talk.....I am by far the chiefest of sinners. One thing I love about God is he can take the most lost, hardened, messed up person and completely change them for HIS glory!!! I can say that from experience as God has worked in my heart...continues to everyday, as I allow Him too!

I also have 2 sweet boys....(yes, boys can be sweet and boys at the same time!)lol.
Austen is my caring, and handsome 13 year old and Blake my happy, smiley pants boy....is 6!

There are many special people in my life that I am ever so grateful for! The Lord has truly blessed me. I especially am thankful for my Pastor, His Family and my beloved brothers and sisters at church!

I have struggled with pain a good part of my adult life, I don't say that to complain but to tell you this.... it has made me rely on the Lord more then ever before. I see God's grace !! I have learned (learning) not to take my Salvation lightly.......It is a GIFT! I was diagnosed with FMS Fibromyalgia and CFS Chronic Fatigue Syndrome about 5 months ago now. I am so thankful God gave me a name for my pain. I am learning to be thankful, and to rely on God to see me through. It has made me stronger, and certainly gave me a compassion for others in pain that I never had before!!

I think the 1 things you can count on here at my blog is ...To Be Encouraged!! Ya you may get your toes stepped on and may even have different opinions...that's OK to.
I do however pray that the Lord uses me to be an encouragement to you, and to let you know you are never alone on this journey! The Lord talks about the aged women teaching the younger women.....that is my goal to please my Lord and for Him to use my experiences,and even mistakes to help others!

Please feel free to comment any time and HAPPY Blog Hopping!!

Ps ...I LOVE to make KJV scripture Tags, they are FREE please feel free to snag any here or over at www.branmadetags.blogspot.com

Brandie

Wholesome Tongue?

2009-07-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

As I have been reading my Bible I felt conviction of going back through some specific verses on our tongue. The Lord knew we needed direction in this area sisters!

There are time for me that life just gets hectic, and it's rush, rush, hurry...hurry. I just absolutely seem to always BLOW it in those difficult times!
And guess who gets the brunt of it??? Ya, you know it.....My family. It is so sad that we can be so kind to our friends but we can treat the ones we love the most like dirt.

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
the word ' wholesome' here means health-healing-cure, also refreshing, deliverence .

Do you have a wholesome tongue that is a tree of life....that is refreshing?
Or do you have a tongue that is a breach of spirit?

' breach' means....breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin, shattering

Let us be reminded of God's Word today, let us pray we open our mouth always with kindness..... To our children and husbands especially!

Proverbs 31:26
She openeth her mouth with wisdom ; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness.

Let us pray...
Lord,
aJob 6:24
Teach me, and I will hold my tongue : and cause me to understand wherein I have erred .

In Jesus Name, Amen