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What Can Wash Away My Sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus!
Since we've been done with school for a few days now, I've been more able to do things around the house...catch up on chores, etc. I've even been able to get another "job"...another manager of a Sonic Restaurant has asked me to make 6 poodle skirts...woohoo! Who doesn't need extra income, right? Lord willing, that will be taking up all the time I have between now & the time I have to start back up with school. It seems that everything decided to fall apart during my "vacation" from school...my vacuum is seriously about to give up the ghost & our shower faucet needed replacing...something in it fell apart so that when you turned the water on, the shower would stay on...but it was driving us crazy because it took away from the water pressure. Anyways...we went to Lowe's today to get some stuff to replace it all. Hubby says pick out a handle for the shower...so, I pick out the one that looks exacly like the one that was on there...I guess cause it was cheaper & I thought for sure since it looked exactly the same, it'd be fine. Well, we get home and hubby tries to put it on and it turns out to be the wrong one! I was like,"Whoa, that's a good sermon!" (I guess I was in "spiritual" mode because we had such great preaching this weekend!) I know...it's so simple...but simple things amuse this simple mind of mine! I just thought,"Wow, this thing looks exactly like the one that we needed, was brand new...same size...same shape...same brand. Everything was the same." But I missed something...if you look inside, there's this one square piece that it's missing. Seemed like a minute unimportant thing. Hubby even looked at it and thought,"Well, lets see if I can make it work." (I hate when he says that!) Anyways, he couldn't "make" it work. We live in a society today that's so religious and everybody "knows Jesus." I'm afraid that often times, they're missing "the square piece" on the inside that would make it "meet for the Master's use." As much as I would have liked to have went ahead & used the one we just bought, it wasn't going to "turn the water on." There's just no faking the Holy Ghost! On the ouside people look like they fit...they look like they can do the job...they look all nice & shiny & clean...but on the inside, there's something missing. Often times people try to "make it work." There is no forcing with God. One thing that is so sad and so heartbreaking to see is someone religious and completely convinced that they are "going to work," yet their entire existence & manner of being sends the message: I'm lost. Religion doesn't just work...you can't make yourself "fit." In this case it was literally a matter of this square peg is not going to fit in the round hole. Pastor made a really good point a few weeks ago...why is it that everyone "knows Jesus" yet the 10 Commandments are coming down all over the place? The devil knows what he's doing. We all know Jesus is the cure for this disease called sin...the question is do we all know that we ALL have the disease? Yeah, everyone "knows Jesus," but why no change in their lives? Why do they still do the same things they did before they "knew Jesus?" Why is there no conviction or chastisement? Why do they not get spiritual things? (btw, there is a difference between vomiting & ruminating--lost people can repeat what they've heard, truly saved people do something completely different...they ruminate!) Preachers now are tiptoeing around...making excuses for sin...some are even just not calling sin sin. Preachers (I say preachers, but really, it's everywhere) are now saying,"Repeat after me & you'll be saved. Say this prayer, and you'll go to Heaven." When I was in high school, a guy came up to me and asked me,"Do you wanna get saved?" Being Catholic at the time, I had no idea what he was saying...apparently he could tell I didn't know what he was talking about because he repeated his question..."Do you wanna go to Heaven?" Of course I said yes. Then he says,"Ok, bow your head and repeat after me." At this point, I'm like all embarassed and wondering if anyone saw me praying with this loser. After he says my prayer for me, he says,"Ok, now you're saved." He walks away and looks at his "partner in crime" and gets this air about him like, "Ha, I saved another one!" Then he gets out this little notebook, writes on it with this victorious look on his face and goes on his merry little way...while I'm just standing there looking like an idiot because I didn't know what in the world just happened. This was the beginning of the school year. At the end of the school year one of his "accomplices" comes up to me and asks, "So how's your walk?" And I'm like,"Walk? What are you talking about?" Looking back at this event in my life, I thank God so much that I didn't die before that one glorious day! Though I prayed a prayer..."made a profession"...I was lost & on my way to Hell! The Bible says in Hebrews 12:8 "But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all (true believers) are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." People can "get religion"...they can "turn over a new leaf"...they can "clean up their lives"...and I mean CLEAN up their lives, but it does not mean that they are truly born-again....converted...regenerated. I think society as a whole seems to have been "swept and garnished," but never washed in the Blood of THE Lamb. And I'm afraid the end result will be just the same...worse... The Bible says Luke 11:24-26 "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first." This passage of scripture is a picture of a person "turning over a new leaf," but never truly being born-again. Your unclean spirits could be adultery, drunkeness, lust, covetousness, lying...ANYONE can stop doing these things! The only thing that makes you is faithful, sober, content, & truthful... There's no time for games and religious pretense...we're not promised tomorrow.
It's Official!
Actually, several things are official! 1, we are officially done with school for the year! 2, I AM A COUPON QUEEN! With school done and several projects completed, I have been able to really commit some time to diligence in "couponing." Wow, I can't believe that! Me & coupons have a love-hate relationship...I really hate cutting them, but I love saving all that money!! One thing that has really helped with cutting them is this thing called iSlice. It has definitely relieved the pain of having to clip with scissors! The iSlice really does work, but it will cut through more than one sheep of paper if you're not careful. I went grocery shopping today and I was ecstatic at the savings! I know I sound like a commercial...but really, I was literally holding back the screams and the jumping as I checked out of Publix today...so, with that said, I would like to "share" my savings! Thank God for my friend that showed me how to really do coupons!
Before I post the prices & all, I have to mention several things.
Here's what I got:
Bilo
Comstock More Fruit Apple or Country Cherry Pie Filling (4)
Here's the break-down of the savings:
Publix
New England Coffee (2)
Here's a break-down of the savings:
For both stores together:
When I got home, I could not get over it! I could not believe how much money I saved just doing coupons! The key to making the coupon stretch is buying only items you have coupons for and waiting until that item goes on sale. The biggest savings from Publix came from their Buy 1 Get 1 sale and the fact that they took competitor's coupons. And they double competitor's coupons too, so that helped out alot! I would have put the prices up on here, but it was way too much. I was so excited, I even took a >>picture<< of all the stuff we got for less than $60! Just so you could see how much stuff I actually got. I bought so much stuff it just about filled our entire table! (btw, the Dr. Peppers are under the cereal boxes in the back! Couldn't situate it good enough to get everything in the pic!) I used to shop at the Commissary, but now I only go there mainly for meat. Even the Commissary can't beat the $1 I spent for each 12-pk of Dr. Pepper...or the .49 Edy's Ice Cream! But, they do have good deals when their stuff goes on sale. I got Martha White Muffin Mix for .35 each at the Commissary once. They had coupons for .50 off on 2 and they were on sale for .60 each. I'm not sure if all the Commissaries have the same policies, but my Commissary here in Charleston no longer doubles coupons and they've never taken competitor's coupons to my knowledge. Well, hubby has been laid off since October 2008 and a full time student since January 2009 and we have never eaten this good! I used to spend close to $150 per week on groceries and now I'm down to about $80-90. I try to stick to the $80, but if something is on sale that I know we'll use, I have to get it! :o) Who can resist almost free food, right?! Especially .49 ice cream...Edy's ice cream...not no Great Value brand ice cream...top of the line Edy's Ice Cream! (Ye Old Fashioned gets Edy's Ice Cream!) I could just throw up thinking about how much money I wasted buying everything generic & paying full price for stuff! ...anyways... I have learned so much these past few months...one of the biggest things I've learned (I hope) is the fact that God has always taken care of us. Bad things have happened, ominous times seem to be ahead...and all this "stuff" that I only recently found out about (ie, government conspiracy, etc.) was there before I found out about it and God is still the same. I posted a video on Facebook once that I so regret...it was some thing about an Amero and the North American Union. Well, here I thought it was new news, right?...well, wrong...this information has been floating around out in cyberspace for years...I think this one has been since 2004 or something like that, but I didn't find the video until 2009. When I saw the video, I think I stressed out big time. But looking back I'm thinking,"Well, duh! What'd you do between 2004 and the time you saw the video, you idiot?! Did the world come crashing down? Did God change?" Looking back, I think of life on a daily basis...do you know how many things God has protected you from in just one day? Sometimes we think of running late as some horrible thing...and I guess it is if you're running late because of irresponsibility...but I remember a while back...I don't remember for who's wedding it was, but my family and my Pastor's daughter (who was my flower girl, btw...now she's my sons' piano teacher) were driving up to Virginia for a wedding. Well, I went to go pick her up, get there and realize I forgot my hair straightener. Since she only lives 10 minutes down the road from me, I went ahead and picked it up. Well, not long after getting on the interstate, we are at a dead stop. Sitting there thinking about it, I thought,"That could have been us." I mean the timing was perfect...where the accident was and how long it took us to make that extra stop was just amazing...had I been on time, that really could have been us. How many times in our daily lives do we miss an accident...a robbery...an attack? Coincidence? No...there is no such thing as coincidence when it comes to our God. I'll say it like Bro. Gipp says it....Did you ever realize that God has never just realized anything?
Almost done!
Well, the school year is about done! We're on our last week of school and I am exhausted! The kids did very well this year. They took off big time in their reading, so Praise the Lord! I have found that if I give them something, I need to give them some space with it. I guess that two weeks of introducing Becky was talking about really does help! Although the kids did do well, I don't think we accomplished nearly as much as I would have liked to. Interruptions just kept coming up...between family, church, and gardening things get quite busy. Lord willing, this upcoming year will be better. I'll be able to focus better and remember that stuff is always going to come up so I may as well do a half day of school here & there. One thing I am glad we did is start school early instead of waiting til the fall! It's officially "birthday season" in our neck of the woods, so I probably won't be updating this blog nearly as much! As you can see I already skipped a month! Hopefully when school starts back up, I'll be able to do some updating!
Joseph Engel
We recently had a guest speaker at our church. His name is Joseph Engel and he is an Auschwitz Survivor. Praise the Lord, we got it on video and on mp3. It's absolutely amazing to hear his testimony of everything that went on...and to think some sorry, sorry, sorry people are actually trying to say that the Holocaust never happened--horrible...gets my blood boiling just thinking about it...anyways...these will open in a new window...enjoy! Click >here< for MP3. Click >here< for Windows Media. To save these files, right-click on ">here<" and click save. Please, pass this along...we must never, never forget what happened so that it doesn't happen again. Also, these are large files! Approximately 10 & 20 megabytes. His speech is about one hour & thirty minutes long.
The Human Body & The Body of Christ
It has been quite a busy year thus far...but what's new, right? That is the story our lives as homeschooling moms...just as an update on school here, we are now officially in Volume 2 of the Weaver Curriculum! Yay! Finally! I thought we'd never get out of Volume 1! I hear it's the hardest of all the Volumes. We've introduced the first chapter and we're moving along...somewhat...as I've stated before, the medical field intrigues me severely! I love reading stuff about one of God's most complex creations. I see so much being tied back into His word and so much mercy and grace, it's just awesome. There's nothing like God showing you personally how good & powerful He is, yet how gentle He is. Pastor has asked over and over, "Can you imagine if God were not a good God?" What would be left of us? Can you imagine a God that's not kind, gentle, longsuffering, merciful? A God much like....us? That'd be horrible. Anyways, I can't seem to get past the Human Body...ever since we were in that chapter months ago, I've been obsessed with it. And recently, our pastor preached on having grace with others and doing others right...I forget the text he used, but he made an analogy...the body of Christ--the church, and the human body. He was talking about the hand and how when you hold up your hand, you got these four fingers all going the same way, but then you got this thumb that just pokes out. He went on to preach that you know...you got your normal people and then you got those odd ball ones that are just out there...and you gotta have grace with them too and do them right and treat them just as right as the rest...etc. After church, we usually stick around a little and fellowship...so I'm joking around with everyone, as usual...somehow, I called a brother in the church the thumb of the church...but I reassured him that if he was the right thumb, I definitely had to be the left thumb. So, now we have this running joke about us being thumbs...anyways, I went to bed one night thinking about the body and I was trying to figure out which part would be the least useful or the one that wouldn't be missed...and I kid you not, I could not find a single one. Not even nails...nails are dead, they have no nerves, no nothing...they're dead cells...same goes for the hair. But I bet if you had to go with out nails and got an itch, you'd definitely wish you had them! Everything about the human body is without mistake. When God made us, He intended to give us everything we have...so that got me thinking...everyone in our church is here for a reason. Not a single member is there for nothing. There is a purpose for everyone in the church. When I thought about the nails and the hair, I thought about wheat & tares (Matt. 13:24-43)...they're lost, yet they're here...what for? They still have a purpose. I hope everyone in our church is saved, but I'm willing to bet that not everyone is. Then I got to thinking about my kids. My kids are lost. They're 4, 6, and 8 and the Lord has not knocked on their hearts' doors yet that I know of. Yesterday, pastor preached about how society has no fear of God anymore. Back in the day, lost people feared God...today, they don't care...it's a different time we live in...I bet there are some saved people out there that don't fear God! This morning, I woke up thinking about how to put the fear of God in my kids. I had a nice little conversation with my firstborn about God and I asked him straight out, "Are you not afraid of God?" And he answers me, "Why should I be afraid of Him?" We weren't having a heated discussion, I was just picking his brain to see where he stood with things. I guess it's ok that he asked that question because the Bible says that the goodness of God is what leads people to repentance. Anyways, my first reaction to his question was, "Oh, let me get a hold of you...I'll put the fear of God in you..." But then I got to thinking...hmmm...salvation is not a physical thing, it's a spiritual thing...I understand that our flesh will be redeemed...we will get a new body some day, but right now, his soul is what needs to be saved. Pastor also recently preached on foolishness being bound in the heart of a child. Lately, I have been so frustrated with my children because it's like I have no control over them anymore. It's like they're slipping away and they're just out of reach. And they are. They are getting older...they're thinking for themselves...forming their own opinions...walking on their own two feet with some things. And it's a huge adjustment for all of us. I'm wanting to hold on to them, but they're wanting to discover. Right now, all they have is their flesh...they are lost, so I need to expect that they are going to be bad. Sure, I can demand things of them, but what's in their heart? Outward appearance doesn't translate into salvation. Just because my kids outwardly obey me, dress right, act right does not mean they are saved. All it means is that I have taught them how to behave correctly. I cannot expect anything spiritually right from someone who is spiritually dead. That's when it hit me...I was right...I don't have control over them. Who in the world wants their kid to only pay lip service to them? Who wants a hellian in church clothes? The only thing that'll happen is, when they get out from under our roof, they're going to go buck wild. Anyways, back to my human body thought...I got to thinking about how I could demand a profession from my children and I bet they'd give it to me, but that wouldn't be the godly sorrow that 2 Corinthians 7 talks about. That would be a reaction to mama...that's mama trying to play the part of the Holy Spirit and that ain't gonna cut it when he stands before God. In Acts 5:33 the Bible says "...they were cut to the heart..." meaning they were convicted. That led me to the Great Physician. (Sorry, my thoughts seem so scattered) Basically, what I'm trying to get at is: my attempts to "get him saved" are physical. I cannot play the part of the Holy Ghost...I cannot convict his heart of his need for salvation. I can talk to him...I can guide him...I can teach him about God...I can do lots of things except save him. I got this thought in my head this morning:...cuts and scrapes to your skin, your flesh will require the bandages of religion maybe even stitches that will leave scars (on a side note, scar tissue is some of the strongest tissue on your body)...and eventually you will heal...but if you get some "internal" bleeding, you won't have any choice but to see the Great Physician. Phyisically I can cut at them, but they need to be convicted internally for something to actually happen as far as salvation. Physically, I can tell them to look, act, and talk like "this" (which is a right thing to do to an extent), but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are going to hold to them when they get out on their own...those "bandages" will fall off...and it definitely doesn't translate into salvation. I've never liked change, I've pretty much always fought change. I am definitely a creature of habbit....I have lots of madness, so there has to be a method behind it all!! There seems to be a change in stages going on here with my firstborn. In the beginning when we first started having babies, all we had to do was teach them what "no" meant...and you know all the "easy" stuff...(and I know it's not easy when you're in that stage)...but now it seems to not be enough to tell them no...it's like now, they need some explanation or something. Not that they're demanding an explanation, but I think they're using their brains so much that it would be a disservice to not explain to them why we do "this" or why we don't do "that." {Sigh} Oh, the joys of parenthood!! Thank God they came with an instruction manual!! The only problem now is actually reading it and digging into it!
What Makes People Do What They Do?
A friend of mine recently posted on her facebook status a question...obviously...the title for this entry! I thought about it and thought about it and thought about an old friend. I have not been saved long...11 years. When I thought about that question, I realized that you're really not going to find out unless: 1: You're brutally honest with yourself and 2: You deal with people and really get involved in other people's lives. I'm not talking about meddling. I tend to be more introverted...I like to be alone. I don't talk to all my friends all the time. Not saying that I like being alone all the time, but for the most part it takes a great deal of effort for me to be out-going. I try to be bubbly and friendly and sociable (mainly because more than one person has said that in their first encounters with me, I was severely unapproachable)...so, here I am... many of us like to stay in our own little world out in the middle of no where and we'd just stay there and never come out had it not been for the fact that we have to eat...and go to church. We like our own perfect little controllable world untouched by the discomforts of life....such as comforting a friend after the loss of a family memeber...getting our schedules thrown off because a sister needed a babysitter at the last minute...or having to pick up a friend who ran out of gas on the interstate. Before I got saved, I was cold, hard and mean...ok, so maybe I still am a little...anyways, I never believed the saying,"It is better to have loved & lost than to never have loved at all." I guess I'd been burned too many times to think it was really worth it. My pastor once told me that it's like a glove....yeah, you might be protecting yourself from hurt, but you're also missing out on some really good stuff. So I've had to really work on the whole soft, sensitive, sweet, lovey, dovey, gentle side that we're all supposed to have a little of. I said all that to say this...if you never let anyone in and you never get involved, you'll never do anything for the Lord. What kind of effect are you going to have for the cause of Christ if you're off in your own little world? How does this all tie in with the question about what makes people do what they do?...well, that brings me back to a dear, old friend. We were very much involved in eachother's lives...and that's how I got to know the answer: People do what they do because they want to do it. Sure, I understand that there are leanings and things we can't help...and things come up...let's be mature here. People do what they do because they want to. And the reason people do just what they want to is because they don't have enough character to bring their flesh under subjection and they're selfish...and I am taking heed here lest I fall! I know I got issues! This is the honest with yourself part:....I have been trying to get a good schedule down as far as school. I have certain goals for myself personally and they are not unrealistic, unattainable goals...and I know they're not. But my problem is I don't have enough character and discipline to pick my sorry flesh up by the scruff of the neck and say,"YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS!" And since iron sharpeneth iron and God is so not going to allow me to look down my nose at anyone by showing me the same thing in my life, this is how I came up with this answer!
Death is Eminent
Just two days ago, a very precious sister in the Lord went on to be with our Saviour. She was so sweet...she is the epitome of bubbly. I remember her to be just the sweetest thing you'd ever meet and so funny...her sense of humor was great. As we enter into this new year, we often think of joy and prosperity and all good things for the up coming year, but never do we imagine the death of a loved one. As I mourned for this dear sister, I couldn't cry long...the comfort of knowing that she is in Heaven and that we will meet again on the other side of the river, brought bitter sweetness. As much as I'd like to remember & honor her, I cannot but glorify God. The ultimate cause...is the cause of Christ. It is because of Him that we are comforted. The Bible says in John 14:15-18, "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." The only comfort we have in the death of a loved one is the fact that, if that person was born-again, we will see them again. The Spirit of God that dwells in me also dwelt in my friend...and this is a great comfort. 2009 has thus far been filled with so many things...excitement of new arrivals to our church, sorrow of death and many, many other woes. So many things going on in peoples lives, marriages, children...everything. So many around us in these feeble bodies are physically suffering...and yet, there is a spiritual suffering awaiting, if there is not the Comforter dwelling within. There is not a better time than now to really take to heart that the devil walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Now is not the time for games. The death of my friend was such a shock and seemed so sudden...it was a huge blow for all of us...even my children shed some tears for the 8 year old she left behind. The Bible says,"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." When this life is over, we will all know the truth...is there a God? (and there is)...we will all receive our just reward...Matthew 12:36-37 says, "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." If you're trusting in good works to get you into heaven, I'm afraid you will be hearing these words: Ezekiel 7:6-9 "An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come. The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains. Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations. And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth." Sobering times here...sobering times.
Fight on!
Ok, well, the year is almost over...and boy, did it ever fly by! So many things going on! One thing I learned this year is fight. We live in a society of sissies & whiners...and I tend to be one of those more often than not, but occasionally I get this fight burning in me that I wish would last forever! The main thing that we, as born-again believers, are going to battle with is the flesh. There is that part of us that is NOT redeemed yet and it's our flesh, that's why we have so much trouble with the sorry thing. Paul said in Romans 7:18 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:" ...he also says in 8:22 of the same book that we are awaiting the redemption of our body. And for another scripture reference: Romans 7:21-24 "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Our battle with our flesh is real! (thank God...I was beginning to think I was looney!) The biggest thing that's helped me this year to fight is something that my Pastor has been saying for the past few months...actually, I think he's been saying it all along...it's just that I'm just now getting it! He said, "Some of y'all just need to get it settled in your mind, that you are never going to wake up one day and your flesh is just going to want to do right!" I mean let's face it...we got the stuff...we need to bring it in subjection...that thing is never going to say no to that Reese's peanut butter cup...and guess what? It don't care if you've eaten half the bag in one sitting...trust me, I know about that one! ;O) Everyday, there is a battle in my mind...the devil will mess you up severely with two times: the past and the future. Don't worry about yesterday...it's gone and you can't change it...tomorrow hasn't got here yet. For me, it tends to be mostly my past. These past few months that I've just been in "survival gear" have, I believe (and I am taking heed lest I fall), made me stronger. A friend of mine (a very dear friend of mine, whom I love dearly) made a comment to me over the phone about how she thinks that I'm further ahead in the battle...bless her heart...poor thing. :o) No two issues are the same with anybody. We may have some things in common, but people deal with things differently. I will say one thing, though. The Bible is the answer to everything. I never thought I'd be "passed" my past...don't get me wrong...everyday is anew...my past could kick my tail tomorrow...but as of right now...right this very minute, I've had victory for the past hour or so. :o) The battle is there still...I will be fighting this 'til the Lord calls me home. It reminds me of this e-mail that I get every so often of this man whom God told to push some huge boulder. The man determined to move it and do what the Lord told him to do and so all day everyday, he would go out there and push on the boulder. I'm guessing days would go by and that thing hadn't moved. But that man was going to do the Lord's will. Eventually, all that pushing, all that work made him stronger. I'm not much for those e-mails, but every now and again, I get one that actually has a good Biblical principle that we can really learn from. What I'm trying to get at here is, there is no cure for this "disease" that according to psychologists we may have. The cure is when death is swallowed up in victory. I know it sounds so negative and horribly discouraging and I hate it too, but the fact of the matter is fighting makes you stronger. You battle and you fight everyday and you just keep on going and keep on going...not even thinking about progress...and before you know it, you've built up some character in other areas. It's like physical exercise. When you exercise, you feel good mentally...how does that happen? The physical work not only helped you tone your muscles, but it also helped your body to release some endorphins that make you feel better. The spiritual battles that we may struggle through are not just to help us win that battle, it also builds character and helps us to win other battles. I don't know if I'm explaining myself very well here, but to help...I think of a song. Yield Not to Temptation. The first verse says yield not to temptation for yielding is sin, each vict'ry will help you some other to win; fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue, look ever to Jesus--He'll carry you through. And another thing...you ever wonder how the people in the Bible could fight battles? Or even during wars of our time...not just Bible times. It is said that the key to fighting battles is to fight coldly. You look at your enemy and you just know what you have to do...don't question, don't think about it, don't try to reason within yourself...just take him out. You about have to have a cold, expressionless, stern...manner about yourself so as to keep your focus. And I believe it's the same with spiritual battles. This "survival gear" that I speak of is this: I know what I have to do today, let's do it...forget laughing and smiling...if I never smile ever again, I'll be fine, we're doing this thing, I don't care about anything but the task at hand. There has been a coldness inside of me that just wants to get the job done and go home. I think that's the key to winning some battles and getting some victory...just fight...don't think about it, don't wallow in self-pitty, almost don't even care, just fight...and before you know it, you will have built some character...gained some victories...and during that time, you won't even realize you're making progress...in fact the devil will whisper in your ear and tell you you're not...but you are...don't listen to those lies. Get up in the morning and determine to do whatever it is you have to do...read, pray, school the kids, fix dinner...all that...just do it, don't worry about feeling like doing it...don't even worry about liking it while you're doing it, just do it! Eventually you'll come out and look back and see that you did make progress...and then do it again!
A Trip to the Candy Store!
I guess it's about that time again! The year is almost over and I have not been keeping up with that journal! {sigh} Oh, well, I guess I'll try again next year! There have been so many things going on lately that are just too personal to write down! One thing I did learn as a child is, if you leave a paper trail (ie, diary), more than likely, your secrets will get exposed some how! One of the more personal things that I'd like to "write" about is the role of a wife. I know I'm not the perfect wife and I've got my own issues, but God has over and over proven to me that if I just trust Him and submit, He will take care of me. We celebrated our 9th anniversary this month and I have to say that it's been a fairly "smooth" ride. Don't get me wrong, we got problems just like the rest of em, but my hubby and I have always, from day one, had open lines of communication. God has really blessed me with such an husband. But that also has it's downfalls...the fact that I can talk to him has made it all the more easier to NOT talk to my Saviour. A couple months ago, I decided to really get real with my role as a wife. My husband did not tell me to do this, I believe the Lord did. My husband has given me so many liberties over the years, but God told me to lay them down and give them completely to my husband. He wants me in complete and utter submission to my husband. There will be no more,"Honey, can we just do this..." or whatever, even though for the past 9 years, I've had liberty to do so. It is hard to do, but with God all things are possible! And I don't have victory all day everyday. There was a time when I first brought my "fruits meet for repentance" to the Lord that He gave me the victory and I was really able to see God's hand on my life and on my husband's. Now it's just a matter of keeping it up. For the past 3-4 months or so, there has been an increased sense of urgency in my life and I can't be 100% sure what it is, but I believe the Lord is warning me, so that's when the submissive wife thing came about. Over these past couple of months, I have seen God work and deal and take care of me on the side. I get this picture in my head of God having to deal with stuff, but all the while, He's hiding me behind Him as though He's protecting me from some wrath that He's getting ready to dish out. I don't know what all is going on, but I believe Him. And not long into the submissive wife thing came about, the Lord just told me He'd take care of me. One way was with groceries. The first test of the submissive wife thing was hubby getting laid off. I almost wanna say a week after I told the Lord I'd do whatever it is He wanted me to do as a wife, hubby got laid off. Naturally, I'd make suggestions and try to convince my hubby that there's a company here or there that probably still wants you...you know those innocent suggestions. But I didn't say anything, just tried to do what I told the Lord I would do, but He knew that one of my concerns was feeding my family. Looking back now I'm thinking,"Duh, dummy, He knows we need to eat and He cares more about feeding us than I care about feeding us!" But man, at the time, it was rough. So, what does the Lord do? He provides of course! Someone at church for about a month had been slipping money into my Bible. God forgive me for ever doubting your ability to care for me and provide for me! The thing that gets me so much is the fact that He is God...He does NOT have to prove anything to me one bit, yet he does it anyway...Praise the Lord! Before the Lord gave us all that money, you know what I did? I went off and bought a bunch of produce that was on sale...and as I was buying it, I had a thought come in my mind,"Don't buy this..." But what does idiot do? BUYS IT! Well, that was a Friday...it was halloween...Saturday a family that drives 100 miles down to Charleston every Saturday to go to church on Sunday brought those EXACT items that I bought...and GAVE them to me for FREE!! Isn't that just like my Lord? When they showed up at church with all the produce from the farmers' market, it's like the Lord was whispering in my ear,"Didn't I tell you not to buy that? Didn't I say I'd take care of you?" God is so good...He is so merciful...this is not the first time this happened either! A long time ago while the Gades were still on deputation (i don't know if i spelled that right), another family was going out of town while they were here...so that family gave all their groceries that would have just went bad to them to bring over to our house because they were going to be staying with us for a while. I remember clear as day, the Gade girls all coming in with groceries the day I went grocery shopping with everything I had just bought that I was going to use for their visit...and while I was shopping, I heard that voice saying,"Don't buy that..." Oh the blessings we miss out on due to impatience and disobedience! God help me...O Eave of little faith! And since we're counting blessings, I have to share yet another proof of God's love toward me...we have all had those times when we want something, but you don't feel right about asking the Lord for it because it's not really something we need. Well, for a little while now, I've wanted a new sewing machine. My sewing machine is cheap, but it does the job...it gets frustrating because it messes up quite often, but still, it does the job. Obviously the Lord knew about that prayer I was hiding behind my back thinking, "Nah, I don't NEED a new sewing machine, but it would be nice to have one, but I don't want to ask the Lord for one because that'd just be being a brat or maybe asking amiss.." Anyways, I didn't ask the Lord for a new sewing machine, I just settled it in my mind that I'm just going to have to make do with what I have. Well, last Wednesday, we drove to Mississippi for Thanksgiving and my mother-in-law asks me if I want anymore material from hubby's grandmother who passed away earlier this year. So, I'm like, yeah, sure we'll take it...and then she asks if I want her sewing machine...and I coulda just cried. God provides for our needs and every now and then He takes us to the candy store! God help us! Praise His Name!
God is so good!
Well, alot has happened since my last update...one major thing has happened...hubby got laid off the week he returned from NJ. It's been almost a month. I think it was like October 3rd or something like that. At first it was a huge shock, but God's always good. It's amazing how trials will draw you closer to God. I'm ashamed to say that it takes so much for me to do right and praise God like I ought to. Since he's been laid off, home life has been turned completely upside down...I guess it's just a matter of adjusting to the extra presence in the home during school time! My natural tendancy is to tend to my hubby! So, lots of things have been slacking! Another major thing also took place...we had a revival at our church. Our Pastor from Norfolk, VA came and preached for us from Sunday through Thursday. It really was such a revival for me. A couple of years ago, I got this root of bitterness in me that just colored everything in my life. And I'd get dealt with and convicted but constantly, I'd ignore that still small voice within and eventually, I forgot all about it. In the process of time, I got me new pet sins. Well, seein's (that's a southern word!) that I am a child of the King, I didn't get very far...thank God for His infinite Grace and Mercy...I finally hit a point where I was sick of my sin and self and just started praying that God would purge me and search me. My spiritual "garden" needed some major weeding! Thank God so much that He will deal with His own. Needless to say, the past 6-8 months have been filled with spiritual and emotional battles big time and the revival was just the push I needed.
This was too good!
Just an Update
Well, it's been my usual month or so since I last posted any thing...so many things have been going on, it's just so hard to get on here to do stuff. You would think I'd have more time with hubby being in NJ, but I've been pretty much just as busy. My mother had a bunyan removed on Wednesday, so I've been helping out with her for the past few days. The kids are all doing well. We are on the last chapter of volume 1 of the Weaver so that's pretty exciting. I hear the first volume is pretty rough, but the rest are a lot smoother. I think that's why lots of people drop it during the first few chapters. I guess we'll find out soon enough. The kids have really taken off with their reading. I was having a hard time with my eldest as far as comprehension. I went ahead and talked to our pastor about it and all...and he said to find something he is really, really interested in and get some books on that topic that are just above his level. So, I found these Billy & Blaze books at the library and he has devoured them! I guess it's been about 2 or 3 weeks since he read the first Billy & Blaze book and ever since then we've checked out a good 30 or 40 horse books. One of these days I'll get our Human Body Lapbook up on here, but as of right now, we're just so busy! Sorry, Katie!
Modern Science Catches Up to the Bible
We have recently finished the Human Body chapter in the Weaver Vol.1 and I am utterly convinced that all these "gene" discoveries are REAL! Yes, I said real... :o) But hear me out a second. I don't read the articles about the reason Mr. X is a drunk is because it's in his genes.....or the reason Mr. Y is a pedophile is because it's in his genes...or the reason Mr. Z beats his wife is because it's in his genes...it seems to me that all these people are just trying to find an excuse to live sorry and at the same time ease their conscience without actually removing the sin that so stains their blood. In Genesis 4:10 blood is crying...so, yeah, blood will tell things--DNA evidence speaks volumes in courts today. Leviticus 17:11 says that the life of the flesh is in the blood. Blood is just absolutely amazing. Hebrews 9:13-14 says For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? There is only one way to purge your conscience and that is through the blood of Christ, but what makes Chist's blood different? What you believe about Jesus Christ will color everything in your mind...I seem to forget the fact that not everyone believes that Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh...so, here are some verses proving that He is... Hebrews 1:1-3 "God...hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person,..." If you keep reading in that chapter you will find out that God says some things to His Son that He has never said to any angel...Hebrews 1:8 says,"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Just in case there's any question about the Son, here's some more verses... Matt. 17:4-8,"Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. So back the subject at hand...the reason Jesus' blood is different is because it is God's blood. God's blood is pure and clean. Judas confirms that for us in Matt. 27:4. Judas... "Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." God's blood is pure & clean & innocent. Ours is not,"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 Sin is what taints our blood and that is why it is only the blood of Christ that can cleanse us...2 Corinthians 5:21 says,"... he (God) hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who (Jesus Christ) knew no sin..." Daniel 12:4 says,"...many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." I believe technology can be included in this verse...knowledge to increase in technology. The only thing these "scientists" are proving is the fact that our blood is tainted with sin...I didn't need a high-powered microscope to tell me that! I just needed to believe the Bible! So, to those who have the alcoholic gene...guess what that proves? Your blood is tainted! Ephesians 1:7 says,"...we have redemption through his (Jesus') blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace..." 1 John 8-9 says,"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
God's Protective Hand!
These past couple weeks have been crazy! JR got sick the day after his 6th birthday. He had been complaining all day of headache and nausea, but he didn't tell me until that afternoon that he bumped his head on the fireplace. I'm guessing because he wasn't supposed to be on the fireplace! Being the mother that I am, I got worried enough to take him into the doc. Keep in mind, I did NOT see him or hear him hit his head on the fireplace, so for all I know, he could have a fractured skull or something. When I found out he bumped his head, I checked for a knot and there wasn't one, so that kinda made it worse. I had heard that if they don't get a knot and they bump their head pretty hard, that it could be a bad sign. Anyways, I took him in to the doc and turned out to just be a coincidence. Well, exactly one week later, Kevin comes down with something. He starts complaining about a headache and sore throat. That is so the last time I'm taking them to the docs unless it's absolutely necessary! It seems like we always leave the place with more than what we came in with! He ran a 104 fever for a few days and was just really not doing well at all. But after what happened with JR the week before I thought I'd implement my friend's "7-day rule." They don't have insurance...and I'm guessing it's been a while since they've had insurance, but she is really big into herbs and she is really knowledgeable when it comes to that stuff...anyways...she doesn't take her kids in to see a doc until they've had whatever it is for 7 days. I guess most minor things don't last 7 days and most major things would last longer. I'm glad I didn't take him in on Monday because he started to feel better that night and it had only been 5 days. They're all doing much better. It appears that they may have picked up some type of ring worm from the doctor's office, though. Anyways, about God's protective hand...these past few months have been quite a struggle for me...physically, emotionally, spiritually...just all the way around, yet God in His infinite mercy is just still so good to me & my family. Sean has been building a tree house for the boys. He's just been working on it here and there when he has time. He finished the frame for the floor a little while ago and on Monday he went to go work on it some more. I don't know why he did this...I wasn't out there, but he turned it up on it's side and then left it there to go get something. He turns around and there it goes. JR was standing right in front of it. Sean turned just in time to see it falling in slow motion but was too far away to get to him in time. Have no fear, God's at work here! JR was right in between the studs. The thing just brushed his back. It left a huge bruise, but it didn't actually "hit" him. Had he been just an inch over on either side the thing would have hit him square on the head and we might not have a JR today...or at least not a very well JR. Praise God! Thank God for his wonderous care and mercy! I am reminded of a verse in Philippians...chapter 2 verse 27: For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Ready or Not!
Well, it's July and we still have yet to start school. I don't think I'll ever be as prepared as I'd like to be so I guess I'll just take it like that first day of hot weather when you think the water might be just warm enough to swim in! You feel the water and think,"Hmmmm...feels ok..." and then hubby comes up behind you and pushes you in....takes a minute for you to get used to, but after a few minutes, you feel pretty good...just needed that push! I'm hoping things won't be as busy this year as it was last year, but it seems like every year, someone needs a place to stay! I thoroughly enjoy having people over! We love company! I'm just not sure how much of us most people can handle! Anyways, these past couple months have been some of the most trying times of my life...(isn't it always?!)...it's been dark and gloomy and the battles have got me just plain out beat. But Praise the Lord for victory! I just recently spoke to a very, very, very, very dear friend of mine over the phone and it was such a blessing talking to her. These past few months I've just been asking the Lord why I am going through what I'm going through? Of course, I didn't get the answer right when I wanted it, but I got it nonetheless. And now I see why I go through what I go through. Why I have to keep in the fight..."But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Galatians 6:14) The Bible says in 2 Corithians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. This dear friend of mine is going through almost the same exact thing that I have been going through and that's why we go through what we go through. We really do need eachother so much...Praise the God of all comfort! I thank God so much that I have someone that can completely relate to me and what I'm going through....I'm not psychotic all by myself!! ;O) Thinking about the things that I've been through, I don't know how people survive without the Lord Jesus Christ. How do people keep from just blowing their brains out? I could not imagine a life without the Comforter...actually, I can...I remember what it was like. I remember spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. I remember trying to find fulfillment in a job, in school, in close friends, relationships....and I also remember getting burnt by every single thing that I tried to find fulfillment and satisfaction in. There is no fulfillment and satisfaction outside of my Saviour!
Satisfied
All my life long I had panted Chorus
Feeding on the husks around me, Chorus
Poor I was, and sought for riches, Chorus
Well of water, ever springing, Chorus
CHORUS
Vacation Is Almost Over?!
I can't believe our "summer vacation" is almost over! We've been done with school since May and, Lord willing, we should be starting school around the 1st of July. I want to try to start at least by July 7th, but I think we need to go ahead and start earlier. This past school year ran over our "projected" date by about 2 months! I guess it's not so bad considering we had a family of 5 living with us for 3 months and I had alot of medical issues. At least we finished before our deadline! I'm surprised I'm actually blogging right now...it's not been a month yet! When school starts back up, I won't have much time to get on here...hopefully! Hopefully I won't be wasting my time away on the computer!! We have a new rule that's helped my husband & I both...no computer time while the kids are awake! Of course, I'm usually the one breaking the rules, but it's getting better. Bad habits are hard to break!
Random Thoughts :o)
Well, we just got back in town from Norfolk, VA and we had such a great time! It was so great seeing everyone and meeting some new people. I sure do miss being back up there. When we first started going to Bible Believers in Norfolk, they were meeting in a store front, now they have a building & a few acres...all completely paid off! The Lord just handed it over to them! Who says we don't have an able God? I'll never forget the day I called Pastor Tim MacDonald...Sean was out to sea and I had just finished calling several churches...interviewing pastors, asking a bunch of questions...but all but one had not enough character to be straight forward with me. After a few phone calls to several churches, I finally got witty. I'd ask about which Bible they used & what kind of music they played and they'd all just "kinda" believe in the King James and most didn't want to say that they played old-fashioned hymns....but then I called this one...I asked,"Y'all don't believe in that King James Bible, do you?" Pastor MacDonald boldly answered that they did and that it is the only Bible. Most other churches said they believed in the King James...they'd use it to preach out of, but they'd study from other perversions, so the questions weren't going to stop just yet. I forget all the questions I asked, but I do remember asking about the kind of music they sung there and kinda made it seem like I was looking for a church that did the contemporary music. To my surprise, he basically said that the new contemporary stuff was junk and it was just as ungodly as the rest of the world's music only with a "Jesus Spin" on it. So then, I said,"OK, sounds great, where y'all at?" It's a shame that you have to do that just to find a sound truly Bible believing church. I don't remember all the details of the conversation, but I'll never forget how he showed so much character by not beating around the bush or tip-toeing. When we got to Bible Believers, we were newly saved, newly married and we had a new baby. Looking back, that church is where we did a lot of our "growing out of the infancy stage" as far as our "Christian" walk is concerned. We were only there for about 2 years, but in that short amount of time, we learned so much. To this day, the Lord uses events from that time in our lives to show us something new about ourselves...and it's been about 5 years! I always dread visiting the church up there because I am so ashamed at how I'd acted when I was there...and the devil just keeps whispering in my ear that everyone there hates you and no one wants to see you...but I'm glad I listen to my hubby every time when it comes time to visit VA again! Hind sight is always 20/20, isn't it?! The devil's always messing with me about my past & my future....arg... Speaking of the future...the election is drawing near...and things have never seemed more bleak for our country. I'll never forget the story that my Social Studies teacher told our class about...it was about how 1 person can make a difference. It's funny how people will preach all day how just 1 person can make a difference...if 1 person picks up their trash...if 1 person does this or does that for the good of the environment...yet on the other hand, they'll vote for a democrat or a republican just because they're the ones that have a chance at winning and they don't want to waste their vote on some unknown person from some not so known party. I wonder how many hundreds of people do that...why not vote for the one you can be in line with? Why all of a sudden "following the crowd" is ok? All through out elementary school & even high school, you hear sayings like,"Go against the grain"..."stand for right, even if you stand alone"..."if the whole school jumped off the Empire State Building, would you do it too?"...all that stuff. Why were they saying that? Was it all just talk? I guess example really is the best teacher...what exactly am I teaching my kids?...how to be a hypocrite?...hmmm...speaking of hypocrites & politics...I got this video over e-mail & it's great! I would encourage everyone to take the time to look at it. June is here & that means school is starting soon! We had such a rough school year last year that I think we're going to start a little later than usual. Sean has given me the go ahead to postpone the next school year until I'm completely prepared...hmmm...I guess that means we won't be doing school EVER! lol Just kidding...that would be illegal...at least here in SC it would be!
I Feel Good!
Wow, I cannot believe all of April & half of May has already gone by! Time stops for no one! Well, we have finished up school for the year & I have to say, it was very packed with more "life lessons" than "academic lessons." I don't think it went as well as I would have liked it, but Lord willing, next year will be better! So many things have been going on...at the end of April, we through a surprise party for our Pastor & his wife for their 25th anniversary...and the week before that party, my sister had me make 4 or 5 poodle skirts for her shop...needless to say, that was one of the most hectic weeks of my life! It seems like at every corner there's birthday party, there's people coming in from out of town that need a place to stay, there's our week to clean the church...there's piano lessons, birthday parties...cooking, cleaning, laundry...not to mention all the spiritual battle we go through on a daily basis. One of these days I'll get a grip! Anyways, I would personally like to Praise the Lord for several things...but mainly health right now. Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse by a very reputable doctor. In January, during our watch night service, I had a severe episode of the usual chest pain that I've experienced for the past 12 years. The theory was, since my valve wasn't closing all the way, the blood would flow backwards for a second and my heart would adjust itself and that's what was causing the pain. Twelve years ago, I was 16...they said we could do corrective surgery to fix it if it began to interfere with my life...well, I refused the surgery and went on with the pain. This past January, I thought I was seriously having a heart attack or something...I had sharp chest pains, it hurt to take a breath, my arm went numb...everything...so I went to the ER, followed up with my Family Doc who then sent me to a cardiologist. He ran every test on me he could and it turns out that I don't have Mitral Valve Prolapse! Thank God I didn't opt for heart surgery! Praise the Lord! For awhile there, I started to get a little depressed thinking maybe I was just nuts these past 12 years, but I know I felt those pains so it wasn't too bad. The ER doc that I saw that night was the first person to ever mention it being a skeletal-muscular-related thing...so, I thought,"Ok, where'd you get your degree?..." But I went home and Googled it and sure enough there is actually such thing as this chest pain being caused by a pinched nerve. Well, I get to the chiropractor and he does an x-ray and does some extremely painful poking and prodding. Turns out, I had some type of whip lash type trauma...not a clue what he's talking about...anyways...I think I'm on my second or third week with him and I feel great! I have not felt this good in a long time. And the past 6 months before I started seeing him were like the worse. At first when I started seeing him, I thought,"Why am I doing this?" I am actually surprised at myself that I actually came back because my first visit was with a "substitute" and she put a hurtin' on me like you wouldn't believe! Even after seeing him a couple times, I was hurtin' bad. I would sit in his office and think,"What am I doing here? This is causing so much pain...it feels like he's just making it worse..." I even sat on his "death table" crying because I was in so much pain and I felt like a lost cause...thoughts started flooding my mind...like I'm just always going to be in some sort of pain and I'm never going to be normal...but now, it's like, wow...I'm glad I stuck it out. The only thing now is getting used to the Doctor. Seeing's I come from a military family and I married into the military, doctors definitely don't have the greatest reputation. It takes alot for me to trust someone...and this doctor does this crazy thing with my neck that I just keep thinking...hmmm...."I hope he don't mess this one up because there will not be an Eavey here if he does...either that or I'll be paralyzed from my neck down..." The first thing he tells me is 90% of this is going to be on your ability to relax...SO NOT THE RIGHT THING TO SAY TO ME! Anyways...here's his website...for some reason my doc,Dr. Bryan Lima, is not on the website, but I know he's there...I saw him with my own two eyes! :o) Maybe next time I go in, I'll grill him on his background or something! j/k lol I did get to ask him today how long he'd been doing this and he said 10 years, so...I guess the saga will continue...considering the pattern below...I guess I'll be back next month! Maybe after my 12th visit, I'll have some more good news!
Babies & Surgery
Yet another eventful past couple of months! Since my last post, the MacDonalds have moved out and I have been all sorts of busy just getting back to normal. School has been light, but school nonetheless. The website has been moved to the bottom of my list of priorities, but today, I got a long, late nap, so I'm wide awake at 11pm! Today, my middle child had his tonsils and adenoids removed. About a month ago, I took him in for his 5 year check up and enquired about Zyrtec for his allergies and found out along the way that he had sleep apnea. For as far back as I could remember he's always snored and slept the way he does. After that appointment, I made it a point to observe his sleeping and sure enough, he stops breathing for a few seconds every couple minutes. I never would have diagnosed it as sleep apnea, but I really don't know much about sleep apnea to say anything...I just always thought he was holding his breath in his sleep and that's just the way he is. We have always kinda picked and laughed about the way he snored. Now that we know why he snored the way he did, it wasn't so funny anymore. Ever since the doc said he's got sleep apnea all I could think about was the mercy of God. These five years that we've had him and he's not drifted off into eternity. Apparently, sleep apnea has serious long-term effects. The sleep apnea diagnosis definitely explains ALOT of things that we've been through with him....one obvious one is sleep. Of all my children, he's the one that sleeps the longest. We've always said,"Man, that boy loves his sleep!" He's always the first to fall asleep and the last to wake up. And he seems to be in a constant state of sleepy. Ever since we heard sleep apnea, my nerves have been shot. I've been checking on him more, but I'm an idiot because for five years, God has allowed us to keep him! God, help me trust You more! I guess He could take him at any point He sees fit, but I knew this case was me not trusting my Saviour. The procedure didn't take but 20 minutes or so, but it was probably one of the longest 20 minutes of my life. All I could think about was if he was scared and crying and I'm not there to console him. When I walked into the recovery room, it was horrible! I'd never seen my babies in such a way. His eyes were sunken in and he was wincing as though he had been crying the whole time. And he was sucking on a popsicle as though it was for his life. The defensive mother in me just thought,"They better not have yelled or talked mean to my child!" It's one thing for an authority that I trust gets firm with him because he's getting out of line, it's another thing for a complete stranger to get firm with him while he's in pain. I did learn a few things...and it opened up a door with my oldest son. I learned that in life, necessary things are oftentimes very painful. During the appointment to the ENT, my oldest son understood before my middle child that he was going to have surgery and he about started crying right then. Last night, I got a good opportunity to talk to my eldest about some of the things that we have to go through are going to be painful, but we have to go through them. I would not be a good mom if I let him go through life with sleep apnea knowing that it could have been fixed early. "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth." Lament. 3:27. Oftentimes, we think that protecting our children from every pain and every hurt is love, but it's not. That's actually hurting them in the long run. If anything, it's probably more selfishness on our part...we don't feel like dealing with the crying or the awkward or tough conversations, so we'd just rather them not go through things. That doesn't teach them to bear the pain. What adult in their right mind can say that life is pain free? How is sheltering them preparing them for real life and reality? Boy, does it ever hurt to see them go through things that are painful, but oh, how needful it is. Sure, the hurt begotten by foolishness, yeah, that's needless. We recently ordered a DVD from www.keepersofthefaith.com and it's pretty good. It's called Mr. Fix-it and one of the stories that Mr. Fix-it reads to the children was of Moses. One of the things he said was so true...sometimes we as parents forget that we could be raising the next president or some other important person. Did the parents of the great men of history and the Bible (Jesus excluded) really know that their child was going to do some great thing that could effect the whole world? God help us to raise men and women of character, honor, integrity....something the upcoming generation is severely lacking. I am a good example of having not been trained properly in life. When I got married, I did not know how to cook...that's great for a hungry husband who's mother is an awesome cook! Another thing I was not prepared for was death. No one close to me has ever died. I've not really known anyone very personally who has died. My grandmother died when I was in high school, but I didn't know her very well. I think the last time I talked to her was 4 or 5 years before she died, but we didn't even live in the same state. Recently, we had a death in the family... my husband's grandmother. She is probably the first person in my life that I actually talked to and knew that has gone into eternity. And I had no idea how to even comfort my husband and children...how frustrating it was. It was so surreal when we found out she was gone. I could just picture in my mind that this person that I knew...that was alive just the day before was now in eternity. The very second she passed away, she faced her Creator.
The Story of My Life--Busy!
Well, whole month has already passed since I last put something in here! I can't believe how time is just flying on by! This week by itself has been a hectic week. Sean spent a couple nights in Columbia for work. He ended up finally coming home on Friday. Today, he got called in again and he's still not home as of 7pm. Lord willing things should start slowing down for him...for us! The Macdonalds have been here since the first week of January and I have to say, it doesn't feel like it's been that long at all. We've come up with somewhat of an arrangement for dinner. We alternate weeks for dinner. Which that's a blessing because we each get to take a break from cooking dinner for a whole week. And she can cook! I've not had a meal yet that I didn't care for! I'm trying to get a recipe book together for a newly wed young lady from our church and Sister Renee wanted to put some in too, so what am I gonna say no? Well, after she got finished putting in a few recipes, I went through the book and thought,"Hmmm...maybe I could just keep this thing?!" Several of the ladies from church have written in a recipe. I think it's going to be nice. The thing I like the most about it is the fact that the ladies wrote in the book, so all the recipes are in different types of handwriting. It kinda makes it more sentimental. I can't forget about school...we've finally started Chapter 12 in Volume 1 of the Weaver and it's been a blast so far. I have been dragging my feet alot lately, but the kids seem to be doing fine. They're only in K5 & 2nd grade, so I figure they don't have to memorize the parts of a cell just yet! ;o) But it has been a good bit of work. I'm still unable to upload pics to the website right now, so I'll try to get pictures of the Jell-O Cell we made. We ended up doing it with the Mac Donalds and it was fun! All the kids enjoyed munching on the extra "parts" of the cell. My favorite was the gummy worms! Although, they didn't care for it the next day after the Jell-O had set! It just occured to me that my firstborn will be in 3rd grade, my second in 1st grade and my baby baby in Pre-K...I could cry! Sean was messing with me about it earlier and I can't believe it! I wish they could stay babies forever, but I know there's a time where I have to let them grow up. Lord willing my baby baby will be potty trained soon and I will be without diaper changing sessions--woo hoo...what will we do with all the money we're going to save?! The kids also had their first Contenders for the Faith meeting yesterday. That was exciting! I remember being at the old church building watching the boys do their Contenders stuff and thinking,"Wow, my Kevin is going to be in that when he gets older! I can't wait!" And now, here it is! Thank God so much for faithful brethren. I remember Brother Chris doing this thing when Kevin was a newborn. He'll be eight years old this year. I've only been saved for about 10 years now (whoa, that was wierd), but in the past 2 or three years or so, I've seen some Christians drop out of the race and it has really made me appreciate the faithful more than ever. If I could say a few things to those who have fallen by the way side, I'd say,"Come on back!" The devil knows how to work his magic. When you're doing right or at least striving to do right, he'll tempt you with some sin..."Awe, come on, it's ok, it's just this one time...you can get back..." Then next thing you know it one turns into 100. When you finally look up and try to get back into the race, that's when he tells you,"You can't get back...look at yourself, you're a sorry excuse for a Christian." MAN, IT'S A LIE! Just like everything else he's ever whispered in your ear! What a blessing to see that there are families still striving, still keeping in the fight! I guess this should be expected considering the ten lepers that were healed, but only one came back and thanked Jesus. Another thing I appreciate about those that are still in the race is their realness. I think alot of us are tempted to drop out of the race because we think we're the only one going through the trials and tribulations--yet another lie from hell. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:6-9 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." Life is too hard for fakeness. Be real and read your Bible! It'll help you and others in the long run! One thing we try to do is be real. We got problems just like everyone else...if you ain't got none, you gotta problem! ;o) To those of you reading this and are still in the fight or are just getting back into the fight...I say,"Fight-On"..."Keep on the Firing Line"..."Fight the good fight!" "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58 You also don't know who's watching you and how much strength other people are really drawing from you! If you don't stay in for the Lord & yourself, at least stay in for others!
Wow! It's 2008
I cannot believe that it's already 2008! It seems like just yesterday I was getting married! We will have been married 9 years this coming November. Whoa...that's crazy! Our Pastor read something by Doug Philips at church for our "watch night" service that I thought was great. I don't really read all of the articles from Vision Forum, but I do pay attention if it's important enough for my Pastor to read it to us during church. Obviously we can't do everything on this list, but by God's grace, I think I might try it. >Here's< a link to it.
Remembering X-Mas
With the X-mass season being upon us, I thought I'd post a couple things I thought were great. Our song leader found this song and had us sing it this past Sunday night. I don't know the title of it, but it's really good: Do you worship the babe in the manger
If you worship the babe in the manger
Will you look past the babe in the manger?
Chorus
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Twas the Night Jesus Came
--AUDRY PATRICIA WOOLVERTON I thought I'd post my thoughts on >X-mass< here, but instead, I'll just post a link for those who would like to know. For those of you who don't, I won't bore you with the "details!" I attempted to us as much "non-biased" sources as possible, but those are next to impossible to find. I also recommend this book: The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop.
Noah Remembers
Well, we are drawing near the end of our Solar System chapter (Vol.1 Ch.10A) and I'm severely irritated at USC. I finally got a hold of someone and apparently they were closed for renovations, but didn't post it on their website or say anything about it in their voicemail! Go figure! So, Lord willing, we're going to try to go up in January. They open back up the second week of January. Maybe the kids will remember some of the things we've gone over. I know Noah is doing so good in "school!" He's only 3, yet he remembers so many things that you would think he wouldn't remember. He's got several of the names of the planets memorized! Which is good for me when he shows himself in front of Daddy! There was a point where my hubby wanted me to go back to a more traditional way and change curriculums...mainly because of "insecurity." Occasionally, he'll feel like our kids are not doing well or not able to compete with public school children, but he eventually comes to himself and realizes that the kids are doing great. I mean how many 3 year-olds know the difference between a mammal and an amphibian? We have a set of books on just animals that each feature two animals. Noah picked two up one day, held them up to me, pointed to the frog and said,"Mama, this is not a mammal." Then he pointed to the fox and said,"This is a mammal." I thought it was the cutest thing. And today, we were sitting on the sofa reading and he starts pointing to the planets and naming some of them off. Kevin & JR pretty much know which planets are which. Kevin can name them in order. They've all definitely loved the lapbooking for this chapter. I've really enjoyed this chapter! I'm a little leary about chapter 11, though. I'm utterly confused! I guess I should try looking at it when it's quiet! For those of you in the same vacinity as Charleston, SC, there's going to be a major meteor shower on Thursday. Looks like there could be as many as 50 per hour. >Here's< a link for more info.
Sanity? Check!
Today was a "sane" day, as I'd like to call it. I didn't pull my hair out at the end of the day and we actually got a good little bit accomplished as far as school and around the house. Something funny happened in school today...it would be sad if he wasn't a curious seven year-old. We were doing our Bible study with the Weaver and the "topic" was God knows everything about everything, God cannot lie and God is never wrong...and also that just because we didn't know about it, doesn't mean it isn't true or that it never happened. (Just a side note--my seven year-old takes after all the men on his father's side--he thinks he knows everything! lol) Well, we went on to talk about the Word of God and how the Bible says that "..the Word was God..." and "...the Word was made flesh..." (John 1) which is Jesus. So, since Jesus is God, then Jesus can never do wrong...and since God is the Word, then the Word can never be wrong either(this is where if a=b, and b=c, then a MUST also = c would apply). Well, the discussion went on and to "make it real" to them, I used the verse "Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood:..." Earlier in the year, we made butter as one of our projects. So, they remember and get all excited...and I'm like,"Ok, boys, well, did we need to find out that churning milk will bring butter by doing it ourselves? What's better: to wring your nose and find out that the Bible is true? Or can we just believe and have faith in God who is never wrong?" Of course, they give the correct answer and say that it's better to just believe the Word (God). Well, as I'm sitting here talking about having faith and telling them that faith is acting upon the known will of God....and I'm asking them questions about jumping off the roof...and how faith is jumping when Daddy tells you to jump and that he'll catch you...faith is believing that Daddy is going to catch you and acting upon that faith by jumping...well, here's my seven year-old...doesn't seem to be giving me his undivided attention....instead he's sitting here literally wringing his nose...so...what does my child have on his nose?? A subcutaneous hematoma--better known as a bruise...which is blood brought forth to just below the surface of the skin. It is amazing how unbelieving my child is! His excuse is he's a curious seven year-old. How many people out there have been face to face with the Truth ("Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6), yet still refuse to believe. As I've said before, I used to be some what of a drunkard....yet all my life, I had the answers within reach. One of the things about life that we try to teach our kids is that there is an instruction manual...it's called the King James Bible! Do we have to find out about drunkeness by getting drunk? NO! And considering I have all boys, do they need to find out about a whore by sleeping with one, or can they just believe the Word of God and know just as much?! If you really think about it, how much more can the man that contracted some STD know than the man that just believed the Bible. I guess he can know the pain and that's knowing more about how horrible a disease can be, but who wants that? Wouldn't it have been better to not live with the pain and still come out knowing just as much? God gave us His word to help us out--USE IT & BELIEVE IT, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! It could save you from a lot of pain and sorrow! It'll definitely save you from hell! I've heard an old saying several times, but I don't know who said it...."Morals will keep a man out of jail, but it takes the Blood of Jesus to keep him out of hell..." True indeed, true indeed! "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them (the words of the Lord), O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." (Psalm 12:6-7) Why not believe on them?!
"And you homeschool?"
Well, it's been quite a hectic month--and it's just going to get busier! Lord willing, I'll be getting pictures up of our current lapbooks. It's only the second one that I've done, so it's taking some getting used to, but I'm getting the hang of it. Lord willing, this week, we'll be finishing up our extra long unit on the Stars/Planets/Solar System..etc. I've been trying to get in touch with the observatory in Columbia, but haven't had any response yet...I wonder if they know we're LSU fans?! LOL I forgot to write something important about our trip to MS...I got a nice little compliment (well, I took it as a kind of big compliment really)...one of my sisters-in-law told me that she has much respect for what we are doing with our kids. She doesn't homeschool her kids, but she teaches at their school. Teaching anyone really does take alot of strength and courage...discipline...etc. Personally, I'm not too keen on the idea of being in a room for eight hours, out-numbered 30 to 1 by 3-foot miniature peoples! I think I'd go insane! :o) I've got my hands full with just my three! But on a more serious note...I really do appreciate comments like that! It encourages me to try to do my best and keep on and don't quit! And on a less serious note...later on during our visit...we were watching something on National Geographic or something like that about Mt. McKinley (ehem, did I spell that right?! LOL), but I had not a clue where Mt. McKinley was...all I knew was that it is a mountain! Well, when I asked, I got the,"What?! You don't know about Mt. McKinley?!" from my hubby and my father-in-law. So, my quick response was,"Hey, cut me some slack, I'm a product of SC public school education!" So, naturally, the response from my father-in-law was,"And you homeschool?" :o) Oh well, go figure! And he wasn't mean about it or anything, I just thought it was funny! I thought for sure I was going to get out of that one with the last word! On a more serious note...Praise the Lord! I was a product of "the world," but now I'm a child of the King. I got saved as a senior in high school. It's been almost 10 years, but I remember that morning as though it was just yesterday. I stand amazed everyday at God's mercy and grace. If you'd told me 10 years ago that in 10 years I'd be a stay-at-home-homeschooling-Christian-mama, I'd told you, you was insane! First off, I didn't want kids! Second, I was a "I am woman, hear me roar" kinda gal! And I was very career minded. I was a heavy drinker & a druggie, but now, I'm a new creature! Thank God for His mercy!
Return Home
Just got back last night from a week at my in-laws' house and it was quite eventful! They live in Brandon, MS. The first night we were there, we headed over to the shop that my in-laws' own (Bruster's Ice Cream--they have the best ice cream ever!) and in the parking lot, my very excited 3 year-old ran across the street as fast as he could and did a face plant right into the concrete! Of course he had the biggest smile on his face, so when he face planted, he chipped his two front teeth and scraped some skin off of his upper lip! Poor guy! I guess it was mainly eventful for the little one! I don't remember if it was that night or if it was the next night, but one of the cats came into the room where me, hubby & Noah--the youngest, were sleeping. My boys have always loved animals, but they do still have that good, healthy fear of them. Well, the cat is on it's way out in the middle of the night and wakes Noah up. At this time Noah sits up in his bed (a little baby mattress sitting on the floor), pulls his little knees up to his chest, holds the blanket up to his face and whispers at me about the cat. At this point, the cat is just standing at the doorway looking at Noah, but Noah's afraid to move. As soon as the cat took a step, Noah bolted over to our bed and tries to climb up, but when he saw the cat leave, he went right on back to his bed. On Tuesday, my hubby takes his nephew on the four-wheeler and goes so fast that he made him throw up as soon as he got off! Poor Tucker! This year, Sean's brothers & sister were not able to come up with thier families for Thanksgiving, so it was just us there with my mother- and father-in-law. We were able to go down to New Orleans on Friday to visit one of his brothers and that was nice. I love thier new house. They just got this house a little while after Katrina hit and it is nice. I love my sister-in-law's decorative talent! While we were gone, a family from our church that's moving from out of state, stayed at our house...took care of our animals and all. They're great! I came home and found my house completely spotless. I was a little embarassed at first, though! lol I mean, they did a deep cleaning on my house! It is so rare for my house to be this clean, I just want to savour the moment! They even cleaned my sliding glass door...INSIDE & OUTSIDE! Anyone who has dogs that stay outside knows that it's about pointless to clean the outside of the door! But we've not had an outside dog in a good while. We had a great dane & a german shepherd, but now we're down to the german shepherd, but she's inside. That door was actually one of the first things my kids noticed when we came home! (Thank you, Sister Renee!) Just a quick note about Sister Renee--she has helped me tremendously with the essential oils that she introduced me to. I have a medical condition that causes severe pain. To the point where when I'm having a "bout" with it, I wouldn't be able to move from a fetal position because of the pain. I started taking these oils that she recommended, the pain was gone! I started a "bout" the week before we left for MS and I went ahead and took the oils...normally the next morning I'd be doped up on darvocet and still be in so much pain, but that first morning was amazing! I had not an ounce of pain! When I started to feel the oils wearing off before I was due for my next dose, I'd go ahead and increase the dose the next night and then just take the same amount throughout the cycle until it had run it's course. Praise the Lord! Before all this, we had a wedding! Which was planned in about 1 week! Busy, busy, busy! And the weekend of the wedding was also the weekend of our chuch's revival with Brother Sam Gipp! Surely things will be settling down here soon!
Lazy Dayz!
Today has been quite a lazy day! Noah is still getting over his little cold and I've just been exhausted all day. I don't know what it is...maybe it's the weather! We are currently in Volume 1 Chapter 10 and we are thoroughly enjoying it! I got the lapbook planned out (somewhat) and the templates all made up for both kids and we are on our way. I thought it was great too, that this whole P17 thing happened during this unit. I'm excited about getting a telescope to see that thing...truly the handiwork of God. I found this constellation chart that's great. It's free and you can download it >here<. It's really neat, but it's kinda flimsy. I used cardstock and a couple of paper clips. It helps out alot if you don't know your way around the stars! |