Monday, January 31, 2011

Sunday, January 30, 2011

It Is Well With My Soul

For some reason the Lord put the hymn, It Is Well With My Soul, on my heart yesterday. I was trying to sing it all, but couldn't remember it. One thing I never forget, however, is how it was written. I thought I would share the story with you. The following was taken from Bible Study Charts if you want to look into even more information about the author and/or song.

This hymn was written by a Chicago lawyer, Horatio G. Spafford. You might think to write a worship song titled,'It is well with my soul', you would indeed have to be a rich, successful Chicago lawyer. But the words, "When sorrows like sea billows roll ... It is well with my soul”, were not written during the happiest period of Spafford's life. On the contrary, they came from a man who had suffered almost unimaginable personal tragedy.

Horatio G. Spafford and his wife, Anna, were pretty well-known in 1860’s Chicago. And this was not just because of Horatio's legal career and business endeavors. The Spaffords were also prominent supporters and close friends of D.L. Moody, the famous preacher. In 1870, however, things started to go wrong. The Spaffords' only son was killed by scarlet fever at the age of four. A year later, it was fire rather than fever that struck. Horatio had invested heavily in real estate on the shores of Lake Michigan. In 1871, every one of these holdings was wiped out by the great Chicago Fire.

Aware of the toll that these disasters had taken on the family, Horatio decided to take his wife and four daughters on a holiday to England. And, not only did they need the rest -- DL Moody needed the help. He was traveling around Britain on one of his great evangelistic campaigns. Horatio and Anna planned to join Moody in late 1873. And so, the Spaffords traveled to New York in November, from where they were to catch the French steamer 'Ville de Havre' across the Atlantic. Yet just before they set sail, a last-minute business development forced Horatio to delay. Not wanting to ruin the family holiday, Spafford persuaded his family to go as planned. He would follow on later. With this decided, Anna and her four daughters sailed East to Europe while Spafford returned West to Chicago. Just nine days later, Spafford received a telegram from his wife in Wales. It read: "Saved alone."

On November 2nd 1873, the 'Ville de Havre' had collided with 'The Lochearn', an English vessel. It sank in only 12 minutes, claiming the lives of 226 people. Anna Spafford had stood bravely on the deck, with her daughters Annie, Maggie, Bessie and Tanetta clinging desperately to her. Her last memory had been of her baby being torn violently from her arms by the force of the waters. Anna was only saved from the fate of her daughters by a plank which floated beneath her unconscious body and propped her up. When the survivors of the wreck had been rescued, Mrs. Spafford's first reaction was one of complete despair. Then she heard a voice speak to her, "You were spared for a purpose." And she immediately recalled the words of a friend, "It's easy to be grateful and good when you have so much, but take care that you are not a fair-weather friend to God."

Upon hearing the terrible news, Horatio Spafford boarded the next ship out of New York to join his bereaved wife. Bertha Spafford (the fifth daughter of Horatio and Anna born later) explained that during her father's voyage, the captain of the ship had called him to the bridge. "A careful reckoning has been made", he said, "and I believe we are now passing the place where the de Havre was wrecked. The water is three miles deep." Horatio then returned to his cabin and penned the lyrics of his great hymn.

The words which Spafford wrote that day come from 2 Kings 4:26. They echo the response of the Shunammite woman to the sudden death of her only child. Though we are told "her soul is vexed within her", she still maintains that 'It is well." And Spafford's song reveals a man whose trust in the Lord is as unwavering as hers was.

It Is Well With My soul


When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Importance of Modesty

I read a post on the issue of dressing modestly. This is something that I think about often because so many Christian women do not dress modestly even when attending church. We are determined to not only teach our girls how to dress modestly, but also act modestly and make it a heart issue. If you feel led, please check out the link.

The Importance of Modesty

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Apple Cobbler

I love when I come up with a recipe and it turns out just absolutely yummy! Tonight was one of those nights. I had an idea for a cobbler using my canned apples and so I had out three different recipe books and picked and chose from those recipes and incorporated my own ideas to come up with something new. I only made a 9x9 pan, but I should have made more! I wish I would have thought about taking a picture of it so I could post the picture as well, but I was still unsure of how it was going to turn out.

Apple Cobbler

Ingredients:
1 quart canned apples                                            1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water                                                        2 tbsp corn starch
2 cups flour                                                           4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt                                                               2 tbsp sugar
1 stick butter                                                         6 tbsp milk
cinnamon/sugar mixture

Drain syrup from canned apples into saucepan. Add sugar, water & cornstarch. Cook until thickened. Add apples and heat through. Pour into a 9x9 pan.

Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter. Add milk. Drop by spoonfuls to make 9 "biscuits" on top of apples. Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

I'm sure this would be equally yummy with canned peaches, pears, cherries, etc. You could even just use a canned pie filling and skip the step of making your own fruit mixture. The nice thing about making your own is you are in control of the ingredients. The apples were canned with cane juice crystals and I used cane juice crystals in the recipe. I also used spelt flour and goat milk to make the biscuits.

The next time I make this recipe, I'll be doubling it and making a 9x13 pan. Chad was disappointed to only get one biscuit and fruit for his dessert.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Psalm 25:4-7

4 Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.

6 Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD.

Remember when I talked about praying scripture over your own life and over the lives of your husband and children? Here is another part of scripture that I have prayed over my own life before and was brought back to it today. Not only did I read this scripture with a heart of prayer, but I also wrote it in my prayer journal.

We are told to ask the Lord for wisdom, but yet so many people don't do it. The Lord is faithful and will grant us understanding and wisdom if we ask. JUST ASK!

The Lord also tells us that when we ask for forgiveness of a sin, He forgets it just as if it was moved as far away as the east if from the west. He does NOT remember the transgressions of our youth. He will forever show mercy and lovingkindness to those who know and love Him.

Join me in this prayer today. Focus on the words and truly speak them from your heart.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Psalm 23

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.

We can put our complete trust in the Lord, our Shepherd! He provides security, He calms, He refreshes, and He is always there for us. He provides abundantly for our physical needs as well as His mercy. We will receive eternal blessings from our Lord. What a beautiful image of God, our Shepherd!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Figuring Life Out

What a powerful message reminding us to slow down and savor all God has for us!

Figuring Life Out

I will be on the lookout for the book that this is the advertising for. I think most mothers of young children need to remember to not get so wrapped up in the "necessities" of life and recognize, enjoy, and savor the moments that God has blessed us with.

Fixing His Words on our Children's Hearts

Some good ideas to help not only help Fix God's Words in our children's hearts, but in our own as well.

Fixing His Words on our Children's Hearts

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Psalm 20

Psalm 20

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2 May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
3 May He remember all your offerings,
And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah

4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your purpose.
5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stand upright.

9 Save, LORD!
May the King answer us when we call.

I was reading this Psalm today and got to thinking how this would be a good one to not only pray for myself, but to pray over my husband. If you have never prayed scripture over your husband, I highly suggest it. It is definitely a powerful thing to pray scripture for yourself, your husband, your children, or anyone else for that matter.

When I prayed this over Chad this morning, I replaced all the "you" and "your" with Chad's name. For the first time in a while, I could completely feel the Lord's presence with me in the room. I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit move.

It was also a great reminder to not put our trust in the things of this world (chariots and horses), but in the Almighty power of God. Just His name has more power than anything this world has to offer. He will rise you up and make you stand tall if you just put your faith and trust in Him and seek to do His will!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Passing the Vision to Our Daughers

Kelly Crawford wrote a post over at Raising Homemakers about Passing the Vision on to Our Daughters. It did a great job of reminding me of what God has called me to do and to set a good example for my girls. Being a Keeper at Home is truly a high and noble calling and what God calls us to be.

Psalm 18

Psalm 18: 1-3; 31-32; 46; 49

1 I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.

31 For who is God, except the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.

46 The LORD lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.

49 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles,
And sing praises to Your name.

Praise God! There is no one like Him! He is our strength! He is our shield! He is our rock! Share of His good works among ALL people! Sing praises to His name!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

What do you support?

Something has been really bugging me for some time and it just keeps getting worse. I'm beginning to think that maybe the Holy Spirit is telling me that I need to share it. This is something that I try to pay attention to because I don't want to support those who are against God.

Do you pay attention to where you spend your money? Do you know what the companies use their profits for? Do you realize what they offer and in some cases require of their "franchises" to carry? Do you know whether or not a company supports those things that God calls an abomination and discriminate against organizations that support God's work?

A couple of years ago when I found out that Walgreens and Rite Aid (the two major pharmacies in my area) not only provide the morning after pill, but require all pharmacists to carry it regardless of their personal beliefs, I quit shopping at their stores. I know many of you save money (and even make money) taking advantage of their deals, but is it worth it knowing you are supporting abortion? I can not, in good conscience, spend money at those stores.

Another one is Target. They will not allow any religious organization to stand outside their stores to sell their items or collect money, but they will bend over backwards to help any gay organization that asks. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't hate homosexuals, but I don't think my money needs to be going to support their cause.

The last one I found out about has bugged me the most because it is so widely known and accepted--The Girl Scouts. I have not allowed my girls to be a part of Girl Scouts because of their affiliation with Planned Parenthood, their support and indoctrination of homosexuality, and their disregard for religious activities. I have friends whose daughters are a part of Girl Scouts because they were a part of Girl Scouts as a child. I have friends who have leadership roles with Girl Scouts. These people think that they just won't participate in "those" activities and they will bring the message of Christ into things they do. That might be all well and good, but how much influence do you think they'll make? I say hit them where it hurts--the pocketbook. I recently read an article that most of the profits from the Girl Scout cookie sales goes to Planned Parenthood to not only support their quest in providing abortions, but also to pay for the "health" materials they give to Girl Scouts that include telling girls it is okay to be sexual because they are sexual beings. It is okay to masturbate, because they need to know their bodies. It is okay to have feelings for the same sex and to act on those feelings because that is how they were created. I'm sorry, but I can not in good conscience support any of that.

There may be companies out there that I spend money at that I don't know about what they put money toward, but I can guarantee you that when/if I find out they use money towards those things against God's Word, I will not be spending money there anymore. Some people say that they have to shop at those stores to save money and stay within budget. I say, God will provide for you if you support His kingdom, His work, and not those things He calls an abomination.

You have to make your own choices of where you choose to spend your money. That decision is between you, your husband and God. I just thought I would share what I've learned because I'm sure there are people who don't know just as I didn't for so long.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Books For Sale

As a home schooling Mom, I know the importance of spending your home school budget wisely. I also know how sometimes there just isn't the money to get the books you want. That is why I am listing some books that I no longer need. Most are priced 1/2 of new (some even more than that!). If you are in need of some books and don't have a large budget or like a good deal, please take a look.

Book Publisher/Title New Asking

Christian Liberty Press

Preschool Teacher Guide 6.99 -- 3

Liberty Mathematics, Level K Teacher’s Manual 5.99 -- 2

Liberty Mathematics, Level A Drill Book & Teacher’s Manual 14.98 -- 7

Adventures in Phonics, Level A Teacher’s Manual 7.99 -- 4

Building Spelling Skills, Book 1 & answer key 12.98 -- 6

Our Father’s World book and answer key 10.98 -- 5

History for Little Pilgrims & teacher’s manual 16.49 -- 5

(bound in a 3 ring binder because it fell apart)

Adventures in Phonics, level B teacher’s manual 7.99 -- 4

Building Spelling Skills, book 2 & answer key 12.98 -- 6

Language 2 answer key 6.99 -- 3

Adventures in Phonics, level C teacher’s manual 7.99 -- 4

Building Spelling Skills, book 4 & answer key 12.98 -- 6

God’s Gift of Language A, answer key & test packet 11.98 -- 6

God & Government: Issues in Biblical Perspective, Vol 2 14.95 -- 7

Manual of Christian Doctrine & Answer Key 18.98 -- 10

Lift Your Eyes on High & Teacher’s Manual 23.98 -- 12

Abeka

Our American Heritage 3, student workbook 13.50 -- 6

Rod & Staff

Patterns of Nature (2nd grade) & teacher’s manual 8.60 -- 4

World Teacher’s Press

Oral Languages, Grades 2-3 ?? -- 2

Modern Curriculum Press

Mathematics B Teacher’s Guide 30.50 -- 15

Phonics, Level B 9.29 -- 5

Bob Jones

American Literature for Christian Schools & Answer Key 43.49 -- 25

U.S. History for Christian Schools & Answer Key 44.04 -- 25

Reading for Christian Schools-6 ??? -- 5

Singapore Math

Primary Mathematics 1A textbook 9.90 -- 5

Primary Mathematics 1B textbook 9.90 -- 5

All prices as shown plus actual shipping via media mail.

Psalm 16

A Michtam of David.
1 Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD,
“You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
3 As for the saints who are on the earth,
“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god;
Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
Nor take up their names on my lips.

5 O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.

7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: When We Fail

Something I needed to hear (well, read!)!


A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: When We Fail: "Oh dear mothers-----we certainly have our days, don't we? We wake up, we have our grand plans and as soon as we step out of our beds the da..."

Monday, January 10, 2011

Loner

I have often classified myself as a loner (and many others would agree!). I enjoy being by myself for the most part. I enjoy having quiet to read, scrapbook, etc. I enjoy being able to accomplish things without interruptions. I never thought there was anything wrong with this; it is just the way I was created.

I guess that is why Lonely in Families really spoke to me. It made me understand how I, a loner, became a mother of 8 (soon to be 9). It made me realize that God is trying to shape me into someone who He can use to minister to others (when I would rather be left alone). I need to embrace these days of little time to myself and cherish and better utilize the alone time God does give me.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

More Like Jesus Would I Be

More like Jesus would I be, let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love--make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus, while I go, pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be; let my Savior dwell in me.

If He hears the raven's cry, if His ever watchful eye
Marks the sparrows when they fall, surely He will hear my call:
He will teach me how to live, all my sinful thoughts forgive;
Pure in heart I still would be--let my Savior dwell in me.

More like Jesus when I pray, more like Jesus day by day,
May I rest me by His side, where the tranquil waters glide.
Born of Him through grace renewed, by His love my will subdued,
Rich in faith I still would be--let my Savior dwell in me.

--Fanny J. Crosby

Monday, January 3, 2011

Not Following the Crowd

I have been struck lately with how differently I look at life from those around me. Some people say it is because I am saved and others are not. Others say it is because I'm at a different part of my journey with Christ than others. I don't find either of these as good explanations for what I feel.

I find that there are some people that I have some things in common with and other people that I have other things in common with, but I have yet to find another person (besides my husband) that looks at life the same as I do in all areas. At times it makes me feel alone. Sometimes it makes me feel odd. Sometimes it makes me wonder if it is worth the struggle to stand my ground. Whenever I begin feeling that way, I open my Bible to wherever I happen to open it and always am led to a verse that encourages me to stand for my faith.

I was talking to my husband the other day about being somewhere where I didn't feel I fit in (some place I used to feel very comfortable). I mentioned how maybe it wasn't the place for me anymore because I surround by people with different life views. He told me that maybe that is exactly where I should be and should stand up for my views and at least get them thinking about their own. I was truly convicted by this. How often do I keep my mouth shut to "keep the peace" instead of sharing my opinions with others? How often have I missed an opportunity to witness to someone because I was afraid of standing out?

We are called to lead a life that is holy and pleasing to God. It isn't for us to live a life pleasing to anyone else. We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. We are called to be transformed, not be conformed.

It seems like this is on the mind of many people lately as I have read a number of blog posts about this very topic. I wanted to share one of them with you as I thought it was very well written and honest. If you feel inclined, please read Be Who You Are.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

ORGANIZE

The beginning of a new year is a great time to reevaluate life. I read something that I'll be printing out to hang up to remind myself. The original author of it was not named, but I found it at one of my favorite blogs, Large Family Mothering.

ORGANIZE

Open your eyes to new faith-filled possibilities.

Recognize your need for order--God is the Lord of order!

Go for it! Get enthused and walk in the joy of the Lord!

Ask God for guidance through the power of His Holy Spirit--this is not just "housework"--this is a major part of your service to Him!

Now is the time to reclaim your home from frustration, chaos and fear!

It may take some work--but don't give up! Even if you are poor or on bed rest--ask God for creative ways to positively impact your home environment and encourage your loved ones.

Zero in on problem areas and think about centralizing things like shoes, baking supplies, toys, school supplies, paperwork, etc.

Expect the best--keep positive--and expect your family to be part of keeping things in order--don't forget to delegate and inspect!

Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 14:40

Psalm 1

Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

We are to take "delight in the law of the Lord." We are to focus on His law all the time. The only way to do that is to ready His Word, study His Word, and memorize His Word. If we do that, then our lives will show fruit "in it's season"--in His Timing. We need to remember that things aren't always going to happen when we want them to happen. We need to wait until God brings it all to fruition. We will also have our foundation in the Lord when we meditate on His Word; therefore, we won't be "like the chaff which the wind drives away."

It is amazing how many blessings we can see in just a short six verses of His Word. Imagine all the blessings He tells us about that we don't realize because we don't take the time to "meditate day and night."