Meant to be Modest-A Book Review & Giveaway

I recently received the book, Meant to be Modest by Nicole Crone to review. Nicole blogs at Children Are a Blessing.

I heard about her upcoming book while perusing her blog. Since I liked what I saw on the blog, I subscribed to receive updates and also sent her a message to see if she was looking for people to review her book. Modesty is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Since we have so many daughters, it is something that we have studied for a long time and I'm always interested in what others have to say on the topic.

I have to say that I truly enjoyed reading this book. It is short so it was an easy read. Even in my busy schedule, I was able to finish it in just a few days. I liked that there were thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter. She doesn't state her opinion and say that it is the only way. She stresses that modesty is going to look slightly different to each woman based on her convictions from the Lord.

She had me right from the beginning when she states in the introduction, "Our worth is found in Christ alone, and not in our outward appearance, like the world would like for us to so desperately believe."

This is the importance of modesty! Not only does a woman's lack of modesty mean that she doesn't have worth, but it also shows that we need to seek our approval from God and not man.

While most of what I read was not new to me (remember, I have been studying the issue of modesty for many years), she did introduce me to an thought that I hadn't thought before. Chapter 4 is on an "aha" moment she had herself while studying scripture and it is very thought provoking.

She also has insight on other scripture that I hadn't related to the issue of modesty before, but it all makes sense. I like how she digs deep into scripture and even into the original Greek words and their meanings. This all shows that she takes the issue of modesty seriously and hasn't just followed a crowd and its beliefs.

I will be having each of my girls read this for sure when they become teenagers. I may even choose to have my son read it some day.

Now, something exciting for you! She gave me a copy to give away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Proverbs 17:9 

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Continually bringing up an old hurt does no good. You show love by forgiving and then forgetting about it. Your love needs to be greater than the hurt or it will drive a wedge between you.

Get Out of Lock-down

Marriage Moment Monday-Build Your Marriage One Day at a Time

Do you desire a lifelong marriage?

I'm sure you do.

So. . . how do you achieve one?

Day by day.

A lifelong marriage is built of days. Just as a building is built brick by brick, step by step, so a marriage is built day by day.

Our every day doings may seem insignificant, but they are the building blocks. A little love shown every day will add up to a lot. Just as a little lack of respect or disinterest will slowly tear down a marriage.

Make sure you are using good bricks of love to build your marriage. O f course, you also want to build your house on the firm foundation of Christ.

It is never too late to start building your marriage. Start day by day. This is the base concept of the book The Love Dare. Take one day at a time and show some love!

Psalms 90:14

O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Show Mercy and Compassions

Mother's Wages

Mother's Wages

author unknown

If I could charge a cent each time

I washed my children's clothes

Or tied a shoe or gave a bath

Or wiped a runny nose

Or made a bed or acted as

Their judge or referee

It could be possible that I

Could live in luxury.

If I were paid a nickel

For each diaper that I pinned

For every Band-Aid I've applied

When arms and legs were skinned

For every toy that I've picked up

And put back in its niche

There wouldn't be a single doubt

That I could be quite rich.

If just one dime would be my fee

For giving them a pill

For making meals or wiping 

The milk they often spill

For darning scores of tiny socks

For fixing things they break

It wouldn't  be too long before 

A fortune I would make.

Although it's true I don't receive

A solitary cent

Yet I'm repaid in many ways

For all the times I've spent

Their smiles, their love is my reward

For this unending care

And I am richer, yes-by far!

Than just a millionaire.

Blessed are the Persecuted

Matthew 5:10-11 KJV

 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Most of us do not feel blessed when we are being attacked. In fact, we usually get angry and upset and may even retaliate. However, this scripture says we are "blessed".

The footnote for this passage in my Bible caught my attention, "Persecution was synonymous with discipleship in the first three centuries of the Christian faith." (From the The KJV Study Bible, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission)

Do we really understand the true cost of discipleship today? Would we still be willing to call ourselves followers if this was still true?

I think we are seeing a glimpse of it as this nation has been attacking Christianity for a while and continue to attack more often and more harshly. While for most in the US, our lives aren't in danger, we are being attacked in our pocket books and freedoms. What I have seen in this is strengthening those who are true followers of Christ. True disciples are standing firm. I often hear, "I must be doing something right if I'm being attacked." Satan isn't  going to waste his time attacking a false follower of Christ. He is going to go after the testimony of Christ's disciples.

When you are attacked for your faith in Christ, remember, you are blessed. Rejoice! You are among good company.

Within His Walls

Isaiah 56:1-8 KJV 

1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. 8 The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

The Israelites are God's chosen people; however, that doesn't mean every one else is out of luck.

God tells us here that anyone who keeps His commands will be blessed. Keep His commands and He will give you a place within His walls. He will accept our sacrifices and offerings.

In fact, God gathers all to Him. People may see us as outcasts, but God gathers outcasts to Himself just as His own children. He adopts the outcast who serves Him and welcomes them into His family!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Proverbs 16:9 

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

We can plan all we want, but what happens is the Lord's doing. It is best to devise our steps according to God's will in the first place. We may have a dream, but God will direct how it plays out and when.

Thief's Baptism into Forgiveness

Marriage Moment Monday-Have Fun

Life is so much more enjoyable when we are having fun. I am sure that when you and your spouse started dating, you had fun together. Don't let the stresses and daily routines steal fun from your life! Make an effort to have fun together. Enjoy just being together. Laugh together.

Having fun doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. What is something you both enjoy doing? Trying soemthing new is usually fun-especially when done together. Even something like painting a room can be fun if you make it fun.

Share some ideas of inexpensive, fun things you and your spouse have done together or are planning on doing together.

Ecclesiastes 8:15

Then I commended mirth

Happy Father's Day!

Everything is Sacred

Redeem the Time

Ephesians 5:1-17 KJV 

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

The list of things that are unacceptable to God that appear in verses 3-4 seem to describe America today. So many people not only participate in these things, but also try extensively to get others to also participate, or at least condone them, through the cry of tolerance.

Let's look closer at what those are.

     fornication=harlotry, adultery, incest

     uncleanness=impurity-physically or morally

     covetousness=fraudulent greed or extortion

     filthiness=obscenity

      foolish talking=silly talk, buffoonery

     jesting=vulgar witticism

How are we to act when confronted with these behaviors?

     In love! (vs. 2)

However, what does walking in love look like?

     1. Don't be deceived (vs. 6)

     2. Don't partake (vs. 7)

     3. Walk in the light (vs. 8)

     4. Don't fellowship with those that do partake (vs. 11). Notice it says fellowship; it doesn't say not          to associate with them or show them love. Fellowship means, "to share in company with, i.e.              co-participate in:--communicate (have fellowship) with, be partaker of."

     5. Reprove them (vs. 11). Reprove means, "of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish:--convict,            convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove." By reproving them, we are bringing them to light.

We are to be wise and walk (act) wisely. Don't be foolish and think that by ignoring it or letting everyone do their own things that things will get better or that it won't affect you. Redeem the time--turn people from evil and towards wisdom. What is wisdom? The will of God!

Where is Your Heart?

1 Chronicles 4:10 

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Years ago a book The Prayer of Jabez was popular. I never fully realized why it felt a little off to me until I read today's scripture.

The premise of the book is that you don't have because you don't ask. If you only ask God to bless you, then He will give you the desires of your heart.

Here is what bothered me--God is not some genie in a bottle. You can't just ask Him for whatever you want and expect to receive it.

Look back at verse 9. "Jabez was more honorable."

Jabez sought the Lord. Jabez was concerned with following God's commands. When you strive to follow God, your desires become the same as His and it is no wonder He will bless you.

It all comes down to where your heart is. Are you asking out of selfishness or are you asking out of a desire to fulfill God's will?

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

 Proverbs 15:16-17

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Money is not everything. Following God is. It is better to have a mess and more work to do than to have money but no love. Work on relationships and contentment with little will come.

Peace in the Valley

Sunday we were blessed to have Wyatt and Amber Howey in concert for our morning service! Wyatt is a local artist who has a wonderful voice which he uses to praise our Lord. Here is one of his songs:

Marriage Moment Monday-Sow Generously

When your relationship was new, I am sure you put much time and effort into make sure you knew your loved one as well as trying to please him. That shouldn't stop once you have "harvested" a marriage relationship.

You need to continue to plant and sow seeds of love, time and commitment. Any farmer/gardener knows if you just leave a field to itself and stop working it, it will quickly be over run with weeds which will choke the life out of the fruitful plants.

Continue to work in the garden of your marriage. No marriage will ever be perfect or free from weeds or outside forces trying to get in.

2 Corinthians 9:6

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

God Loves

Living Your Faith

Good News

Ezekiel 33:11-20 KJV 

11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. 14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. 17 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. 18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. 19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. 20 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.

God does not desire that anyone should perish. His desire is that all would come to repentance.

Many people say that God is not fair because not everyone will go to heaven, yet this scripture tells us differently.

It doesn't matter how "righteous" you are in this life. Your righteousness will not get you to heaven; it will never be enough. You will still have sin in your life. However,

This is good news!

Just as the person who the world sees as righteous (but still has sin) can be cleansed, so can the wicked. As soon as the wicked turns from his wickedness and walks in the way of Christ, he, too, will be saved! Everyone has the opportunity to come to Christ! Christ will not turn anyone away! 

It doesn't matter how bad you think you have  been. It doesn't matter how good you think you have been. When you come to Christ, you will be saved!

God Knows You

Psalms 139:13-18 KJV 

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

God knows you.

God knows you even better than you know yourself.

He create you. He knit you. He was with you from the very beginning when no one else even knew you existed.

Most mothers don't even realize they are pregnant until they are about 3 weeks along. Some may know sooner, but the average is 3 weeks. There have even been mothers who didn't know until they were in labor! Even those children were known by someone that whole time; God knew them!

Not only has God always known you, He has also hand only good thoughts about you. Not only precious thoughts, but so many precious thoughts that you couldn't count them if you tried!

God only desires the best for you. He created you to be someone special and guess what? You are!

For those who I know will ask, this is what I created when
I announced my last pregnancy. Kenna was born 8/17/15.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Proverbs 14:15

The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Do not believe everything you hear even if it is from an "expert". Do your own research. Find out for yourself. Find your own way and do not simply follow the crowd.

All of Humanity

Sermon from 6-5-16

Marriage Moment-Respectful Communication

We've talked about respect and we've talked about communication. Now we will talk about respectful communication.

It is highly important to show respect within your communication. What does that look like?

Look at the person to whom you are talking or listening.

Don't cut him off as he is trying to say something.

Don't force an issue. Sometimes a little space and/or time is needed to obtain clear thinking. However, don't let too much time pass, either.

Keep private things private. Don't go and share private conversations with your friends.

Share your needs or desires as requests and not demands.

Allow difference of opinion. You are your spouse don't have to think alike on everything.

1 Peter 2:17a

Honour all men.

Not Unto Us

Let Go and Let God

Always With You

Psalms 139:1-12

1 <> O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

There is no where we can go to hide from God. He is always with us. He can always see our actions. He also will always know our deepest thoughts. He even knows what we will say before we say it.

Isn't that wonderful?!

We are never alone!

God is always there guiding us as long as we seek and allow His guidance. He will lead us even if we go far from His path for us; He will gently lead us back to Him.

Do you feel like God isn't with you? If you do, please realize that it is just a feeling. He has never left you! He has always walked along side of you just waiting for you to take His hand and allow Him to lead you on the path He has for you--a better path--the best path!

Maple Coffee Cake

I have a recipe that I have used for years--Economical Coffee Cake. I've used it for so long that I don't even remember where I originally got the recipe. I have adapted it every time we have had a change in diet. First I changed it to use spelt flour, then to gluten free flour, and now to grain free. I've also used a few different types of sweetener and usually changed the butter to coconut oil.

The latest change was to using maple syrup as the sweetener and then we also serve it in a bowl with a little more syrup drizzled on top and some milk.

The latest changes have received the most praise from the family. In the past, they ate it, but it wasn't something they requested. They actually request it now!

Maple Coffee Cake

1 1/2 cups maple syrup

1/2 cup coconut oil

3 eggs

1 cup milk (or whey)

2 1/2 cups garbanzo bean flour

1/2 cup tapioca flour or arrowroot powder

1/2 tbsp xanthan gum

4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

Mix the coconut oil and maple syrup as best possible. Add egg and milk. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Pour into a 9x13 pan (stoneware works best). Bake at 375 for approximately 40 minutes.

Raqam Designs! (Giveaway!)

My daughters and myself have started a Facebook store called Raqam Designs.

Raqam means handiwork in Hebrew. We each make handmade items and are selling them to earn money. My girls are hoping to make money to save for the future and I'm just trying to help our budget.

In honor of the store opening today, we are having a giveaway! The giveaway will run today through next Wednesday morning.

You can win the following package:

Here are some close up pictures of the individual items.

Earrings

Patriotic Tea cup cozy (mug not included)

Thieves Lip Balm

Alfalfa Mint Tea

8x8 Hot pad

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Word of Wisdom Wednesday

Proverbs 13:12

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

God gives us desires. We can hope those desires come to fruition, but if it takes longer than what we expect, it can bring sadness. When it does come to life, it is energizing.