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!

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.

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 (2^nd 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.

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..."

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.

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

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.

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."