I'm currently reading through the book of Ecclesiastes. I love that book! I always find myself nodding as I read saying "absolutely"! (Of course, all of God's Word should have us doing that - Ecclesiastes is just one book that I thoroughly enjoy.)
I thought I'd make a few posts to share what I'm learning as I read through it (again) - I love how God always teaches us as we read His Word. It doesn't matter if we've read it before or not.
On that topic - here's a nugget He showed me today - wisdom in worship:
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. 3 As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.
also:
Ecclesiastes 5:7
Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.
So often I approach God in my quiet time and in my prayers with my focus on myself - my laundry list that I want to present to Him. I don't do this intentionally, yet, there it is. My prayer is that I will focus on Him and how awesome and amazing He is. May I seek to listen and hear what He desires - not focus so much on what I want to tell Him. (Mind you, I know that we are to come to Him as His child bringing our requests and concerns to Him. I'm just saying that so often we, or at least I know that I, come to Him focused on myself and end up doing more talking than listening.)
Wishing you a precious day/night rejoicing in His love.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY Monday, May 25, 2009...
Outside my window...it's a cloudy day. For whatever reason cloudy days make me feel comfortable inside my home. :) Our above ground pool sparkles but is way too cold for this wimp. (Our two youngest girls braved the cold and had a great time playing in it yesterday.)
I am thinking of/praying for ...my sister-in-law and her family whose dad went to Jesus Saturday.
I am thankful for...my family. It was so good to be home again - mainly to be with my honey; I really missed him last week.
From the learning rooms...it's summer break - well, kind of. My oldest daughter will be busy volunteering with Child Evangelism Fellowship this summer so she wants to completely finish her math and science books. The middle two girls will do a page of math a day through the summer til we finish. I plan to continue working on reading with the youngest. It's a break from our normal routine and yet I've assured them that continuing with a bit won't kill them. :)
From the kitchen...dinner plans this week include lemon chicken, pork loin, spaghetti, turkey loin, and grilled chicken. I may make some muffins this morning for the girls.
I am wearing...p.j.'s. :)
I am creating...hopefully a bit of order from the chaos that's my bedroom. (At least that's my goal to accomplish over the summer.)
I am going...to play with my girls and try to enjoy each other's company today (and get a few chores done too).
I am reading...the chronological Bible in a year (just finished Proverbs and am about to begin Song of Solomon). I'm also finishing Light Force by Brother Andrew. The girls and I will probably pick up our reading aloud the Duggar's book 20 and Counting.
I am hoping...that we will glorify God in all the opportunities He provides us.
I am hearing...the cat playing and the dryer just stopped.
Around the house...my sweet honey cleaned the house before we got home Friday. (Did I mention that he's awesome?) :) I hope to finish up on laundry today and begin to attack a pile or two (of built up clutter).
One of my favorite things...family fun times together.
A few plans for the rest of the week: whew! a break in our schedule! :) We hope to have a playdate or two, enjoy a picnic and praise at our church, our oldest will begin her ministry training, and VBS is scheduled for Sunday.
In His love,Tina
For more wonderful daybook entries, see Peggy's blog at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ .
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A Challenge from Brother Andrew
I recently reread Brother Andrew's book God's Smuggler (about His ministry to churches behind the Iron Curtain). It is a wonderful book - really spurs me on and encourages me in my faith. I love reading missionary biographies and seeing how God used/uses believers and how He's shown Himself faithful. The faith I read about challenges me to evaluate my own faith and seek God even more.
I found a more recently published book (2004) by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen - Light Force. After God's Smuggler was published, Brother Andrew was too recognizable to be able to continue going behind the Iron Curtain. God still laid on His heart the desire to minister to the persecuted churches, so his attention was turned to those churches in countries where Muslim is the prominent religion. Light Force is about His work in the middle eastern countries going to the churches there encouraging them, and also connecting with the Muslims there and representing Christ in his interactions with them. Again, I'm challenged by what I read.
I wanted to share a small section with you that I really liked and thought you might too.
Brother Andrew was sharing with a small group of believers huddled in a basement in Beirut during a time of fighting in 1989. Here's what he shared with them:
I turned to John 21. "It is the Lord!" I started, referring to verse 7 of the chapter. "It has been several weeks since the crucifixion and resurrection. The disciples are discouraged. They feel like they have lost everything. They haven't seen Jesus for many days. They have no routine in life. They don't know what to do. Jesus has told them to go into the world, but where? And what is their message? What is their mandate? They've run out of money because their treasurer committed suicide. So Peter says, 'Let's go fishing.' Unfortunately, the others didn't say, 'No, Peter, let's pray about the future!' They all followed Peter and spent all night in a sea filled with fish and they caught nothing.
"What a tragic word! They caught nothing. All night. Nothing!" I noticed a smile from the two teenage boys. "You can have all kinds of activities outside the direction of Christ. You can be a do-gooder, by busy, do a million things, but if you do your own thing instead of following Christ, your tombstone will say: 'All night. Nothing.'
"The turning point for the fishermen came when a supposed stranger appeared on the beach. HE called to them, 'Have you caught any fish?' They shouted back, 'No!' They were so chagrined they couldn't even shout 'No, sir!' They were fed up with themselves and everything.
"How grumpy we can become when things don't go our way! The stranger saw the fish the disciples couldn't see. When, at His direction, they threw their net over the other side, there was a miracle -- God pushed the fish in-- more than the net could hold. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said, 'It is the Lord!'
"The lordship of Christ. It's the call to a productive life. When the disciples arrive on land, they're cold, they're tired, they're hungry, and they're lonely. But Jesus is Lord of their need. There is a charcoal fire and a hot breakfast waiting for them. Jesus gives them heat, rest, food, and Himself. It's touching that the almighty God got up early that morning to cook breakfast for His disgruntled friends. He is the Lord of their need. This was a gentle reminder to them and to us. He is the Lord of our need. Exactly what you need, Jesus provides. The people in Lebanon have tremendous needs, but you can show them that the Lord will meet those needs."
I know that I'm not in Lebanon and thankfully I don't have a physical war going on outside of my house. However, I was really touched by the words of truth offered. Without Jesus and His directions all my activities - no matter how good or how well intentioned - will result in nothing. ("I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5)
Also, Jesus does provide our needs - whatever they are. The needs of people in my neighborhood, in my city, in the realm where God has placed me, are great. They are not the same as those in Lebanon, but they have very real needs and the biggest one is to know Jesus.
What a challenge!
Wishing you a wonderful week focused on and directed by Jesus! :)
I found a more recently published book (2004) by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen - Light Force. After God's Smuggler was published, Brother Andrew was too recognizable to be able to continue going behind the Iron Curtain. God still laid on His heart the desire to minister to the persecuted churches, so his attention was turned to those churches in countries where Muslim is the prominent religion. Light Force is about His work in the middle eastern countries going to the churches there encouraging them, and also connecting with the Muslims there and representing Christ in his interactions with them. Again, I'm challenged by what I read.
I wanted to share a small section with you that I really liked and thought you might too.
Brother Andrew was sharing with a small group of believers huddled in a basement in Beirut during a time of fighting in 1989. Here's what he shared with them:
I turned to John 21. "It is the Lord!" I started, referring to verse 7 of the chapter. "It has been several weeks since the crucifixion and resurrection. The disciples are discouraged. They feel like they have lost everything. They haven't seen Jesus for many days. They have no routine in life. They don't know what to do. Jesus has told them to go into the world, but where? And what is their message? What is their mandate? They've run out of money because their treasurer committed suicide. So Peter says, 'Let's go fishing.' Unfortunately, the others didn't say, 'No, Peter, let's pray about the future!' They all followed Peter and spent all night in a sea filled with fish and they caught nothing.
"What a tragic word! They caught nothing. All night. Nothing!" I noticed a smile from the two teenage boys. "You can have all kinds of activities outside the direction of Christ. You can be a do-gooder, by busy, do a million things, but if you do your own thing instead of following Christ, your tombstone will say: 'All night. Nothing.'
"The turning point for the fishermen came when a supposed stranger appeared on the beach. HE called to them, 'Have you caught any fish?' They shouted back, 'No!' They were so chagrined they couldn't even shout 'No, sir!' They were fed up with themselves and everything.
"How grumpy we can become when things don't go our way! The stranger saw the fish the disciples couldn't see. When, at His direction, they threw their net over the other side, there was a miracle -- God pushed the fish in-- more than the net could hold. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said, 'It is the Lord!'
"The lordship of Christ. It's the call to a productive life. When the disciples arrive on land, they're cold, they're tired, they're hungry, and they're lonely. But Jesus is Lord of their need. There is a charcoal fire and a hot breakfast waiting for them. Jesus gives them heat, rest, food, and Himself. It's touching that the almighty God got up early that morning to cook breakfast for His disgruntled friends. He is the Lord of their need. This was a gentle reminder to them and to us. He is the Lord of our need. Exactly what you need, Jesus provides. The people in Lebanon have tremendous needs, but you can show them that the Lord will meet those needs."
I know that I'm not in Lebanon and thankfully I don't have a physical war going on outside of my house. However, I was really touched by the words of truth offered. Without Jesus and His directions all my activities - no matter how good or how well intentioned - will result in nothing. ("I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5)
Also, Jesus does provide our needs - whatever they are. The needs of people in my neighborhood, in my city, in the realm where God has placed me, are great. They are not the same as those in Lebanon, but they have very real needs and the biggest one is to know Jesus.
What a challenge!
Wishing you a wonderful week focused on and directed by Jesus! :)
Branson
We're back home.
The girls and I had a wonderful trip to Branson with my mom. Lot of fun being together - but boy did I miss my honey. I couldn't wait to get back home and be with him. This weekend has been precious feeling very blessed now that our family is all back together.
That said, it was great fun to spend the week with my mom - what a blessing. We got to have a good time together together.
Here's some photos of some of our fun:
We saw a sign on the side of the road for a natural bridge so, on a whim, we decided to stop and look. It was beautiful scenery. (Not a long walk but beautiful.)
Once in Branson we had a good time walking around, looking at various sights, and seeing a couple shows.
One of the shows we saw was Noah by Sight and Sound theatre. The set design was beautiful and what impressed me the most was the presentation of the gospel. This company's goal is to share Christ with those who come see the plays.
Here's a couple statues they had on their grounds. They were beautiful.
We also got to see a Titanic exhibit. I enjoyed it but I know the kids got tired waiting for my mom and I to read all the information. (My thoughts were that I paid a good bit to get in here - I'm reading every word. :) The girls started out reading the exhibits but, as we walked on, began just reading the ones that interested them.)
We had to go to the fancy bathroom while in Branson. (May I assure you that our bathrooms at home are lacking the chandalier and flowers everywhere.) :)
Hope you have a great week.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What We've Been Doing
Life's been mighty crazy around here - bet you could tell by the lack of blogging. :0
Here are some photo highlights from the last few weeks.
One afternoon my 2nd daughter took it upon herself to try a delicious recipe she found for chocolate pie. It took her about 3 hours - this was all from scratch (right down to grinding the wheat for the pie crust) and it was delicious. :)
We had a fun fieldtrip where we got to experience some of what the Israel was like in antiquity as well as participate in a mock archaeological dig.
Here are some photo highlights from the last few weeks.
One afternoon my 2nd daughter took it upon herself to try a delicious recipe she found for chocolate pie. It took her about 3 hours - this was all from scratch (right down to grinding the wheat for the pie crust) and it was delicious. :)
We had a fun fieldtrip where we got to experience some of what the Israel was like in antiquity as well as participate in a mock archaeological dig.
We got to celebrate our 3rd daughter's birthday. (Jehoshaphat loved playing with the gift wrap!)
We enjoyed a fun birthday picnic where some friends met us for lunch. It was a gorgeous day and lots of fun.
We enjoyed a fun birthday picnic where some friends met us for lunch. It was a gorgeous day and lots of fun.
The birthday girl had fun decorating her own cake.
This time of year I'm always relieved as our year's activities wind down. We've finished piano, art, Awana, volleyball, speech, drama. (Yeah!!!!) The activities are fun but I was feeling very overwhelmed the last month and am relieved to see the schedule clearing somewhat.
I probably won't be posting for a week or so due to a little trip the girls and I are taking with my mom.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Contest Winner
Thank you all for participating in the contest for the Vision Forum DVD.
When we came home from our oldest daughters' volleyball game, we put all the names from the comments in a basket (two for Connie since she also posted it on her blog) and I had one of my girls draw a name out. The winner is Deanna who requested the DVD "Top Ten Questions About Genesis and Creation". Congratulations.
Thank you for all who participated.
In His love.
Thrifty Thursday
In keeping with Generation Cedar's thrifty Thursday posts, here's my quick and easy thrifty tip. We have a smooth top stove which I love. When I ran out of the smooth top cleanser that came with the stove, I tried sprinkling baking soda and scrubbing with a damp sponge. It works wonderfully!!!! (And how cheap!) I know that baking soda is useful in so many ways - I've used it as scouring powder, esp. when I have a little one scubbing the tub or sink. We also use it to keep our above ground pool's ph balanced during the summer.
For more thrify ideas, see Generation Cedar's blogs and the other links sharing ideas.
http://www.generationcedar.com/main/2009/05/2335.html
Have a wonderful week.
In His love,
Tina
For more thrify ideas, see Generation Cedar's blogs and the other links sharing ideas.
http://www.generationcedar.com/main/2009/05/2335.html
Have a wonderful week.
In His love,
Tina
Vision Forum DVD's sale (and giveaway)
Just a reminder that today is the deadline to enter to win one of the above Vision Forum DVD's by commenting on my previous post http://http://adelightfulinheritance.blogspot.com/2009/05/vision-forum-giveaway.html
I'll draw the winner tonight from those who posted comments saying they'd like to win.
Also, if you're interested in the DVD's, Vision Forum has them on sale (today is the last day). Info is below and you can get to them by following the Vision Forum link in my sidebar.
Have a wonderful day!
In His love.
Reclaiming the Culture DVDs — Save Up to 53%
One Day left — Sale Good Through Thursday May 14th
Take advantage of one extra day to save up to 53% on Vision Forum’s Reclaiming the Culture DVD collection. Featuring presentations by Ken Ham, Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr., Doug Phillips, Larry Pratt and others, these films will equip your family with biblical answers to the burning issues of our day, such as:
The right to bear arms
Creation vs. evolution
Parental rights
And much more
Purchase Vision Forum’s brand-new Reclaiming the Culture 4-Pack and receive the just-released Christianity and Science Fiction: Reclaiming the Genre for Christ DVD absolutely free — an $18 value!
Learn More and Purchase the Reclaiming the Culture 4-Pack
Or, save 53% when you purchase the complete Reclaiming the Culture DVD Collection, which — through May 14 only — includes the brand-new Christianity and Science Fiction: Reclaiming the Genre for Christ DVD!
Save 53% on the Complete Reclaiming the Culture Collection
These special offers are applicable only to orders placed online and by phone, and end at midnight (CDT) on Thursday, May 14, 2009.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Vision Forum Giveaway
Thanks to the very generous folks at Vision Forum, I'm able to offer you my first ever blog giveaway.
The products are some new DVD's that are offered on their website (and are actually on sale right now). Just follow the link on my sidebar, if you'd like to see them.
Here's the information:
New products are always exciting, and we hope you'll be as excited as we are about the 5 new DVD titles in the Reclaiming the Culture set.Titles include:
•
You May Not Take Our Guns (DVD)
•
The Devolution of Law (DVD)
•
Top Ten Questions About Genesis and Creation (DVD)
•
The State of Parental Rights in America (DVD)
•
Christianity and Science Fiction: Reclaiming the Genre for Christ (1 DVD & 2 CDs)
•
You May Not Take Our Guns (DVD)
•
The Devolution of Law (DVD)
•
Top Ten Questions About Genesis and Creation (DVD)
•
The State of Parental Rights in America (DVD)
•
Christianity and Science Fiction: Reclaiming the Genre for Christ (1 DVD & 2 CDs)
At every level of government, our rights as citizens and parents are ignored and usurped by power-hungry politicians. Our news media, universities, and entertainers actively wage war against God’s Word and those who live by it. And our children are confronted daily by the lies of evolution and the horrific realities of its “survival of the fittest” ideology.In an effort to provide encouragement, hope, and practical instruction to Christian families, Vision Forum is pleased to release five new DVDs. These timely presentations will equip your family to understand our culture’s most critical battles and biblically fight for the rights granted to us by God, rights recognized and preserved for us by our Founding Fathers. SaleFrom May 8-15, 2009, this brand new group of DVDs is available at 33% off the regular price of $78.00. For a limited time you can acquire them for 45.00 OR you can buy the entire 14 DVD set for $99.00. That's a savings of 53% off the retail price!
Here's the contest details - to enter, comment on this blog and let me know which DVD you would prefer. Let me know if you post a link to this contest on your blog and I'll enter you a second time. The cutoff is 6 p.m. central time on Thursday, May 14th. I'll do a random drawing out of all entries and award the DVD of choice to the person selected. Be sure to leave me an email address so I can email you for your shipping address. (Also be sure to check your email or my blog that night so that I can get your address to Vision Forum by Friday the 15th.)
Enjoy! :)
Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY Monday, May 11, 2009...
Outside my window...the sun is just starting to peek it's way into our day.
I am thinking of ...getting started in the kitchen.
I am thankful for...the gift of motherhood and the wonderful family God's given me.
From the learning rooms...the oldest two are going to be taking SAT tests. The younger two will hopefully be completing a bit of seat work while their sisters are testing. (We'll have company which will make it a bit harder.) :)
Outside my window...the sun is just starting to peek it's way into our day.
I am thinking of ...getting started in the kitchen.
I am thankful for...the gift of motherhood and the wonderful family God's given me.
From the learning rooms...the oldest two are going to be taking SAT tests. The younger two will hopefully be completing a bit of seat work while their sisters are testing. (We'll have company which will make it a bit harder.) :)
From the kitchen...various quick and easy meals for breakfasts and lunches. Some dinner plans include spaghetti, turkey loin, parmesan chicken, and stuffed cabbage.
I am wearing...p.j.'s. :)
I am creating...memories.
I am going...to go strawberry picking this afternoon if weather allows it.
I am reading...the chronological Bible in a year (just finished the Psalms and am back into Kings/Samuel/Chronicles - Solomon just became king). I'm also reading a great book Light Force about Brother Andrews ministry among Muslims in the middle east. (My oldest and I are reading through it at the same time. She's ahead of me.) :) The girls and I are (slowly due to so much going on) reading the John Adams biography, the Duggar's book 20 and Counting (great book), and Swiss Family Robinson (although we haven't been going as strong on that one lately).
I am hoping...that we will glorify God in all the opportunities He provides us.
I am hearing...the song He Reigns.
Around the house...we're looking forward to company this week. (Need to wash sheets this morning.)
One of my favorite things...hugs from my wonderful husband and sweet children!
A few plans for the rest of the week: SAT tests, visits from friends, piano and art lessons, volley ball practice and game, orthodontist appointment, homeschool field day.
I am creating...memories.
I am going...to go strawberry picking this afternoon if weather allows it.
I am reading...the chronological Bible in a year (just finished the Psalms and am back into Kings/Samuel/Chronicles - Solomon just became king). I'm also reading a great book Light Force about Brother Andrews ministry among Muslims in the middle east. (My oldest and I are reading through it at the same time. She's ahead of me.) :) The girls and I are (slowly due to so much going on) reading the John Adams biography, the Duggar's book 20 and Counting (great book), and Swiss Family Robinson (although we haven't been going as strong on that one lately).
I am hoping...that we will glorify God in all the opportunities He provides us.
I am hearing...the song He Reigns.
Around the house...we're looking forward to company this week. (Need to wash sheets this morning.)
One of my favorite things...hugs from my wonderful husband and sweet children!
A few plans for the rest of the week: SAT tests, visits from friends, piano and art lessons, volley ball practice and game, orthodontist appointment, homeschool field day.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Wishing you a wonderful week full of God's blessings and time with those you love!
In His love,
Tina
For more wonderful daybook entries, see Peggy's blog at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ .
In His love,
Tina
For more wonderful daybook entries, see Peggy's blog at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ .
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